Subjective Type Patents (Class 351/222)
  • Publication number: 20120092620
    Abstract: The present invention is a glare tester attachment for use with a conventional ophthalmic instrument, comprising a pair of eye cups, both eye cups each comprising a wall partially enclosing a hollow interior chamber and having a viewing aperture defining a respective viewing line of sight axis for each eye cup, a portion of each wall being provided with a plurality of lights disposed around said line of sight axis. The invention may be incorporated into a phoropter or a hand-held device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: EPICO, LLC
    Inventor: Alice Epitropoulos
  • Publication number: 20120075585
    Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for simulation of multifocal ophthalmic corrections, comprising two optical channels with different optical power values in the beams coming from the object observed, wherein at least one channel comprises a Badal system. This instrument simultaneously provides images of objects near and far focused. The system provides the same optical magnifications for each channel, regardless of the optical power thereof, and produces superimposed retinal images with different degrees of focus which, unlike other devices, are all of the same size. The instrument allows simulating different optical powers for near vision and different refractive corrections for distant vision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Carlos Dorronsoro Diaz, Susana Marcos Celestino
  • Patent number: 8136946
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for finding and defining a prescription for prism glasses for Diplopic patients and AMD patients whose Macula and Fovea are damaged enough that the patients have double vision, but, still have relatively good acuity. The apparatus positions lenses in infinitely variable locations horizontally and vertically in front of the patient's eyes until the patient indicates that he/she sees the two images fuse. The H-V coordinates of the location of the Optic center of each lens axis in relation to the patient's visual axis are decentration dimensions indicated for each eye by the H and V dials on the apparatus and are thus the basis for an accurate prescription for prism lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Roger Glenn Reed
  • Patent number: 8132916
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include approaches for controlling light valve devices to improve the range and precision of the contrast ratio and the grayscale levels of a display used for visual field tests. In one embodiment, two or more illumination devices are used to enable the display device to display a wide range of contrast stimuli at precise illumination intensities over a fixed background illumination level. In another embodiment, the gamma curves of the display elements are adjusted to allow greater variations in the brightness of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.
    Inventor: Göran Anders Johansson
  • Patent number: 8123355
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for finding and defining a prescription for reading glasses for an AMD patient whose Macula and Fovea are damaged enough that the patient has double vision, i.e. the patient sees two images of every object within the field of view of the Macula and Fovea. The apparatus positions reading lenses in various locations in front of the patient's eyes until the patient indicates that he/she now sees one image for each object in the field of view of the Macula and Fovea. The X-Y coordinates of the location of each lens axis in relation to the patient's visual axis are offset dimensions indicated for each eye by the apparatus and is thus the prescription for reading lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Roger Glenn Reed
  • Publication number: 20120038887
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for finding and defining a prescription for prism glasses for Diplopic patients and AMD patients whose Macula and Fovea are damaged enough that the patients have double vision, but, still have relatively good acuity. The apparatus positions lenses in infinitely variable locations horizontally and vertically in front of the patient's eyes until the patient indicates that he/she sees the two images fuse. The H-V coordinates of the location of the Optic center of each lens axis in relation to the patient's visual axis are decentration dimensions indicated for each eye by the H and V dials on the apparatus and are thus the basis for an accurate prescription for prism lenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Roger Glenn Reed
  • Patent number: 8100533
    Abstract: A pattern VEP system for screening for glaucoma and other optic nerve related diseases/deficiencies. The system combines high contrast and low contrast testing. The low contrast testing allows for highly sensitive glaucoma testing and the high contrast allows for a sensitive test of the central vision. The system also includes a narrowly tailored method of rejecting corrupted data allowing the system to selectively salvage useful portions of a signal. The system also provides a method of data modeling to locate the N75-P100-N135 complex in a waveform and determine if it falls within the normal range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Diopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter H. Derr, Matt Emmer
  • Patent number: 8096657
    Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods create a user environment tailored to a user's computer abilities. A series of baseline tests are administered to new users for accumulating user metric data, and a database collects and stores the user metrics. Program logic is responsive to data from the data base, where the program logic is programmed to adapt the user environment to correspond to abilities measured through the baseline tests. The program logic is further programmed to adapt user interface controls to compensate for user dexterity abilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: SimpleC, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel V. Pompilio, Jason P. Zamer
