Vision Acuity Testing Luminance Standardization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of standardization in lighting levels during visual acuity testing leads to variable test results, particularly affecting older patients, as clinicians use diverse computer displays with varying luminance, necessitating improved accuracy for documenting surgical outcomes and aligning with reimbursement requirements.
Innovation Solution
A vision testing system that includes a data processing system, a luminance sensor, and a display intensity adjustment system to measure and adjust the luminance of a computer display to ensure light levels fall within predetermined ranges, using sensors to measure both display and ambient light, and optionally adjusting the glare source to maintain standardized illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diverse computer displays with varying luminance are used for vision testing, then device versatility and ease of operation improve, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to inconsistent light levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the luminance parameter of the computer display to a standardized value (e.g., 200 nits) using a luminance control module that receives feedback from a luminance sensor. This ensures consistent measurement conditions while allowing the use of diverse display devices with different inherent luminance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
A luminance sensor continuously measures the actual light output of the display, and this measurement is fed back to a control system that automatically adjusts the display luminance to maintain it within a predetermined range. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates variability between different display devices.
2Measurement precision
If higher light levels are used during vision testing, then measurement precision improves, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to increased glare and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the luminance parameter to a specific standardized value (e.g., 200 nits) that has been determined to provide sufficient measurement precision while minimizing harmful effects. This parameter optimization balances accuracy with patient comfort by avoiding both insufficient and excessive light levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a glare sensor to detect reflected light from the display and creates a feedback signal that adjusts the display luminance to minimize glare. This allows the system to operate at optimal brightness levels without creating harmful glare conditions that would discomfort the patient.
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
This system ensures consistent and accurate visual acuity testing by standardizing light levels, reducing variability, and enhancing the precision of vision test results, which is crucial for comparing surgical outcomes and healthcare reimbursement.
Implementation Method 1
An intensity of light leaving the computer display is measured in a sensor region outside the chart region using a display luminance sensor
Implementation Method 2
providing an ambient light sensor proximal to the patient's eyes that measures a light intensity in a room containing the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A vision testing system and a method of operating a data processing system for displaying an eye test pattern on a computer display to a patient during an eye examination are disclosed. The method includes causing the data processing system to display the eye test pattern in a chart region of a computer display controlled by the data processing system and characterized by a luminance in regions not displaying the eye test pattern. An intensity of light leaving the computer display is measured in a sensor region outside the chart region using a display luminance sensor. The luminance of the computer display is adjusted to provide a light level within a predetermined range of light levels based on the measured intensity of light. The data processing system can receive the measured intensity and adjust the display luminescence.