Portable Phoropter with Adaptive Wavefront Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phoropter systems are large, stationary, and require skilled intervention, limiting their portability and ability to test visual acuity over a wide range while also being inadequate for correcting higher-order visual disorders and spatial aberrations.
Innovation Solution
A portable phoropter system with a control system that includes a support frame, adjustable lens assemblies for spherical power, astigmatism, and aberrational wavefront correction, allowing for continuous adjustment and wearability, enabling accurate visual acuity testing and correction of aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional phoropter systems are used, then visual acuity testing can be performed, but the devices are large, stationary, and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The phoropter system is divided into separate modular components including a head-mounted display unit, a lens assembly, and a wavefront sensor, allowing each component to be independently optimized and assembled into a compact portable configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly is positioned within the head-mounted display structure, and the wavefront sensor is integrated into the lens assembly housing, creating a nested configuration that minimizes overall device volume while maintaining all necessary functional elements
2Extent of automation
If conventional phoropter systems are used, then refractive testing is possible, but skilled optometrist or ophthalmologist intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated wavefront sensing and lens adjustment mechanisms that can independently perform refractive testing without requiring skilled optometrist or ophthalmologist intervention, allowing patients to undergo testing autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The wavefront sensor provides real-time feedback on refractive errors to the lens assembly, which automatically adjusts the lens power to correct the aberrations, creating a closed-loop automated testing and correction system
3Measurement precision
If wavefront analysis systems are used, then aberration measurement is possible, but the illumination source reflects back towards the sensor array degrading measurement quality
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source is positioned asymmetrically relative to the wavefront sensor and lens assembly, creating an oblique light path that prevents direct reflection of the illumination source back towards the sensor array, thereby eliminating the harmful reflection interference
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly acts as an intermediary element that shapes and directs the illumination light path, ensuring that light from the illumination source does not reflect directly back towards the wavefront sensor array while still enabling accurate wavefront measurement
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable lens systems with fluid-filled lenses or electro-active lenses are used, then optical power range can be adjusted, but the range for testing and correcting higher order visual disorders is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly incorporates dynamically adjustable elements including deformable mirrors or liquid crystal lenses that can continuously vary their optical properties, enabling adjustment across a wide range of optical powers and correction of higher order aberrations beyond the capabilities of fixed or limited-range lens systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters of the lens assembly dynamically through electronic control of the deformable lens elements, allowing continuous adjustment of spherical power, astigmatism, and higher order aberration correction across an extended range without the limitations of fluid-filled or electro-active lenses
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
The portable system allows for efficient and accurate testing of visual acuity, correcting spherical and astigmatic errors, as well as higher-order aberrations, with continuous lens adjustment and adaptive optics, providing improved diagnostic capabilities and patient convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an aberrometric lens having at least a third lens configured to be actuated to provide a variable wavefront controlled by the electronics contained in the housing, said third lens configured to be adjusted in a continuous manner
Implementation Method 2
a spherical power lens having at least a first lens configured to be electrically actuated and controlled by the electronics contained in the housing, said first lens configured to be adjusted in a continuous manner to correct a spherical power; an astigmatic power lens having at least a second lens configured to be electrically actuated and controlled by the electronics contained in the housing
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
Phoropter systems and methods of use are described where one variation of the portable phoropter system comprises a support frame configured to be worn or positioned into proximity to at least one eye of a subject with at least one lens assembly attached to the support frame. A proximal opening of the lens assembly may be positioned in proximity to at least one eye of the subject. The lens assembly generally comprises a spherical power lens having at least a first lens which is adjustable to correct a spherical power, an astigmatic power lens having at least a second lens which is adjustable to correct for astigmatism, and an aberrometric lens having at least a third lens which is adjustable to correct for aberrational wavefronts introduced by at least the spherical power lens and astigmatic power lens.