Abstract: A grid formed with apertures of a predetermined shape is illuminated with light from a lamp and projected onto a tear meniscus accumulated on the lower eyelid. The aperture image projected on the tear film is imaged by a CCD camera. The tear meniscus functions as a concave mirror, so that the magnification factor depends on the radius of meniscus curvature. A processor calculates the magnitude of the grid image and evaluates the radius of meniscus curvature. Since the volume of lacrimal fluid varies depending upon the radius of meniscus curvature, the latter is used as a value representing the lacrimal fluid volume for dry eye diagnose purposes.

Abstract: A system comprising a kiosk is provided where the kiosk is for assessment of a user's needs including, for example, vision needs. A method of assessing a user's needs and a method of advertising products and services such as vision related products and services are further provided.

Abstract: The optometry apparatus includes an index projecting optical system for projecting an index for cross cylinder test to an eye for shortening examination time, a variable cross cylinder lens disposed on an optical axis of the index projecting optical system, for forming one pair of projection images of the index by switching of an astigmatic axial angle while predetermined astigmatic power is set, a joystick lever and a button used to input a result of comparison between appearance states of the pair of projection images of the index, and an initial value setting unit for determining an astigmatic axial angle of the variable cross cylinder lens to cause one of the pair of projection images of the index visually recognized and to cause the other thereof in a blurred state based on objective values of astigmatic power and an astigmatic axial angle of the eye, measured in advance, and for setting the determined astigmatic axial angle as an initial value for astigmatic axial angle measurement.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing night vision are disclosed. At least one visual mark is presented to a test person having an open pupil from a distance of several meters. The visual mark is configured as a light point, and a visual impression of the test person is determined by means of the visual mark. The apparatus comprises means for opening a pupil of a test person, in particular a darkened room. An examination position for the test person and a presentation apparatus for visual marks arranged at a distance of several meters from the examination position are also provided. The presentation apparatus comprises at least one point-shaped light source. A light beam thereof is directed towards the examination position. Means are provided for determining a visual impression of the test person with the help of the visual marks.

Abstract: When a Landolt ring optotype is presented in a visual acuity testing unit, an examinee answers a position of a slit of the optotype through an operation of a joystick lever or the like. If an examinee gives a right answer within a standard time at a first presentation of optotype, examination at a higher visual acuity grade is executed by presenting a smaller Landolt ring optotype. In case of a right answer over the standard time, reexamination at the same visual acuity grade is executed twice at the most. If a right answer is given at least once, examination at a higher visual acuity grade is executed. In case of a wrong answer within the standard time at a first presentation of optotype, reexamination at the same visual acuity is executed only once. If the right answer is given at this reexamination, examination at a higher visual acuity grade is executed. Reexamination is thus executed, so that the result of the examination is correct.

Abstract: To synthesize an aperture mask having unnoticeable steps with a taken fundus image. In an image processing apparatus, taken fundus image data is inputted and then analyzed. After that, an aperture mask is selected and inputted as aperture mask data, and an image size of the fundus image compared with an image size of the aperture mask. The image size of the aperture mask is adjusted to the image size of the fundus image and then the fundus image data and the aperture mask data are developed in raster format to image memories. The image size of the fundus image is adjusted to the image size of the aperture mask based on the comparison result and a coefficient for low pass filtering process is determined according to the image size of the fundus image. After that, the degree of clearness of corresponding fundus image data is calculated based on each pixel value of the aperture mask data on which the low pass filtering process has been performed and the calculation result is outputted to the image memory.

Abstract: The presence of eyeglasses worn by a human subject is detected regardless of whether the subject's head is viewed frontally or in profile. Image data within search windows defined relative to the subject's eye is processed to form linear representations of edge boundaries. Angles formed by intersections of the linear representations are determined and used as a basis for determining if eyeglass lenses are present. When prescribed eyeglass components are detected, the eye detection and tracking routines are configured accordingly.

Abstract: An integral apparatus for testing twilight vision and glare sensitivity and a method for operating the apparatus. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A system for delivering a touch sensitive screen task to a subject includes a touch sensitive display for presenting visual stimuli to a subject and for providing a response of the subject, hand position monitoring unit(s) for receiving input indicative of the position of a hand of the subject and for providing output signals representing said position and a controller/processor unit operatively coupled to the touch sensitive display unit and to the hand position monitoring unit(s) for receiving output signals from the hand position monitoring unit(s) and for processing the output signals to control the displaying of the visual stimuli on the touch sensitive display unit. A method for operating the system includes receiving from the subject signals representing a response of the subject to visual stimuli, receiving signals indicative of the position of the subject's hand and processing the signals to control the presenting of visual stimuli.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining an eyesight age, the apparatus including: a storage module to store at least one test image and age-specific response information for the at least one test image; a control module to receive user adjustment information indicating a variation in the at least one test image and to determine an eyesight age of a user based on the user adjustment information and the age-specific response information; and an output module to output the determined eyesight age.

