Vision Test Chart Demonstrating Low Cylinder Astigmatism Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard visual acuity charts fail to effectively demonstrate the benefits of correcting low cylinder astigmatism and other forms of optical blur, leading to inadequate vision correction and reduced quality of life for patients, particularly in everyday situations.

Innovation Solution

A vision test chart and method that incorporates high frequency and low contrast elements, real-world imagery, and interactive components to demonstrate the impact of low cylinder astigmatism correction, allowing patients to experience and appreciate the improvements in vision quality through a more realistic and engaging assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If standard visual acuity charts are used to assess vision correction, then the test is simple and easy to administer, but the chart cannot effectively demonstrate the benefits of correcting low cylinder astigmatism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of administering vision testVSAvoidability to demonstrate low cylinder astigmatism correction benefit
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by incorporating specific high-frequency and low-contrast elements into particular regions of the vision chart. These specialized elements are strategically placed within the overall chart structure to locally enhance sensitivity to astigmatic blur while maintaining the chart's overall simplicity and ease of administration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the spatial frequency and contrast levels of specific elements within the vision chart. By incorporating elements with high spatial frequency and low contrast, the chart becomes more sensitive to the subtle effects of low cylinder astigmatism, while the rest of the chart maintains standard parameters for ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If standard visual acuity charts with fixed contrast and limited spatial frequencies are used, then the chart is simple in design, but it cannot demonstrate real world vision quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of chart designVSAvoidrepresentation of real world vision quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the vision chart into distinct functional regions: standard acuity elements for basic measurement and specialized high-frequency/low-contrast elements for demonstrating real-world vision quality. This segmentation allows the chart to maintain overall simplicity while incorporating sophisticated test elements in specific segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves universality by designing a single vision chart that serves multiple functions: it can assess standard visual acuity, demonstrate the effects of astigmatic blur, and evaluate real-world vision quality. The chart integrates elements that address various aspects of vision assessment without requiring multiple separate tests.

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

3Loss of time

If standard eye charts are used for astigmatism assessment, then the testing process is quick and straightforward, but low levels of astigmatism are not noticeably demonstrated to the patient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime required for vision assessmentVSAvoiddetectability of low level astigmatism
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial or excessive action by incorporating high-frequency and low-contrast elements that are more sensitive to astigmatic blur than standard elements. These elements provide an enhanced response to even low levels of astigmatism, making the condition more detectable without requiring excessive testing time or complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10064547B2Means and method for demonstrating the effects of low cylinder astigmatism correction
Publication Date: 2018.09.04 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC
  • US10064547B2 patent drawing
  • US10064547B2 patent drawing
  • US10064547B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A new vision test, incorporating textual and non-textual elements in an image, is configured to demonstrate the effects of low cylinder astigmatism and other sources of blur on visual quality. The elements are designed to be noticeable, relevant, important and engaging. The new vision test may be utilized to supplement conventional vision testing.