3D Retinal Imaging with Structured Light for Affordable Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retinal imaging systems for eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration are limited by high equipment costs and usability issues, making them inaccessible for widespread screening and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
Adaptation of 3D structured light imaging technology for retinal imaging systems, incorporating an image sensor, reimaging corrective optics, and baffle-and-illumination modules to reduce costs while maintaining high image quality and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional retinal imaging systems are used to provide accurate 3D topographic information for eye disease diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses structured light projection to create a light pattern copy of the retinal surface topography rather than requiring complex physical measurement apparatus. The projected light patterns reflect off the retinal surface and capture 3D information through optical copying, simplifying the device while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with optical-based structured light imaging. Instead of using mechanical scanners or multiple complex optical components, the system uses projected light patterns and image sensors to capture 3D retinal topography, reducing device complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If advanced retinal imaging equipment is deployed to enable widespread screening and monitoring, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs an imaging system that can perform multiple functions including 3D topographic imaging, 2D fundus imaging, and various diagnostic assessments using a single integrated device. This multi-functionality increases productivity by enabling comprehensive eye disease screening and monitoring without requiring multiple separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses light pattern projection and optical copying to achieve 3D imaging capabilities, which simplifies the device architecture and reduces manufacturing costs while enabling widespread deployment for increased screening and monitoring productivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple types of 3D imaging equipment are used to provide comprehensive retinal information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging capabilities (3D topographic imaging, 2D fundus imaging, and diagnostic analysis) into a single integrated system. This merging of functions maintains comprehensive retinal information accuracy while simplifying the overall system architecture, making it more accessible and easier to manufacture than multiple separate specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical and optical systems with optical-based structured light projection and digital image processing, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving accessibility while maintaining measurement precision through sophisticated light pattern analysis.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables affordable and accessible 3D retinal imaging for screening and monitoring eye diseases, with AI or human analysis of reconstructed 3D topographic images for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
Structured light 3D imaging technology has been successfully adapted and used for various applications including metrologies and consumer electronics
Implementation Method 2
an objective lens in the light path
Implementation Method 3
a reimaging corrective optics module within the light path
Implementation Method 4
a baffle-and-illumination module in the light path
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are example embodiments of a system of retinal three-dimensional (3D) imaging. The system of retinal 3D imaging includes an image sensor within a light path and a reimaging corrective optics module within the light path. The system of retinal 3D imaging also includes an objective lens in the light path and a baffle-and-illumination module in the light path. In an aspect, the reimaging corrective optics module is in front of the image sensor, the objective lens is in front of the reimaging corrective optics module, and the baffle-and-illumination module is between the objective lens and the reimaging corrective optics module.