Vision Testing System Using Pupil Light Distribution for Refraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current eye testing systems are inefficient in determining subjective refraction values, requiring iterative approaches with various visual symbols and lenses, and often lack the capability to accurately measure refraction under low-light conditions, necessitating separate and costly aberrometer measurements.

Innovation Solution

An integrated eye testing system with a display device, camera, and lighting source that records light distribution in the pupil to determine objective refraction, allowing for immediate visualization of vision test marks for subjective refraction measurement, using image processing to compare with normal or myopic distributions, and optionally using infrared light for improved accuracy under low-light conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If iterative subjective refraction measurement using visual symbols and test lenses is used, then accurate subjective refraction values can be determined, but the testing process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubjective refraction accuracyVSAvoidtesting duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs objective refraction measurement using photorefraction before the subjective refraction measurement. This preliminary measurement provides an initial refraction value that serves as a starting point for the subjective measurement process, reducing the number of iterative steps needed to reach accurate results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the light distribution pattern captured by the camera as feedback to determine objective refraction values. This objective measurement provides continuous feedback that guides the subjective refraction process, allowing the system to quickly identify and correct refractive errors without extensive iterative testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If separate aberrometer measurements are used for objective refraction, then accurate refraction values can be obtained, but the system becomes costly and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobjective refraction accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines the display device, camera, and illumination device into a single integrated unit. The display device serves dual purposes: presenting visual symbols for subjective refraction and providing the illumination pattern for objective photorefraction measurement. This merging eliminates the need for separate aberrometer equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device is designed to perform multiple functions: it displays visual test symbols for subjective refraction measurement and simultaneously serves as an illumination source for objective refraction measurement using photorefraction. This multi-functionality replaces the need for dedicated expensive equipment like aberrometers.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard lighting conditions are used for eye testing, then normal vision tests can be conducted, but measurement under low-light or night vision conditions is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting condition adaptabilityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability in low light
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the illumination parameters by using infrared light instead of visible light for fundus illumination. This parameter change allows the system to operate in low-light and night vision conditions where visible light would be insufficient or disruptive, while the infrared illumination remains imperceptible to the subject.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary infrared illumination device that provides the necessary light for measurement without being visible to the subject. This intermediary light source enables measurements under conditions that simulate natural low-light environments while maintaining measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Significantly shortens the time required for subjective refraction determination, eliminates the need for separate aberrometer measurements, and provides cost-effective, accurate objective and subjective refraction assessments, enabling efficient vision testing under various lighting conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a distribution of light from the light source when illuminating the fundus of the test subject can be recorded by means of the camera device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a distribution of light from the light source when illuminating the fundus of the test subject can be recorded by means of the camera device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotography: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP3192431B1Vision testing system and method for testing eyes
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 OCULUS OPTIKGERAETE GMBH
  • EP3192431B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a vision testing system (10) and a method for checking the eyes of a subject with a vision testing system, wherein a display device allows vision test symbols to be visualized to at least one eye of the subject, wherein the display device has a camera device with a camera (12) by means of which the eyes of the subject can be recorded, wherein the display device has a lighting device with a light source by means of which the eyes of the subject can be illuminated, wherein a light distribution in the pupil of the eye of the subject can be recorded by means of the camera device of the display device, and wherein the vision testing system has a control device by means of which an objective refraction of the eye can be determined from the light distribution in the pupil.