Combined Eye Imaging Device Fundus Depth Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current eye examination methods require multiple devices to visualize both the fundus and deeper structures, leading to increased costs, time consumption, and discomfort for patients.

Innovation Solution

A combined examination device incorporating a slit lamp microscope, scanning digital ophthalmoscope (SDO), and optical coherence tomograph (OCT) allows for simultaneous imaging of the fundus and underlying structures using sequential scanning and depth-resolved imaging, enabling stereoscopic visualization without repositioning the patient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple examination devices are used to examine both fundus and deeper structures, then imaging capability is improved, but examination time and patient discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidexamination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple examination devices (SDO for fundus imaging and OCT for deeper structure imaging) into a single integrated examination device. This merging allows both fundus and deeper structures to be examined sequentially without requiring patient repositioning, thereby maintaining comprehensive imaging capability while reducing examination time and patient discomfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated examination device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can execute both SDO examinations for fundus imaging and OCT examinations for deeper structure imaging. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices and repositioning, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive imaging capability and examination efficiency.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple examination devices are used to examine both fundus and deeper structures, then imaging capability is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple examination devices into a single unified system, combining SDO and OCT functionalities. This merging reduces the total number of separate devices required, thereby lowering overall equipment costs while maintaining the ability to perform both fundus and deeper structure imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device provides universal functionality for both SDO and OCT examinations, eliminating the need to purchase and maintain separate specialized devices. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity and cost while preserving comprehensive imaging capabilities.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple examination devices are used to examine both fundus and deeper structures, then imaging capability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidpatient comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines SDO and OCT examination functions into a single device that maintains a fixed position relative to the patient. This integration allows sequential imaging of fundus and deeper structures without requiring patient repositioning, thereby improving patient comfort while maintaining comprehensive imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated examination device provides universal imaging capabilities for both fundus and deeper structures from a single fixed position. This eliminates the need for patient repositioning between devices, significantly improving ease of operation and patient comfort during the examination process.

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

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 integrated approach provides comprehensive eye examination capabilities, enhancing pathology detection and reducing patient discomfort and examination time by allowing detailed imaging of both fundus and deeper structures on a single device.

Implementation Method 1

a first device for generating an image of the eye, the first device comprising a microscope and an illumination unit for illuminating the eye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

a second device for generating an image of a first eye section by sequentially scanning the first eye section with a light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight beam scanning: Light

Implementation Method 3

a third device for generating a depth-resolved image of a second eye section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical coherence tomography: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP1969995A1Eye testing device
Publication Date: 2008.09.17 HAAG STREIT AG
  • EP1969995A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP1969995A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP1969995A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The eye testing device has a device to produce a picture of the eye. The device has a microscope and an illuminating unit for illuminating the eye. Another device is provided to produce a picture of an eye section. The picture of an eye section is produced by sequential scanning of the eye section with a light path (17a,17b). A third device is provided to produce a low resolution picture of another eye section. An independent claim is also included for a method for testing an eye.