VR-Style Optical Assembly for Portable Visual Field Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye examination systems are bulky, expensive, and difficult to move, limiting their availability for patients with mobility limitations and requiring dedicated space, and there is a need for a portable and inexpensive system for visual field and prescription testing.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly integrated with a VR-style headset mount, featuring a housing with optical assemblies, a beamsplitter, IR imager, and adjustable display optics, allowing for eye tracking and display channels, and adjustable intraocular distance, which can be controlled by a computer system for various eye examinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical phoropters and eye examination systems are used, then accurate visual field and prescription testing can be performed, but the devices are bulky, expensive, and require dedicated space and mounting infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple eye examination functions (visual field testing, prescription testing, eye tracking) into a single integrated portable headset system. The headset merges the display channel, eye tracking channel, and optical testing capabilities into one unified device that can be worn by patients, eliminating the need for separate bulky equipment like mechanical phoropters and wall-mounted visual field testers.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable headset is designed to perform multiple eye examination functions simultaneously - visual field testing, prescription determination, and eye tracking - making it a universal device that replaces several specialized equipment pieces. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated optical system that can switch between different testing modes while maintaining accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional eye examination equipment is installed in doctor's offices, then comprehensive eye examinations can be performed, but the equipment requires dedicated space and cannot be easily moved or brought to patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, fixed-location examination equipment to a dynamic, portable headset that can be moved freely. The headset is designed to be worn by patients and can be easily transported between locations, enabling examinations in doctor's offices, patient homes, or mobile clinics without requiring installation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical phoropters and wall-mounted optical systems with an electronic-optical integrated headset. The mechanical adjustment mechanisms of traditional devices are replaced with electronically controlled optical elements, allowing for compact, lightweight design that maintains examination capabilities while improving portability.
3Ease of operation
If portable head mounted eye testing systems are used, then patient accessibility is improved, but the systems have limited functionality compared to traditional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The headset divides the eye examination process into separate functional channels - a display channel for presenting visual stimuli, an eye tracking channel for monitoring eye movements and gaze, and an optical testing channel for prescription analysis. Each channel is optimized for its specific function while working together to provide comprehensive eye examination capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beamsplitter as an intermediary optical element that allows light to be directed to multiple destinations simultaneously. The beamsplitter divides the optical path so that test images can be displayed to the patient's eyes while also allowing eye tracking cameras to capture eye movements, enabling multiple functions to operate concurrently without interfering with each other.
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
Enables portable and cost-effective eye examinations, reducing strain on the user and providing comprehensive testing in various environments, including as a substitute for mechanical phoropters.
Implementation Method 1
the beam splitter is configured to pass IR light and reflect visible light
Implementation Method 2
a camera lens configured to focus IR light onto an imaging plane of the imager
Implementation Method 3
adjustable display optics that are configured to relay an image output on the display for viewing through the eyepiece by a user looking through the eyepiece. The adjustable display optics can comprise a liquid lens with a spherical diopter
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system comprises a pair of matching optical assemblies mounted within a housing that is attachable to a VR style headset frame. Each optical assembly has an eyepiece followed by a beamsplitter leading to an IR eye tracking channel and a display channel with a visual display and a diopter adjustable lens assembly to allow the apparent distance of an image shown on the display to be varied. The optical system can be used for visual field testing, as a mechanical phoropter replacement, or for use in other optical testing and viewing applications.