CA1172478A - Objective refractor for the eye - Google Patents

Abstract

OBJECTIVE REFRACTOR FOR THE EYE
Abstract of the Disclosure An objective refractor for the eye is disclosed in which knife-edge optics are utilized. The knife-edge optics cause characteristic illumination of the retina so that components of sphere and astigmatism can be identified.
Provision for remote reading of the characteristic images is provided with the result that two orthogonally disposed knife-edge images can identify the sphere, cylinder and axis required for prescriptive patterns giving the direction and magnitude of required prescriptive change. A system of at least two orthogonally disposed, (and preferably four), knife edges with weighted lighting is disclosed for detection Utilization of the knife-edge images is made possible by the detection of the low light level images at a detector having low noise level. A photo-sensitive element divided into a plurality of photo-discrete segments has light from the images proportionally dispersed over its surface. Such dispersion occurs through a matrix of wedge-shaped segments or alternately in the form of optical elements having cylindrical components. This dispersion of the light when used in combination with push-pull knife-edge patterns herein disclosed produces detectable low level refractive signal.
An embodiment using an optic having a plurality of side by side optic elements, each element having the effect of crossed cylinders, is disclosed with the detector. Separate independent and non-interactive positional information on one hand, and refractive information on the other hand, is provided. Consequently the disclosed refractor is insensi-tive to adjustment and can accommodate a large range of pupil configuration with insensitivity to local retinal variations in light emission.

Description

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; This application is a d~ivision of Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 389,012, filed October 29, 1981~

Thi~ in~enti~n relates to ob~ective refractors.
More particularly, thi~ inve~tion discloses an objective ; refractor utili~ing kni~e~edge op,i~s and remote image detection at necessarily low light levels~
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~ Knife-ed~e optics have not heretofoxe been prac-: 10 tically used wi~h remote objecti~e refractors. This is ~ because ~he ima~es produced by kni~e~edge optics in coniun ':.' tion with ~he eye are of extremely low li~ht levels. These low light level images are extremely ~ifficult to remotely detect.
Low light level detectors are subject to noise.
~ Specifically 1~ detecting across a broad detection surface a :~ difference of photosensitivity, ~he impe~anGe or resi~tance ` between adjac2nt portio~s of the same phot~sensitive surface .v~ is low. Where the resistance is low, and the corresponding ~: 20 electro~ move~ent high, ~he signal-to~noise ratio guickly becomes destructive of the image diffe~ence trying to be ~ensed. There resul~s a severe practical difficul~y in .~ trying to detect low light level images.
`. Objective refractors have heretofore been sensiti~e .; 25 to the positioning o~ the eye. Precise positioning of the eye has heen reguired before accurate objective re~raction can be made. Automatic positioning has not ~een provided for, especially in a form where the positioning i~formation , : , '~.

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: is non-interactive, separate and distlnct from the refractive information.
Moreover, prior art objective refractors have included sensitivity to ~he light level returned from the eye. Where, for example, a retina has a variation across its surface on light returned to the observer, heretofore varia-tions in the prescriptive readings have occurred~
ummary of the Inventlon An objective refractor for the eye is disclosed in which knife~edge optics are utilized. The knife-edge optics cause characteristic illumination of the retina so that components o~ sphere and astigmatism can be identified.
Provision for r~mote reading of the characteristic images is provided with ~he result ~hat two or~hogonally disposed knife-edse images can identify the sphere, cylinder and axis ; reguired for prescrip~ive pat~erns giving the direction and magnitude of reguired prescriptive change. A system of at least two orthogonally disposed, ~and preferably four~, knife edges with weighted lighting is disclosed for detection.
Utili~ation of the knife-edge images is made possible by the detection of the low light level imayes at a detector having ; low noise level. A photo-sensitive element divided into a plurality of photo~discrete se~ments has light from the .~ images proportionally dispersed over its surface. Such ~ 25 dispersion occurs ~hrough a matrix of wedge-shaped segments ::-. or alternately in the form of optical elements having cylin-drical components. This dispersion of ~he light when used in : combination with push-pull knife-edge patterns herein dis-~ closed produces detectable low level refractive signal.. An ; 30 embodiment using an optic having a plurality of side by side optic elements, each element having ~he effect o~ crossed cylinders is disclosed with the detector. Separate indepen-dent and non-interactive positional information on one hand, .:~ and refractive information on the other hand is provided.
; 35 Consequently ~he disclosed refractor is insensitive to adjust-ment and can accommodate a large range Df pupil confiyuration with insensitivity to local retinal variations in light ... . .
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The invention, in accordance with the parent application, may be summari~ed as providing an apparatus for testing an eye comprising in combination: an illumi-nated light source having a boundary with a knife edge terminator; a view path for viewing an eye immediately over the knife edge terminator; means for projecting the image of the light source proximate the knife edge terminator to an eye for producing in the eye illumination of the retinal plane; projection means for projecting the observed illumination of the eye along an optical path immediately above the knife edge terminator over the knife edge terminator to and on a detector surface; a detector matrix divided into four discrete quadrants, each detector matrix quadrant being photosensitive and having its photo-sensitive elements electrically isolated from the photo-sensitive elements of other quadrants; and means for receiving a signal from at least one electrode connected to at least one of the quadrants for emitting a signal proportional to the illumination of all the quadrants.
On the other hand the invention of the present application may be summari7ed as providing an apparatus for locating an eye and thereafter objectively refracting an eye about an axis comprising in combination: first and second boundaries along which illuminated light sources are disposed for projecting light to the eye to be tested; the first and second boundaries being spaced apart and substantially parallel one to another; at least a first portion of one of the boundaries and at least a second portion of the other of the boundaries being of substantially equal light emission characteristics and disposed to a terminator so as to define first and second knife edges terminating in opposite direc-tions; means for projecting the image of the light sources proximate the knife edge terminators to an eye for producing in the eye the illumination of the retinal plane; means for projecting the observed illumination of the eye along an optical path immediately over the knife edge terminators :

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to a detector plane; a detector located on the detector plane having a plurality of electrical connections thereto, each electrical connection for providing an electrical - signal proportional to the light incident upon a portion of the detector; means for illuminating ancl detecting the light along the first boundary and the second boundary to . determine the towards and away positioning of the eye to : be tested; and means for illuminating the knife edge seg-ments terminating in a first direction only to determine at least some of the refractive components of the pres-cription of the eye.
Furthermore, the invention of the present appli-cation may be considered as providing a process for testing the eyes comprising the steps of: providing a first linearly aligned and illuminated light source including a first por-tion defining a knife edge disposed in a first direction and a second portion defining a knife edge disposed in a second direction, providing a second linearly illuminated light . source including a first portion defining a knife edge in .` 20 the first direction and a second portion defining a knife--~ edge in the second direction; illuminating and projecting both the knife edges to the eye to produce at the eye an image of the light sources, projecting the image to a detector element having a plurality of detector segments;
illuminating the light sources at the boundaries to posi-: tion the eye along the optical axis of the detector instru-ment; positioning the eye towards and away from the detector element to create between the detector segments a signal having a minimum response; illuminating knife edges disposed in a first direction to determine a refractive correction to the eye.

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Objects, Features and Advantaqes It is an object of this invention to disclose a knife~edge test with tell tale illumination patterns on the - retina of ~he human eye. According to this aspect of the S invention, a light source wit~ a knife-edge terminator pro-jects collimated rays to the eye. Typically, a projection system is incorporated between ~he knife edge and the eye and is simultaneously used to project the resultant image from the eye to an image detector. The light patterns returned from the pupil of the eye have character:istic shape relative to the knife edge. Boundaries between l:ight and dark por--~ tions of the pupil with components parallel to ~he knife edge indicate components of sphere and astigmatism. Boundaries with compo~ents noxmal to the knife edge indicate components of astigmatism along axes at an angle to the kni~e e~ge.
~ n advantage of utilizing knife-edge testing wi~h respect to the human eye is that a tell tale pattern of pupil ~` illumination is present, which pattern indicates not only refractive error, but gives ~he sense and magnitude of cor-; 20 rection required. Consequently, ~he output of the detector does not rec~uire hunting in order to determine optimal .' rorrectionu A further object of this invention is to disclose !~ measurement of the human eye by objective refraction utili-zing at least a light source, at least one knife edge, com-bined projection and reception optics and a photodetector~
The source shines into the eye through an aperture formed such that at least a portion of the aperture bound~ry has a straight terminator, thereby acting as a knife edge barxier on the outgoing beam. The outgoing beam passes through the optics in a projecting capacity; images on the eye and there-~' after is passed to the detector by the same optics acting in ` a reception capacity. A single knife edge can be used, and functions as a knife edge for light projected to and return-ing from the eye. Indeed any such boundary which is straight : and knife edge like in character and which serves as an aperture edge for both outgoing and returning light simul-,`~ taneously will do, providing that the side of the boundary : '~
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A ~urthe.: object of this invention i~ to disclose a sequence of edge illumination of pre~erably four knife edges for interrogation of the eyeu These knife edges are prefer-ably divided into opposing paixs. One pair of knife edges is illuminated from opposite directions parallel to a first axis; the other pair of knife edges is illuminated from opposite directions parallel to a second axis, this second axis being at right angles to the first axis. This opposing and opposite illumination of Xnife edges produces a "push-pull" effect in the resultant images. Xmage changes due to changing optical prescription in sphere, cylinder and axis can be se~regated out from other image degradations, such as specular reflection from other portions of the eye as well as optical flare and ~he like from within the interro~ating optical train. Additionally, reduced sensitivity to eye position is achieved.
An advantage of the disclosed push-pull knife edge interrogation of the eye is that two separate and non-interactive information bases are generated. The first is positional inormation. The second is refractive informa-tion. Each of these respective positional and refractive i~formation bases are separate and non-interactive.
A further advantage of the disclosed detector is that accurate refractive measurements of the e~e can be taken over a wide area. The instrument contains insensitivity to adjustment. Hence, accurate refraction can occur even though relatively substantial movement of the patient may take place during th~ measurement.
A further advantage of the disclosed detector is that it can accommodate a large ran~e of pupil configura-tions. Moreover, pupil retinas having irregularities in their light transmission to the downstream detector can be measured. Such refractive measurement is insensitive to local retinal variations in the amount of light returned to the detector.

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An advantage of this aspect of the invention is ~hat a single detector can interrogate peripheral illumina-ting edges in ~equence. By th_s sequential interrogatlon, ~he components of reguired optical correction can be iden-tified seguentially in magnitude and sense.
An additional advantage is that the knife edges can each be separately provided with frequency coded light.
Simultaneous interrogation of multiple knif~ edges can occur.
A further object of thi6 invention is to disclose a preferred matrix of four knife edges for interrogating ~he eye. Knife edges are aligned in normally disposed pairs.
An advantage of the disclosed knife edge projection systems and light level detectors i~ that they can be incor~
, ~ porated in instruments of varying length. Moreover, a~d by ,~ 15 using in~rared illumination, the subject can vieu alcng a ~irst path an illuminated target and be intexrogated along the same path for perfection of the retinal image. A pre-ferred embodiment of light-emitting diode interrogation in the infrared spectrum is disclosed.
An object of this invention is to disclose a pre-ferred detector matrix for detecting low le~el light return~
ing from an eye subject to knife edge testing. According to this aspect of the invention, ~he detector matrix is divided ; into four discrete quadrants. Each of these quadrants is photodistinct in that the photosensitive elements are elec-trically isolated one from ano~her. By the expedi~nt of delivering light to a photodistinct portion, a si~nal is emitted from the photodetector which has a low signal noise ` ratio.
A further object of this invention is to disclose in combination with a detector having photodistinct elements specialized optic~ for the distribution of light. According to this aspect of this invention, multi-element lenses are inserted between a low light level image in the pupil of the eye and the detector. When the low light level image is centrally located, light is equally distributed to all four detector guadrants. With a linear change o position of the centroid of the low level light image, a corresponding linear . :,.