Abstract: Eye refraction is measured to achieve desired quality via a selected vision characteristics. A characteristic of vision is selected to correlate to the desired quality of vision from a group of vision characteristics comprising acuity, Strehl ratio, contrast sensitivity, night vision, day vision, and depth of focus, dynamic refraction over a period of time during focus accommodation, and dynamic refraction over a period of time during pupil constriction and dilation. Wavefront aberration measurements are used to objectively measure the state of the eye refraction that defines the desired vision characteristic. The measured state of refraction is expressed with a mathematical function enabling correction of the pre-selected vision characteristic to achieve the desired quality of vision. The mathematical expression function may be a Zernike polynomial having both second order and higher order terms or a function determined by spline mathematical calculations.

Abstract: The presence of eyeglasses worn by a human subject is detected regardless of whether the subject's head is viewed frontally or in profile. Image data within search windows defined relative to the subject's eye is processed to form linear representations of edge boundaries. Angles formed by intersections of the linear representations are determined and used as a basis for determining if eyeglass lenses are present. When prescribed eyeglass components are detected, the eye detection and tracking routines are configured accordingly.

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.

Abstract: A display device for projecting images of an imaging plate into a retina of an eye of a viewer has a light source, a scattering plate for scattering the light from the light source, an imaging plate transmitting the light scattered by the scattering plate, and an optical unit with a lens for focusing the light transmitted through the imaging plate into an eye of the viewer. The scattering plate can move between the light source and the imaging plate.

Abstract: A system for approximating flux density of light on a human retina. A housing has an opening allowing light to pass to inside the housing. A baffle coupled to the housing replicates a facial cutoff function response for the light inside the housing. Two detectors are positioned to detect the light inside the housing. One detector produces a photopic spectral response function of the light inside the housing that approximately replicates a spectral response of the foveal cones in the retina. Another detector produces a scotopic spectral response function of the light inside the housing that approximately replicates a spectral response of rods in the retina. A processor coupled to the detectors calculates a mesopic flux density of the light inside the housing based on the photopic and scotopic spectral response functions.

Abstract: An eye target apparatus and method helping to control an operative eye focus line of sight position during medical procedures on the operative eye of a cooperative awake patient. The apparatus includes a housing for occluding substantially all visual perception from an exterior environment for a non operative eye, the housing including a cover, with an internal surface that forms a plane approximately perpendicular to the non operative eye line of sight axis. Also included is a visually perceptible element adjacent to the internal surface being in visual communication with the non operative eye and structure for moving the visually perceptible element within the plane to any selected position, the apparatus is operational to help the non operative eye focus on a selected line of sight position upon the visually perceptible element with the result in assisting in the operative eye achieving a stable selected line of sight position.

Abstract: An optometric apparatus comprises: a pair of right and left lens chamber units, each unit including a test window and optical elements to be selectively disposed in the test window; and a controller including a transmitting part which transmits a control signal in the form of an optical signal to the lens chamber units to selectively dispose the optical elements in the test window, the transmitting part being adapted to widen an extent of diffusion of luminous flux of the optical signal more greatly in a forward to upward directions than in a lateral direction.

Abstract: An optometric apparatus comprises: a pair of right and left lens chamber units, each unit including a test window and optical elements to be selectively disposed in the test window; a convergence unit which converges the right and left lens chamber units; an input unit with which a pupillary distance of an examinee is inputted; a calculation unit which determines a convergence angle of the right and left lens chamber units based on a distance for a near vision examination at which a near vision optotype is presented and the inputted pupillary distance, the convergence angle for the inputted pupillary distance longer than a predetermined reference distance being determined such that an optical axis of the optical element is substantially aligned with a visual axis of an examinee's eye, whereas the convergence angle for the inputted papillary distance shorter than the reference distance being determined such that the right and left lens chamber units are converged without coming into contact with each other; an

Abstract: An optometric apparatus for a subjective examination of a visual function of an eye of an examinee includes a pair of right and left lens chamber units, each including, a test window and a rotating disk on which a plurality of optical elements are mounted in a circumferential arrangement to be changeably placed in the test window, the optical elements including a green filter and an aperture.

