Corneal Thickness Measurement Device Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional corneal thickness measurement methods experience errors due to time delays between focus image acquisition and reflected light image processing, leading to inaccurate positioning of the cornea during measurement.

Innovation Solution

A thickness measuring device and method that simultaneously captures the focus state of measurement light and measurement signal using a focus camera and detection camera, respectively, to ensure accurate positioning and calculation of corneal thickness without time delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If focus image acquisition and reflected light image processing are performed sequentially, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to time delays causing cornea position changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the focus detection function and thickness measurement function into a single integrated optical path. The detection camera simultaneously captures both the focus image (for position verification) and the reflected light images (for thickness calculation), eliminating the need for separate sequential operations and the separate focus camera, thereby reducing device complexity while improving measurement precision through simultaneous capture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection camera is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects both the focus state (by capturing the focus image) and the reflected light positions (for thickness measurement). This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate focus camera and detection camera systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate focus camera and detection camera are used, then measurement precision is improved through dedicated functions, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the focus detection function and thickness measurement function into a single integrated optical path. The detection camera simultaneously captures both the focus image (for position verification) and the reflected light images (for thickness calculation), eliminating the need for separate sequential operations and the separate focus camera, thereby reducing device complexity while improving measurement precision through simultaneous capture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection camera is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects both the focus state (by capturing the focus image) and the reflected light positions (for thickness measurement). This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate focus camera and detection camera systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If sequential measurement is used, then device operation is simplified, but loss of time occurs due to time delays between focus confirmation and reflected light detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the focus detection function and thickness measurement function into a single integrated optical path. The detection camera simultaneously captures both the focus image (for position verification) and the reflected light images (for thickness calculation), eliminating the need for separate sequential operations and the separate focus camera, thereby reducing device complexity while improving measurement precision through simultaneous capture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary verification of cornea positioning through focus detection within the same capture frame used for thickness measurement. By verifying focus state and obtaining reflected light positions simultaneously in one capture operation, the system eliminates the time delay between sequential operations while maintaining ease of operation through automated simultaneous processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach reduces measurement errors by synchronizing the focus and signal acquisition, allowing for more precise and accurate corneal thickness measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a measurement light source that irradiates measurement light L0 to a measurement object having a predetermined thickness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

detects images of reflected lights L1 and L2 formed by reflection of the measurement light L0 on front and rear surfaces of the measurement object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4344614A1Thickness measuring method and device
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 HUVITZ CO LTD
  • EP4344614A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4344614A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4344614A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and device for measuring a corneal thickness of an eye to be examined. An embodiment provides a thickness measuring device, including: a measurement light source (10) that irradiates measurement light L0 to a measurement object having a predetermined thickness; a detection camera (12) that is positioned at an angle spaced by a predetermined angle with respect to a traveling path of the measurement light L0 and that detects images of reflected lights L1 and L2 formed by reflection of the measurement light L0 on front and rear surfaces of the measurement object; a focus camera (14) that detects an image of the measurement light L0 formed on the measurement object; and a calculation and control member (20) that simultaneously drives the focus camera (14) and the detection camera (12) to obtain the image of the measurement light L0 formed on the measurement object with the focus camera (14) and to obtain the images of the reflected lights L1 and L2 formed by reflection on the front and rear surfaces of the measurement object with the detection camera (12), then determines whether the measurement object is positioned at the predetermined measurement position with respect to the detection camera (12) from a focus state of the image of the measurement light L0, and then calculates a thickness of the measurement object from the images of the reflected lights L1 and L2.