  • Publication number: 20120002168
    Abstract: A method of simulating an optical effect of an optical lens for a potential wearer, the method comprising: using a first camera to take a first image of a scene through a first optical lens, the first optical lens having optical characteristics according to a first ophthalmic lens design, the first camera being provided with optics arranged to simulate the optical characteristics of a human eye; and displaying the first image on a display device for viewing by the potential wearer enabling the potential wearer to visualise the optical effects of the first optical lens on his viewing ability. The position of the first camera, the first optical lens and the display device are fixed with respect to a referential frame defined by the head of the potential wearer, the head of the potential wearer being movable with respect to the scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE)
    Inventor: Thierry Bonnin
  • Patent number: 8087781
    Abstract: An optotype presenting apparatus, by which red and green optotypes can be visually perceived independently by right and left eyes even if red filters and/or green filters have different wavelength transmission characteristics, comprises a color display, a unit having a switch for selecting a test chart including visual acuity and red-green binocular visual performance test charts, wherein the binocular test chart includes the optotypes and is used in the test performed with the filters in front of the eyes, a memory storing color adjustment data in which at least one of color tones of the optotypes is varied with the characteristic of one of the filters, a unit for inputting a signal for selecting one of the data, and a unit controlling the display to display the selected chart and adjusting the tones by reading the selected data from the memory when the binocular test chart is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Kanazawa, Tatefumi Oda
  • Patent number: 8083352
    Abstract: A perimeter of the present invention including: visual field scanning screen generating means; fixation image displaying and controlling means; visual target scan line parallel setting means; statically displaying and controlling means; static display position storing means; static display and control stopping means; kinetic display and control starting means; detecting means; detection position storing means; distance storing means; kinetic scan stopping means; and scanning continuation means to the position of the visual target stored by the detection position storing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Tomohiro TSUTA (Master's Degree of Economics of the University of Tokyo)
    Inventor: Tomohiro Tsuta
  • Patent number: 8047651
    Abstract: A spectacle lens is disclosed. The disclosed lens provides a vision correcting area for the correction of a wearer's refractive error. The viewing correction area provides correction for non-conventional refractive error to provide at least a part of the wearer's vision correction. The lens has a prescription based on a wave front analysis of the wearer's eye and the lens can further be modified to fit within an eyeglass frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: E-Vision Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, William Kokonaski
  • Patent number: 8029138
    Abstract: A method is provided for stimulating a motion-detecting visual pathway of a subject. A subject is tasked with fixating on a central stimulus displayed on a computer-driven display. While the subject is visually fixated, a peripheral stimulus is presented on the display. At least one characteristic of the peripheral stimulus is altered so as to trigger the motion-sensitive visual pathway of the subject. The altered characteristic may be the spatial locus, size, pattern, luminosity or hue of the stimulus. The altered and base stimulus may be alternately displayed in a cyclical manner to sustain the display of a dynamic peripheral stimulus. While alternately displaying the base and altered stimulus, the subject's response, indicative of their detection of the stimulus, may be monitored and recorded. The dynamic peripheral stimulus may be, for example, a repetitively translating object, or a repetitively blinking object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: NovaVision, Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Todd
  • Publication number: 20110228226
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to improve the prescribing of customized ophthalmic corrections which contain higher order aberration. The apparatus enables the subjective measurement of higher order aberrations such as spherical aberration which can be used as part of the prescription for customized ophthalmic corrections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Bruce M. PIXTON, John E. GRIEVENKAMP, JR., Gregory A. WILLIBY, Russell SPAULDING
  • Patent number: 8016416
    Abstract: Integrating automatic systems and methods for rapid and objective mass tests, evaluations, measurements, screenings, trainings, or any combination thereof are realized. In a preferred embodiment, a multifunctional system, constructed in the form of preferably a unitary housing, contains automatic methods such as those for evaluation and measurement of at least one of cognition, operation skills, vision, or the like. Authentication identification data of examinees may be processed according to at least one device-dependent process, which may be specific to particular manufacturers, device classes, or other partitioning schemes. The data may be iced, stored in a repository, and utilized for at least one of clinical, educational, medical, military, security, or transport purposes, such as controlling the issuance, restriction, or confiscation of one's license, or ability to operate a vehicle in motion. Automatic systems and methods are paramount to promoting safety and uniformity of testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Sandy Helene Straus
