Smartphone Refractive Error Quantification via Line Pattern Variance

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refraction mechanisms are subjective, leading to variance in calculations among eye care professionals and are inaccessible to people in remote areas, necessitating an objective and accessible method to quantify refractive error.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the display of a line pattern to users, where the distance between the pattern and the user is measured, and the refractive error is quantified based on the perceived variance of the pattern's aspects such as width, thickness, darkness, or color, using a computer-readable storage medium to store instructions for performing these acts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional refraction mechanisms are used, then refraction can be measured, but the measurements are subjective and vary between different eye care professionals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefraction measurement consistencyVSAvoidaccessibility to remote areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to perform refraction measurements independently using a smartphone application. The user views line patterns on their smartphone screen and reports which lines appear darkest, with the device automatically calculating refractive error based on the distance measured by the user. This eliminates the need for professional eye care professionals to be physically present, making the service accessible to remote areas while providing consistent, objective measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical examination process with a digital system. Instead of manual refraction testing by eye care professionals, the system uses smartphone displays to present line patterns and electronic sensors to measure distance. The calculation of refractive error is performed through software algorithms rather than manual professional judgment, ensuring consistency and objectivity while enabling remote access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If subjective refraction methods are used, then eye care professionals can perform measurements, but accessibility is limited for people in remote areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to remote areasVSAvoidrefraction measurement consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to perform refraction measurements independently using a smartphone application. The user views line patterns on their smartphone screen and reports which lines appear darkest, with the device automatically calculating refractive error based on the distance measured by the user. This eliminates the need for professional eye care professionals to be physically present, making the service accessible to remote areas while providing consistent, objective measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical examination process with a digital system. Instead of manual refraction testing by eye care professionals, the system uses smartphone displays to present line patterns and electronic sensors to measure distance. The calculation of refractive error is performed through software algorithms rather than manual professional judgment, ensuring consistency and objectivity while enabling remote access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If line pattern aspects are varied to determine refractive error, then objective measurement is achieved, but the complexity of the measurement process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobjective refractive error quantificationVSAvoidline pattern variation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system varies specific parameters of the line pattern including width, thickness, darkness, and color to create different visual stimuli. By systematically changing these parameters and observing which lines appear darkest to the user, the system objectively quantifies refractive error. This approach uses simple visual comparisons rather than complex equipment, maintaining ease of use while achieving objective measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9173557B2Method and apparatus that facilitates determining refractive error

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 CLARK JACK

AI summary

Aspects are disclosed for determining refractive error. In an aspect, a line pattern is displayed to a user, and a distance between the line pattern and the user is ascertained. The line pattern includes a first and second line in which an aspect of the line pattern is varied, and where refractive error is quantified based on the distance and a selected variance of the line pattern. In another aspect, the varied aspect of the line is at least one of a width between the first and second line, a thickness of the first or second line, a darkness of the first line or the second line, or a color of the first line or the second line. An input corresponding to a focused line pattern variance selected by the user is then received, and a refractive error is quantified based on the input and an approximate distance between the line pattern and the user.