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change o image intensity occurs on all detector ~uadrants.
The detector emits a signal in proportion to the displacement of the centroid of the low light level image.
An advantage of this aspect of the invention is 5 that the detector is particularly suited for detecting the center of low light level images such as those returned from knife edge testing of the eye. The optical center of a low light level image can be rapidly indicated. Corresponding corrections can be applied to ~he eye to determine objec-tively the refractive correction reguired.
Yet another object of this invention is to disclosea mode of measuring at the detector segments the returned low level light images~ According to this a6pect of ~he inven-tion, a summing process is disclosed in which the image on a lS pair of guadxants is summed and differenti2ted with respect to the image on a remaining pair of quadrants. By the expe-dient of striking a ratio of the image intensity differences relative to the light received on all quadrants, an image ~ignal is received which is proportional to the displace~ent of low light level images projected.
Yet another object of this invention is to disclose lens configurations for utilization with low level ~ght detection aspects of this invention. According to a first embodiment, the resultant knife-edge image is relayed to a matrix of deflecting optical wedges or prisms. This matrix of deflecting prisms varies ~n deflecting intensity as dis-placement is varied from a neutral position.
A further object of this invention is to disclose a class of image d.ispersing optics, which optics may be util-ized for the displacement of light with optical detectorspreferably of the discrete photoguadrant variety. According to this aspect of the invention, an optic matrix is generated having an overall optical effect that may best be described using lens optics of the cross cylinder variety. A first ; 35 group of cylinder~ (of either positive or negative power) are laid in a first direction to in effect generate a first light deflective effect. A second group of cylinders are laid in another direction (preferaoly at right angles~ and disposed to generate a second light deflective effect. The cylinders used may be chosen from pairings which are positive and positive, negative and negative, or positive and negative kegardless of order30 There results an overall matrix of ; 5 optical elements, which matrix of optical elements causes distribution of light to each of the quadrants of photo-discrete detectors.
An advantage of the disclosed lens elements for ` utilization with photodiscrete detectors is that the greater 10 the number of discrete elements, the less critical the align-ment of the lens elements with respect to a knife edge becomes. For example, where a large number of randomly placed elements is used, $he need for precise alignment of knife edges with respect to the elements disappears 15 altogether.
Yet another object of this invention is to disclose other configurations of lens elements that will serve to distribute light among photodiscrete detector segments in r proportion to the displacement of low intensity ima~es. By 20 way of example, conical and ~andomly aligned prismatic seg-~, ments all have an effect which can he used with the photo-discxete detectors herein disclosed.
An additional and preferred embodiment of this invention includes a matrix generated by cylindrical lenses

2~ of positive and negative power. These cylinders are laid in ; side-by-side disposition. Along one side of the lens posi-tive and negative cylinders are aligned in a side-by-side array. Along the opposite side of the lens positive and neyative cylinders are aligned in a side-by-side array at 30 preferred right angles to the first array. There results a matrix of crossed cylinder lenses, including positive sphere, negative sphere cylinder in a first orientation and cylinder in a second and 90 rotated direction. This specialized lens has the advantage of dispersing light evenly in a pattern not 35 unlike that generated by the trace of various Lissajous figures~
An advantage of this lens is that when it is com-bined with a knife edge cutting across the lens matrix, the ~ . ~

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knife edge at the boundary can generate symmetric patterns for detection. These patterns evenly distribute light over a given area, which distributed light may then be detected to photodiscrete detecting elements.
An advantage of the knife edges utilized with the matrix of cylindrical lenses is that the electrical signal out from the detector is directly proportional to the inten-sity of the image ~nd the image displacement. Moreover, extremely low light levels can be sensed. Segments of the photosensitive surface can all be electrically isolated one from anotherO
An advantage of ~he cyllndrical embodiment is that the overall projection system xequired for the detect}on of light is ~hortened. Consequently, this projection system lends itself to compactness in the disclosed detector.
A further object of this invention is to disclose a preferred embodiment of the lens elements in ~ront of a four guadrant detector. According to this aspect of the inven-tion, negative lens surfaces are distributed in side-by-side random relationship over an optical surface, preferab:ly a refractive surface. Specifically, these surfaces are of ~
random alignment and closely spaced. An easily constructed lens element results.
An advantage of ~his aspect of the invention is that the optical surface can be easily constructed. For e~ample, it has been found that by utilizing a positive mold, ;~ such as a ballbearing impressed upon an optical surace or replicating media for an optical surface, one obtains a pexfectly satisfactory optical element.
:~ 30 A further advantage o~ this invention is that ~he disclosed randomly made optical surface or "pebble plate"
does away with the need for precisely aligning the knife edge with respect to an axis of the plate. Instead, both the pebble plate and the optic elements utilized with it can be randomly placed one with respect to another.
A further ~bject of this inven*ion is to disclose preferred embodiment of the matrix of cylindrical lenses in combination with a knife edge. Light from the knife edge is s `~7~7~3 projected through the specialized optics to ~he eye and light received from the eye passes again through adjacent portions ~f the specialized cylindrical lens. There results in the passage of light to the eye a Lissajous-like dispersement of light alon~ the knife edge. Consequently, only a portion of the light so projected can be 6een over the knife edge. The remaining portions of the light projected to the eye from the knife edge are not returnable to the detectors as the physics of the knife edge test renders these xays not visible. The portion seen over the knife edge images back to a position immediately above the segment of the cylindric~l matrix from `~ which projection originally occurred. At this segment of the lens a complimentary deflection of the light occurs. There ` results an enhanced displacement of the light~
,` 15 ~n advantage of this aspect of the invention is that the physics of a knife~edge test is used in combination with ~he predictable dispersion of light at the knife edge to screen out all ~hat light, save and except that which has a desired projection angle which can be seen upon return.
;!~ There results a low level light signal of enhanced sensitiv-ity returning from the eye.
A further advantage of this invention is that the ;returning light hits a segment of the cylindrical matrix ;lenses, which segment produces a complimentary defection.
This complimentary deflection not only further deflects the light, but produces an image center o~ gravity which is an enhanced, and improved signal.
A further object of this invention is.to disclose a flare control illumination pattern. According to this aspect :~30 of ~he invention, the projected light is weighted in inten-; sity about ~he center of the detector. Preferably, two light ~ources are projected on opposite sides of the knife edges being utilized. One area is remote from the knife edge, the other area is adjacent the knife edge. Specularly reflected images are a function of the illumination of bo~l areas and are 6ymmetrical or cancelling in their effect. These specu-lar reflections form a uniform background to the detector which can ~e ignored. The xemaining image changes are solely , ~ &
a function of the knife edge, which knife-edge images can be utilized to determine the sense of reguired corxection.
A ~urthex object of this invention i6 to disclose a preferred knife edge and aperture combination for a detector utilizing the invention set forth herein. According to this aspect of the invention, a detector with five apertures is disclosed. The detector includes a central aperture having a dimension of approximately two units by two units. Four peripheral apertuxes are placed for the sensing of light with each aperture being on a one by one basis. Knife edges are aligned to each aperture. The central aperture includes ~our inwardly mounted Xnife edges about ~he periphery of the two by two central ~perture. The peripheral one by one apertures ~include paired knife edges. These ~nife edges are each -15 aligned parallel to a knife edge o~ the central apertllre and faced in an opposite ~irection.
An advantage of ~his aspect of ~he in~ention i5 that all ~he light sources in the detector head are active.
No light sources are located merely for the emitting of light, which light is not utilized in a knife edge testing.
A further advantage of the preferred detector head is that it is particularly adapted to use in opposing detec-ting configurations. For example, the detector head can be utilized for examination of the produced images on a push-pull basis.
A further advantage of the preferred knife edge ` configuration of this invention is that the eye positional information and the eye refractive information are separate and non-interactive.
A further object o ~his invention is to disclose an apparatus and method for locating an eye first for tests.
This apparatus and process utilizes the specialized detector head immediately described above. First, knife edges are illuminated along co-linear borders of the central aperture ~nd the two peripheral apertures. The single knife edge of the central apertures faces in a first direction and is generally of two units of length. The paired knife edges of the peripheral apertuxe face in the opposite direction and . ,, 2~l~a are each one unit of length. All knife edges are examined together. The central two unit length of knife edge illumi-nates the eye on one ~ide o~ an axis. The paired and per-ipheral portions of the knife edge illuminates ~he eye on the opposite side of the same axis. Since the eye is illumi~
nated from both sides of the optical axes sensitivity to refractive error is eliminated. However, by using parallel `~ spaced apart co-linear borders, both positioning of the -~ optical axis to the eye and proper distancing of the eye can occur. There results a detector which is particularly sensi-tive to the placement of the eye in front of it.
An advantage of the disclosed seguence for posi-tioning the eye is that prescriptive refractive effects are ~; cancelled. As each of the kni~e edges are opposed and of equal length, the resultant projection of li~ht is not sen-sitive to the particular refractive error possessed by the eye. Instead, the detectors evenly illuminate all classes of eyes and permit these eyes to be centered both transversely ~` and towards and away from ~he detector.
A further object of this invention is to disclose a s particularly sùitable knife edge combination, which co~bina-tion is sensitive to prescriptive errors and insensitive to the positioning of the eye. According to this aspect of the "''r invention, portions of the apertures are illuminated at their ; ~5 knife edges. Typically, a knife edge faced along the central aperture is illuminated. Corresponding knife edges on the ,~ peripheral apertures are illuminated. The corresponding - knife edges face in the same direction, are parallel, but are separated by the width of the central aperture. There results a knife edge alignment all in ~e same direction.
An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that prescriptive refractive effects only are picked up;
, effects due to the positionin~ of the eye are in large mea-sure ignored.
Yet a further object of this invention is to dis-close a ~eguence of examination of the eye. According to ~his aspect of the invention, ~he eye i~ first positioned utilizing knife edges illuminated in opposite directions .~72~
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along co-linear portions of the aperture. Thereafter, knife edges aligned in the same direction along differing portions of ~he apertu~e are illuminated. Durin~ this last knife edge measurement, the optical prescription of the eye is determined.
An advantage of the seguence of examination o~ the eye using the preferred detector of this invention is that two discrete measurements with the preferred detector can occur. First, and using knife edge pairs, each member of the pair being co-linear but opposed knife edges, the centroid of the eye is determined. Thereafter, and using different knife edge pairs, each member of the pair being parallel aligned ~paced apart but with knife edges ~aced in the same direction refractive information is determined. This information originates in the difference sensed at the detector in the light level returned from the eye between the interrogations of`the second and different ~nife edge pairs. This differ-; ence contains prescriptive information which is insensitive to and separate from the positional information.
A further advantage of this invention is that the ou~put of the detector readily adapts itself to dri~ing motors in corrective optics. Motors can be activated to null airs and produce emmetropic refraction of the eye throu~h corrective optics.
An advantage of this apparatus and method is that the eye is first positioned with precision with respect to the objective refractor. During this position, all ambient -~ optical errors in the eye are ignored. Thereafter, and once the eye is properly measured for position, the optical errors of the eye are determined. This is determined even though minute movements of the eye being tested may naturally occur.
Such minute movements are ignored.
Other objects, features and advantages of this invention can be under~tood after referring to the following specification and attached drawings in which:
Figs. lA-lH are respective illustrations and pro-jections of light rays through the human eye from a knife edge and illustrating in ~chematic form the shape of knife~
edge images to be viewed;

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i Fig. lA illustrates an eye with a "near-~ ~ighted" or myopic conditioni .. Fig. lB is a schematic of the characterlstic : ima~e produced by such eye;
Fig. lC is a deflection schematic of a posi-.. tive spherical lens producing such a condition;
Fig. lD is a schematic of an eye with a "far-(. ~iyhted" or hyperopic condition;
. Fig. lE is a schematic of the characteristic , ~.,.
.. 10 image produced by such an eye;
Fig. lF is a vector schematic of a lens for producing such a condition;
Fig. lG i~ a combined vector schematic, knife .'. edge and charaGteristic image schematic o~ an eye ~. ~
having astigmatism oriented along a 45/135 ax~s;
and Fig. 1~ is a combined ~ector schematic, knife edge and characteristic image schematic of cm eye having astigmatism oriented along 0/90 axes;
.~' 20 Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art image `:~ detector illustrating an embodiment in which high noise ~ levels are present;
.. Fig. 3 is an embodiment of a low level light de-: tector according to to this invention wherein an image of ~
light source is focused to dispersing prism wedges and these ~. wedges proportionally displace the resultant image to dis-;: crete photosensitive surfaces;
Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a sp~cialized cylindxical lens matrix utilized with this invention, the cylindrical lens matrix having an underlying schematic drawing for explaining the function of the lens;
Fig. 4B is a diagram of illustrated segments of the i cylindrical lens, this diagrc~m illustrating respective seg-ments of positive spherel negative sphere and two components of astigmati~m along opposite c~es;
Fig. 5 is a per6pective illustration of a four element lens projected by a ~pherical lens system from a light source to an imaging plane;

