Optical Corneal Measuring Device Using Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional corneal measuring instruments cannot accurately measure the total thickness of the cornea, particularly failing to provide a stereoscopic image that includes both the upper and lower corneal surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising a light source module, a first optical module, a second optical module with a reference mirror, a light splitter, and an image analysis unit, which uses interference techniques to measure the relative optical path lengths and construct a stereoscopic corneal image by dividing the cornea into capture regions and superposing the measured heights to form upper and lower surface profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional optical devices use reflected light beams from positioning light sources to measure corneal profiles, then the measurement process can be simplified and operated easily, but the device cannot accurately measure the total thickness of the cornea and provide stereoscopic images of both upper and lower corneal surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cornea measurement into multiple capture regions along the second direction, with each region measured separately by adjusting the optical module. The cornea is segmented into upper and lower surfaces that are measured independently and then combined to form a complete stereoscopic image, enabling precise measurement of total corneal thickness while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional corneal surface profiling to three-dimensional stereoscopic imaging by adding depth measurement through optical path length analysis. By measuring the relative optical path lengths from both upper and lower corneal surfaces, the system creates a three-dimensional representation that includes total corneal thickness, resolving the limitation of conventional two-dimensional measurements
2Loss of information
If side light sources are added to provide oblique light beams for detecting side corneal profiles, then more corneal information can be obtained, but the real profile of the lower corneal surface still cannot be accurately measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference mirror as an intermediary element that reflects light beams to create a reference optical path. By comparing the optical path length of light reflected from the corneal surfaces with the reference optical path, the system can accurately determine the depth and profile of both upper and lower corneal surfaces, including the previously inaccessible lower surface information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical side light source approach with an optical interference-based measurement system. Instead of using physical side illumination, the system uses optical path length comparison through a reference mirror to achieve depth measurement, eliminating the need for complex mechanical light source positioning while achieving accurate three-dimensional corneal profiling
3Productivity
If conventional devices measure only the upper corneal surface profile, then the measurement process is fast and simple, but the total thickness of the cornea and lower surface profile remain unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous measurement capability by sequentially adjusting the optical module to capture multiple regions without interrupting the measurement flow. The system continuously acquires optical path length data from different capture regions and combines them into a complete stereoscopic image, achieving both high productivity and complete information acquisition about corneal structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical module universal by enabling it to measure both upper and lower corneal surfaces using the same basic measurement mechanism. By adjusting the focal plane and optical path, the single optical module can capture information from different depths and combine them into a comprehensive three-dimensional model, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems
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 accurate measurement of both the upper and lower corneal surfaces, overcoming the limitations of conventional devices by providing a stereoscopic image that improves measurement accuracy and quality, particularly in the central region of the cornea.
Implementation Method 1
a light source module 20
Implementation Method 2
a light splitter 26
Implementation Method 3
The light of the light source module is transmitted to a cornea through the light splitter and the first optical module and reflected by the cornea to form a first light
Implementation Method 4
The light of the light source module is transmitted to the reference mirror of the second optical module through the light splitter and reflected by the reference mirror to form a second light
Implementation Method 5
when the first light and the second light interfere with each other, a relative optical path length is obtained
Implementation Method 6
an image analysis unit 28
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device for corneal measuring includes a light source module, a first optical module, a second optical module including a reference mirror, a light splitter and an image analysis unit. The light of the light source module is transmitted to the first and second optical modules through the light splitter. The light is transmitted to a cornea through the light splitter and the first optical module and reflected by the cornea to form a first light, the light is transmitted to the reference mirror through the light splitter and reflected by the reference mirror to form a second light. The first and second lights are transmitted to the light splitter and the image analysis unit. The reference mirror moves along a first direction, and when the first light and the second light interfere with each other, a relative optical path length is obtained.