Corneal Endothelial Cell Imaging Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional corneal endothelial cell photographing apparatuses require extensive time and cause eye fatigue, leading to insufficient images due to the need for repeated adjustments and prolonged examination, resulting in small involuntary eye movements during fixation.
Innovation Solution
A corneal endothelial cell photographing apparatus with a main unit comprising an illumination optical system, imaging optical system, and fixation optical system, controlled by a unit that sets and switches between multiple fixation positions using a controller and monitor for efficient image capture, reducing the need for manual alignment adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment adjustments are performed repeatedly to obtain sufficient endothelial images, then image quality can be improved, but examination time increases and eye fatigue worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily sets multiple fixation positions and their corresponding illumination parameters before actual imaging. By pre-configuring the examination path and parameters, the system eliminates the need for repeated manual adjustments during the examination, thereby reducing examination time while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the propriety of obtained endothelial images and provides feedback to control the switching between fixation lamps. This automated feedback mechanism replaces manual alignment adjustments, reducing both examination time and eye fatigue while ensuring sufficient image quality through objective evaluation criteria.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment adjustments are performed repeatedly, then image quality can be improved, but eye fatigue increases leading to involuntary eye movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining image propriety and controlling the switching between fixation lamps based on predetermined criteria. This automation eliminates the need for repeated manual alignment adjustments that cause eye fatigue, while still ensuring sufficient image quality through objective evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
By preliminarily setting multiple fixation positions and establishing evaluation criteria before the examination begins, the system prevents eye fatigue from developing. The predetermined automation sequence ensures that no repeated manual adjustments are needed, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of eye fatigue while maintaining image quality.
3Reliability
If multiple fixation positions are examined thoroughly, then comprehensive endothelial imaging is achieved, but examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily sets multiple fixation positions and their illumination parameters in advance, creating an efficient examination path. This pre-planning allows comprehensive imaging of multiple positions without requiring repeated manual adjustments, thereby achieving thorough examination while minimizing examination time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously switches between fixation lamps according to predetermined conditions without interruption or repeated manual adjustments. This continuous automated operation ensures comprehensive imaging across multiple fixation positions while maintaining efficient time utilization, eliminating the time loss associated with manual re-adjustments.
4Productivity
If automated switching between fixation positions is implemented, then operation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it determines image propriety, controls switching between fixation lamps, and manages illumination parameters. By making the controller universal and multi-functional, the system achieves automated efficient operation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the same control unit performs multiple tasks.
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 smooth and efficient capture of endothelial images at different positions on the cornea, minimizing eye fatigue and improving image quality by automating the alignment and switching between fixation positions.
Implementation Method 1
a cornea is obliquely irradiated with illumination light from an illumination light source, and a reflected light flux from the cornea is received on an imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
A corneal endothelial cell photographing apparatus includes: a main unit that includes an illumination optical system, an imaging optical system, and a fixation optical system; a setting unit configured to preliminarily set illumination positions and an illumination order of the plurality of fixation lamps; a controller configured to obtain an endothelial image at a first fixation position, control the fixation optical system corresponding to a determination result for propriety of the endothelial image obtained at the first fixation position to light a fixation lamp corresponding to a second fixation position preliminarily set by the setting unit, and control the illumination optical system and the imaging optical system to obtain an endothelial image at the second fixation position; a monitor configured to display the endothelial image; and an operating unit configured to input a signal for operating at least the controller.