Method and apparatus for testing the vision of a video display terminal user
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A programmable vision tester for use in an optometric examination of a patient, comprising:
- an image selector for selecting a preprogrammed image;
a frame buffer for temporarily storing the selected preprogrammed image;
a digital display screen for displaying the selected preprogrammed image, the digital display screen including an aperture substantially aligned with a line of sight from the patient to the selected preprogrammed image so as to provide a doctor a substantially unobstructed view of the patient;
a light source for illuminating the digital display screen; and
a power source for supplying power to the programmable vision tester.
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Abstract
This invention is a programmable vision testing apparatus and method for use in conducting optometric examinations of video display terminal (VDT) users. The apparatus uses a digital display screen accurately to represent a VDT used under actual work conditions. Further, a plurality of images can be displayed via the vision testing apparatus to provide a convenient and efficient way to test the eyes of VDT users with a wide variety of individual needs.
40 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A programmable vision tester for use in an optometric examination of a patient, comprising:
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an image selector for selecting a preprogrammed image;
a frame buffer for temporarily storing the selected preprogrammed image;
a digital display screen for displaying the selected preprogrammed image, the digital display screen including an aperture substantially aligned with a line of sight from the patient to the selected preprogrammed image so as to provide a doctor a substantially unobstructed view of the patient;
a light source for illuminating the digital display screen; and
a power source for supplying power to the programmable vision tester. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15)
an external memory storage site for storing the preprogrammed image; and
an input module to interface between the external memory storage site and the frame buffer.
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8. The programmable vision tester of claim 7, wherein the external memory storage site comprises a semiconductor memory.
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9. The programmable vision tester of claim 7, wherein the external memory storage site comprises a magnetic medium.
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10. The programmable vision tester of claim 7, wherein the external memory storage site comprises an optical medium.
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11. The programmable vision tester of claim 1, wherein the preprogrammed image is graphical.
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15. The method of claim 14, wherein the digital display screen is part of a mechanism selected from the group including a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a vision tester substantially of the type described in claim 1, and a vision tester substantially of the type described in claim 12.
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12. A programmable vision tester for use in an optometric examination of a patient, comprising:
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a digital display screen including an aperture substantially aligned with a line of sight from the patient to the digital display screen so as to provide a doctor a substantially unobstructed view of the patient;
an input port for receiving a removable memory device storing a preprogrammed image; and
means for reading the preprogrammed image stored on the removable memory device. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. An optical examination method for use in examining a patient, comprising:
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placing a digital display screen a selected distance from the patient, the selected distance corresponding to the patient'"'"'s work environment;
selecting a preprogrammed image to display on the digital display screen;
displaying the selected preprogrammed image on the digital display screen;
having the patient focus on the digital display screen; and
examining an eye of the patient substantially along a line of sight from the patient to the selected preprogrammed image.
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Specification