  • Patent number: 8002409
    Abstract: A vision treatment system comprises a computer and a user input output module associated with the computer, the user input output module including a display screen and means for receiving user input, wherein the computer includes a testing and training module for one or more vision disorders, the training and testing module in communication with the user input output module and testing a user's cutoff spatial frequency of a contrast sensitivity and applying a training regimen based upon Perceptual Template Model (PTM) analysis of interactions with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Geng Li, Zhong-Lin Lu, Xiangrui Li, Chang-Bing Huang, Jia-Hong Gao, Yeung-Ming Chow
  • Patent number: 7938538
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for efficient adaptive measurement and classification of contrast sensitivity functions and spatiotemporal contrast sensitivity surface by selecting the most informative stimulus before each trial. Also disclosed are devices for implementing such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Zhong-Lin Lu, Luis A. Lesmes
  • Patent number: 7926944
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for diagnosing and treating subjects using neuro-ocular wavefront data. As such, in some embodiments, among others, neuro-ocular wavefront data is obtained, and one or more characteristics of a visual system are ascertained from the neuro-ocular wavefront data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Keith P. Thompson, Jose R. Garcia, Phillip Randall Staver
  • Patent number: 7891813
    Abstract: Tools and techniques for vision testing alter refractive characteristics of rendered digital imagery and use feedback from a test subject to calculate information about errors in the subject's vision. Some embodiments produce a rendered digital image with vision-realistic rendering, present the test subject with the rendered digital image, accept input from the test subject and change the refractive sharpness of the rendered digital image in response to the input. Then they calculate refractive errors or other information about the test subject's vision based at least on: input from the test subject leading to a refractive sharpness change made during the changing step, and a refraction model which relates visual acuity to changes in the refractive sharpness of rendered digital imagery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: John W. Ogilvie
  • Patent number: 7883211
    Abstract: A subjective vision testing system is used for visual function tests for examinees. The subjective vision testing system is provided with an optometric apparatus which selectively sets optical elements in front of both eyes of an examinee, an optotype presenting apparatus for displaying optotypes to the examinee, and a controller. The optotype presenting apparatus, based on a command signal for implementation of a binocular balance test, displays optotypes used for binocular balance tests. The optometric apparatus, based on a command signal for implementation of a binocular balance test, sets a first prism in front of the examinee's right eye and a second prism in front of the examinee's left eye. The second prism has a base direction vertically opposite to the first prism and the same prism power as the first prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Hosoi, Yuichiro Kanazawa, Hirohisa Terabe, Yoshihiro Ozaki
  • Patent number: 7878652
    Abstract: Briefly described, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a computer control system and an environmental light source that is controlled by the computer control system such that an amount of light provided by the environmental light source is adjusted by the computer control so that ocular parameters of an examinee are within a targeted range. Further, the system includes an irradiation system that provides multiple angle and axial eccentricity illuminations and selective wavelength irradiation based upon instructions received from the computer control system, wherein the computer control system instructs the irradiation system to provide different irradiation characteristics for different screening procedures. Also, the system includes an image detection system that captures ocular images of the examinee, wherein the computer control system analyzes captured images and provides results of in-situ analysis. Other systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: University of Tennessee Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ying-Ling Ann Chen, James W. L. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7824033
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining spherical and cylinder components of subjective refraction of a patient's vision includes a wavefront measurement device that can produce a measure of quality of vision in a return beam from the patient's eye viewing a target through a corrective test lens in the apparatus. The corrective lenses may be varied and a plurality of measurements of quality of vision may be obtained and analyzed to determine the spherical and cylinder components. Accordingly, the eye examiner may conduct a refraction examination without a subjective response from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ophthonix, Inc.
