Smartphone Vision Tracker Using Stepper Motor Refraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vision testing methods are inefficient and costly, requiring patients to visit optometry offices for refraction measurements, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially for those without access to eye care, and do not provide accurate or comprehensive data due to environmental and psychological factors.
Innovation Solution
A refracting optical scope device attached to a smartphone that uses a combination of aspheric lenses, rotational gears driven by a stepper motor, and Bluetooth connectivity to allow users to self-administer refraction tests by adjusting line patterns on the screen, enabling accurate measurement of eyeglass prescriptions through a user-friendly and cost-effective method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional brick and mortar optometry offices are used for refraction measurements, then professional eye care services are provided, but patients spend inordinate amounts of time and money traveling to and waiting at appointments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling patients to perform refraction measurements independently at home using a smartphone-based device. The system includes automated guides and instructions that walk patients through the measurement process, eliminating the need for professional oversight during the actual measurement. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement quality while completely eliminating travel and waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a smartphone-based intermediary device that bridges the gap between professional optometry equipment and home environments. This intermediary captures refraction data through the smartphone camera and processes it algorithmically, providing professional-grade measurements without requiring physical presence at a clinic. This resolves the contradiction by mediating between the need for accurate measurements and the desire to eliminate travel time.
2Measurement precision
If traditional optometry offices are used for refraction measurements, then comprehensive eye exams are conducted, but the process is costly and requires multiple appointments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single smartphone-based device that performs multiple refraction measurement functions (sphere, cylinder, axis measurements) that traditionally required separate equipment and multiple appointments. The device integrates various testing capabilities into one universal platform, reducing the overall complexity of the testing process while maintaining comprehensive measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential refraction measurement functionality from complex traditional optometry equipment and implements it through a simplified smartphone-based system. By taking out only the core measurement functions and implementing them through mobile technology, the system reduces process complexity while preserving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If environmental and psychological factors are present during traditional eye exams, then comprehensive patient assessment is possible, but measurement accuracy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing patients with preparation instructions before the measurement process begins. These instructions guide patients on how to position themselves, adjust lighting conditions, and mentally prepare for the measurements, thereby controlling environmental and psychological factors before they can affect measurement accuracy. This resolves the contradiction by preemptively managing harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide real-time guidance to patients during the measurement process. The system monitors measurement quality and provides corrective feedback to patients, helping them adjust their position or behavior to minimize the impact of environmental and psychological factors. This resolves the contradiction by continuously managing harmful factors during the measurement process.
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 remote, self-administered, and accurate refraction measurements that meet professional standards, reducing the need for in-person visits and providing comprehensive data analysis through cloud-based AI, enhancing accessibility and convenience while maintaining precision and quality.
Implementation Method 1
using a refracting optical scope used to observe and manipulate line patterns generated upon the screen of a smart phone
Implementation Method 2
Rotational gears driven by a stepper motor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments may include a device, system and method for providing a low cost device that can measure refractive errors very accurately via attachment to a smart phone. A disclosed device may use ambient light or a light source in simulating the cross cylinder procedure that optometrists use by utilizing the inverse Shack-Hartman technique. Using an optical device, in conjunction with a smart phone, the user first changes the angle of the axis until he/she sees a cross pattern (the vertical and horizontal lines are equally spaced). The user adjusts the display, using motorized controls on the on the optical device, to make the lines come together and overlap, which corresponds to bringing the view into sharp focus, thus determining the appropriate optical prescription for the user.