Virtual Image Projection for Accurate Eyesight Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye assessment methods, such as visual acuity tests using eye charts, are inaccurate due to variable patient-eye chart distances and fail to adequately assess conditions like hyperopia, and are inaccessible in developing countries where 95% of uncorrected vision cases reside.
Innovation Solution
An eyesight assessment device with an optical source and a medium having imaging functionalities that projects images at virtual distances, allowing users to perceive images as if they were at different physical distances, enabling accurate assessment of visual conditions like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism through varying font sizes and colors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional eye charts are used at a required distance, then visual acuity can be measured, but the required distance cannot be properly observed by the patient resulting in inaccurate tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of eye charts at various distances using optical elements (lenses, mirrors, or holographic displays). Instead of requiring patients to physically stand at a specific distance from a real eye chart, the system projects virtual images of the eye chart at the required distance, allowing accurate measurement without relying on patient compliance for distance observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical elements (lenses, mirrors, or holographic displays) as intermediaries between the patient and the eye chart. These intermediaries create the illusion of distance by projecting virtual images, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct distance observation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional eye charts are used, then certain visual conditions like myopia can be assessed, but other conditions like hyperopia cannot be adequately assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the eye chart distance dynamic by allowing virtual images to be projected at multiple distances. The system can adjust the virtual distance of the eye chart based on the specific visual condition being tested, enabling accurate assessment of both myopia (distant vision) and hyperopia (near vision) by presenting the eye chart at appropriate virtual distances for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal eye assessment system that can test multiple visual conditions (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia) using a single device. The optical elements and virtual image projection capability allow the system to adapt to different testing requirements, making one device sufficient for comprehensive vision assessment rather than requiring separate charts for each condition.
3Ease of operation
If physical eye charts are used in developing countries, then vision assessment can be performed, but accessibility is limited due to lack of awareness and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical eye charts requiring fixed installation and controlled environments with an optical/digital system that can be implemented on portable devices. By using optical elements combined with display screens or projectors, the system can provide accurate eye assessments in resource-limited settings without requiring dedicated infrastructure, improving accessibility while maintaining measurement precision.
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
The device provides accurate and comprehensive eye assessments by eliminating distance inaccuracies and assessing multiple visual conditions, improving the detection of visual impairments and guiding corrective lens selection.
Implementation Method 1
a medium 104 having one or more imaging functionalities operable to provide images for display at a virtual distance relative to a user 112
Implementation Method 2
a medium 104 having one or more imaging functionalities operable to provide images for display at a virtual distance relative to a user 112
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed embodiments include eyesight assessment devices and methods to assess eyesight. In one embodiment, an eyesight assessment device includes a medium having one or more imaging functionalities and operable to project images for display based on the one or more imaging functionalities. The device also includes an optical source operable to project light and being positioned at one or more positions relative to the medium, such that at least one of images are projected from the medium based on the position of the optical source relative to the medium and the one or more imaging functionalities of the medium, where each image corresponds to an object provided for display at a virtual distance relative to a user of the eyesight assessment device, and where each image includes one or more of user assessable display characteristics that are indicative of a visual condition of the user.