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:~ IL7~8 Fig. 6 is a perspective similar to Fig. 5 with : multiple lens segments being illustrated;
Fig. ~ is a perspective view similar ~o Fig. ~ with three knife edges disposed at an angle over the face of the lens element;
. Figs. 8A, 8B and ~C are respective representations of lens elements and resultant images on detecting planes of a plurality of knife edges disposed over the specialiæed lens ~ element of my invention;
;;: 10 Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a low light level detector according to the preferred embodiment of this inven-tion, special note being made that the resultant matrix of photodiscrete ~eyments is ~ubject to coordinate transforma-tion to measure the applic~ble deflection;
"~ 15 ~ig. lOA is a side elevation schematic of a knife edge test on the eye of a myope illustrating the ~actors ; involved in the image produced in the eye during knife edge testing;
Fig. lOB is an illustration of a knife edge with the cylindrical matrix of this invention only schematically shown illustrating the preferred enhancement of the image util~.zing the cylindrical matrix and knife edge in combination;
Fig. 11 is a preferred e~bodiment of the projection system of this invention utilizing a projection lens, with weighted illumination surfaces being present for both control of flare and background specular reflection; and, Fig. 12 ~s an alternate embodiment of the system of this invention utilizing a lens matrix to both project light to the eye and receive light from the eye.
Fig. 14A is an optical schematic illustrating with respect to the lens element originally illustrated in Fig. 4A
how adjacent optical elements detour light to particular detector quadrants;
Fig. 14B is an illustration of detector quadrants fabricated from equal cross cylinders, here shown as negative cylinders combining to be negative lenses, which detector guadrants in turn may be divided into our portions with each ~5~
; portion detouring the light impinging ~hereon to a particular and discrete detector segment;
: Fi~. 14C is an illustration demonstrating how a multiplicity of elements reduces the criticality of knife ~` S edg2 alignment with respect to the lens segments;
Fig. 15A is a schematic illustration of knife edges : cutting the lens element ~f Fig. 14B with distribution of the ; light being shown over the detector segments;
: Fig. 15B is a schematic illustration of displace-ment in the X direction of the image shown in Fig. 15A, and particularly useful for explaining the weighting of the image ::' with respect to the Figure;
Fig. 15C is an illustration similar to Fig. 15B
wi~h the displacemen~ of the image here occurring in the Y
~: 15 direction;
: Fig. 16~ is a schematic of the improved detector head o~ this invention illustrating the two by two central apèrture, and the ~our one by ~ne peripheral apertures with the respective alignment of ~he knife edges set forth;
Fig. 16B is a plan view of the detector of Fig. 16A
.~ illustrating the apertures and knife edges;
-: ~ig. 16C is an illustration omitting a portion of :~ the optical train and illustrating how the detector of this : inventisn is utilized to place an eye in proper position for measurement, three detector states being illustrated, the detector states bein~ the eye tos close for examination, the eye too far away for examination, a~d the eye properly posi-: tioned for examination;
Fig. 16D is an illustration similar to ~ig. 16C
with the knife edges being illuminated in an interrogating ~equence designed for determining the refractive corrections necessary for the eye;
Fig. 16E is a perspective embodiment of an eye having imaged light sources therein with the light sources : 35 relayed to a position in front of the specialized optics with resultant projection to a detector illustratedi Fig. 16F is an illustration of the detector plane illustrating how ~pecular reflection is eliminated as a :~ .
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considera-tion where in-terroga-tion by the objective refractor occurs;
Fig. 16G is a perspective representation similar to ;~ Fig. 16E utilizing one knife edge, which knife edge when incorrectly placed towards and away from the de-tector screen ` ~ produces error in the resultant signal;
Fig. 16~ is a view of the detector of Fig. 16G;
Fig. 16J is a pexspective view similar to Fig. 16E, 16G with the utilization of three knife edges being illustrated;
Fig. 16K is a view of the detector surface of Fig. 16J
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illustrating the detector correctly placed and focused;
Fig~ 16L is a view of the detector of Fig. 16J showing a placement of the detector in an incorrect alignment with the respective images on the detector still registering the correct optical prescriptlon;
;~ Fig. 17A is a perspective view of the preferred "pebble plate" oP this invention wherein side by side negative lens surfaces are impressea on a refractive element; and Fig. 17B is a section through the "pebble plate" taken along the lines 17B-17B of Fig. 17A;
Figs. 18A-18D are respective schematic illustra-tions o a knife edge and detector surface illustrating the so-called "push~pull" knife edge interrogation of the eye.
Referring to Fig. lA, a human eye E having a cornea C
and a lens L is shown viewing a knife edge K. Knife edge K
includes an illuminated portion 14, an edge portion 15 and a point 16 (shown by an X) immediately above edge 15 from which observation of the illuminated portion of the pupil of the eye :,! .
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is made. The knife edge is typically placed at an optically .. infinite distance ~rom the eye by the expedlent of collimating ::: optics (not shown). Alternately, projection of the knife edge may occur.to any known optical distance.
It will be appreciated that although the side 14 o~
knife edge K is illuminated or luminous, this illumination terminates along edge 15. Thus no light can be incident : through lens L onto the rear retin~ R of the eye from points above edge 15.

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~ ereinafter, when the term "knife edge" is util-ized, it will be understood ~hat three discrete functions are referred to.
First, ~here i5 a light source. Secondly, the S light source terminates along a boundary defining a straight line or knife edge terminator. Thirdly, the knife edge ~-i terminator defines immediately thereover an optical path to a detector element.
The illuminated surface below knife edge 15 will 10 produce illumination on the xetina R. Fig. lA assumes that eye E is afflicted with myopia. The image plane 18 of knife edge K through lens L will be in front of the plane of ~he rPtina o~ the eye. A poin~ along this image will form an illuminated oval shape 20 on the retinal surface of the ~ye.
Placing ~n observer at point lfi and having the observer peer just over the top of the knife edye, will cause light to be collected ~rom an oval area 21 o~ the retina of the eye.
It will be seen ~hat the area of illumination 20 ~0 and the area 21 overlap. This area of overlap is identified by the numeral 24. Rays from area 24 may be traced back to the portion of the lens L that will appear to an observer at 16 to be illuminatedO Specifically, the light will appear to be apparently from the bottom of lens L.
Referring ~o FigO lB, an image of how lens L will appear is drawn. This image of lens L ~hows the illuminated portion caused by light returning from sector 24 within ~he circle of possibl~ returning light 20 from poin~ 16 ~bove knife edge 15.
It is important to note that this view is a char-acteristic of the knife edge. It indicates that lens L is excessi~ely positive and the eye E has myopia.
Immediately above Fig. lB is a schemati~ diagram lC. Schematic diagram lC illustrates in vector format the excessive positive power of lens Le and/or C in Fig. lA.
Turning to Figs. lD, lE and lF, farsightedness or hypermetropia is illustrated. Knife edge K wi~h illuminated : portion 14 stopping at terminator 15 projects light to the , 1 ~2~

retina R of an eye through a cornea C and a lens Le. As previously ~hown, the focal plane 18' is here behind the ~ retlna ~. Projection of the knife edge to optic~l infinity r''' is assumed and not shown.
~-` 5 Taking projected light from the eye, an oval of illumination 23 from one point of source area 14 will be shown on the retina.
, ~ Viewing from a point 16 above the terminator 15 of - knife edge K, will allow the person to collect light from oval area 25. The viewer will see light returning from an illuminated portion 23 of area 25.
Fig. lE is a view of lens L and how lens L appears to be apparently illuminated. Referring ne~t to Fig. lF, a schematic reprPsentation of the negative deflection of the lens r.e or C is illustrated in vector format.
Referring to Fig. lG, only a schematic representa-tion of a lens L, a kni~e edge K and a retina R is illus~
trated. Lens L is illustrated in the ~chematic vector format similar to Figs. lC and lF. In Fig. lG, lens L is a cross-cylinder lens having power obliquely aligned to edge 15.This lens has a~tigmatism along 45-135~ mexidians. Lens L
has a positive power along meridian 30 and A negative po~er along meridian 31. It will he noted that the respectiYe meridians 30 and 31 are at preferred 45 angles to edge 15 of 2~ knife edge K. Not~ng the meridians 30, 31, the deflecting power in the vicinity of these meridians can be shown. For example, and commencing clockwise ~rom the right, at the three olclock position 32, light will be deflected down-wardly. At ~he ~ix o'clock position 33, the light will be ; 30 deflected to the right. At the nine o'clock position 34, ;~ light will be deflected upwardly. Finally, at the 12 o'clock ; position 35, light will be deflected to the left.
Analyzing the action of such a lens in conjunction with a knife edge K can be guickly understood. Light on one

3~ lateral half of the lens passing above the knife edge K wi}l ~e deflected to the examined eye where it can be viewed.
Light on the opposite segment of the lens L will be deflected into the knife edge K where it may not be viewed. Conse-.

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,. i 19 guently, the image of the retina R will have a terminator T
at right angles to the edge 15 of knife edge K. One segment -o~ the lens L will be illuminated. The illuminat~d portion of the lens L is shown at 36. ~s previously set ~orth, the terminator will not be sharp hut rather have a blurred edge.
The term "terminator" should be understood in this manner as it is used hereafter.
The case of a lens L having 0-90 astigmatism can be understood with reference to Fig. lH. Specifically, in Fig. lH, positive cylinder is placed along meridian 40 which is normal to edge 15 of knife edge Ko Negative cylinder is placed along meridian 41 which is parallel to edge 15 of knife edge K. The image at the retina R includes an illumi-nated portion 46 with a terminator T ~hat is paxallel to knife edge K.
Referring back to Figs. lB and lE, it can be seen that the terminators T are in substantially the same hori-zontal direction as the knife edge. This being the case, it will immediately be realized that astigmatism with axes either parallel to or normal to the edge 15 of knife edge K
will appear ~he same as spheric~l components. Conse~uently, and when utilizing only one knife edge, only one component of astigmatism can be measured. The measurements of components of astigmatism normal to or parallel t~ the knife edge cannot be made. We can only ~ay that the information produced from such a measurement is an indication of a l'meridiodinal"
power. This measurement can be shown to make sense and be collated to knife edges K having alignments nor~al to the edge 15. For example, the reader is invited to review my U.S. Patent No. 4,070,115, issued January 24, 1978, wherein knife edges of differing angles are utilized for the testing of common lenses.
Having set forth the characteristic light patterns that may be produced on the retina of ~he human eye with knife-edge testing and directly observed, re~erence can now be made to the problems encountered in using knife-edge images for remote detection.

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Specifically, and where any kind of an image is projected onto the retina of the human eye, the intensity of that image must necessarily be low. Where the imagP is in the visible spectrum, the glare problems on the retina are 5 obvious. Where the image is either visible or infrared, the images must be of a ~ufficiently low intensity so that the eye is not burned. Rememberin~ that the rays are in effect focused by the lens L on the retina R of the eye, one can immediately understand that the projected light must simply be of a low light level.
When the optics of the eye are utilized to view the illuminated retina, as in the classical case of conventional objective refraction, only a faint image will be visible.
This faint image must be remotely detected if an objective refractor is to be automated. Moreover, the edge or "termi-nator" of the image will be far from sharp. The overall image must then be located on "weighted" basis. The problems associated with the projection of such faint images will now , be discussed.
Referring to the prior art apparatus illustrated in Fig. 2, a low level light detector is illustrated. Light source S movable about an XY plane P is imaged thxough a lens L to a photosensitive surface D. Photosensitive surface D
typically includes a single and continuous photosensitive surface, either ~f the photoconductive or photoresistivevariety. Typically, such surfaces have a "common" ~irst connection 50 and are monitored by evenly spaced electrodes 51, 52, ~3, ~4.
Terminals 51-54 are symmetrically spaced about the periphery of photosensitive surface D. Each of ~he terminals is typically connected by leads to the input of an ~mplifier 55. Amplifier 55 is of conventional design and amplifies the difference in electrical signal to produce an output propor-tional to X and Y at 56.
When the embodiment of Fig. 2 is applied to a souxce S of extremely low light level, a di~ficulty arises.
Typically, all the terminals 51-54 are connected to a single continuous and conductive layer of thP photosensitive ~ `~2;~ 7 ~
material. All these terminals have substantial conductivity between them. This relatively low resistance and high con-ductivity must be sensed at amplifier 55 in order to generate a signal at terminals X and Y which is proportional to the displacement of image of source S.
Where a high conductivlty and hence low resistance is present across electrical terminals, the intervening random motion of electrons creates noiseA This noise when received at amplifier 55 and suitably amplified alonc~ with the outputs for X and Y results in a low signal to noise ratio. Signal is rapidly lost as the intensity of source S
diminishes. For example, where source S images at 5 t on detector D, the predominant signals at terminals 51, 52 could well be lost in the resultant noise.
The problem therefore becomes one of designing complimentary optics and photodetectors which suppress ~he tendency of the detector shown in Fig. 1 to produce resultant noise at low image intensity levels.
I will disclose two embodiments. The first of these embodiments will be illustrated with respect to Fig. 3 and illustrate a first conceived and less preferred way of ac~uiring low light level sensitivity.
Thereafter, and with respect to the remaining illustrations, I will illustrate a preferred knife edge and lens array. This pxeferred knife edge and lens array illus-trates not only a new and useful lens, but additionally discloses the new light detector o~ my invention.
Referrincg to Fig. 3, and in understanding my first invention, I will first set forth the configuration of a plate W. After discussing my plate W, I will there3fter set forth the remaining optics and operation of the system.
Plate W consists of a matrix of optical wedges.
This matrix has a first and upper side 60 and a second and lower side 62.
; 35 For the convenience of the understanding of the reader, lens W here is shown of composite manufacture. A
first roof pxism 64 is positioned in the middle ~f lens W.

