Multi-Channel Subjective Refraction for Simultaneous Lens Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional refractors require sequential presentation of refractions, imposing cognitive load on patients, leading to frustration and inefficiency, and often fail to converge on the optimal refraction due to reliance on patient memory and time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel subjective refractor that presents two images with different refractions simultaneously, allowing patients to compare and select the sharper image directly, reducing mental strain and chair time while increasing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sequential presentation of refractions is used, then device complexity is reduced, but patient cognitive load increases and chair time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from sequential temporal presentation to simultaneous spatial presentation by adding a second display and beam combiner. This dimensional change allows both refractions to be presented at the same time in different spatial locations, eliminating the need for sequential switching and reducing chair time while maintaining manageable device complexity through shared optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The refractor is segmented into multiple independent optical channels (first channel with first display and first refracting element, second channel with second display and second refracting element) that can operate simultaneously. Each channel presents a different refraction independently, allowing parallel processing of refraction options and reducing the time required for patient comparison.
2Device complexity
If sequential presentation of refractions is used, then device complexity is reduced, but patient cognitive load increases
Solution Approach 1:
By moving from temporal sequence to spatial parallelism, the patent allows patients to simultaneously view both refraction options without relying on memory of the previous option. This spatial arrangement reduces cognitive load by eliminating the need to recall and compare with prior presentations, making the operation easier while the device structure remains relatively simple through shared optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam combiner acts as an intermediary that combines the optical paths from multiple displays and refracting elements into a single viewing area for the patient. This mediator allows multiple refraction options to be presented simultaneously in one location, reducing cognitive effort required for comparison while managing device complexity through a single combining component.
3Device complexity
If sequential presentation of refractions is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refraction presentation into multiple simultaneous channels, each with its own display and refracting element. This segmentation allows patients to directly compare multiple refraction options at the same time, improving measurement precision by eliminating reliance on memory and sequential recall, while the segmented structure manages complexity through modular independent channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time patient feedback by allowing simultaneous presentation of multiple refraction options and immediate comparison. This feedback mechanism improves measurement precision by capturing accurate patient preferences without the delays and memory errors inherent in sequential presentation, while the feedback loop operates efficiently through parallel processing of multiple options.
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
Simultaneous presentation enhances patient comfort, reduces chair time, and improves the likelihood of determining the optimal refraction efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a beam combiner to receive and to combine the first image and the second image
Implementation Method 2
a first channel to refract the first image with a first channel refraction
Implementation Method 3
a second channel to refract the second image with a second channel refraction
Implementation Method 4
a shared channel, to receive the first image and the second image from the beam combiner to refract, in combination with the first channel, the first image with a first refraction; to refract, in combination with the second channel, the second image with a second refraction
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-channel subjective refractor comprises a first channel to refract a first image, generated by a first display, with a first channel refraction; a second channel to refract a second image, generated by a second display, with a second channel refraction; a beam combiner to combine the first image and the second image; and a shared channel to present the first image with the first refraction and the second image with the second refraction to an eye simultaneously. A method of operating this multi-channel subjective refractor comprises the steps of generating a first image with a first refraction and a second image with a second refraction with the multi-channel subjective refractor; presenting the first image with the first refraction and the second image with the second refraction simultaneously for an eye of a patient; and prompting the patient to identify the sharper of the first image and the second image.