Detachable Camera with Pivotable Arm for Slit Lamp Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current slit lamps used in eye examinations lack the ability to filter out different wavelengths of light effectively, limiting the clinician's ability to clearly view inner eye structures, and existing cameras integrated into these devices are expensive and do not allow for image editing or enhancement.
Innovation Solution
A portable digital camera system with a pivotable arm that can be attached to a slit lamp, featuring a camera unit with interchangeable light filters and a servo motor to rotate filters in front of the lens, allowing for the capture and transmission of images using visible, infrared, and blue-free light, enabling enhanced image recording and storage on a clinician's device or remote server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a camera is integrated into the slit lamp, then image recording capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is separated from the slit lamp into an independent, detachable unit. The camera can be attached to or removed from the slit lamp without permanent integration, allowing the imaging function to be segmented from the examination device. This reduces the complexity and cost of the main slit lamp system while maintaining image recording capability through a separate, specialized camera module.
2Illumination intensity
If fixed light sources are used in the slit lamp, then illumination is provided, but ability to filter different wavelengths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light filtering system uses dynamically switchable filters that can be changed during the examination process. Instead of fixed light sources with fixed wavelengths, the system employs adjustable filters (including neutral density filters, color filters, and infrared filters) that can be dynamically positioned in front of the camera lens. This allows the clinician to adapt the wavelength filtering to different examination requirements while maintaining illumination capability.
3Loss of information
If built-in cameras are used in slit lamps, then image capture is enabled, but image editing and enhancement capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
An external computing device serves as an intermediary between the camera and the final image output. The camera captures raw images, which are then transmitted to a separate computer or tablet where image editing, enhancement, and analysis tools are available. This intermediary approach allows the camera to remain simple and dedicated to capture, while the complex image processing functions are performed on the external computing device, enhancing ease of operation for the clinician.
4Device complexity
If the camera is fixed in position, then mounting is simplified, but ability to view eye from different angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting system incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow the camera to be positioned at different angles and orientations. The camera can be mounted on a movable arm or adjustable bracket that enables repositioning to capture various angles of the eye structure. This dynamic mounting capability provides viewing angle flexibility while maintaining relatively simple mounting procedures through standardized attachment mechanisms.
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 clinicians to capture and store high-quality images from various angles, facilitating accurate diagnosis and tracking of eye disorders by allowing for image editing and enhancement, while providing a cost-effective solution compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a servo motor with a propeller that rotates one light filter into position in front of the rear camera lens
Implementation Method 2
a rear camera lens connected to a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor
Implementation Method 3
a front printed circuit board (PCB) with a plurality of light emitting diodes
Implementation Method 4
a middle camera filter unit, comprising a plurality of light filters
Implementation Method 5
a first filter able to block infrared light and longer wavelengths from being transmitted to the camera lens
Data Source
AI summary
A clinician eye camera apparatus, networked system, and medium to record eye images using the three different types of light to diagnose different medical conditions/disorders, comprising: 1) a camera unit housing a) a front PCB with a plurality of LED's and a middle aperture to fit a rear camera lens; b) a middle camera filter unit, comprising a plurality of light filters, and a servo motor with a propeller that rotates the light filters into position in front of a rear camera lens; c) the rear camera lens; and 2) a pivotable arm assembly comprising a top end unit attachable to the camera unit, and a middle handle unit pivotably attached to an arm unit. The arm assembly can be used in a straight handheld mode; or bent 90 degrees for mounting in a slit lamp. Images are transmitted to a clinician computer and/or a remoter server.