Computerized Refraction via Screen-Based Cylinder Diagrams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, require patients to visit medical facilities, are costly, and often involve expensive equipment, making it inconvenient and inaccessible for individuals to obtain glasses or contacts prescriptions outside of a medical setting, with limited accuracy in astigmatism axis determination.
Innovation Solution
A computerized system that uses a screen to determine refractive errors without a refractor lens assembly, allowing patients to input measurements for cylinder and axis components through diagrams, and calculates prescriptions for glasses or contacts, including pupillary distance measurement, based on age and gender, and sends the results to a doctor for review.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional refractive error determination methods are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of refractive error measurement from complex medical equipment and implements it through simple digital displays showing optotype patterns (letters, numbers, or symbols) that patients can view and respond to, eliminating the need for expensive refractors and lens assemblies while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copies of traditional vision test patterns (such as Snellen charts or other optotypes) displayed on electronic screens, replacing physical test charts and complex optical systems with programmable digital representations that achieve the same diagnostic purpose with simpler technology
2Measurement precision
If traditional refractive error determination methods are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required medical facility visits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform their own vision screening and refractive error determination at home or in non-clinical settings using a personal computing device, eliminating the need to travel to medical facilities and allowing individuals to self-administer the vision test under minimal guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adapts the vision testing method to work on universal computing platforms (smartphones, tablets, computers) that most people already possess, making the diagnostic tool accessible anywhere without requiring specialized medical equipment or facilities
3Measurement precision
If traditional refractive error determination methods are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but loss of time increases due to medical facility visits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform their own vision screening and refractive error determination at home or in non-clinical settings using a personal computing device, eliminating the need to travel to medical facilities and allowing individuals to self-administer the vision test under minimal guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows patients to complete vision screening and obtain preliminary refractive error measurements before visiting a healthcare provider, so that the clinical visit can be focused on confirmation and final prescription rather than initial screening, reducing overall time commitment
4Measurement precision
If traditional refractive error determination methods are used, then astigmatism axis determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of astigmatism axis measurement from complex refractor equipment and implements it through digital display of oriented optotype patterns (such as lines or letters at specific angles) that reveal axis information through patient response, eliminating expensive optical equipment while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may use variations in color, orientation, or presentation of optotype patterns on the digital display to encode different axis measurements and guide the patient through astigmatism-specific testing sequences, providing rich diagnostic information through simple visual variations
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for determining the refractive error of a patient, more particularly determining the patient's refractive error by using a computerized screen, and providing a prescription for the patient's preferred type of corrective lenses. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for determining a corrective lenses prescription of a patient. The method includes, separately, for each eye of the patient, determining an astigmatism prescription for the patient via a computerized screen and without the use of a refractor lens assembly, including instructing the patient to move a known, fixed distance away from a computerized screen and testing for a cylinder component by sequentially presenting at least two cylinder diagrams to the patient via the computerized screen and enabling the patient to select at least one input per cylinder diagram, where those inputs correspond to cylinder measurements for determining the prescription.