Remote Visual Acuity Testing With Distance-Calibrated Optotypes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vision tests require costly and time-consuming visits to an eye doctor's office for obtaining or updating corrective lenses, necessitating improvements for more efficient and cost-effective refraction exams.
Innovation Solution
A self-administered visual acuity test using a computing device that calculates the separation distance between the test subject and the device based on physical feature dimensions, adjusts graphic dimensions accordingly, and determines visual acuity through a series of optotypes displayed on the device screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional eye doctor visit is used for visual acuity testing, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-administered visual acuity testing where the test subject performs the examination independently using a computing device without requiring an eye doctor's presence. The device captures images of the subject, automatically calculates separation distance based on physical feature dimensions, adjusts graphic dimensions accordingly, and determines visual acuity scores, allowing the subject to complete the test at their convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical examination system (eye doctor, examination office equipment) with an electronic computing device system that uses image capture, automated distance calculation algorithms, and digital graphic display to perform visual acuity testing. This substitution eliminates the need for physical travel to an examination office while maintaining testing capability
2Measurement precision
If a traditional eye doctor visit is used for visual acuity testing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device performs multiple functions within a single system: it captures images of the test subject, calculates the separation distance based on physical feature dimensions, displays graphics with automatically adjusted dimensions, and determines visual acuity scores. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate examination equipment and professional interpretation into one integrated device
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs calculations and adjustments without requiring external assistance. The computing device independently calculates separation distance from captured images, adjusts graphic dimensions based on calculated distance, and determines visual acuity scores, eliminating the need for an eye doctor to perform these specific tasks
3Loss of time
If self-administered testing is implemented, then loss of time and cost are reduced, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image capture to obtain feedback on the actual separation distance between the computing device and the test subject. Based on this captured image data, the system automatically calculates the precise distance and adjusts the graphic dimensions accordingly, ensuring that the visual acuity test is performed at the correct distance regardless of who administers it
Solution Approach 2:
The graphic dimensions are dynamically adjusted based on the calculated separation distance. The system calculates the distance from captured images and automatically modifies the size of displayed graphics to maintain appropriate visual acuity testing conditions, adapting to each individual test subject's positioning
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for administering a visual acuity test include using a computing device including an image capturing device and a display screen. One or more images of a test subject are captured and used to determine a separation distance between the computing device and the test subject. Identifying data provided by the computing device can be used to determine device characteristics of the image capturing device and display screen so that the separation distance can be estimated and so that graphics (e.g., optotypes) can be produced by the display screen at a size related to the separation distance and to the display screen's characteristics. Parts of a visual acuity exam can be administered as a test subject vocally reads the graphics, their vocal input is recorded, analyzed, and scored. Systems may use object detection algorithms to track whether the test subject has covered an eye with an appendage.