Composite Ophthalmic Imaging via Multi-Angle Sensor Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ocular imaging technologies, particularly for the anterior segment of the human eye, face challenges in effectively documenting the iridocorneal angle due to total internal reflection, requiring contact lenses with mirrors or prisms, and lack efficient methods for dynamic imaging like indentation gonioscopy which is best captured by digital video.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ocular imaging device that captures an array of partially overlapping images of the iridocorneal angle from different angles, integrating illumination to minimize light on the retina and allowing for variable intensity, enabling the creation of a single composite digital image, suitable for both still and video imaging, including dynamic video of the entire iridocorneal angle with or without indentation gonioscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact digital photography is used for anterior segment imaging, then patient comfort is improved, but imaging quality of the iridocorneal angle deteriorates due to total internal reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides the field of view into multiple zones using an array of imaging systems, with each imaging system capturing a specific portion of the iridocorneal angle. This segmentation allows each individual imaging system to be optimized for its specific viewing angle, avoiding total internal reflection while maintaining non-contact imaging for patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point imaging approach to a multi-point array approach, capturing images from multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows the system to overcome the limitation of total internal reflection at any single angle by collecting data from multiple angles, thereby improving imaging quality without compromising patient comfort.
2Measurement precision
If contact gonioscopic lens with mirrors or prisms is used, then imaging quality of the iridocorneal angle is improved, but device complexity and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex mirror and prism components from the optical system. Instead of using contact lenses with multiple reflective elements, the system uses a simplified array of direct imaging systems that capture light paths without requiring total internal reflection manipulation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (mirrors, prisms, contact lenses) with a digital imaging array system. Multiple digital sensors capture images from different angles simultaneously, substituting complex mechanical optical components with a more straightforward digital acquisition approach, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If still images are used for indentation gonioscopy, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to capture dynamic changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous video capture using the array of imaging systems, recording the dynamic changes in the iridocorneal angle throughout the indentation gonioscopy procedure. This continuous action ensures that no dynamic information is lost, capturing the complete temporal evolution of the angle configuration while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to capture dynamic video sequences rather than static images, allowing the iridocorneal angle to be observed in motion during indentation gonioscopy. This dynamic capability enables the system to record pressure-induced changes, iris movement, and angle configuration variations over time, preserving information that would be lost in still images.
4Device complexity
If single imaging system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but field of view and comprehensive documentation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual images captured by the array of imaging systems into a single composite image that displays the complete iridocorneal angle. By combining the fields of view from multiple imaging systems, the system achieves comprehensive documentation of the entire angle while keeping each individual imaging system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system expands from a single-point view to a multi-point spatial array, capturing the iridocorneal angle from multiple simultaneous perspectives. This dimensional expansion in the spatial domain allows comprehensive coverage of the entire angle structure, with each imaging system contributing a specific angular sector to the overall field of view.
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 solution provides comprehensive and dynamic imaging of the iridocorneal angle, improving documentation quality and enabling remote ophthalmic care through telemedicine, with reduced patient discomfort and minimal optical distortion, effectively addressing the limitations of existing imaging methods.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus includes: one or more optical imaging systems aimed through the cornea across the anterior chamber towards one zone of the iridocorneal angle
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus includes: an illumination source to illuminate one zone of the iridocorneal angle
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (20) and methods for concurrently taking multiple partially overlapping still or video images (60) of the iridocorneal angle (12) of an eye (1). Device (20) typically comprises a single chassis (100) with an outer surface (101) that approximately matches the curvature of the ocular surface (4). Multiple discrete optical imaging systems (200) are aimed through the cornea (3) and the anterior chamber (17), producing non-coplanar optical paths (21) directed towards corresponding partially overlapping zones (11) of the iridocorneal angle (12). Each system (200) may comprise one or more optical lenses (210, 211), with either fixed or variable position, and a corresponding digital sensor (220) or portion of a larger common shared digital sensor (221).