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.

Abstract: A device using light emitting diodes directed at the patient as a light source for evaluating the appropriate color and density of filters or sunglasses for a patient is disclosed. The device may be used with additional filters or sunglasses to determine what filter or sunglass color and density will provide optimal vision for targets of varying spatial frequency. The device may also be used with additional filters of varying color and density to determine the health of the patient's ocular media.

Abstract: A method for isolating and quantifying impairments of a subject's gaze stabilization system is provided. A subject's static visual acuity is measured to arrive at an assessment. The subject's visual acuity is then measured when the subject's head is moving and a display object is fixed to arrive at a first dynamic measurement. The subject's visual acuity is also measured when the subject's head is fixed and the display object is moving to arrive at a second dynamic measurement. The assessment and the first and second dynamic measurements are then used to determine an impairment of the subject's gaze stabilization system.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a subjective optometric apparatus in which the earpiece members and the nose pad member for attaching the main body of the device to the subject can be easily adjusted without involving any effort. The subjective optometric apparatus has a horizontal frame and an inner tube inserted into the horizontal frame, with a support bar for supporting a nose pad member being passed through the horizontal frame and the inner tube. In a state in which the inner tube is being biased by a spring, a rubber member provided in a through-hole of the inner tube abuts the peripheral surface of the support bar to lock the support bar, thereby bringing the nose pad member into a locked state. Further, when a push-button is pushed in against the biasing force of the spring, the inner tube is displaced and the rubber member is detached from the peripheral surface of the support bar, with the result that the nose pad member is released from the locked state and becomes capable of being displaced.

Abstract: A subjective optometric apparatus comprises: right-eye and left-eye examination units, each including a test window and optical elements that are manually selectively disposed in the test window; an indicator provided in each examination unit, the indicator being arranged to indicate information on the optical element disposed in the test window and generate fluorescence by ultraviolet light; and an illumination unit which includes a light source and illuminates the indicator with the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A vision metric, called the sharpness metric, indicates the subjective sharpness of a patient's vision by taking into account both the wavefront aberration and the retinal response to the image. A retinal image quality function such as the point spread function is convolved by a neural quality function, and the maximum of the convolution over the retinal plane provides the sharpness metric. The sharpness metric can be used to control eye surgery or the fabrication of a lens.

Abstract: A display test system includes a symbol source and a controller connected to the symbol source for receiving a symbol in response to a testing event whereupon the controller causes the display to produce a first area having a first light intensity, and the symbol at a second light intensity within the first area. A viewer uses an input device to verify to the controller the ability to discern the difference in light intensities of the symbol and the first area by describing or identifying the symbol.

Abstract: An LED fixation device that is secured to a patient's face and covers the patient's fellow eye during eye surgery to provide a lighted fixation target. The fixation device includes an eye shield, a battery, a switch and an LED light source secured to the eye shield. The light source is switched on, and the patient is directed to look at the light source during the surgical procedure. The eye shield can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic and paper, and can be disposable.

Abstract: The proposed invention calculates the circumference of an optical lens taking into consideration external variations in lens size and shape. The invention, utilizing a uniquely designed optical lens tracing pen in conjunction with a specifically designed tracing template provides for a consistent method of measure with respect to the outermost ridge of a traced lens. The lens is traced utilizing the specifically designed invention pen, and scanned into a software system which receives the traced image and plots a lens shape based upon a calculated distance between first color template axis indicators and a second color pen tracing. The system further provides for a number of options to allow specification a prescription to be utilized in conjunction with the lens sizing information as well as the automated and transparent downloading of computer software and additional lens shape offerings reflected in updated versions of the invention.

Abstract: A method for measuring reading ability in which the test subject reads passages at a predetermined distance from the eyes of the test subject, the text size of the passages varying in steps in the reading order, the measurer assessing the test subject's reading ability on the basis of what the measurer hears. Each text passage contains at least one numeral word, indicating the visual acuity required by the passage. An auxiliary device for positioning the test subject's eyes at a desired distance from the object being viewed includes a plurality of parts of different lengths, linkable to one another in succession, from which parts the length corresponding to each desired distance is obtained by selecting and, when necessary, by linking the parts together.

Abstract: An optometric apparatus for examining refractive power of an examinee's eye subjectively, capable of performing highly-precise examination.

Abstract: An optometric apparatus for subjectively examining visual functions of an eye (PE) of an examinee is disclosed.

