Remote Ocular Accommodation Measurement via Retinal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring ocular accommodation are obtrusive, requiring subjects to look directly into measuring devices and use unnatural positions, which can cause discomfort and stress, leading to inaccurate results that do not reflect normal eye accommodation.
Innovation Solution
A system using a projection device and camera with a shared optical axis, projecting visible or invisible light patterns and analyzing their sharpness on a sensor surface to determine focus distance without obstructing the view, allowing remote and unobtrusive measurement of ocular accommodation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing measurement devices are used to measure ocular accommodation, then measurement capability is achieved, but the measurement becomes obtrusive causing discomfort and stress to the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retroreflective element as an intermediary component that is attached to the subject's glasses or frame. This retroreflective element serves as a mediator between the light source and the camera, enabling the measurement of ocular accommodation through the reflection of light patterns without requiring the subject to directly interact with or look into the measuring device. The retroreflective element reflects light back toward the source while the camera captures the optical path, thus eliminating the need for direct subject engagement and reducing discomfort and stress.
2Measurement precision
If subjects are required to look directly into measuring devices, then measurement data can be obtained, but the measurement becomes unnatural and stressful
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflective element attached to the glasses or frame acts as an intermediary that enables the camera to capture optical path information without requiring the subject to look directly into the device. The light source projects patterns that travel through the subject's eyes, and the retroreflective element reflects these patterns back along the same optical path, allowing the camera to record the accommodation state naturally while the subject maintains normal viewing behavior.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote measurement is implemented, then subject comfort is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a beam splitter that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it directs light from the light source toward the subject's eyes, allows the camera to capture the optical path containing accommodation information, and enables the retroreflective element to reflect light back to the camera. This multi-functional design consolidates several optical paths and functions into a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity while enabling remote measurement that improves subject comfort.
4Measurement precision
If direct observation methods are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but the measurement is invasive and obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflective element serves as a non-invasive intermediary that enables the measurement of refractive conditions without direct observation or interaction with the subject's eyes. By attaching the retroreflective element to the glasses or frame, the system captures optical path information through reflection rather than direct observation, eliminating the invasiveness and obtrusiveness of traditional methods while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables accurate, unobtrusive measurement of ocular accommodation, reducing stress and discomfort, and providing results that reflect normal eye behavior, suitable for both humans and animals, with a small form factor and low-cost implementation.
Implementation Method 1
an image of a reflection of the luminous pattern on the sensor surface is recorded
Implementation Method 2
a lens and a sensor surface, wherein a luminous pattern is provided and wherein an image of a lens of the optical imaging system is recorded
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A system and method that measures an optical focus of a distant optical imaging system (EYE), in particular the ocular accommodation of a distant human subject. A luminous pattern of light (P1, A1) is projected by a projector (P) in focus (A2) at a known focal plane (FPL1) in front of the distant optical imaging system (EYE), and an image of the reflection of the pattern (A3) on a sensor surface of the distant optical imaging system (EYE), for instance the retina of an eye, is recorded by a camera (CAM) having an optical axis (AXCAM) coinciding at least partly with or situated close to the optical axis (AXP) of the projection device (P). The sharpness of the luminous pattern (A3) reflected from the sensor surface (retina) is determined.