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? 2 The processing of light received uniformly over the top of prism 64 is easy to understand. A first portion of ~he light will be directed to detector segments Dl and D2. A
second portion of the light incident upon prism 64 will be deflected to detectors D3, D4.
Turning now to an outboard prism 65, it can be seen that this prism 65 only includes one facet. This facet will cause light incident uniformly over the top of prism 65 to be deflected only to segments Dl, D2 No portion of prism 65 is disposed to deflect light to detector segments D3, D4.
Prism 66 on the opposite edge of lens W is config-ured in the opposite direction. Specifically, light passing from the direction of source S throu~h prism 65 will be incident upon detector segments D3, D4; no light will be i~cident upon detectors Dl, D~.
The intervening prisms 67 and 68 can now be easily ~ understood. Prism 67 has a first portion biased increasingly ;.~ in favor of segments D3, D~ and a second portion or slope biased to a lesser extent to deflect light onto the detector segments Dl, D~. Prism strip 68 has segments sim.ilarly ~ constructed but biased moxe in favor of detector se~ments D3, : D4, and less in favor of detector segments Dl, D2~
Stopping here and understanding t:he right hand and . upper portion of lens W, it will be immediately seen that the further light is de~lected towards the right hand portion of lens W, the more light will impinge on detectox segments D3, : D4 and the less light will impinge on segments Dl, D2.
~ The intervening prisms 69 and 70 on the opposite .~ edge of lens portion 60 can just as easily be understood.
Prism 69 has a first facet biased increasingly in favor of segments Dl, D2 and a second facet so biased to a lesser extent to deflect light onto detector segments D3, D4. Prism strip 70 has facets similarly constructed but biased more in favor of detector segments Dl, D2~ and less in favor of segmentS D3, D4-; ~topping here and understanding the left hand and upper portion of lens W, it will be immediately seen that the further light is deflected towards the right hand portion of r ~ 3 lens w, the m~re light will impinge upon detector segments Dand D2 and the less light will impinge upon segments D3, D4.
Segments 62 of the lens are constructed in an analogous fashion. ~ere, however, the prisms run left and right. Deflection is divided between detector ~egments Dl, D4 on one hand and D2, D3 on the other hand.
Recognizing that the matrix of prisms is formed by the plate W, it will be seen that each area of the matrix consists of the effect of an overlying and underlyin~ prism.
These prisms will deflect light to the detector segments proportional to the location at which a souxce S is imaged.
Passing onto the remainder of the detector, a source S is schematically sho~n movable in an XY plane P.
~- This source S is imaged through a lens ~0 so that the image of the source S falls upon plate W at S'. Assuming that the ` image at S' is egual to or larger than one of the areas~`~ formed by overlying prisms ~trips, deflection of the light - onto ~he detector segments Dl-D4 will be weighted in accor dance with the position of the image S' on the plate W. A
lens 80' underlies plate W to relay the deflected images to the detector plane. Use of this lens is optional, but not required.
Detector D is typically a photodetector and can include photocvnductive cells, photodiodes, photoresistors, phototransistors, and any other light sensitive detector.
Specifically, the segments Vl, D2, D3, and D4 are all photo-discrete; that is to say they are electrically separate one from another. Each segment Dl-D4 has only one e,lectrical connection and the current bet~een "common" and the elec-trical connection i6 indicative of ~he amount of light inci-dent upon that particular detector segment.
By way of preferred example, a photosensitive cell including layers of doped silicon of P and N types bonded to an aluminum surface with appropriate electrical connectors on top and bottom, 6uch as manufactured by the United Det~ctor Technology Company of Culver City, California can be used.
The amplifier 55 is a conventional current to voltage converter and amplifier.
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~2~8 In operation and assuming that an image S' is projected to lens Wj light is proportionately distributed by the prism se~ments in the matrix to the respective detector segments Dl-D4. By amplifying and logic circuitry standard in the art, a signal indicative of the X,Y, position of the image S' on the lens W is produced. Note that "X" and "Y`' as ~hown in Fig. 3 are along the diagonals relative to the detector boundaries.
It will be noted, that as distinguished from ~he embodiment of Fiy. 2, the respective detectors are photo-discrete. The resistance between any two of the terminals is essentially infinite as it constitutes an open circuit. Only the amount of light falling on the detector segments p:roduces the desired proportional ~urrent flow. Rence, and even with 1~ incidence of low levels of light, the disclosed detector :~ arrangement is essentially free of noise from the electrical interaction of the detector segments.
Turning to Fig. 4A, I will now illustrate the preferred lens axray and preferred knife edge. This embodi-ment will first be discussed illustratin~ the make-up of a new lens utilizing Fig. 4A. Referring to Fig. 4B, I will illustrate the optical characteristics of each of th~ lens segments.
Referring to Fig. 4A, lens V consists of a series o~ side-by-side cylindrical lens strips. Positive cylin-drical lens strips 80 have inserted intermediately negative lens strips 81. These strips 80,81 alternate in side-by-side relationship with the lens strips themselves extending along the width of the lens parallel to arrow 86. Together the side-by-side lenses make up a first half of the lens gen-er~lly denominated as 88.
A 6econd and lower half of the lens 89 consists of 6ide-by-side positive lens strips 83 and negative lens strips 84. As was previously the case, the side-by-side strips extend across the lens parallel to the dimension arrow 87 and formed together the second side of the lens 89.
The reader will realize that the lens here illus-trated has been shown of composite make-up. In actual fact, ~2~7~
~5 the divisions between ~he cylindrical se~ments 80, 81 and 83, 84 are not visible. Typically, the entire lens is fabricated from molds and is made up of a uniform optical material which can be impressed with the desired shape, such as a lens plastic. As with the earlier example, this optical element may also be fabricated with one flat surface and an opposite composite suxface having the desired deflections herein described. ~aving set forth the make-up of the lens with D
respect to Fig. ~A, the optical effects of the underlying : 10 matrix will be set forth with respect -to Fig. 4B.
Referring to Fig. 4B, it will be remembered by those having skill in the optical art that two cylinders of equal powers set at right angles one to another can combine to be the equivalent of a ~pherical lens.
Looking at a first segment comprising cylinder segments 80, 83, it will be immediately seen thac a positive spherical lens effect C~ results from the combination of the crossed cylinders. Conversely, and referring to crossed negative cylindrical lenses 81, 84, it will be just as guickly realized that the crossed negative lenses result in a negative spherical lens effect C-.
It will be just as quickly remembexed that the combinations of crossed positive and negative cylinders have an overall cylindrical effect. In this way, it will be seen that segments 80 and 84 at the juncture where they cross form a combined crossed cylindrical lens Al. Similarl~, crossed negative and positive cylinders 81, 83 form a combi~ed cylin-~rical lens A2.
Stopping here and referring back to Fig. 4A, it 3~ will be seen that each of the discrete lens segments can now ; be labeled. They can be labeled according to their power.
As the pattern in Fig. 4B is repetitious, such labeling of a 6mall portion of the matrix continues throughout the entire lens.
Returning to Fig. 4B, various parallel rays in their passage through discrete lens elements have been illus-trated as deflected. These illustrated deflections of light can be used to generate a vectorial description of lens ` deflection.

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.~ 7 8 ~6 Referring to the illustrated lens deflections, it will be seen that each lens segment shown in Fig. 4B has arrows drawn in the corners o a figure, which figure i.~ a projection of the axea of the segment. ThPse arrows can be seen to be descriptive of deflections produced. They will hereafter be used to describe deflection produced by my invention.
Referring to Fig. 5, a point source of light S
proiects light through a spherical lens L to an image plane D. We all know that for all points within ~he system, that thP light will again project to a center point S' on the image plane D.
We now put in lens el~ment V, which I have invented. When plate or lens V goes in, we have a matrix of four side by ~ide lenses. 0~ one such matrix of four lenses is illustrated iII Fig. 5. In ~he preferred embodiment this matrix is repeated many times.
Denominating the respective segments, wa can put in the desi~nations C+, C- for the respective positive and negative spherlcal lenses. Likewise, we can put in ~e designations Al and A2 for id0ntifying the astigmatic seg-ments of the lens.
We may study another constraint of the system.
Remembering that all points S when imaged throu~h 2~ lens L converged on the poi~ts S', we may now ask ourselves what happens to rays passing through neutral points of the lens segments C+, C-, Al and A2. In each case, we find that the rays against must end up on the point S'. ~he guestion then becomes, how are the remaining rays deflected?
We know that we can use vector descriptions developed with respect to Fig. ~ to describe the deflection of light. This vector description can be made for each of the lenses about its neutral point. We therefore can sequen-tially describe what occurs at each of the remote 6egments of the C+ lens. Taking the principal ray of the system passing through point 114, we know that in the absence of ~pecialized lens V ~hat impingement would be on point SI. ~owever, and due to the vector d~flection towards the center of the spher-ical lens C~, we instead will have incidence upon a point ~4.
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An analysis of a point diametrically opposite the positive spherical lens C+, can be similarly made. Deflec-tion will ~ccur from the normal impingement s' to a new point 25 on the image plane.
. 5 Similarly, for a poink 116 on the plate V, a~- deflection to ~he point 26 on image plane s will occur. This deflection detouring light that was originally intended for point Sl. Finally, and from point 117 on lens C+, we find imaging occurring at a point 27.
: 10 We may now discuss the case of a negative lens.
Negative lens C includes a remote point 115' which point 115' again images at point 25. Similarly, it includes a point 116' ~nd 117' which points again image about point S' as previously describedO
It will of course be appreciated at this point with respect to the astigmatic segments of the lens Al and A2 that only two remaining deflections may be described. SpPci~i~
cally, these deflections are 115'' and llS " ' at the respec-tive corners. ~ight rays at these points will be deflected to point 25.
It will be hereafter seen ~hat what results from the projection of the source S passing through lens L with the specialized lens V substituted therebetween is an evenly distributed square light pattern on the focal plane D. This image on the plan~ D has a sguare shape. With movements of S
. along the X and Y axes, corresponding movement of the square - image on plane P will likewise occur.
Turning to Fig. 6, we again have a source S movable in an XY plane. Source S has an image on imaging plane P
throuyh a lens L. A specialized lens element V causes a deflection pattern with light contained inside a sguare boundary, as explained in the case of the matrix of four fiections.
Lens V is divided into lenses C~, C-, Al, and A2 as previously described, this time in a matrix of well over four such 6ections. Due to the complexity of the figure, only ;. some of each of the representative lens segments are labeled with the appropriate designations C~, C-, Al and A2.

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~8 ~ Continuing on with the view of Fiy. 6, we note - again ~hat all segments of the lens project light in square patterns. The light ~alls within a boundary o~ a sguare delineated by the points 24-27 as previously described.
Similar to the case previously described, we know ~hat where translation occurs, this translation will result in a deflecti~n of the entire squar~ image formed by the boundaries 124-127.
Placement of knife edges at varying ali~nments across the lens element can be instructive. Turning to Fig.
7, a source S images through a lens L to an imaging plane P.
Again, the specialized lens V is interposed this lens having a configuration the same as previQusly described in Fig 6.
This time, however, a knife edge is placed across the lens element at position Kl, forming a limiting aperture through which light from source S can pass through lens V and hence be.imaged by lens L on image plane P.
: As will hereinafter be more fully set forth, it is required that two conditions be met by a knife edged aperture disposed on the lens V.
First, the edge of the aperture must traverse equal portions of each of the four element types comprising speci-alized lens V (C~, C-, Al, A2).
Secondly, the edge of the aperture must be disposed across the lens V, at an especial slope to the boundaries of the lens elements o~ the matrix and not parallel to these boundaries.
A particularly preferred em~odiment is a ~lope of 2:1. The preferred slope i5 shown in Fig. 7. Every time the illustrated knife edges traverse two elements disposed in the horizontal direction, the knife edges traverse one element disposed in the vertical direction. Qther especial slopes, designed a b, will also obtain the desired ef~ect if and only if a is odd, when b is even, or b is odd when a is even, where a and b are whole numbers.
Knife edge Kl passes through point 135 on lens Al and point 136 on lens C-. It is known from the example of Fig. 5 that at these two points, that it will image at .
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respective points 1~5, 126 on image plane P. The question then becomes where will imaging occur medially for light xays passing between points 135 and 136, say at point 140. Real-i~ing that point 140 is the periphe.ral edge of a negative cylindrical lens C-, ~he problem is simplified. Specifi-cally, it can suickly be seen that a full negati~e ~eflection will be to the periphery of the square at a point 150. Thus, taking the case of parallel rays passing se~uentially across a knife edge from the point 135 to the point 136, it will be guickly seen that the light rays will image along a line 125, 150, 126.
Taking the case of knife edge K2 and passing from left to right the deflection may be understood by superim-posing thereon a ~imilar vectorial analysis. Starting at .. 15 point 141 on the left hand edge of knife edge K2, it will be remembered that we are in the middle of a positive sphexical segment C~. Deflections will be vectorially distributed towards the neutral portion of the element. Impingement of light at point 151 will result. Taking light incident upon knife edge K2 at point 142, it will be ~een that this point is at the upper segment of a positive spherical lens.
~eflection will therefore be downwardly and to the neutral - point of the lens with resultant impingement of the light at `~ a point 152.
At point 143, ~he light will impinge upon at a boundary between ~he two lens elements, the boundaxy here being that of a fully negative lens, C-. This fully n~egati~e lens will cause light incident at that point to be incident " at point 153.
At point 144, it will be noted that knife edge K2 .; passes through the neutral portion of a negative lens.
Consequently and in passing through the neutral portion, it will be incident upon the center of the sguare at the point S'. Finally, and in passing point 155, light will be inci-dent on the edge of the sguare at 155. There results the shown traced zigzag pattern of traced K2'.
We now for purposes of instruction trace the path of ray grazing knife edge K3 as it passes through the ele-.;,, .