Abstract: There is now provided a method for determining vision defects and for collecting data for correcting vision defects of the eye. The method comprises projecting an image into the eye of the patient with an adaptive optical system having adaptive optical elements. The optical characteristics of the optical elements can be individually changed by an electrical signal. The presence of distortions of the image as perceived by the patient is determined by interaction of the patient with the examiner. By way of an electronic control system the optical characteristics of the adaptive optical elements are changed through outputting of an electrical signal to obtain a modified image with minimized distortions in the eye of the patient. The optical characteristics of the adaptive optical elements, as modified, are determined and vision correcting data for the eye being examined are computed from the optical characteristics of the adaptive optical elements, as modified.

Abstract: An optometric apparatus (2) includes a rotary prism (136a, 136b) disposed in front of the eye (E), for adding a prism degree to the eye (E); a rotation device including a pulse motor (181, 184) and a rotation transmitting mechanism (146, 147, 176, 176a, 177, 177a, 178, 179, 182, 183, 185, 186) for transmitting rotation of the pulse motor to the rotary prism, the rotation device being adapted for rotating the rotary prism to change the prism degree; a command device (43a, 43b) for generating a command signal to start and stop the rotation of the rotary prism; and a control unit (60) for controlling the rotation device to drive the pulse motor to rotate at a speed of 5 pulses/sec. or more when the control unit receives the rotation start command signal until when receives the rotation stop command signal, and, to change the prism degree at a speed of 0.1 to 1.0 prism/sec.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an ophthalmologic apparatus in which identifying power for the index or an index indicating state is improved to eliminate the confusion of a person to be examined, so that an eye examination time period can be shortened and the reliability of an eye examination can be improved. The ophthalmologic apparatus includes an index plate that displays an index, an index projecting optical system that projects the index to an eye to be examined, a variable cross cylinder that produces a pair of index indicating states of the index used for a cross cylinder test, a lamp and a liquid crystal screen that generate identifiers serving as identification information, and a dichroic mirror that combines the identifiers with the pair of index indicating states to be indicated to the eye to be examined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a vision-screening or test are provided. The method includes displaying a vision-screening or test on a display device that is initiated by a controller such as a handheld keypad controller, which is operatively associated with the computer-processing unit. The method also includes interactively completing the vision screening or test without the intervention of a health care professional.

Abstract: An optometric apparatus for subjectively examining a refractive power of an eye of an examinee is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of lens chamber units each having a test window, one for a right eye of the examinee and the other for a left eye; rotary disks in each of which a plurality of optical elements are set, the disks being rotatably placed in each lens chamber unit and including first rotary disks placed at positions nearer the eye and second rotary disks placed at positions farther from the eye. In the apparatus, the optical elements in the second rotary disks are larger in effective diameter than the optical elements in the first rotary disks.

Abstract: A three-dimensional observation apparatus is provided which includes an optical reflection member which reflects a light beam and converges the light beam after the reflection, and image projectors for right and left eyes which project a medical image for the right and left eyes on the optical reflection member and forms an exit pupil for the right and left eyes at a position apart from the optical reflection member by a predetermined distance. The apparatus also includes a holding member which keeps a positional relationship of the image projector for the right eye to the optical reflection member and a positional relationship of the image projector for the left eye to the optical reflection member.

Abstract: Passively tracking a user's eye gaze while the user is browsing a web page and modifying the presentation of the web page to the user based on the tracked gaze. By combining historical information about a user's direction of gaze on individual cached web pages, a browser may be enabled to represent regions of a web page that have been previously glanced at by the user in a modified manner. For example, sections of a web page that a user has previously read or viewed may be represented in a changed form, such as in a different color, brightness, or contrast, for example. In one embodiment, the portions of the web page previously viewed by the user may be represented as “grayed out” so as to be unobtrusive.

Abstract: An optometric apparatus for a subjective examination of a visual function of an examinee's eye includes a pair of right-and-left lens chamber units (2), each having test windows (4, 4′); and rotary disks (11-17) disposed in each unit, each disk holding therein optical elements (110-170, 180a, 180b, 181), one of the optical elements in each disk being placed between the test windows; wherein the optical elements include optical elements of 29 mm to 39 mm in effective diameter.

Abstract: A visual acuity examination apparatus is provided with a mark display face which has an outer face on which at least one mark is displayed so as to be viewed and which is formed such that the at least one mark and the periphery thereof are illuminated with a predetermined brightness, and a light shielding face which is disposed in front of the display face to be subjected to high speed movement, which is formed with a slit having a proper width and whose front face is formed so as to be illuminated with the same brightness as that of the mark display face. Accordingly, an accurate display contrast of the mark can be realized with a simple structure and without deterioration with age.

