Remote Refractive Eye Examination via Wireless Headset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods require in-person visits to optometrists for refractive eye examinations, which can be inconvenient and limit access to eye care, especially for remote or underserved populations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a communication device with a headset, connected wirelessly to a remote computer, that transmits and receives eye charts for a refractive examination via internet or Bluetooth, allowing patients to conduct the examination remotely using a smartphone with a processor, display screen, speakers, and microphone, enabling optometrists to remotely assess and prescribe corrective measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If in-person visits to optometrists are required for refractive eye examinations, then measurement precision and reliability are maintained, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate due to inconvenience and limited access for remote populations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication device with headset as an intermediary tool that enables remote eye examinations. The device includes a display screen for presenting eye charts, a microphone for capturing patient responses, and wireless connectivity to transmit data to the optometrist, thereby bridging the physical gap between patient and examiner while maintaining examination functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of in-person physical presence with an electronic communication system. The examination process is transferred from direct physical interaction to remote digital interaction using a smartphone or communication device with wireless connectivity, substituting the need for physical travel and in-person clinic visits
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote examination methods are implemented using communication devices, then ease of operation and accessibility improve, but device complexity increases due to requirements for processors, display screens, and wireless connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal multi-functionality of existing communication devices such as smartphones and tablets. These devices already possess processors, display screens, microphones, speakers, and wireless connectivity capabilities for multiple purposes. The invention adapts these existing multi-functional devices for eye examination purposes without requiring specialized dedicated equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the examination system to utilize the inherent capabilities of the patient's existing communication device. The device's own processor handles the examination application, the display screen presents eye charts, the microphone captures responses, and wireless connectivity transmits data - all self-contained functions that eliminate the need for additional specialized components
3Ease of operation
If standard eye charts are displayed on small communication device screens, then accessibility and convenience are improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to limited screen size and resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the screen size limitation by utilizing the wireless communication dimension. Instead of attempting to enlarge the physical screen, the system transmits eye chart images and examination data to a remote computer with a larger display capability, effectively moving the visualization to another spatial dimension while keeping the portable examination device small and convenient
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for conducting a refractive examination of an eye of a patient, has a communication device with a communication module that connects to the internet, a processor that is programmed to connect to a remote computer via the communication module and which has a display screen, a microphone and a speaker. The remote computer has a data storage device that stores images of eye charts. The communication device is mounted in a virtual reality headset configured to be worn by the patient and has at least one screen through which the display screen of the communication device is viewable. The communication device displays images in the form of the eye charts to the patient, who communicates through the communication to a remote examiner who conducts the refractive examination using multiple different eye charts to determine the prescription of the patient.