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ment. We note that knife edge ~3 begins at point 146. Point 1~6 is a section of a posi-tive spherical lens C+ and projects to point 156 on ima~e plane PO
At point 147 we note that the li~ht ray is at a corner of a positive spherical lens C~ and a negative spher-ical lens C-. Light projected from point 147 following the same logic as in Fig. 5 ends up point 127 on plane P. Light from point 148 plots similarly. This light at a periphery of a negative lens element ends up at point 158. Thereafter, light from point 159 deflects to point 159.
We thus have traced knife ~dges Kl, K2 and K3.
There therefore remains the problem of tracing a more complex array in a similar manner. This has been illustrated with respect to the schematic plots of Figs. 8A and 8~.
Referring to Fig. 8A, it is in~tructive to illus-trate deflections of knife edges disposed along Fig. BA on the sguare image trace of Fig. 8B. ~ere, the observer will note that the light source S and the lens L have been omitted. All we are ~ow going to view is the knife edge as it is disposed across the lens element V shown on Fig. 8A and the resultant traced pattern as it appears in Fig. 8B.
Taking a knife edge defined by the points 180, 181, 182, 183 and 184, the trace can be rapidly generated. Takin~
point 180, it is observed that this point is at the edge of a positive spherical lens. Remembering that in the absence of plate V it would have been deflected to the center of ~he diagxam at point 195 and rememberin~ also that it is given a veetorial deflection by the lens element along ~he diagonal direction, it can be seen immediately that it arrives at point 194~ Taking point 181 along the knife edge, 181 will be seen to be a portion at the edge of a negative cylindric~l lens. This point is horizontally located from a neutral ~egment of a negative lens ~-. Accordingly, the lens ray will be incident at a point 191. By the same logic, liyht rays intermediate point 190 and 191 will fall along a ~traight line connecting points 190, 191.
Light from point 182 will project to the upper righthand corner at point 192. Remembering that it would ;
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originally have been direc~ed at point 195 and remembering also that it is at an edge of a lens C~, it will be directed to the upper righthand corner of the diagram.
Light from point la3 will be incident upon the same point as light from point 181. Remembering that light at point 183 is on the edge of a positiv~ spherical lens and that the positive sphere is directed to the left, deflection ~ will be to the boundary on the left.
-~ Finally, light from point 184 will project to point 194 which is coincident to pxeviously a]loted point 190.
We thus see that light along a knife edge int~rsec-ting the diagonal points of ~he lens always plots as a V.
It is interesti~g now to investigate light which ; passes through neutral points of the segments of ~he special-ized lens V. This has been plotted along the line which runs 186, 188, 185, 189, 187, 188', 189'.
~ First, the case of light at points 185 can be - easily demonstrated. In that case, we know that the light will in no way be deflected. No de~lection ~ill result at impingement of point 195.
~, Light incident on the lens of Fig. 8A at point 186 falls on the edge of a positive spherical lens. Falling on !',,','' ~ that edge, it must be deflected to point 196 on Fig. 8B.
Likewise, light incident at 188 falls on the edge '-~ 25 of a neg~tive spherical le~s. This negative spherical lens plots out at point 198 on the diagram of 8B. Similarly, light at point 189 falls on the opposite edge of a negative lens. This light plots out at point 199 after passing through the neutral point 195 of the lens. Thus, as the ;~ 30 knife edge traverses the negative lens C-, we see that we get ~' a linear deflection from points 198 to 195 and finally to ~, point 199. At point 187, we are at the edge of a positive spherical lens. This will deflect to point 197 as illus-trated in Fig. 8B. Light at point 188' will be at the edge of a positive ~pherical lens. This will plot out at point ... .
198'. The ~raverse of the knife edge ~rom point 188' to point 189' must pass through a neutral ~egment of ~he lens at 195. It will be found that point 188' plots on the lefthand ,:
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~' :, a edge of 19~' and point 189' plots at the righthand edge at 199'. Thus we see we get a pattern that almost looks like a fi~ur~ 8 drawn with straight lines that repeats upon itself.
It is not unlike a Lissajous pattern drawn with straight lines.
Fig. 8B is written on a background. This back-ground includes horizontal axes X and vertical axes Y. The fi~lre projects along boundaries 100, 101, 102, 103 (labeled clockwise).
-- 10 We can also ~ee that each o~ the lines traces into respective quadrants of ~hese figures. These guadrants themselves can be labeled quadrant 104, 105, 106, 107.
~ interesting observation can be made. The length of line resultant from the projections of the knife edge in each of ~he guadrants is egual. It is equal in linear length. It is also equal in the center of gravity sense.
Specifically, it will be found that the center of gravity o~
the line segments in all portions o~ the images falls sym-metrically about point 195~
We now go to Fig. 8C. Fig. 8C is a diagram of the matrix of Fig. 8B superimposed upon a detector. The detector includes photodiscrete quadrants Dl, D2, D3 and D4. Each of these guadrants has approximately the same area as the boundary sguare which includes the de~lection patterns pro-duced by the respective knife edges. At this point, it will be seen that the image in Fig. 8C has been moved along a diagonal 110 to the upper left. As previously illustrated, - the detector segments are photodiscrete or separate along lines of division 114, 11~.
In order to measure a deflection of the image on a proportionate basis, it is ~ecessary that the amount of line cut from a given knife edge always be pxoportionately distri-buted in each of the detector ~egments Dl-D4. This propor-tionate distribution should be egual to the direction and amount of displacement which has occurred. Therefore, where a displacement is along and parallel to a diagonal 110, respective detector segments Dl and D3 ~hould have equal amounts of light incident upon them. There should be no ;
I

~. ' .~ .

2 ~. 7 8 difference in signal registered between them to indicate a displacement other tban along diagonal 110.
In Fig. 8C, the trace of the knife edge of point 18~, 181, 182, 183, 184 has been generated. This trace plots is given the same numeric designation.
It can be ~emonstrated and is indeed apparent from ; a visual inspection ~f the drawin~, that the linear length of light line appearing in detector segments Dl and D~ is equal.
The linear leng~h of light line appearing in segments D2 and D4 is not egual. The difference is proportional to the displacement as it is occurred along the diagonal 110. Plot of the ~nife edge designated by points 186, 18a, 185, 189, 187, 188', 185, 189' yields the same results, and it will be ~ound that the amount of line residing in detector 6e~ments Dl and D3 is the same. The amount of light line remaining in detector segments D~ and D~ however is again dif~erent and by the same amount as before.
Displacement alon~ the opposite diagonal 111 will ; yield a similar result. Moreover, I ha~e found that ~is-placements on any direction followed the above rule. The difference in the amount of light line that is laid down between any opposite quadrants will be proportionate to the displacement. It is this result which allows me to apply this detecto for the det~ction of low level light sources ,. . .
``~ 25 with photodiscrete detector segments~
: It will be seen that ~he center of gravîty 19S or S' will thus be tracked in its displacement according to the difference in amount of light received at each of the detector segments. It is therefore possible to get a linear ; 30 ou~put.
Putting an infinite number o~ knife edges or narrow bands of light across the lens elements, it will be immedi-ately realized that the result will be a solid, evenly dis-tributed patch of light inside a boundary of the same shape as the lens elements. This patch of light will be the con-jugate image of every point source o~ light in a faint and measured image. By utili~ing a ~ummation of these conjugate distri~uted images, each bounded in a ~quare, I have a pecu-:

~ ;~7~l17~

liarly useful detector image which incident upon a detectorplane will read out X and Y positions for ~he center of ~ravity of a faint and remote image. It is this character-istic of being able to recogniæe the center of gravity of a faint image that enables this deteckor to be peculiarly useful.
~ aving described the construction of the lens element and the deflection that is utilized within the lens element, the apparatus of Fig. g can now be set forth.
Referring to Fig. 9, a light source S is illustrated in XY
plane P. This source S projects past a lens ~ and lens element V. Lens element V projects an image of light onto a detector surface D having photodiscrete quadrants ~l-D4.
In ~le embodiment of Fig. 9, it will be not:iced that source S i~ minates the upper right~and guadrant of plane XY. The low level intensity image is projected from source S through ~he combined lens L and specialized lens V.
- Specialized lens V is surrounded by knife edges Kl-K4. These respective knife edges all establish an opaque terminator to the otherwise transparent lens V pre~iously described.
Two optical effects are present when source S
projects its light past lens V and the knife edges Kl-K4.
First, the knife edges when projected to ~he sur-face of ~he detector D including the photodiscrete segments .. . .
Dl-D4 are at an angle to the s~uare sides containing ~he ~ ~ination.
: Secondly, the resultant light from any point on the image forms an evenly distributed square image, which evenly ; 30 distributed square image is translated on the detector seg-ments in accordance with the translation of ~he source S at the plane P. Thus, where the source S moves to the upper ;: right hand quadrant of the source P in Fig. 5, the square patch of light would move to the lower l~ft relative to an XY
plane. Moving to the lower left relative to an XY plane, the detector of Fig. 9 when connected to a standard circuit such as that shown in the amplifier of Fig. 1 can read out in the i, XY position.

~ ~2~

It will be realized, however, that due to the properties of the image, a coordinate transform will have to be applied as the edged directions and coordinate directions will differ. Since such coordinate transforms are well-known in the art, ~hey will not be repeated here.
The disclosed lens element has an unexpected result, when utilized to project light and receive light nver - a knife edge to and from an eye. Fig. 10A is a schematic diagram of light from a knife edge test impinging upon the ~ 10 eye of a myope. Fig. lOB is a schematic illustrating the ;- principle of how as light comes to a focus a signal enhancing displacement occurs.
Taking the case of the eye previously illustrated ; in Fig. lA, it will be remembered that this eye suffered from h~ vision defect of myopia.
Returning to Fig. lOB, a series of li~ht rays passing from knife edge K can in se~uence be considered.
Each of these light rays when passing from the knife edge `~ must ~irst pass through lens V. In passing ~hrough lens V, ' 20 *he light rays dependent upon their respective left to right ,~ points of origin encounter from left to right across the top of the ~nife edge lens ~egmen*s Al, C~, C- and A2 at the lens V point of meridiance.
Referring to Fig. lOA, a schematic of the knife edge test of Fig. 1 on the eye of a myope is illustrated.
This figure illustrates the phy~ics of the resultant rather indefinite image produced on the retina. A knife edge K
' illuminated at a portion 250 below a terminator.251 is imaged throu~h the lens L of the myope. This produces in accordance with the myopic deficiency of the eye E an image of the knife edge K' in front of the retina plane R.
`~ Viewing the respective points on which an image of the knife edge t~rminator 251 can be projected through 3 points on the eye can be instructive. First, and through the central portion of the eye, 262 it will be ~een ~hat the ; illuminated knife edge 250 will be projected on the retina throuyh an enlarged illuminated area 262'. Secondly, the ~ame knife edge when projected through point 261 on the eye :

7 a will be projected through an additional and enlarged area 261'. Finally, projection through point 263 will pxoduce an enlarged image 263'. Thus the total image will be spread over an enlarged area of the eye, which area ~f ~he eye must then, in accordance with the limitations of knife edge imaging, be viewed over the top of the knife edge terminator - 251. This will be the portion immediately over the term-. inator 251.
Constructing a straight line from point 261 to and across the image of the knife edge to retina of the eye, one immediately can determine ~ terminator of that portion of the -: retinal plane which may be viewed. Constructing ~ terminator of the viewed area over the ~nife edge, one can project an image of the terminator at 252'o ~onstructing terminators from point 263 through the terminator image 252' to the retina gives a window through which light impinging o~ ~he retina may be returned immediately over the knife edge K.
It will be appreciated that the terminatQr o the image on the retina will be indefinite and out of focus. As , , 20 correction is made to the eyes of the myope through inter-: ~ening optics,.the image K' of the knife edge will approach . ., :;~ the retina R of the eye. As it approaches the retina R of the eye, ~he terminators will sharpen. When the terminators ; ~harpen, the unexpected result of utilizing the displacing : 25 lens to project light to ~he eye and receive light back from : the eye will be enhanced with the sharpness of the image ::~ terminatox.
In encountering these respective se~ments Al, C+, C- and A2, the light will be deflected as it passes immedi-ately over the edge of the knife in the patterns previously described with respect to Figs. 8A and 8B. The light ~will attempt to generate a square pattern on the l~ns L of the eye E and finally pass to the retina of the eye R where the myopic condition is illustrated.
Knife edge tests even through a ~pecialized element such as the element V have one thing in common. This factor is that light returning to a knife edge always returns to a spot immediately adjacent the light area from which li~ht was . .

