Angular Separation of Scan Channels in Ophthalmic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems face challenges in combining multiple scan channels efficiently, particularly in combined OCT/SLO systems, due to chromatic separation issues, increased complexity, and higher costs associated with dichroic components and optical coatings.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple emitters positioned to emit beams at small angular separations, eliminating the need for dichroic mirrors, allowing non-collimated beams to reach an X-Y scanner, which then reflects them towards the eye with fixed angular separation, enabling image realignment and compensation for displacement during processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dichroic beam splitters are used to combine and separate multiple wavelength channels, then chromatic separation is achieved, but system complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes dichroic beam splitters from the optical path entirely. Instead of using these complex wavelength-selective components to combine and separate channels, the system allows multiple wavelengths to propagate through a shared optical path without chromatic separation, thereby eliminating the associated complexity and manufacturing difficulties while maintaining functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple wavelength channels into a single collimated beam that travels through common optical components. By combining the channels early in the optical path and maintaining them as a unified beam through the scanner and to the eye, the system eliminates the need for separate optical paths and dichroic components, reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If dichroic beam splitters are used to combine and separate multiple wavelength channels, then chromatic separation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes dichroic beam splitters from the optical path entirely. Instead of using these complex wavelength-selective components to combine and separate channels, the system allows multiple wavelengths to propagate through a shared optical path without chromatic separation, thereby eliminating the associated complexity and manufacturing difficulties while maintaining functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, precision-manufactured dichroic beam splitters with simpler, more cost-effective components. The system uses standard optical elements and a single collimated beam approach that eliminates the need for costly wavelength-selective coatings and precision alignment mechanisms, significantly reducing manufacturing cost
3Device complexity
If a single source is used for both SLO and OCT systems, then system cost and complexity are reduced, but wavelength flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical system universal by designing it to accept multiple wavelengths through a single collimated beam path. The optical components, including the scanner and imaging optics, are configured to handle a broad spectral range, allowing a single source to serve both SLO and OCT functions without requiring wavelength-specific optical paths or components, thereby maintaining system simplicity while enabling wavelength flexibility
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
This approach reduces system complexity and cost by allowing flexible wavelength use without additional dispersion issues for OCT channels, enabling efficient scanning and image overlay without the need for complex dichroic components.
Implementation Method 1
the collimated beam is launched at a scanning mechanism. This collimated beam is reflected from the patient's eye and reenter the scanner and directed back towards to dichroic splitters
Data Source
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AI summary
Chromatic separation in ophthalmologic systems is achieved by introducing a small angle between each beam incident on the scanner. The multiple channels are emitted from multiple emitters positioned such that their respective beams reach an X-Y scanner with small angular separations between the beams. This removes the need for dichroic components to combine the multiple channels into a single beam. This also allows the emitters to use the same wavelength if desired, such as in a combined SLO and OCT system in which it may be desirable to use the same light source in order to reduce the cost and complexity of the system.