Automated Slit Lamp Sequences Illumination Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slit lamps require highly trained professionals for operation, limiting their use and making it challenging to perform eye examinations in remote or delayed settings.
Innovation Solution
An automated slit lamp system with a controller that sequences different illumination patterns (diffuse, direct focal, tangential, retroillumination, indirect, and sclerotic scatter) and a camera to generate images, reducing the need for highly trained operators and enabling remote ophthalmology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If slit lamp examination is performed using traditional manual operation, then examination accuracy can be maintained, but the requirement for highly trained professionals increases operational complexity and limits accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service examination by automatically controlling the illuminator to provide multiple illumination patterns and the camera to capture images without requiring manual operation by trained professionals. The automated sequence of illumination patterns and image capture allows the device to serve itself and the patient without expert intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the illumination parameters automatically by controlling the illuminator to provide different illumination patterns (diffuse, direct focal, tangential, retroillumination, indirect, and sclerotic scatter) in a predetermined sequence, transforming the manual parameter adjustment into an automated process that reduces skill requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional slit lamp requires highly trained professionals, then examination quality is maintained, but tele-ophthalmology and remote assessment capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates visual copies (images) of the eye examination through automated illumination and camera capture. These images can be transmitted and examined remotely by specialists, enabling tele-ophthalmology without requiring the original examination to be performed by a trained professional present with the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated illumination and imaging system acts as an intermediary between the patient and the remote eye care specialist. It captures and transmits visual information that allows specialists to examine patients remotely, bridging the gap without requiring direct manual operation by the specialist.
3Reliability
If multiple illumination patterns are provided manually, then comprehensive eye examination is achieved, but the time required for examination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by automatically controlling the illuminator to provide different illumination patterns in a predetermined sequence without interruption. This automated periodic switching between illumination patterns maintains comprehensive examination coverage while reducing the time required compared to manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly transitioning between different illumination patterns without the delays and interruptions associated with manual operation. The camera continuously captures images throughout the illumination sequence, ensuring no examination opportunities are lost while minimizing total examination time.
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
The system automates eye examinations, reducing the need for skilled professionals and allowing for remote or delayed eye care assessments through tele-ophthalmology.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminator mounted to the frame and emitting an illumination beam towards the eye of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
There is described an automated slit lamp system for imaging an eye of a patient. The automated slit lamp system generally has: an illuminator emitting an illumination beam towards the eye of the patient during examination, the illuminator being operable to illuminate the eye of the patient in different illumination patterns; a controller communicatively coupled to the illuminator, the controller controlling the illuminator to automatically illuminate the eye of the patient with a sequence of illumination patterns comprising at least a first illumination pattern and a second illumination pattern being different from the first illumination pattern, the first and second illumination patterns being selected from a group comprising: diffuse illumination, direct focal illumination, tangential illumination, retroillumination, indirect illumination and sclerotic scatter illumination; and a camera generating images of the eye during both the first and second illumination patterns.