Automated Phoria Detection via Purkinje Image Position Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring eye alignment, both manual and automated, are inadequate in detecting phoria and accommodating states, leading to incomplete diagnosis and treatment of eye alignment disorders, which can cause double vision, discomfort, and potentially permanent vision loss.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using image capturing devices and light sources to measure phoria by analyzing reflections from the eyes' surfaces, such as Purkinje images, and comparing positions to determine alignment deviations, while also accounting for accommodative convergence and accommodation efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual cover test is used to measure eye alignment, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is technically difficult and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical cover test with an automated optical measurement system. The system uses image capturing devices to automatically track eye position and alignments, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of covers and eye tracking, thereby reducing technical difficulty and tediousness while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service measurement by automatically detecting eye alignment without requiring the examiner to manually perform the cover test. The automated system independently captures images, processes data, and determines alignment status, allowing the measurement process to serve itself without human intervention in the critical measurement steps
2Ease of operation
If automated methods are used to determine tropia presence, then the measurement process is simplified, but phoria detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can detect both tropia and phoria using the same automated image capturing and analysis infrastructure. The system maintains the simplified automated process while expanding its detection capability to include both types of eye alignment deviations, making the system versatile for comprehensive eye alignment assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images at different stages (with and without cover, at different distances) before final analysis. This allows the system to detect phoria by analyzing eye position changes that occur during the measurement process, maintaining simplified automation while enabling comprehensive detection
3Extent of automation
If current automated methods are used, then the measurement process is automated, but the ability to detect accommodating state is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary actions by measuring eye alignment at multiple distances before final analysis. By capturing images at different viewing distances, the system can detect changes in eye position that indicate accommodative state, thereby preserving this critical information while maintaining automated measurement process
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamics by measuring eye alignment under different conditions (different distances, with and without accommodation). This dynamic approach allows the automated system to detect changes in eye position that reveal accommodative state, transforming a static measurement into a dynamic assessment that captures functional information
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive detection of phoria and accommodation is implemented, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves comprehensive detection capability through a universal measurement system that uses a single image capturing device and analysis method to detect both phoria and accommodative state. By making the system multi-functional, the patent improves diagnostic accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one system performs multiple detection functions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate and automated detection of phoria and tropia, improving diagnosis and treatment by providing precise measurements of eye alignment and accommodative states, reducing the risk of permanent vision loss.
Implementation Method 1
The image can include reflections of the at least two lights from at least one of the subject's eyes. For example, the image can include reflections of the at least two lights from at least one of an outer or inner surface of a cornea (e.g., a first or second Purkinje image, respectively) of at least one of the subject's eyes or an outer (anterior) or inner (posterior) surface of a lens (e.g., a third or fourth Purkinje image, respectively) of at least one of the subject's eyes.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An example method for automatically measuring a subject's phoria while the subject fixates on a visual target can include capturing an image of at least one of the subject's eyes using an image capturing device. The image can include a reflection of light from at least one of the subject's eyes. The method can also include analyzing the image to identify a position of the reflection of the light within at least one of the subject's eyes, and determining a phoria measurement based on the position of the reflection of the light within at least one of the subject's eyes.