Tunable-Lens Auto-Refractometry for Self-Validating Refraction Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-refractometers lack validation of their measurement results, leading to potential errors that prolong testing time and may require costly and inconvenient calibration.
Innovation Solution
An auto-refractometer equipped with a tunable lens that adjusts its optical characteristics to correct refraction errors, allowing for self-validation of measurements by comparing initial and corrected readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic calibration is performed to minimize measurement errors, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to apparatus unavailability during calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary validation of measurement results using a dual measurement system. Before finalizing refraction measurements, the apparatus performs preliminary checks by comparing measurements taken with and without corrective lenses. This preliminary action detects potential errors early, preventing the need for time-consuming periodic calibration interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-validation of its measurements through automated dual measurement and comparison. The apparatus independently verifies its own measurement accuracy by taking measurements with corrective lenses and comparing them against reference values, eliminating the need for external calibration operations and maintaining continuous operation.
2Productivity
If objective refraction tests are performed without validation, then productivity is improved by avoiding additional testing steps, but measurement precision deteriorates due to undetected errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where measurement results are automatically validated by comparing objective refraction test results with subjective refraction results. The system uses the objective measurement as feedback to adjust and verify the accuracy of the final prescription, ensuring measurement precision while maintaining testing efficiency through automated comparison rather than manual retesting.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs multiple functions within a single integrated system: it conducts both objective refraction testing and validation testing, and can accommodate both corrective and non-corrective lens measurements. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive measurement validation without requiring separate dedicated validation equipment, maintaining productivity while improving precision.
3Measurement precision
If a dual measurement system with corrective lenses is implemented, then measurement precision is improved through validation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the validation function with the existing measurement apparatus by integrating corrective lens holders and dual measurement capabilities into the single refractometer system. Rather than adding separate validation equipment, the system combines reference measurement and test measurement functions within one unified apparatus, reducing overall system complexity while achieving measurement validation.
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
Ensures accurate refraction error measurement by confirming the initial measurement's correctness, reducing the need for manual recalibration and minimizing testing time.
Implementation Method 1
a tunable lens, wherein the refractive characteristic of the tunable lens is set to substantially nullify the refraction error in the subject's vision
Data Source
AI summary
Objective refraction error measuring apparatuses are known. Once the measurement is done, there is no known method for confirming if the measurements are correct. Disclosed is an apparatus wherein once the error is measured, the determined values of the error are used to set the characteristics of a tunable lens so as to correct the error in the vision of the subject. The objective error is measured again while the subject viewing through the tunable lens so set. Objective refraction error is again measured. If the error measured is now within predefined limits, the first measurement is deemed correct and the values are out put so that glasses with those values may be prescribed to the subject.