    Inventor: Shui T. Lai
  • Patent number: 7819524
    Abstract: An optotype presenting apparatus for presenting an optotype to be used for testing a visual function of an eye of an examinee, the apparatus comprises: a display unit including a memory in which a plurality of optotypes is stored and a display on which at least one of the stored optotypes is displayed; an operation unit by which at lest one of the stored optotypes to be displayed on the display is selected; a pilot lamp placed to be visible by the examinee who is in front of the display; and a control unit which turns on the pilot lamp when the display unit is powered on and the display is in an off-state, and turns off the pilot lamp when the display unit is powered on and the display is in an on-state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Kanazawa, Toshiya Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7771051
    Abstract: The ophthalmic device comprises a memory, display, image data and user input. Image data stored on the memory is used to generate a plurality of visual acuity images. The user input is operable by a user to select selected visual acuity images from the plurality of visual acuity images for display on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Rahim Hirji
  • Publication number: 20100188637
    Abstract: System and methods for testing and/or training a subject's visual ability are provided. More specifically, the method may include testing various aspects of the subject's visual acuity, such as clarity, contrast, tracking, etc. By using various tests, a more efficient examination may be administered. In accordance with the invention, an individual may be tested using methods of testing and/or training at a unitary center, where the unitary center is capable of presenting visual tests to the individual, receiving input from the individual, and processing the received input. Such a unitary test center may further be configurable, so that the tests administered may vary based on the needs of the individual. The received input may then, for example, be used to compute data related to the user's visual acuity, both overall and for each individual test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Ryan C. Coulter
  • Patent number: 7762664
    Abstract: System, methods, and devices are described for eye self-exam. In particular, optomechanical and digital ocular sensor reader systems are provided. The optomechanical system provides a device for viewing an ocular sensor implanted in one eye with the other eye. The digital ocular sensor system is a digital camera system for capturing an image of an eye, including an image of a sensor implanted in the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Wolfgang Fink
  • Publication number: 20100182566
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for determining the individually required addition (Add) of a vision assist for an eye, the method having the following steps: a) a preliminary addition (Addpreliminary) is determined; b) the depth of field (T) of the eye is individually determined; and, c) the addition (Add) is computed according to the following equation: Add=Addpreliminary??T; wherein ? defines a real number which lies in the range 0<s?1. The invention is further directed to a corresponding arrangement for carrying out the method as well as a computer program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: B. Monique Becker, Jesús-Miguel Cabeza-Guillén, Timo Kratzer
  • Publication number: 20100177278
    Abstract: System and methods for testing and/or training a subject's vision and coordination abilities are provided. More specifically, the method may include testing various aspects of the subject's vision and coordination abilities, such as eye-hand coordination, split attention, reaction time, body coordination, etc. By using various tests, an efficient examination may be administered. In accordance with the invention, an individual may be subjected to such a method of testing and/or training at a unitary center capable of presenting such tests to the individual, receiving input from the individual, and processing the received input. Such a unitary test center may further be configurable, so that the tests administered may vary based on the needs of the individual. The received input may then, for example, be used to compute data related to the user's vision and coordination abilities, both overall and for each individual test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Ryan C. Coulter
  • Patent number: 7731364
    Abstract: A method and device to assess centration of a visual axis, evaluate retinal function, foveal function, and/or visual field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Gholam A. Peyman
  • Patent number: 7708403
    Abstract: An apparatus that measures images of at least a portion of an eye and records data sets indicative of a neurological condition. A method of the invention employs a plurality of images, or a plurality of data sets, or at least one image and at least one data set to provide an interpretive result based on the interrelation of the images and data sets, such as by superposition. The apparatus and method thereby provide guidance as to the presence of a medical condition in a patient. The apparatus includes modules that observe images and/or data sets, that analyze the information, and that superpose the information. Modules are provided to store information, to provide data output, to provide reports, and to display information, including superposed images and data. Modules can be provided in hardware, in software, in firmware, or in combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Newman
