Digital Retinal Imaging for Vision Diagnostics and Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye exam methods for refractive errors and vision impairments are expensive, time-consuming, and require physical lenses, limiting accessibility and convenience, especially for individuals with severe vision problems or those needing corrective eyewear.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for passively determining optical information associated with vision using digital reference images projected onto the retina, recording reflected images, and calculating error values for optical parameters, with adaptive electronic eyewear providing pre-compensated images to correct vision issues without the need for physical lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional physical lens-based eye exams are used, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical phoropter system with a digital display system that presents visual targets to the patient. The refractive error measurement is obtained through software-based image processing of retinal images rather than through physical lens trial-and-error, eliminating the need for expensive diagnostic equipment while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the eye exam process using software-based retinal image analysis. Instead of using physical test lenses and optical equipment, the system captures and processes digital images of the retina to determine refractive errors, providing a cost-effective alternative that reduces both equipment costs and examination time.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom prescription lenses are manufactured, then vision correction precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical manufacturing of custom prescription lenses with a digital image processing system. Software algorithms analyze retinal images to calculate refractive errors and generate correction parameters, eliminating the need for time-consuming lens manufacturing while maintaining correction precision through digital compensation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital model of the patient's refractive error from retinal images, which can be instantly processed and used for vision correction. This digital copy replaces the physical lens manufacturing process, providing immediate correction parameters without the delays associated with custom lens production.
3Ease of operation
If software-based vision enhancement is implemented, then accessibility is improved, but diagnostic capability without prior eye exam is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a complete digital copy of the eye exam diagnostic process using retinal image analysis. The software captures retinal images and processes them through algorithms that quantify refractive errors, providing comprehensive diagnostic capability that eliminates the need for prior in-person eye exams while maintaining measurement precision through image-based quantification.
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 efficient, cost-effective, and convenient diagnosis and correction of refractive errors and vision impairments using digital means, allowing for vision care diagnostics and compensation on common electronic devices, reducing reliance on traditional optical methods.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a reflected image from the retina via a second optical axis, at a second image plane
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for implementing digital vision diagnostics are described and can include: (1) projecting images onto an individual's retina; (2) modelling the optics of the retina; (3) collecting user input/feedback in response to the projected image(s); (4) collecting other known vision-related data or contextual metadata; (5) diagnosing at least one vision-related or diagnostic parameter of the individual based on a combination of (1)-(4). Systems and methods for implementing digital vision compensating are further described and can include: (1) digitally capturing image(s) of an individual's field-of-view or portion thereof, or retrieving pre-recorded image(s); (2) determining or retrieving at least one vision-related or diagnostic parameter of the individual (e.g., using digital vision diagnostic technique(s)); (3) process the captured or pre-recorded digital image(s) to create compensated digital image(s); and (4) display or project the compensated digital image(s) to the individual.