Automatic Lens Alignment for Stereomicroscope Retinal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic imaging devices, particularly those using stereomicroscopes with slit lamps, face challenges in achieving optimal image quality due to the need for manual alignment of additional lenses and the presence of reflections, which complicates the observation of posterior eye structures like the retina.
Innovation Solution
A device with a closed feedback loop system that automatically adjusts the position and orientation of the additional lens, using a CCD camera and analyzing unit to optimize image sharpness and reduce reflections, and also adjusts the lighting unit's incidence angle to maximize image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment of additional lens is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but operation complexity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically adjusting the additional lens position based on image analysis. The feedback loop enables the device to optimize itself without operator intervention, eliminating manual alignment while maintaining adaptability to different imaging conditions
Solution Approach 2:
A closed feedback loop is implemented where the camera captures images, the analyzing unit evaluates alignment quality, and the actuator adjusts the lens position accordingly. This continuous feedback mechanism replaces manual alignment operations with automated control
2Manufacturing precision
If additional lens is manually aligned to reduce reflections, then image quality improves, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment actions automatically before image capture. The actuator pre-positions the additional lens based on feedback from the analyzing unit, ensuring optimal alignment is achieved before the actual imaging process begins
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical alignment operations are replaced with an automated control system comprising actuators, sensors, and feedback loops. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual adjustment process while maintaining precise alignment
3Device complexity
If lighting unit incidence angle is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality and reflection reduction capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting unit incidence angle is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system can change the angle of illumination based on feedback from image analysis, allowing optimization of image quality and reflection reduction for different imaging scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The incidence angle parameter of the lighting unit is made variable and可调 through actuator control. This parameter change capability enables the system to optimize image quality by adjusting illumination geometry without increasing fundamental device complexity
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 system simplifies the observation process by automatically optimizing the alignment and reducing glare, allowing for improved image quality without manual intervention, and can be adapted to various optical units.
Implementation Method 1
an additional lens (e.g. convex lens) that is designed to generate said intermediate image of a posterior structure (e.g. retina) of an eye
Implementation Method 2
a lighting unit in form of slit-lamps
Implementation Method 3
observe both posterior and anterior structures of an eye
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for examining an eye, particularly a human eye, comprising: an optical unit that is designed to generate a current image of a current intermediate image, wherein the optical unit comprises an objective, an additional lens that is designed to be arranged in front of an eye along an optical axis of the optical unit in order to generate said current intermediate image of a posterior structure of said eye, and wherein said additional lens is designed to be movable relative to said optical unit so as to generate a sharp and particularly reflection-free current image of said posterior structure with help of said optical unit. According to the invention, the device comprises a first actuator means that is designed to move the additional lens and which is controlled depending on the current image. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for examining an eye.