  • Patent number: 7703919
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for diagnosing and treating subjects using neuro-ocular wavefront data. As such, in some embodiments, among others, neuro-ocular wavefront data is obtained, and one or more characteristics of a visual system are ascertained from the neuro-ocular wavefront data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Digital Vision, LLC
    Inventors: Keith P. Thompson, Jose R. Garcia, Phillip Randall Staver
  • Patent number: 7699471
    Abstract: A subjective refraction technique uses a plane wave light source including substantially a point as a viewing target. The refraction method provide for a number of distinct identifiable end points. By finding such end points the process leads to an aberration-corrected vision. A defocus corrector assembly (DCA) includes a lens that is moveable along an optical axis between a patient's eye and the point light source for adjusting defocus power until the patient indicates that the blurry image has become a relatively focused line image. An astigmatism corrector assembly (ACA) which is capable of continuously variable in its amplitude is provided including a pair of astigmatism plates for adjusting astigmatism power and axis angle. The ACA is adjusted until the patient indicates that the line image has become a substantially round image. A reference marker provides displayed items including a sweep line overlapping at the point source and having an orientation which is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Shui T. Lai
  • Publication number: 20100091242
    Abstract: Process and system for determining the topography of bioelectric response signals of a visual system including a patient's retina, optical nerve or a projection thereof at the level of the central cortex, following visual stimulation through a surface arranged in front of the patient's eye. An image which comprises a plurality of cells is displayed as stimulation, each cell being activated or deactivated according to a corresponding digital time function represented by a cyclical succession of binary m-sequences of duration (T) formed from a plurality of activation symbols (N), each having a duration (Ts), the m-sequences of the various cells being obtained cyclically from a mother m-sequence. The process determines the total bioelectric response of the visual system, the response associated with each cell being determined by the total response of the visual system using a cross-correlation with a suitable translated version of a mother m-sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Claudio Baglini, Gabriele Vestri, Francesco Versaci
  • Patent number: 7686769
    Abstract: Treatment apparatus and method for the enhancement of neurophysiological processes of a patient's visual system utilizes a computer generated display that provides a patient simultaneously with passive visual stimulation images and visual cognitive exercises. The stimulation images include moving elements having edges or points of contrast. The exercises include visual and phonological elements. The invention is used to treat reading, writing and speech disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as having broader applications for example in sports sciences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Cellfield Pty Limited
    Inventor: Dimitri Caplygin
  • Patent number: 7682021
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a retinal disease in a human include locating and defining one or more zones of vision within the human's visual system and defining a treatment area which is located within at least one of the zones. The method of this embodiment may also include treating the human's retinal disease by presenting visual stimuli to the treatment area at a specified location and with a specified definition and recording changes in specified characteristics of the human's visual system. The method of this embodiment may also include reiterating the previous steps so as to improve the human's overall visual system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: NovaVision, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernhard Sabel
  • Patent number: 7597445
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a program for optometry, which is used for a control device. The program includes a first unit to measure an amount of heterophoria of eyes of an examinee to be examined in a horizontal heterophoria examination, a second unit to display an operating method to allow the examinee to implement a Sheard criterion identifying examination on a display device, a third unit to allow the examinee to implement a convergent or divergent test of the eyes based on the operating method, and a fourth unit to calculate a prism amount for prescriptions based on the heterophoria amount and the convergence or divergence of the eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Tomohiro Sakurada, Tatsuro Yokoi
  • Patent number: 7575321
