Automated Visual Acuity Test Using Symbol Appearance Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eyesight examination methods for determining visual acuity are subjective and unreliable, as the interpretation of responses by operators can vary, leading to inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
A visual test method using a control module that displays test symbols on a reading screen and a selection screen, where the module modifies appearance characteristics of selected symbols and validation symbols to differentiate them, and ends the test after a predetermined number of selections, ensuring objective measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an operator manually assesses and interprets responses during visual acuity measurement, then the test can be conducted with simple equipment, but the measurement reliability deteriorates due to operator subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical assessment process with an automated computer-based system. The control module automatically presents test symbols, records responses, and determines visual acuity without operator intervention, eliminating subjective interpretation while maintaining equipment simplicity through software automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service measurement where the computer automatically conducts the entire visual acuity test, including presenting symbols, recording responses, and calculating results. This eliminates the need for operator assessment while keeping the equipment simple and accessible.
2Device complexity
If visual acuity measurement is conducted manually by operators, then the process can be performed with basic equipment, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator assessment with an automated computer-based system that precisely records responses and calculates visual acuity. This substitution eliminates inconsistent interpretation while maintaining relatively simple equipment through software automation, achieving high measurement precision without excessive device complexity.
3Productivity
If the operator validates responses subjectively, then the test can be conducted quickly, but the loss of information increases due to false validation of incorrect responses
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically conducts the visual acuity test by presenting symbols, recording responses, and determining results without operator validation. This self-service approach maintains quick test administration while eliminating information loss from subjective validation errors, as the computer objectively records all responses and calculates accurate visual acuity measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
An eyesight testing method as well as to an associated control module and an associated system such that when the control module receives a selection of a test symbol, the control module selects the test symbol by modifying at least one appearance-related feature of the test symbol such that the test symbol changes from an initial appearance to a modified appearance that distinguishes same from non-selected test symbols; when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the last selection of a test symbol or since the display of the test symbol or the plurality of test symbols, the control module modifies at least one appearance-related feature of the validation symbol; the control module terminates the eyesight testing method as soon as a predetermined number of test symbols has been selected.