Abstract: An optometry apparatus of the present invention comprises an optical element 26 provided in a correction optical system 1, which has a spherical lens 24 and a cylindrical lens 25 and which corrects examined eyes E to be subjected to optometry, wherein the optical element is used so that targets are seen as if they were dispersed in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis O1 and shown simultaneously at a different distance or position in a direction of an optical axis through the eyes E to be subjected to optometry.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing an eye examination are disclosed. In particular, an object is recorded by a recording mechanism. The recording is transferred to a computer system, which is accessible to users. As users view the recording of the object, the appearance thereof is altered. The user will observe the various appearances and select the appearance that is the best or most clear. A prescription will be assigned to each appearance so that upon selection by a user, the prescription can be noted and used to obtain any necessary eye wear. The present invention is useful in detecting and diagnosing various ocular disorders or refractive errors such as emmetropia, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia and the need for prismatic lenses.

Abstract: A novel psychophysical visual test based on the visual response of the eye to alternating chromatic complementary colors or achromatic grays of varying saturation, luminance and/or contrast is proposed for the early detection of glaucoma, and other diseases. In one embodiment, although the luminance level remains constant, the visual stimulus alternates between two complementary or counter phase colors, preferably against a gray background at about 40 times a sec, for example, between blue and yellow. When the colors are alternated in this manner, the visual stimulus appears white or gray to an observer, instead of either blue or yellow. As the saturation is reduced, however, the alternating colors appear grayer, and then eventually cannot be perceived. Persons suffering from glaucoma and other diseases, however, find it more difficult than normal people to distinguish the visual stimulus as the saturation and/or luminance is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and methods for testing eyes. This method is objective in nature and can be performed by a technician, only requiring specialized personal to interpret the final prescription. The method comprises: Obtaining autorefractor, corrected autorefractor, and autolensometer results; Calculating sphere; Performing a Red-Green test; Calculating cylinder and axis; Determining minimum cylinder power; Determining final sphere; and Recording all data, wherein the steps of calculating sphere and calculating cylinder and axis do not rely upon subjective interpretation of responses made by the subject in order to complete the method. Furthermore, this method is capable of being fully processed by a computer so that a printout is produced that is suitable for interpretation by a refractionist.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the evaluation and measurement of metamorphopsia. The apparatus includes a pattern generator that displays a deformable pattern, such as an Amsler grid, on a computer monitor. The rectilinear grid includes substantially parallel and equally spaced lines that intersect at vertices. An input device, such as a mouse, is used by a patient or technician to detect areas of the pattern where the cursor is not visible to the subject, so that areas of scotoma can be marked. The input device is also used to adjust the positions of the vertices, and distort the grid, until the grid appears substantially rectilinear to the subject. The deformations of the pattern are then recorded, and can be retrieved for comparison to subsequent test results so that changes in visual field deficits or metamorphopsia can be sensitively detected, and even corrected by a lens that distorts images in the same pattern.

Abstract: A visual field test device (10) is disclosed which allows a larger area of the visual field to be examined and allows use of the device for testing for diseases of the eye and brain, for example, glaucoma. The device consists of a chart (12) which has visual target patterns (13) for the left and right eyes and which is foldable about fold line (45) so that the visual targets are on front and rear surfaces of the device (10). Each visual target consists of about 60 fixation targets (14), represented by sequential numbers, arranged to spiral outwards along lines (16) to facilitate use by test subjects. A plurality of test stimuli (21) are located on a rotatable disc (18) and the chart (12) has a central aperture (20) through which a selected test stimuli (21) can be viewed. Different test stimuli can be used as required and in one embodiment a moveable cover (22) can be used to obscure the test stimuli.

Abstract: The optometric apparatus desinged to reduce the number of switches for operating the apparatus and facilitate the switch operation of the apparatus, thereby allowing the examiner to conduct the examination efficiently.

Abstract: An optometric apparatus which makes it possible to efficiently perform the masking operation for presenting a target.

Abstract: A visual function measuring apparatus includes a visual target displaying device for presenting visual targets of different sizes successively to an eye to be examined, and a response inputting lever for inputting the response of an examinee to which the visual targets have been presented. The examinee's visual function is measured on the basis of the response input. The apparatus also includes a controller for controlling the device so that the visual targets presented to the examinee by the visual target displaying device may be changed in succession from a smaller visual target to a larger visual target.