    Abstract: An apparatus that can measure images of at least a portion of an eye and record data sets indicative of a neurological condition. A method interrelates an image and a data set to provide an interpretive result. The apparatus and method thereby provide guidance as to the presence of a medical condition in a patient. The apparatus and method can be used in an iterative measurement process, in which the apparatus attempts to discern normal health from a state of health that is not normal health. If the interpretive result is consistent with normal health, the process terminates, information is recorded, and an optional report is given. If the interpretive result is not consistent with normal health, the apparatus and method attempts to distinguish which condition is consistent with the data and images used, and can iterate with additional measurements and information to attempt to provide a useful interpretive result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Newman, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug
  • Patent number: 7556380
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the self-measurement of intraocular pressure utilize a tonometer disposed within a housing and having a tonometer tip. The apparatus further includes an adjustment mechanism in communication with the tonometer for positioning the tonometer tip in contact with a test eye of the user, and an illuminator mounted within the housing adjacent the tonometer tip. A receiver is aligned with the tonometer tip for receiving an applanation pattern created by contact of the tonometer tip with the test eye, and a display is provided in communication with the receiver for displaying the applanation pattern to an observing eye of the user. The intraocular pressure of the test eye is determined from a force applied by the tonometer tip upon observation of a selected applanation pattern by the observing eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Eyelab Group, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce E. Cohan, Andrew C. Pearch, Zvi Flanders, Donald E. Gillespie
  • Patent number: 7549749
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a visual stimulator, which comprises a light stimulation source, a regulable attenuator of light, mirrors for reflecting light and light detectors. The visual stimulator in accordance with the invention comprises a mirror chamber and a mirror tube constructed of mirrors in which the reflecting points of the mirrors form various angles with respect to each other, and which have been connected to each other such that light beams disperse from the mirror tube to the mirror chamber without hindrance regardless of the location of the object to be examined or a part of it in the mirror chamber and though the location of the object or a part of it would vary in certain limits in the mirror chamber, and that to one end of the mirror tube, viewed away from the mirror chamber a light stimulation source has been directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventors: Antti Valjakka, Arto Urtti, Janne Ahonen
  • Patent number: 7537342
    Abstract: A subjective optometric apparatus includes: a target-presenting device; an optical element-arranging device configured to set optical elements between the target-presenting device and eyes to be examined; and a controller configured to control the target-presenting device and the optical element-arranging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventor: Tomohiro Sakurada
  • Publication number: 20090109399
    Abstract: A device to carry out tests of the macula of a subject's eye to identify disease such as age related macular degeneration. The device includes a stimulus light source comprising a stimulus spheroidal chamber with a stimulus light located therein to emit light through an aperture in the stimulus spheroidal chamber into the eye of a subject. The stimulus light source may include a plurality of light emitting diodes of differing colors. A controller controls the intensity and the color of the light emitted through the aperture of the stimulus spheroidal chamber to the subject. There is also an adapting light source comprising a light contained within an adapting spheroidal chamber. The adapting light source provides a bright light that can be used to remove the subject's dark adaption. There is also an alignment detection system that verifies that the gaze of the subject is toward the stimulus light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Matthew L. Severns
  • Patent number: 7524065
    Abstract: Tools and techniques for vision testing alter refractive characteristics of rendered digital imagery and use feedback from a test subject to calculate information about errors in the subject's vision. Some embodiments produce a rendered digital image with vision-realistic rendering, present the test subject with the rendered digital image, accept input from the test subject and change the refractive sharpness of the rendered digital image in response to the input. Then they calculate refractive errors or other information about the test subject's vision based at least on: input from the test subject leading to a refractive sharpness change made during the changing step, and a refraction model which relates visual acuity to changes in the refractive sharpness of rendered digital imagery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: John W. Ogilvie
  • Patent number: 7520610
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing data representative of an interaction between a user (12) and his work environment (14), characterized in that it includes the following steps: acquisition (E1) of data representative of the position in the course of time of the user's gaze at visual elements of a visual scene forming part of his work environment, during the interaction between the user and at least one interface element of the work environment, acquisition of these data being achieved by an oculometric apparatus, processing (E3) of data acquired in this way in order to determine at least one visual pattern comprising a sequence of visual elements and occurring on several occasions in the course of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventor: Alexandre-Lucas Stephane
