Corneal Endothelial Cell Imaging with Spatial Light Modulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corneal endothelial cell imaging methods require multiple images to be acquired by changing the presentation position of the fixation target, which takes 10 to 20 seconds, leading to eye movement issues and difficulty in obtaining high-quality images with a wide field of view, and result in a complex and large optical system.
Innovation Solution
A corneal endothelial cell imaging apparatus using a spatial light modulator to irradiate slit-shaped illumination light and an image sensor to receive reflected light, with the spatial light modulator moving the illumination region and the image sensor adjusting its opening range in synchronization to efficiently capture reflection components from the corneal endothelium, allowing for high-speed imaging with a simple configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple images are acquired by changing the presentation position of the fixation target, then a wide field of view image can be obtained, but the imaging time increases to 10-20 seconds causing eye movement issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the illumination region movable through the spatial light modulator while keeping the optical system configuration fixed. The illumination region is dynamically scanned across different positions on the cornea, allowing wide field of view imaging to be achieved by sequentially illuminating and capturing multiple regions without requiring the entire optical system to move or reconfigure between shots. This dynamic illumination approach reduces imaging time to below 1 second while maintaining wide field coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple images are acquired by changing fixation target position, then wide field of view is achieved, but the optical system becomes complex and large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wide field of view acquisition into multiple sequential illumination regions. Instead of requiring a complex optical system capable of capturing the entire wide field simultaneously, the system segments the field into multiple smaller regions that are illuminated and captured sequentially. The spatial light modulator divides the illumination task across different regions, and the fixed optical system captures each segment, ultimately synthesizing a wide field of view image from these segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by making the fixed optical system perform multiple functions through dynamic illumination. The same optical system configuration is used to capture multiple different illumination regions at different positions, effectively making it a multi-functional system that can image various areas of the cornea without requiring separate optical paths or complex mechanical reconfiguration for each region.
3Speed
If the spatial light modulator moves the illumination region and the image sensor adjusts opening range in synchronization, then high-speed imaging is achieved, but precise coordination control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing synchronized control between the spatial light modulator and the image sensor based on the same control signals. The controller coordinates the movement of the illumination region and the adjustment of the opening range using feedback mechanisms that ensure both components respond simultaneously to the same control commands. This synchronized feedback control enables high-speed imaging by maintaining precise coordination without requiring complex independent control systems for each component.
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 the acquisition of high-quality images of corneal endothelial cells with a wide field of view in a short time, reducing eye movement-related issues and simplifying the imaging process while maintaining high resolution, even for conical corneas.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator modulating light from a light source, and configured to irradiate slit-shaped illumination light toward a cornea of a subject's eye by modulating the light from the light source using the spatial light modulator
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving system arranged obliquely to the irradiation system and including an image sensor receiving reflected light from the cornea
Data Source
AI summary
A corneal endothelial cell imaging apparatus includes an irradiation system, a light receiving system, and a controller. The irradiation system includes a spatial light modulator modulating light from a light source, and is configured to irradiate slit-shaped illumination light toward a cornea by modulating the light using the spatial light modulator. The light receiving system is arranged obliquely to the irradiation system and includes an image sensor receiving reflected light from the cornea. The controller is configured to control the spatial light modulator so as to irradiate the illumination light onto an illumination region on the cornea, and is configured to control the image sensor to set an opening range on a light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination region on the cornea and to capture a light receiving result of reflection component from a corneal endothelium obtained by a light receiving element in the set opening range.