Smartphone-Based Presbyopia Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye examination methods are cumbersome, costly, and inaccessible to many, particularly for presbyopia measurement, which often relies on inaccurate self-administered trials and lacks standardized near and mid-vision assessments.
Innovation Solution
A smartphone-based optical system that projects images onto the retina, allowing for precise measurement of near and mid-vision acuity by adjusting lenses to simulate different distances, with attachments for existing far vision devices to enable accurate presbyopia correction determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional eye examination methods are used, then comprehensive vision assessment can be performed, but the process is cumbersome, costly, and inaccessible to many
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core measurement function from the complex clinical examination process. By using a smartphone camera and simple optical attachments to capture retinal images, it isolates the essential vision assessment capability from the cumbersome multi-step clinical procedure, enabling accurate measurement without the full apparatus of traditional eye exams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the retinal image captured by a smartphone camera. This digital replica allows for vision assessment without requiring the patient to be in a clinical setting with specialized equipment, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining measurement capability
2Ease of operation
If self-administered presbyopia trials are used, then accessibility is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error process of self-administered presbyopia testing with an optical measurement system. Instead of physically trying different lens powers, the system uses a smartphone camera to capture retinal images and objectively determine the refractive error, maintaining ease of self-administration while dramatically improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical measurement process between the user and the final measurement result. The smartphone camera and optical attachments serve as intermediaries that capture objective retinal images, eliminating the need for direct subjective trial-and-error while preserving the accessibility of self-testing
3Measurement precision
If standardized near and mid-vision assessments are implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic focusing capabilities of the smartphone camera to assess near and mid-vision acuity. By adjusting the focus of the camera lens, the system can measure vision at different distances without requiring separate optical attachments or complex mechanical adjustments, thereby maintaining measurement precision while limiting complexity growth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the smartphone camera universal by using it to measure vision at multiple distances (near, mid, and far). A single device performs multiple assessment functions through software control and focal adjustment, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for each distance and thereby reducing overall system complexity
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, self-administered presbyopia measurements and corrections, improving accessibility and reducing costs by providing customizable near and mid-vision solutions, ensuring precise vision correction without the need for extensive clinical visits.
Implementation Method 1
A smartphone-based optical system that projects images onto the retina, allowing for precise measurement of near and mid-vision acuity by adjusting lenses to simulate different distances
Data Source
AI summary
Various presbyopia measurement systems are presented. Solutions include a consumer friendly system using a consumer's smart phone to present a test image. The test image by be viewed through a first lens, second lens and optional added lens such that the image is perceived to be approximately eight inches to two feet away from the consumer's eye. In addition to a lens system that may be attached to a consumer's smart phone, the systems presented include a presbyopia kit that my comprise an eyeglass kit comprising near vision attachments, mid vision attachments, clip on lenses and Plano frames. Disclosed systems include the use of the use of both the eyeglass kit and lens system that attaches to the consumer's phone.