Auto-Phoropter Internal Calibration via Model Eye
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-phoropter systems require external calibration or specialized technicians to adjust for changes in temperature, humidity, and system misalignment, leading to inefficiencies and the need for costly re-calibration processes.
Innovation Solution
An internal model eye and light redirection component within the auto-phoropter system allow for automated calibration by measuring the aberration of the model eye and determining an optimal correlation factor, enabling self-correction without external components or specialists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external calibration or specialized technician service is used, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time and productivity decrease due to shipping or technician visits
Solution Approach 1:
The auto-phoropter system performs calibration autonomously using an internal model eye and light redirection component. The system automatically switches optical paths to direct light through the model eye instead of a patient's eye, measures aberrations, calculates the correlation factor, and updates calibration without external intervention, eliminating shipping or technician visit requirements
Solution Approach 2:
An internal model eye is introduced as an intermediary calibration target between the wavefront sensor and the external environment. This model eye provides a known reference aberration that enables the system to self-calibrate by comparing measured values against the known model eye characteristics, serving as a built-in reference standard
2Reliability
If external calibration is used, then reliability is maintained, but device complexity increases due to external components and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration functionality is merged with the existing measurement optical path of the auto-phoropter. The same wavefront sensor and optical components used for patient measurement are utilized for calibration by simply redirecting light through the internal model eye, eliminating the need for separate calibration hardware or procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path and wavefront sensor are designed to serve dual functions: measuring patient eye aberrations during normal operation and measuring model eye aberrations during calibration. A light redirection component enables the system to switch between these two modes, making the measurement subsystem universally applicable to both calibration and operation
3Manufacturing precision
If factory calibration is performed, then manufacturing precision is achieved, but adaptability decreases when environmental conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the wavefront sensor continuously measures aberrations from the model eye, compares them against known reference values, and automatically adjusts the correlation factor to maintain accuracy. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to adapt to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity variations that occur after manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The correlation factor is transformed from a static factory-set parameter into a dynamic value that can be automatically adjusted by the system. The calibration system enables the correlation factor to change in response to measured deviations from expected model eye aberrations, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to environmental conditions and system drift over time
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 solution enables efficient and accurate self-calibration of auto-phoropter systems, maintaining accuracy and reducing the need for external recalibration, thus improving time-efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The auto-phoropter uses the wavefront measurement of the light reflected by the retina of the eye to determine the ophthalmic aberration
Implementation Method 2
a light redirection component disposed within the phoropter. The light redirection component may be capable of redirecting light into the model eye to determine an optimal correlation factor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an automated ophthalmic aberration measurement by an auto-phoropter. In some embodiments, the present invention features a vision testing system capable of automated calibration. In some embodiments, the system may comprise a phoropter capable of measuring the ophthalmic aberration of an eye, and providing the necessary correction. The phoropter may comprise a wavefront sensor, one or more lenses calibrated using an initial correlation factor, a model eye disposed within the phoropter for internal calibration, and a light redirection component disposed within the phoropter. The light redirection component may be capable of redirecting light into the model eye to determine an optimal correlation factor.