Portable Wavefront Sensor and Keratometer Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices that perform both wavefront sensing and corneal topography are not portable, leading to limited screening for visual impairments, especially in children, due to size and cost constraints, and suffer from significant errors without bulky alignment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A portable device incorporating a lens assembly, wavefront sensor, and keratometer with distinct light sources and image sensors, which includes a diffuser with a spot array pattern and light emitters, and a beam steerer to project light onto the eye, allowing for accurate wavefront sensing and corneal topography without the need for large optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional devices are used for wavefront sensing and corneal topography, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device size and cost increase, reducing portability and accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wavefront sensing and corneal topography functions into a single integrated device. The wavefront sensor includes a lens assembly, first light source, array of lenses, and first image sensor, while the keratomer includes a second light source and second image sensor. This merging eliminates the need for separate conventional devices, reducing overall device size and cost while maintaining both measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions through a unified optical system. The lens assembly and image sensors serve dual purposes: the first image sensor captures wavefront information while the second image sensor captures corneal topography data. This multi-functionality allows a single compact device to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized instruments.
2Measurement precision
If bulky alignment mechanisms are added to conventional devices, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical alignment mechanisms with an optical solution. The lens assembly is specifically designed to focus light from the light sources and capture images from the image sensors through optical focusing and image processing, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment components while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses computational methods to correct for eye positioning variations. By capturing multiple images and analyzing the position of light patterns (such as the array of spots projected on the cornea), the system can computationally adjust for minor misalignments, maintaining accuracy without requiring rigid mechanical positioning.
3Reliability
If separate conventional devices are used for wavefront sensing and corneal topography, then each function can be optimized, but overall device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths and structural components of wavefront sensing and corneal topography into a single integrated device. Both functions share the lens assembly, eye position detection system, and processing unit, while only requiring separate light sources and image sensors. This reduces overall device complexity and cost compared to operating two separate conventional devices.
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 device enables efficient and accurate wavefront sensing and corneal topography, reducing errors associated with eye positioning and providing a more convenient and effective method for visual impairment screening.
Implementation Method 1
a lens assembly, a wavefront sensor, and a keratometer... configured to emit first light and transfer the first light emitted from the first light source toward an eye through the lens assembly
Implementation Method 2
an array of lenses that is distinct from the lens assembly; and a first image sensor configured to receive light, from the eye, transmitted through the lens assembly and the array of lenses
Implementation Method 3
a diffuser with a spot array pattern and one or more light emitters placed behind the diffuser and configured to emit light toward the diffuser
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes one or more processors; and memory storing one or more programs. The one or more programs include instructions for: initiating a first light source to emit first light; while the first light source emits the first light, receiving, at a first image sensor, a first image of light from the eye, transferred through the lens assembly and an array of lenses; initiating a second light source to emit second light; and, while the second light source emits the second light, receiving, at a second image sensor, a second image of light from the eye, transferred through the lens assembly. The first light emitted from the first light source is transferred toward an eye through a lens assembly. The second light emitted from the second light source is transferred toward the eye.