D~ nJ ~

originally emanated assumin~ a moderate state of refractive error. Thus in ~he illustrated case, light emanating from the illuminated edge of the knife (the reverse edge in the illustration of Fiy. 10B) will return to the knife edge K at 5 a position immediately above C+. The light will pass ~hrough the particular lens segment Al, C~, C~, or A2;
Observing further the diagram of the myopia illus-trated in Fig. 10B, we know that the light incident upon an area 24l will return from an illuminated area 24 from the lens L of the eye E. It will return and again receive an ~; upward deflection. When it receives this upward deflection, it will pass to a detector.
Two effects will occur because of ~he passaye of light to lens L of eye E through the specialized lens V.
- 15 First, rays deflected by the elements of the lens V
to any portion of the eye other than ~he upper portion 24' will never be seen. Thus, the total amount of light received back from the knife E QVer the top of the knife edge will be diminished; only those rays which are emanated to the upper ;' 20 portion of the eye will have enhanced reception upon their retuxn.
' Secondly, and since in knife edge testing of the eye rays return from diametrically opposite portions of the eye, light rays will have a greater total deflection when received back from the eye.
There results an image of increased deflection with increased contrast.
~ nother way to understand this aspect of my inven-tion is to analyze the case of parallel rays sequentially left to right leaving the knife edge. Upon passing through the specialized lens or ~Iwobble plate" V, all the parallel i rays will be sprayed in patterns, which patterns have been previously illustrated. Only that portion of the pattern which is sprayed to the upper portion of the eye L will be ~een over at the corresponding point along the top of the knife edge K upon return. Moreover, the portion that is ; returned will be returned from the lower segment of the eye 24 and have a second deflection upwardly upon passing by the knife edge K for the second time. This second deflection when received at a photodetector such as that illustrated in Fig. 11 will give enhanced contrast ~hrough enhanced light ray displacement in analyzing the resultant image.
Review of the images returned from the eye by other optical defects is analogous. In each case, the light that - can be accepted from a knife edge test enters the eye at oneportion and exits at a diametrically opposite portion. It can therefore be seen that the enhanced deflection principle above-entitled will work for all vision defects. For exam-ple, in the case of "farsightedness" illustrated in Fig. lE, light entering the bottom portion of the lens 23' will exit the top portion 23. Likewise and with respect to Fig. lG, light entering the lefthand se~ment of the lens L at 36' will exit area 36. The resultant enhanced deflection will be the same.
Referring to Fig. 11, the specialized lens V of i this invention is shown placed over a detector aperture ~00.
; Aperture 200 is surrounded by four knife edge pairs, the respective knife edge pairs being denominated by the desig-nations A, A', B, B' ~ C, C' and D, D'~
Observing these knife edges placed in a squaxe pattern about detector aperture 200, it will be nQticed that only the light emitting apertures A, B, C and D are immedi-ately adjacent the detector aperture 200. These lightsources having their edge adjacent the aperture 200 form the four knife edges previously illustrated.
It has been found in addition to the retinal reflections observed, there will be certain corneal and iris reflections going back to the detector Dl. If only one side of the detector aperture is illuminated, one knife edge will have the effect of weighting the image received at the detec-tor segments Dl, D2~ D3, D4. Since this is the case, it has been found expedient to illuminate the knife edges in pairs.
Thus when knife edge segment A is illuminated, ~egment A' is also illuminated.
Regarding ~egment A', it will be noted that it is ~eparated a distance from the knife edge formed by light ;~ ~72~

element C. Since it i~ separated by the width of the element C from th~ detector aperture 200, substantially no light will ~- return fxom source A' due to ~he retinal knife edge effect.
The only light that will return will be that light which is fr~m other reflected sources, such as corneal reflections, - iris light, and the like. In order to relay light from the knife edges and to the eye, and from the eye to the detector, a lens 203 may be optionally placed between the light sources and eye.
In order to assure that the combinations of illus-trated light sources A, A' contribute no weight to the over-all displacement of ~he image, both light sources are given an effectivity which is symmetxic to the center of the light-receivin~ aperture 201. In order to do this, light source C
lS is given an intensity slightly greater than light source C';
this intensity is such ~hat the product of ~he distance from point 201 to light source C equals to the product of the ~-~distance from point 201 to light source C'. Naturally, the same illumination scheme is utilized in light sources B, B';
- 20 C, C'; and D,D'.
i:
Relay of the image to the eye E is shown occurring via a lens 203. rhis relay system is only schematically illustrated ~ny number of relay systems can be used.
, , .It will be observed ~hat each of the light sources A-D' is covered with a portion o~ a lens. Preferably, the cylindrical lens is given a focal length so that in combi--nation with the o~her optics, the knife edge is proje~ted to the retina R of the eye E. Light returning from the faint image of the retina R of the eye E will pass through the lens element Y, the detector aperture 200 and to and on the detec-tor segments Dl-D4 previously described.
Referring to Fig. 12, a preferred embodiment of my objective refract~r is disclosed. According to this embodi-ment a wobble plate W is illustrated overlying not only ~he detector aperture 200 but additionally each of the light ~ources as well. Resultant deflection from each knife edge occurs as it is illustrated schematically with respect to Fig. 10. Thus, each of the four knife edges has an optical ,~, , .
. .

1 7 ~

pattern imaged to the eye and each of the optical edges in return passes light to the detector segments Dl-D4 in the manner previously illustrated. It can be thus seen ~ha ~he plate W herein can be operable either over that portion of the knife edge emitting liyht to the eye, that portion of the knife edge receiving light from the eye, or both (as illus-trated in Fig. 12).
During the development of this invention, I have made a surprising discovery. Specifically, I have determined that any optical element composed of cross cylinder lenses is sufficient for the practice of this invention. I have fur~
ther determined that the cross cylinder lenses can be formed from any repetitive combination of cylinders including the case where the cylinders are positive and positive, negative and positive, positive and negative, and/or negative and negative. Specifically, and with respect to matrices com-i~ posed of negative lenses, I find these to be a preferred embodiment, especially if they are placed in a random pattern with respect to the knife edge.
~0 I have fur~her determined that other optical sur-faces will work for the distribution of light. So long as the light is evenly distributed from a central detector position to all detector guadrants and light is proportion-ally moved between the detector segments with detected image Z~ movement, an optic element containing multiple deflecting facets will work.
By use of the word optic, I intend to cover both mirrors and lenses. By use of ~he word deflectlon I intend to cover both refraction and reflection.
As a~ example of the diverse surfaces which may be used, cylinders, randomly aligned pyramids and the like may all be utilized as ~he deflecting surfaces.
Referring to Fig. 14A, I have caused a diagram to be displayed illustrating negative lenses. In the diagram of Fig. 14A, a schematic representation of lens surfaces similar to that representation contained in Fig. 4B is used. How-ever, arrows 301-304 are utilized to illustrate the deflec-tion of light at portions of each of the optical segments of ; 41 each of the regularly placed lens elements. As before, the lens elements are labeled C+, C , Al and A2.
Examining each of the elements, it can be seen that ` with respect to the contiguous quadrants of each element C~, C , Al and A2~ all of the light impinging upon contiguous or adjoining guadrants will be directed to the same detector `~ guadrant. Thus, and with respect to the lower right quadrant of element C~, the upper right quadrant of element Al, the upper left ~uadrant of element C and the lower left guadrant of element A2, all light impinging upon these elements will be deflected to the same direction. Moreover, it will be seen that the contiguous ~uadrants together define an area the e~uivalent of each of ~he lens elements and having its boundary described a~out deflection arrow 304. This area of common deflection has been commonly shaded. All light impingin~ upon ~hat shaded area will be directed to quadrant DIV of ~he detector.
Similarly, and with arrow 303, all li~ht will be ;i directed to guadrant DIII; and with respect to arrow 30~, all light within that quadrant will be directed to quadrant DII
Thus it can ~e ~een that from areas of the lens matrix having the same size and shape as each of the lens elements ~+, C , Al, and A~, all light falling upon contiguous quadrants of the causes all light to impinge upon the same detector ; 25 guadrant.
I have discovered that the detouring of light at lens elements that are of all the same power can be utilized to detect low level light image displacement. Specifically, I have found that either positive cylinder lenses, negative cylinder lenses or astigmatic lens elements of opposite overall cross cylinder alignment can be utilized to generate the optic displacement utilized in my invention.
An example of this utilizing a negative lens ele-ment can be illustrated with respect to Fig. 14B. Referriny to Fig. 14B, a series of negative lens elements C- are all illustrated in side by side relation. Lens elements C- can in turn be divided into guadrants. These guadrants labeled counterclockwi~e in accordance with the convention previously :' ~ . .

, .
: , . .

4' 2 described for detector quadran-ts fall into subquadrants Ql deflecting light generally to the 10:30 counterclockwise position; ~2 directing light to the 8:30 counterclockwise position; Q3 deflecting light to the 4:30 clockwise position;

- 5 and Q4 directing light to the 1:30 clockwise position.
; section Ql will be directed to the detector ~uadrant I, all ` light impinging on detector segment Q2 will be directed to detector quadrant II, all light impinging upon detector segment Q3 will be directed to detector guadrant III.
Attending to the schematic of Fig. 14B further, it can be seen that a knife edge Kl laid out on a two to one slope will have equal portions of the knife edge passing to all segments of the detector. For example, referring to knife edge K1 it can be seen ~hat equal 'linear portions of the knife edge will be deflected by each lens quadrant to a particular detector segment. For example, comparing Fig. 14B
and Fig. 15A and examining the knife edge Kl from left: to right, it is seen that a first quarter of the knife edge will be deflected to and across detector guadrant DII. A second se~ment of knife edge Kl will be deflected to and across detector guadrant DIII; the third segment of knife edge K
will be deflected to and acros5 detector quadrant DI and finally the fourth segment of knife edge Kl to and across detector guadrant DIV. It can ~uickly be seen that equal portions of the knife edge Kl will all go to different detector guadrants.
It will be recalled from the foregoing discussion that two respective rules have to be followed wXen faint images are detected by the detector of my invention. The first of these rules is that when a centered image is detected, light is equally distributed among all the guad-rants. The ~econd rule that needs to be followed is that ~hen displacement of the image occurs, the light impinges with a weighted impact on the detector quadrant~. In effect an indication of the displacement of the light is given by the distribution of light at the particular detector quadrants.

i;L72478 `:
In actual fact, ~lis is not the case with the regular lens elements illustrated in Fig. 14B~ In place and instead of ~u~h a 6traight detection of the guantity of light hitting the photodiscrete segments, I have found it necessary to differentiate between the current at certain locations as :; compared to the overail light signal received on all four guadrants. This aspect of the invention will be discussed more specifically hereinafter with references to Figs.
15A~15C.
~ have additionally found that by passing the knife edge over a multiplicity of elements, the criticality of the obligue alignment of the knife edge with respect to the lens ;~ matrix generated is reduced. ~eferring to Fig. 14C, ~uch an alignment of a knife edge is illustrated.
It will be remem~ered ~rom the foregoing discussion that the knife edges when placed must follow two rule~.
. First, the e~ge of the aperture must ~raverse equal portions of each of the segments of the lens elements so that light from equal portions o the knife edge are all directed to separate detector quadrants.
Secondly, the knife edge must be disposed across the lens at a slope with respect to the boundaries of the lens elements hnd not parallel to these boundaries. A par-ticularly preferred slope of two to one has been previously illustrated, the reguirement there being present that ~he boundary traverse at least one set of four separate discrete elements.
Where the lens elements here illustrated are laid out in a regular side-by-side pattern with rows and columns of such elements occurring, it has been found that placing of the knife edges in alignment with the rows and col~mns, or precisely obliguely to the rows and columns results in a detector configuration which will not reliably measure the i displacement of the images.
Re~erring to Fig. 14C, it can be seen that the kni~e edge can traverse large number of discrete elements and ; closely approximate the prohibited horizontal alignment : described above. Specifically, and where multitudinous . .

2 ~ ~ ~

~; 44 elements in a side-by-side array are all created, the angle of t~e knife edge can more closely approach the axis of a row or a colum~ of discrete lens elements or alternately an ; oblique alignment of the elements without rendering the knife edge inoperative.
- I have even found as illuskrated with respect t~
Fig. 17, ~hat the lens elements can be placed in side-by-side ~- random aliynment. With respect to such a random alignment - where multitudinous lens elements are utilized with respect to each knife edge, I find that the distribution of light in equal proportion to each of the guadrants in accordance with ~he weighting of ~he overall image is closely approximated.
Accurate measurement can occur with such a configuration.
Referring to Fig. 15A, I illustrat~ a detector quadrant with knife edge illumination falling on the guadrant with respect to kllife edge Kl as disposed across a lens elèment similar to that illustrated in Fig~ 14B. It can be seen that the respective detector guadrants are labeled counterclockwise segment DI, segment DII, segment DIII and segment DIV. ~ikewise, it can be seen that the knife edge K
cuts respectively across segment DII~, DIV, DII and DI in sequence. It will be noted that the detector quadrants are larger than the projected images from the knife edge. Spec$-fically it is preferred if ~he detector area is four times ~5 ~he ~ize of the image to prevent ~ignal disparitiefi due to image excursion beyond the photosensitive surace.
Displacement of an image in the X dire.ction, how-ever, from the configuration illustrated in Fig. 15A to the configuration illustrated in Fig. 15B produces an interesting result. Specifically, it will be immediately observed that with displacement merely in the X axis direction, the amount o~ knife edge in detector ~egments DI plus DII or DIII plus DIV remains unchanged. However, this is not the case with respect to detector segments DI plus DIV or DII plus DIII-3~ For example, ~he length of knife edge Kl in detector segmentDIII is reduced. This ~ni~e edge segment appears instead at segment DI~.

