Aberrometer Using Spatial Light Modulators for Refractive Error Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring refractive aberrations in the human eye are inefficient and require complex setups, often necessitating focused light sources and sensors, which can be cumbersome and less accurate.
Innovation Solution
An aberrometer system utilizing spatial light modulators (SLMs) and a light sensor with a mobile computing device, where light passes through or is reflected from SLMs, capturing images that are analyzed for distortions to compute refractive aberrations, allowing for measurement of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and higher-order aberrations without the need for focused alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If focused light sources and sensors are used for measuring refractive aberrations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex focused alignment requirements from the measurement system. By using unfocused light and capturing images of the light source as seen through the eye, the system eliminates the need for complex focused optical alignment while maintaining measurement capability through computational analysis of the captured images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/optical focused alignment system with a computational imaging approach. Instead of using focused light and sensors with precise mechanical alignment, the system uses unfocused light, captures images with a camera, and computes refractive aberrations through image processing and analysis algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If traditional aberrometer systems are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-aligning measurement system where the camera automatically captures the light source image as seen through the patient's eye without requiring manual alignment. The system performs self-calibration by capturing reference images and computing the point spread function, eliminating the need for operator intervention in alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary computational preparation by processing captured images to determine the point spread function and optical transfer function before actual measurement. This preliminary computational action simplifies the subsequent measurement process by pre-characterizing the optical system, reducing the need for complex real-time adjustments during operation.
3Reliability
If focused alignment systems are implemented, then measurement reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement capability by eliminating the need for repeated manual alignment procedures. Once the system is initially set up, it can continuously capture images and perform measurements without interruption, as the computational imaging approach maintains measurement validity without requiring ongoing mechanical adjustment or realignment.
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 and portable measurement of refractive aberrations, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, using SLMs to analyze distortions in captured images, improving diagnostic efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the light passes through or is reflected from one or more spatial light modulators (SLMs)
Implementation Method 2
The light also passes through an objective lens-system that is optically between the eye and the light sensor
Data Source
AI summary
In exemplary implementations of this invention, an aberrometer is used to measure the refractive condition of any eye. An artificial light source emits light that travels to a light sensor. Along the way, the light enters and then exits the eye, passes through or is reflected from one or more spatial light modulators (SLMs), and passes through an objective lens-system. The SLMs modify a bokeh effect of the imaging system (which is only visible when the system is out-of-focus), creating a blurred version of the SLM patterns. The light sensor then captures one or more out-of-focus images. If there are refractive aberrations in the eye, these aberrations cause the SLM patterns captured in the images to be distorted. By analyzing differences between the distorted captured patterns and the undistorted SLM patterns, refractive aberrations of the eye can be computed and an eyewear measurement generated.