Subjective Optometry Device with Correction-Value Accuracy Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

In self-optometry using subjective optometry devices, there is a challenge when an examiner is not present, making it difficult to ensure correct performance and necessitating post-examination checks, which may require re-examination based on results.

Innovation Solution

A subjective optometry device and program that includes a visual target presenting unit, correction unit, control unit, and data acquisition units to automatically progress optometry, utilizing previous eyeglass and measurement data for comparison and alerting on examination accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If self-optometry is performed without an examiner present, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to check optometry correctness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptometry efficiencyVSAvoidoptometry accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by comparing real-time correction values during optometry with allowable values derived from previous measurement data, and providing alerts when deviations exceed thresholds. This automated feedback mechanism ensures measurement reliability without requiring examiner presence, resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and reliability maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring and storing allowable values based on previous eyeglass data, objective measurement data, and subjective measurement data before the actual optometry process. This pre-prepared reference data enables automated quality control during self-optometry, maintaining reliability while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If examiner checks examination results after completion, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to potential re-examination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexamination qualityVSAvoidre-examination time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback during the optometry process by comparing correction values with allowable values and alerting when deviations occur. This immediate feedback eliminates the need for post-examination checking and potential re-examinations, resolving the contradiction between maintaining examination quality and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service quality control by automatically comparing measurement data with reference values and generating alerts without examiner intervention. This automated self-checking mechanism maintains examination reliability while eliminating time-consuming post-examination verification and re-examination processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automatic optometry progression is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple data acquisition and comparison units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptometry automationVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves multiple functions by acquiring measurement data, storing allowable values, comparing correction values with reference data, and generating alerts. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated units, achieving automation while minimizing device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4595869A1Subjective optometry device and subjective optometry program
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NIDEK CO LTD
  • EP4595869A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4595869A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4595869A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided is a subjective optometry device comprising: an optotype presentation means that presents a test optotype to an eye to be examined; a correction means that changes an optical characteristic of an optotype luminous flux emitted from the optotype presentation means; and a control means that, on the basis of a response entered by a test subject, controls the optotype presentation means and/or the correction means, and automatically advances an optometry exam including a plurality of test items. The subjective optometry device further comprises: a first acquisition means that acquires at least any piece of data selected from previous eyeglass data of eyeglasses worn by the test subject, objective measurement data of the eye to be examined, and previous subjective measurement data acquired in the past; a second acquisition means that acquires a correction value by which the eye being examined is corrected by the correction means when the optometry exam advances; a comparison processing means that compares a tolerance value that is based on the data acquired by the first acquisition means with the correction value acquired by the second acquisition means; and an output means that outputs an alert that is based on the comparison result from the comparison means.