1 ~ ~ 2 4 7 ~
:
Displacement of the image in the Y direction from ~ the configurati.on illustrated in Fig. 15A to the configura-~ tion illustrated in Fig. l~C likewi~e produces an interesting result. Specifically, it will be observed that with dis-placement merely in the Y axis direction, the amount of knife edge in detector segments DII plus DI~I or DI plus DIV
` remains unchanged. ~owever, this is not the case wi-th respect `: to detector segments ~I plus DII or DIII P IV
at the amount of light in each quadrant during the motion from the configuration in Fig. 15A to the position o~ Fig.
15C does produce sorne non linearity. First, and during the first part of the motion, it will be seen that the amount of knife edge in quadrant DII reduces until all of the knife edge ~1 passes out of quadrant DIIo When this motion has occurred, the knife ~dge will then pass out of the detector quadrant DI. There will be at detector quadrant DII no further light reduction. In short, there is a non-linearity resulting from the displacement in the Y direction for each quadrant seen separately, but the sums of DI plus DII or DIII
plus DIV hehave in a linear fashion with translational motion in YO
I have ound that by diferentiating the sums of :; total light received with respect to the light received at certain quadrants, a signal proportional to the displacement in the X and Y directions can be generated. For example, : where displacement occurs in the X direction, I find that by the fvllowing formula a signal with respect to displacement in the X direction can be generated: , .;. .
~ 30_ _ !~ D - LI-LII-L~ LIV
x LI+LlI+L~ LIv . _ Similarly, because of the non-linearity appearing in displacement along the Y axis as illustrated in Fig. 15C, I again have found that by differentiating certain of the segments with respect to the other detector segments in compari~on to the total light received, a signal with respect 2 ~
.;

to the Y axis displacement can be generated. Such a dis-placement can b~ obtained by the formula:
;

_ _ D = LI~LII-L -L
Y ~I~LII~L~ L~V
_ :

where:
Dx is the displacement in the X direction;
Dy is the displacement in the Y direction;
LI is the light impinging upon quadrant I;
LII is ~he light impinging upon quadrant II;
LIII is the light impinging upon ~uadrant III; and, LIV is the light impinging upon detector quadrant IV.
In the use o~ most objective refractors, there is a proble~ of positioning which i~ commonly encountered. Specl-~ically, the eye must be aoquired. Acquisition includes '` 20 pl~ciny the eye in the proper alignment to the optical axis of the instrument or in what may be described as a "XY"
positioning. Moreover, once the eye has been acquired along ; the optical axis, the towards and away position of the eye is `~ impoxtant. For this aspect of the invention, a specialized aperture has been devel~ped.
i~ Referring to Fig. 16A, a detector I had utilized wit~ this invention is illustrated. Specifically, four prisms 401, 402, 403, 404 are placed in a square array. The prisms placed in their s~uare array define a central square aperture 41~ and four peripheral sguare apertures 411, 412, 413 and 414. Each prism has an opaque face and three beveled edges from which light is emitted. In the case of prism 401, there is an opaque face 400 and three light emitting edges 415~ 416 and 417.
Each of the respective edges has a light emitting diode focused through a lens. The light emitting diode is focused throuyh a lens and thence through the prism so that a greatly enlarged image of the light emitting diode is focused . :
. ,~ .
~ .

, .

at the eye to be examined. In the case of prism 401, light emitting diode 405 is focused through lens 409 and has two refractions and one reflection from and within pri~m 401.
These light de~lections cause the light to be emitted from prism edge 415. Typically, the beveled edge of prism 415 is aligned so ~hat ~he focused light emitting diode is directed to and upon the eye. Preferably, a "pebble plate" surface is added to the prism optics, preferably at the surface of first incidence of light into the prism.
Similarly/ light emitting diode 406 focuses through edge 416, and a light emitting diode 407 focuses through edge 417. It will be understood that each of the respective prisms 402~ 403, and 404 have a light emitting edge similar to those of prism 401.
~5 All knife edges are preferably masked so that light incident immediately over them are passed to the detector and the remainder of the light is rejected. This ma~king is illustrated in the view of Fig. 16A.
It will be noted that the corners of the light emitting edges are masked. For instance in the case of prisms 401 and 402~ it will be seen that the corners 420 are covexed.
From the respective prisms, light is emitted to the , eye to be examined, and re turns from the eye being examined by way of projectio~ optics which have been previously illus~
trated and are not ~hown here. The received licJht passes over the knife edge defined by the junction of the prisms and the apertures. The light then passes interiorly of a detec-tor having the sguare aperture array previously illustrated.
When passing interior of the projector, the light passes through the specialized lens element V (preferably the pebble plate illustrated hereafter in Fig. 17) and thence thlough focusing lens L to the detector D where an image K" is formed. Analysis of a knife edge image occurs.
Referring to Fig. 16B, a view of the imaging appa-ratus along line 16b of Fig. 16A is illustrated. Specifi-cally, the detector is shown ~o that the light emitting edges may be viewed as they are seen from the eye of the patient being examined.

1 ~ 7 ~
4~
It will be noted that the light emitting edges 416 on one hand and 418 and 419 on the other hand are disposed along a top colinear horizontal edge of the detector. Edge 416 is egual to the lengths of edges 418 and 419 added to-gether~ Thus it may be fairly said that the two outsideedges when added together have the same length as the inside e~ge 416.
It will be also noted ~hat edge 416 points in opposite direction from edges 418 and 41g. Thus, assuming that the edge comprising edge 416 facing in one direction and edges 418 and 419 facing in the opposite direction are illu-minated, an eye will have equal and opposite refractive effects produced ~herein by the various e~ges~ This is ano~her way of saying that the edge effects will not comprise a weighted image givillg a tell-tale indication of either spherical or cylindrical correction being re~lired. In other words, illumination along a single edge with equal lengths in opposite direction will pr~duce no detectable prescriptive correction.
Referring to the linear edge comprising the illu-minated edges 426, 4~8 and 429, the same statement can be made. Since equal lengths of edge are illuminated in oppo-site directions, wPighting of the images in the eye will not be detected. It can be shown, however, with respect to Fig.
~6B that the ~equential illumination of these respective images can sexve to assist to position an eye.
Referring to Fig. 16C, a ~chematic diagram is ~herein shown. The schematic assumes that the eye is i}lus trated properly centered in the X and Y plane. Naturally, by measuring the image impingements on the guadrants of a detec-tor DI, D~ DIV, centering of the eye with respect to an optic axis can occur.
The question then becomes what is the proper posi-tioning of the eye in the Z axis direction.
In the schematic ~f Fig. 16C, -the respec~ive light emitting edges are ~chematically shown. Specifically, edges 416, 418, and 419 are all illustrated. Similarly, lower edges 426, 428 and 429 are all illustrated.
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It should be realized that Fig. 16C is a schematic.
Focusing optics P schematically illustrate the convergence of the i~age from the edges to ar active detector The special-ized optics V as well as the eye of the patient are all omitted.
In Fig. 16C, the images for each of the knife edges at differing distances are illustrated. Referring to the six detector images shown, the upper two images are for when the eye is at the proper distance from the detector. The middle image is an illustration of the detector when the eye is too close. The lower two pair of detector ima~es are illustra-tions where the eye is too far away.
It will ~e understood that the righ$-hand group of images are the image that would be cast where knife edges 1; 418, 416 and 415 are illuminated. The left-hand group of images are where edges 4~B, 426 and 429 are illuminated.
Typically~ ~hese ima~es would be produced with first one linear set of knife edges hein~ illuminated and thereafter a second linear set of knife edges being illuminated.
Referring to the upper images where the eye is positioned the proper distance from the detector, it can be seen that the image formed by knife edges 418, 416 and 419 are the same as the images being formed by knife edges 428, 426 and 429.
Where eye i~ too close, ~he images formed by knife edges 418, 416 and 419 rai~e up on the surface of the detec-tor. Great concentrations of resultant images appear at upper quadrants DI and DII. The effect on the image of knife edges 428, 426 and 429 is the opposite. Specifically, the respective images of the knife edges fall in greater measure on quadrants DII~ and DIV.
Typically, the knife edges of the detectors are either modulated with their own discrete ~ignal ~o that the images can be separated one from another, or are alternately illllminated. In either case, the resultant weighting of the detector siynal at the guadrants of the detector ~ives an indication of the towards and away position of ~he eye (not ~hown).

~17247~

As can be seen in the lower illustration, where the eye is too far away, the effects are reversed. Specifically, for knife edges 41~, 416 and 419 the im~ge shifts downwardly.
Specifically, the image shifts to detector guadrants D~II and DIV-For the knife edge image of knife edges 428, 426 and 429, the effect is reversed The knife edge shifts upwardly to detector quadrants DI and DII.
It will be observed that the particular knife edge images cast are s~mmetrical. That is to say, they are equal~
ly weighted about a çenter line. This is because the knife edge images oppose one another for egual lengths. Conse-quently, it will be appreciated that ~he particular knife edge images cast are insensitive to the particular optical prescription that may be encountered in the eye.
`~ Thus, it can be seen that the image produced is insensitive to the prescriptive effects the eye might have but is sensitive to the pvsitional ef~ects that the eye imparts in being acquixed by the instrument.
Ass~ing that the eye is properly acguired, the measuxement of the eye then occurs by illuminating light knife edges disposed along the same direction but at varying positions. A knife edge examination utili~ing only one such group of knife ed~es will be illustrated, the knife edge examination of other edges being analogous and easily understood.
Referring to the schematic of Fig. 16D, a typical ~ Xnife edge test is illustrated. Specifically, knife edges 416, 42B and 429 are all illustrated. The knife edges are illustrated passing through projection optics P to a detector consisting of detector ~uadrants DI, DII, DIII, and DIV.
First, it will be noted that all o~ the knife edges 416, 428 and 429 are addressed in the same directi~n. As ; they are addressed in the ~ame direction, the resultant image produced by an eye will be knife edge sensitive as to the prescriptive correction required. This being the case, and assuming that we have an en~letrope, the detector segments illustrated will be a minimal image. As the respective knife , t, . . ," .

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edges are spaced evenly about the central axis of the optic instrument so as to produce a centroid of illumination evenly about the optic axis of the instrument, the measurement system will have its position sensitivity minimized. That is to say, its position sensitivity to the positioning of the eye within the instrument would be minimized.
In accordance with the pre~ious illustrations rendered, the hypermetrope will produce an image on one ~ide of the detector, say detector guadrants DI, DII. Similarly, . 10 the myope will produce an image on the opposing ~uadrants DIII, DI~. Finally, an astigmat will have an image on the guadrants on one side or the other side, the image here being shswn on guadrants DI~, D~
As will be reali~ed by those having skill i~ the art, the edges of the detector can ~e switched. The~ can be : switched so that images opposed to those illustrated can next be taken. This gives the instrument the desired push-pull effect. ~oreover, it can also be realized that the imaging : can be accomplished left and right. That is to say, a mea-surement can be taken using a group of edges on the left nd then an opposing group of images on the right.
It will be realized at this point that the light emitting diodes can be modulated as can the detectors util-ized with them. Sp~cifically, the measurements can all be taken simultaneously wi~h the modulated signals received back from the eye segregated. Moreover, by using a centra:L and visible target for fixation, focusing of the eye to a visual target may result. This focusing of the eye ca~l then have the disclosed objective re~raction superimposed thereon.
As to the particular imaging scheme chosen, it ~hould be understood that the edges are all acti~e and given a common centroid. Thus when tbey fall upon the detector D, they fall upon each of the quadrants with equal intensity.
Referring to the view of the optical train shown in Fig. 6E
and the corresponding image of the detector ~hown in Fig. 6F, the balancing of ~he ~pecular reflection image with respect to the alignment of detectors utilized to measure the pre-~criptive effects of the light is illustrated.