  • Publication number: 20090091707
    Abstract: A physiologic test, and a system for implementing this test, including, from a methodologic point of view, (a) illuminating the central field in a test subject's eye with a relative-motion test image produced on an image display structure by a motion-image-creation structure, (b) by such illuminating, creating a related, subject-perception image, (c) requesting a subject report describing the observed presence and nature, if any, of a distortion, relative to the test image, in the perception image, and (d) thereafter utilizing such a report to assess a test subject's physiologic condition involving macular, paramacular, and neural-pathway physiologic degeneration. A preferred test image, which is fully adjustable by a test administrator with respect to substantially all of its image parameters, takes the form of an image field of elongate, spaced, parallel lines, having edges which distinctly contrast with a background field, and which move smoothly and linearly across the image field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: John B. Rush, Dustin J. Rush
  • Patent number: 7494220
    Abstract: A method and associated system improve accuracy in objective refraction measurements by including the measured distance between the photoreceptors of a subject's eye and the scattering location of light during the objective refraction measurements. Chromatic aberrations in the objective measurements are also compensated. The distance between the photoreceptors and the scattering location may be determined by adjusting a distance between a rotating speckled light pattern and an eye until the speckled light pattern appears to be stationary, or by employing a Scheiner disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard James Copland
  • Patent number: 7481534
    Abstract: System, methods, and devices are described for eye self-exam. In particular, optomechanical and digital ocular sensor reader systems are provided. The optomechanical system provides a device for viewing an ocular sensor implanted in one eye with the other eye. The digital ocular sensor system is a digital camera system for capturing an image of an eye, including an image of a sensor implanted in the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Wolfgang Fink
  • Patent number: 7470026
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring operating vision. An optotype mark is displayed (step 103). A subject's response to the optotype mark is accepted via an input device (step 104). A determination is made as to whether or not the response is correct (step 105). When the current response of the subject is correct and the previous response or one of the previous response and the last-but-one response is incorrect, an optotype mark corresponding to the same visual acuity is presented (step 112). When the previous response is correct or both the previous response and the last-but-one response are correct, an optotype mark corresponding to a visual acuity one level higher is presented (step 110). When the current response is incorrect, an optotype mark corresponding to a visual acuity one level lower is presented (step 111).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignees: Qualitas Inc.
    Inventors: Minako Kaido, Kazuo Tsubota
  • Patent number: 7458686
    Abstract: Provided is an optometry apparatus capable of checking details of input operation performed by a person to be examined to smoothly perform an examination. The optometry apparatus includes: an optical head portion having a liquid crystal display device for indicating an index such as a Landolt ring to the left eye of the person to be examined; an optical head portion having a liquid crystal display device for indicating an index to the right eye of the person to be examined; a joystick lever for inputting a reply to the indices indicated by the liquid crystal display devices, which is operated by the person to be examined; and a control portion that causes the liquid crystal display devices to display operational detail information indicating operational details of the joystick lever operated by the person to be examined in addition to the indices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventor: Yukio Ikezawa
  • Publication number: 20080278682
    Abstract: A system and method for retraining the visual system of a subject with damage to the striate and/or extrastriate visual cortex includes displaying a visual stimulus within a first location of an impaired visual field of the subject; and detecting the subject's perception of an attribute of the visual stimulus. The system and method are believed to effectively recruit undamaged higher level structures in the visual system to assume the functions of the damaged structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
    Inventors: Krystel R. Huxlin, Mary M. Hayhoe, Jeff B. Pelz
  • Publication number: 20080212032
    Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing a user's visual skills and for therapy is provided. The method disclosed determines the user's visual skill diagnostic score. The visual skill diagnostic score allows the user or the supervising professional to ascertain the user's visual ability. The method is designed to be executed on a computer having a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Barry L. Seiller, Kathleen S. Puchalski