Visual Angle Display for Home Eye Exams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye examination methods face challenges in translating procedures from traditional office settings to non-traditional locations, such as home, due to difficulties in accurately determining the perceived size of optotypes without precise distance measurements, which can erode user confidence in self-administered tests.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a server and two devices, where the first device with a camera captures images of a screen and determines the camera's characteristics and screen pixel length, allowing the second device to display objects at a desired visual angle, enabling eye examinations without requiring the user to be at a specific distance or know the physical size of the objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional eye examination methods are used in non-traditional locations, then accessibility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately determine perceived size of optotypes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture images of the screen displaying optotypes. The camera mediates between the screen and the analysis system, enabling accurate measurement of optotype size and visual angle without requiring physical presence at a standardized distance. This intermediary approach allows home-based examinations to achieve office-level measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (physical distance measurement tools, standardized screening distances) with an optical-digital system. Instead of mechanically ensuring a patient is at a specific distance from the eye chart, the system uses camera imaging and digital processing to calculate visual angles and optotype sizes, substituting physical constraints with computational geometry.
2Measurement precision
If measuring tape or step counting is used to determine distance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to additional equipment and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing images of the screen, detecting optotype characteristics, and calculating visual angles without requiring user intervention for manual measurements. The camera and processing system work autonomously to determine the necessary geometric parameters, eliminating the need for users to independently measure distances or understand complex calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary capture of screen images and optotype characteristics before the actual vision testing begins. By pre-analyzing the screen content and calculating visual angles in advance, the system prepares all necessary measurement data beforehand, eliminating the need for continuous manual measurement during the examination process.
3Measurement precision
If measuring tape or step counting is used to determine distance, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to additional steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing images of the screen, detecting optotype characteristics, and calculating visual angles without requiring user intervention for manual measurements. The camera and processing system work autonomously to determine the necessary geometric parameters, eliminating the need for users to independently measure distances or understand complex calibration procedures.
4Measurement precision
If camera characteristics and screen pixel length are determined, then visual angle calculation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional data collection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera device with the display system, where a single device serves dual functions: displaying optotypes on the screen and capturing images of the screen through its camera. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate measurement equipment and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the display device for presenting optotypes and as the measurement device for capturing screen images and calculating visual angles. This universal device performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate specialized equipment, simplifying the overall examination setup.
Data Source
AI summary
A server in communication with a first device capable of receiving input from a camera attached to the first device, and a second device capable of displaying output, is provided. The server is configured to receive, from the first device, data relating to characteristics of the camera and characteristics of an image obtained by the camera of a screen of the second device; determine a screen pixel length of the screen; and provide instructions to the second device to display on the screen an object at a desired visual angle in response to the data received from the second device and the screen pixel length, while the first device is positioned at an arbitrary distance from the screen.