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Referring to Fig. 16E, an eye E has three sources A, B, C i~aged thereon. Images of these sources are relayed by optics (not shown) to three real image locations. These image locations are KA, ~, Cc.
Image ~A is above the optical axis and twice as long as respective images ~ and Kc. An image of these respective optics is relayed through the speciali2ed optics V
to the detector D. Specialized optics V has been previously described.
Referring to Fig. 16F, the centroi~ of light on the detector D is illustrated. This centroid is for specularly reflected light and does not incorporate any prescriptive corrections.
It can be seen that each image is off-set fxom the optical axis. Specifically, it is off-set by a given amount.
Thus, if the detector D is either too close or too far away, the respective movements of ~he ima~e from each of the light ; sources will remain the same.
Referring to Figs. 16G and 16H, it can be seen that this is not the case where a single knie edge is utilized.
~n Fig. 16G, a pupil with a single li~ht source A has the image thereof broadcast onto a specialized optical plate B at the illustration knife edge K~. The knife edge KA is there-fore relayed by optics not shown to the detector plane.
; 25 Assuming that ~he detector plane is at the right distance from the eye, the image will impinge upon the cen-ter. ~owever, if the eye is either too far away or too ; close, the image will move. Specifically, it will move off center. In Fig. 16G, the image of a pu~il moved away from the center of the eye is shown.
Referring to Fig. 16H, an on-center image is illus-trated. It can be seen that ~he light centroid is off-center wi~h respect to the detector quadrants DI, DII, DIII, and DIV. In actual fact, the migration of the i~age has occurred from the two upper quadrants DI, DII to and towards lower guadrantS DIII' DIV-Returning to the three detector array shown in Fig.
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the action of the towards and away positioning of the optics here illustrated can be illustrated.
Specifically, and if detector D is at the position Dl with respect to specialized optics V and the images KA, and Kc, it will be seen that all images will be broadcast into substantially coincidence. That is to say, they will be imaged upon a central point of the detector D.
If, however, the detector is too far away such as at position D2~ ~hree such images will result. These three such images are illustrated in Fig. 16L.
Referring to ~ig. 16L, and takin~ the case of a myope, it can be seen that the three images are produced.
The lo~er image IA will be twice as intense as the two upper images IB and Ic. Th~se images IB and IC will all be dis-pla~ed in accordance ~ith the particular prescriptive cor-rection of the eye being reguired. This being the case, and reviewing the images heretofore discussed, it will be seen that the displacements will add in all detector quadrants DI ~ DIV to give the same result as t~e single image shown in Fig. 16Ko Conseguently, it will be realized that the detec-tor scheme herein illustrated is insensitive to towards and away positioning of the eye with respect to the apparatus.
It will be understood that with this explanation an immediate process can be added. First, axial towards and away alignment such as that illustrated with Fig. 16C will be undertaken. Thereafter, and once the eye is grossly in place, prescriptive measurements will be made. These mea-surements will be made ~y apparatus illustrated in accordance with Figs. 16J, 16K and 16L. Thus, even ~hough once the eye is properly positioned and the eye wanders somewhat from its original positioning, the disclosed optics will be relatively insensitive to such movement. Correct objective refraction will result.
Regarding specular reflection, and referring to the view of Fig. 16F, it can be seen that the areas of the light sources are important. Specifically~ by having the moment of optical areas the same above and below the horizonta~ axes as well as the moment left and right of the vertical a~es being '':

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-~ ~ 7~ ~8 the s~ne, specular reflection from the eye will cancel itself among the various detector segmentsO Consequently and with : the edge arrangement shown, perturbation of the refractive findings by return specular reflection cannot occur.
S Referring to Fig. 16J, an alternate dimension of ~he knife edge configuration is illustrated. Specifically, each of the knife edges Ka, Kb, Kc are of the same length and area. These respective knife edges are separated from a horizontal axes by two units of distance in the case of the knife edge Ka and one unit of distance in the case of the ~nife edges Kb, Kc. The unit of distance are all labeled with 2a for knife edge Ka and la fox knife edges Kb, Xc. The knife edges are all of the same length. Specifically, ~he knife edges are labeled with the width dimension 3-.
1~ Referring to Fig. 16L, the unfocused centroids of the image are ~here shown. Specifically, it can be seen that the lower image Ia is displaced from the horizontal axes by an amount approximately twice ~he centroid of the two upper knife edge images Ib, Ic. Perturbation of the refractive signal due to ~xial or towards and away displacement will not occur. It should be pointed out that for best performance, the light receiving or viewing apertures adjacent to knife edges should also have substantially e~ual moments above and ! below the horizontal axis as well as left and right of the vertical axis.
Turning attenti~n to Figs. 18A-D, these figures illustrate the patterns which form on the detector due to a decentered pupil with an arbitrary re~ractive error (sphere plus cylinder at a tilted axis to the knife edge).
Figs. 18A and 18B illustrate horizontal knife edge interrogation. The knife edge K in Fig. 18A is disposed so that light passes to the receiving area 400 below the knife edge K and over the linear boundary 415. Likewise, in ~ig.
18B, an area 402 receives light immediately above the kni~e 35 edge 415. With respect to Fig. 18C and 18D, the kni~e edges are ~ertically disposed. The edges there respectively are to the left of and to the right of the detector surfaces. Areas - 404 and 406 receive light in Figs. 18C and 18D respectively.
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Each of the Figures 18A~18D has schematically illustrated next to the respective knife edges the detector ~urface. The detector is ~hat detector illustrated previously.
In the case of the image illustrations herein given, it will be understood ~hat the light is distributed to the detector plane by the preferred optics shown herein.
Thus, the light received at the detector plane will not have the appearance schematically illustrated on the detector surfaces of FigO 18A-18D. Instead, the light will be evenly distributed among the detector quadrants as previously set forth.
I~ each case of Figs. 18A-D, the detector measures two values which are proportional to the X centroid position times the total receiv~id light flux and the Y centroid posi-~ion times ~he total received light flux. Since the total fIux is the same for both values, the values are in fact ; proportional to the X and Y centroid positions.
~n addition, it will be appreciated ~he source and detector arra~ are designed so that each knife edge has equal values for total light and in fact is symmetrical in all respects about the pupil image center on the detector. Thus, the measured values can be added a~d subtracted in a method which will now be given so that both refractive information and pupil decentration information can be e~tracted.
~ote in Fig- 18A~ XcA = ~ ~ ~
~CA ~ A ~ YP
where XcA ~ X centroid position YCA = Y centroid position = X displacement of centroid from pupil center A = Y displacement of centroid from pupil center ~ = X position of pupil center Yp = Y position of pupil center Similarly and in Figure 18B, XcB = ~ +
,. Y~B Ryp ~ yp .

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A
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This means then;
~CA ~ XCB = ~ ~ ~ + Xp ~ ~ = ~Xp measured values YCA ~CB YP ~ A ~A Y;P YA P
This shows ~hat the measured values can be added, X to X, Y
to Y, to yield values which are directly proportional to . pupil decentration. Note that prescriptive information is . not included~
.~ Likewise:
~` 15 XCA XCB ~ ~ ~ )=2 ~
. . ~CA YCB YP ~ A (YP ~ A) 2R~A
- which ~hows that a correct subtraction of measured values ~ yields values which are directly pr~portional to the dis-' placement of the centroid of the received pupil pattern from .~ 20 the pupil centèr. In addition, because these values are X
and Y displacements of the centroid, they yield both magni-tude and direction of this displacement which in turn are directly related to refractive error as previously set forth at length in this application.
It has heretofore been mentioned that, in this application, one parallel set o knife edges cannot provide complete refractive information (although it does give decentration of the pupil). However the remaining informa-tion is collected via the second parallel set of knife edges ~; 30 as shQwn in Figures 18C and D. Note that in all figures the relative position of the pupil center to detector center is ' the same.
:;: In summary, by adding all X ~entroid values a value v proportional to X pupil decentration is ob-tained. By adding : 35 ~11 Y centroid values, a value proportional to Y pupil de-centration is obtained. By correctly subtracting values of parallel knife edge pairs, four refractive proportional values arise, namely;

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~l~7~7a XCA ~ XCB ~ 2 RXA

CA ~CB YA
XCc -- XCD 2Rxc CC CD RYC
Then it is found that values proportional to sphere equivalent ~Seg)v cross-cylinder axis 90/180 (C~ and cross-cylinder a~is 45/135 (Cx~ can be obtained by combin.ing the re~ractive proportional values in the following manner:
eg ~ C RYA
~ XC Ry~
CX RXA ~ ~ C
where C~ is 0-90 cylinder, and CX is 45-135 cylinder~
It will be appreciated that the detector disclosed herein can be utilized to have refracting optics driven so as to null the received signals at the detector surface. I have demonstrated such circuitry before in my prior U.S~ Patent 4,070,115 issued January 24, 1978. Specifically, that patent ~ 20 disclosed an invention which may be abstracted and summaxized ; as fsllows: .
A lens meter is disclosed in which continuously variable spherical and astigmatic corrective optics are manipulated to measure the prescription of a suspect optical system. A target including a straight line is focused for maximum clarity, the target being arbitrarily aligned without respect to the axis o~ the suspect optical system. Continuously variable spherical `' , -57~

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and ~irst astigmatic op-tics are juxtaposed to the suspect optics and the image of the target projectea ; through both the suspect optics and the continuously variable optics. Spherical and first astigmatic `: correc~ions along at least one axis diagonal to the :
. : line target is made ~mtil maximum sharpness of a ` projected image o~ ~he line re.sults. A ~irst component ,. .. .
o~ astigmatic correction results~ A second target, again consisting of a straight line, is introaucea, this ~arget is angularly ~ ` .

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inclined with respect to the first target preferably at 45. Spherical adjustment is made together with a diagonally aligned second astigmatic correction along at least one axis diagonal to the second line target until maximum sharpness of the pr~jected image of the line results. A second component of astigmatic correction and ~inal spherical correction results. Provision is made for remote manipulation of the continuously vari able optics to determine prescription automatically.
A representative claim of ~hat patent is included as follows:
lo A process for measuring power ~f a suspect optical 6ystem in at least one component of cylinder including the steps of: mounting said suspect optical system in a light path, ~Iojecting light includin~ an image of at least one first straight line target o~
first arbitrary preselected angular alignment without regard to any suspected principal axis of the suspect optical system along said light path; providing in ~aid light path variable optics for movement to a power of sphere and cylinder substantially equal and opposite to components of sphere and cylinder in said suspect op-tics, said variable optics including variable spherical optics to vary the spherical component of light pro-jected there through and variable cylinder optics for varying the astigmatic lens power along first intersect-ing diagonals at substantially equal and opposite angles from the preselec~ed angular alignment of said first ~traight line target; projecting an image of said 30 straight line target from said light passing through ~aid varia~le optics and said suspect optics; and, varying ~aid ~pherical optics and said first astigmatic optics to optimize the image of said projected straight ; line taryet.
Referriny to that -~atent, at Fig. 5, sufficient ~chematic circuitry i5 given from a detector having four - distinct ~uadrants to drive optics to achieve a null image.
While adaptations must of necessity be made to produce the : . .

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detector con~igurations herein set forth, it is believed that such changes may be easily be made by those ha~i~g ordinary ~kill in ~he art. Lenses fichematically achieving such a null image are shown in ~igO 16G as variable spherical lens 516, 0~-90 cylinderical lenses 578 and 45-135 cylindrical lenses 520. These lenses are taken directly from Fig. 5 of the referred to by reference patent.
It is a particular advantage of my invention that refractive information returned from the eye is not dependent upon the ability of the eye to return light to the detector.
Take the case wherein a retina, through disease, has enlarged blood vessels, and~or other configuration. Conse~uently the retina is ~ot capable of uniformly returning light to the -~ detector over its surface. In such cases, the light received back by one of the knife edges in FigsO 18A~ will substan-tially differ from the light received by other knife edges.
By the expedient of mathematically equating all of th~
returned light --- giving the guantity of returned light in each knife edge alignment of Fi~s. 1~A-18D the same value and thereafter processing the values, the effects of irregulari~
ties in the retina may be ignored.
It will be noted that in the previous description and equations relative to Figs. 18A-18D, I have effectively illust~ated "moments" of the light flux with respect to the 2~ particular detector guadrants utilized. Thus, when the term "moments" is used heretofore or hereafter in thi5 applcation, it should be so understood.
It will be understood fur~her that for the best performance, the apertures herein utilized should be symmetri-cal. Moreover, the areas of the apertures and the receivingareas should all have equal moments.
Although the point has heretofore been made, it should be emphasized that in the case of the knife edges, disposition at right angles is not required. For example, `~ 35 the knife edges could be disposed at 45 angles. Moreover, and with variations to the mathematics herein disclosed, and/or optics detector ~urfaces or both, varying angles c~uld be used between the interrogating knife edges. I have merely .~

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illustrated the preferred parallel and opposed knife edges in symmetrical alignment to set forth the preferred embodiment of my invention as known to ~e as this moment.

It wi~l be understood that the disclosed invention will admit of a number of embodiments. For example, any projection system between the disclosed wobble plate and eye may be utilized.

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Claims (3)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. An apparatus for locating an eye and thereafter objectively refracting an eye about an axis comprising in combination: first and second boundaries along which illuminated light sources are disposed for projecting light to the eye to be tested; said first and second boundaries being spaced apart and substantially parallel one to another; at least a first portion of one of said boundaries and at least a second portion of the other of said boundaries being of substantially equal light emission characteristics and disposed to a terminator so as to define first and second knife edges terminating in opposite directions;
means for projecting the image of said light sources proximate said knife edge terminators to an eye for producing in said eye the illumination of the retinal plane; means for pro-jecting the observed illumination of said eye along an optical path immediately over said knife edge terminators to a detector plane; a detector located on said detector plane having a plurality of electrical connections thereto, each electrical connection for providing an electrical signal proportional to the light incident upon a portion of said detector; means for illuminating and detecting the light along said first boundary and said second boundary to determine the towards and away positioning of the eye to be tested; and means for illuminating said knife edge segments terminating in a first direction only to determine at least some of the refractive components of the prescrip-tion of said eye.

2. Process for testing the eyes comprising the steps of: providing a first linearly aligned and illuminated light source including a first portion defining a knife edge disposed in a first direction and a second portion defining a knife edge disposed in a second direction; providing a second linearly illuminated light source including a first portion defining a knife edge in said first direction and a second portion defining a knife edge in said second direction; illuminating and projecting both said knife edges to the eye to produce at said eye an image of said light sources; projecting the image to a detector element having a plurality of detector segments; illuminating said light sources at said boundaries to position said eye along the optical axis of said detector instrument; positioning said eye towards and away from said detector element to create between said detector segments a signal having a minimum response; illuminating knife edges disposed in a first direction to determine a refractive correction to said eye.

3. The process of claim 2 and including the steps of placing variable cylindrical and spherical optics between said knife edges and eye and adjusting said cylindrical and spherical optics to a predetermined refractive correction of said eye.