Digitally Controllable Mask for Ophthalmological Eye Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slit lamps for eye examination are complex, requiring significant manual adjustment and skilled operators due to the need for precise positioning and angle control of light beams on curved eye surfaces, which can lead to time-consuming and error-prone procedures.
Innovation Solution
A digitally controllable mask system that adjusts light patterns using electronic signals, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of moving parts, allowing for automated operation and precise control of light patterns projected onto the eye, including adjustable shape, size, position, and color, with a controller managing the mask and light source for efficient eye inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional slit lamp with mechanical aperture and three-axis positioning stage is used, then precise positioning and angle control of light beams can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and manual adjustment time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical aperture system with a digitally controllable mask that can be adjusted via electronic signals. The mask is arranged to selectively block transmission of light from the light source to form a mask pattern that is projectable onto the patient's eye, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of moving parts while maintaining precise positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position to digital control signals. The digitally controllable mask can be adjusted by receiving digital control signals to alter the mask pattern, allowing for automated operation while maintaining the precision needed for eye examination.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of moving parts is required for positioning and angle control, then precise control can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases and skilled operators are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical adjustment mechanisms by using a digitally controllable mask system. The mask receives digital control signals to adjust its pattern, replacing the need for manual operation of mechanical components while maintaining precise angle control through electronic positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated operation where the digitally controllable mask automatically adjusts its pattern based on received digital control signals, reducing the need for skilled manual operation while maintaining examination precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustments are repeated for examining different portions of the eye, then comprehensive examination can be performed, but the productivity decreases and examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the mask pattern through digital signals, allowing rapid reconfiguration of the light pattern to examine different portions of the eye. This enables comprehensive examination coverage without the time-consuming manual adjustments required by conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital control signals to rapidly change mask pattern parameters, enabling quick transitions between different examination areas while maintaining comprehensive coverage. This significantly improves examination speed compared to manual adjustment systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
An ophthalmological apparatus with a digitally controllable mask for facilitating rapid and repeatable eye inspection. The mask is controlled by electronic signals to set and adjust the extent to which it blocks or transmits light from a light source. The mask is thus arranged to form an adjustable mask pattern that is projectable onto a subject's eye. An imaging device captures the mask pattern on the subject's eye. The captured images can be analysed to determine properties of the subject's eye. The mask may be controlled by a computer, tablet, smartphone or other suitable processing apparatus. Unlike conventional devices such as the slit lamp, the apparatus does not require manual adjustment of moving parts to control the shape and position of the projected pattern. The observation procedure can be fully automated such that it requires minimal user intervention.