Retinal Vision Test Device Using Laser Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vision tests, which measure far and near visual acuity, astigmatism, and diopter values, are time-consuming and require expertise, and struggle to assess visual acuity of the retina unaffected by the cornea, crystalline lens, and vitreous body.
Innovation Solution
A vision test device using a laser beam to project test images on the retina, with adjustable beam diameter and numerical aperture, allowing for precise measurement of visual information, including visual acuity and astigmatism, through a control unit that determines suitable parameters based on subject response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional objective and subjective optometry devices are used for vision testing, then visual acuity can be measured, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and requires expert operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optometry devices with a laser-based projection system. A laser beam is scanned across the retina to project test images directly, eliminating the need for complex mechanical lens adjustment systems and manual operation by ophthalmologists. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical scanning technology enables automated vision testing while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision test device enables subjects to perform self-testing by projecting test images directly onto their retinas using laser scanning. The system automatically presents visual targets and measures responses without requiring expert operators to manually adjust refractive indices or distortions. This self-service capability significantly reduces testing time while maintaining accuracy through automated parameter control.
2Measurement precision
If traditional vision testing methods are used, then refractive index adjustment can be performed, but the process requires expert knowledge and cannot easily measure retinal visual acuity independent of anterior eye structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vision testing function directly to the retinal level by projecting test images onto the retina using laser scanning, bypassing the need to adjust for anterior eye structures (cornea, crystalline lens, vitreous body). This extraction of the measurement function to the target location (retina) enables direct measurement of retinal visual acuity independent of refractive index adjustments in anterior structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam serves as an intermediary medium to deliver test images directly to the retina. By using laser scanning technology as the intermediary, the system can project visual targets precisely onto the retinal surface without being affected by the optical properties of anterior eye structures, thereby simplifying the measurement process and eliminating the need for expert refractive index adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If laser beam parameters are optimized for retinal projection, then visual information measurement accuracy improves, but device configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the laser beam characteristics, specifically varying the numerical aperture to optimize retinal image projection. By systematically adjusting the numerical aperture parameter, the system achieves optimal focus and resolution on the retinal surface, improving visual information measurement accuracy while managing device complexity through controlled parameter variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts laser beam parameters during operation to optimize retinal projection quality. The numerical aperture and other beam characteristics are varied in real-time based on measurement requirements, enabling the device to adapt to different testing conditions and maintain high measurement precision without requiring permanently complex fixed configurations.
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 and accurate vision testing, reducing the need for expert adjustment of refractive indices and allowing measurement of visual acuity and diopter values, while assessing astigmatism and visual field effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a projection unit that projects an image on a retina of a subject with use of a laser beam by two-dimensionally scanning the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a vision test device including: a projection unit 10 that projects an image on a retina of a subject with use of a laser beam 50 by two-dimensionally scanning the laser beam; a beam diameter setting unit that sets a beam diameter of the laser beam; and a numerical aperture setting unit that sets a numerical aperture of the laser beam, wherein the projection unit projects, on the retina, a test image for measuring visual information of the subject with use of a laser beam having the set beam diameter and the set numerical aperture.