Portable Eye Imaging With User Feedback for Self-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye imaging systems provide superficial information and are not suitable for self-imaging by subjects without clinical assistance, often resulting in poor image quality due to misalignment and improper positioning, especially in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A portable, binocular imaging apparatus with multiple imaging modes (OCT, fluorescence, and optical) that provides user feedback for proper positioning, selectively illuminates desired eye portions, and compensates for scan misalignment, enabling high-quality medical imaging by novice users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional eye imaging systems are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but image quality and measurement precision deteriorate due to misalignment and improper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback to the user through a display device, showing the current position of the eye relative to the field of view. This feedback loop enables users to self-correct positioning without clinical assistance, resolving the contradiction between improved image quality and increased device complexity by using software-based guidance rather than hardware simplification
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables subjects to perform self-imaging by providing automated alignment assistance and real-time positioning feedback. Users independently complete tasks that previously required clinical assistance, achieving medical-grade image quality without increasing physical device complexity through the use of software-driven self-guidance mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If portable imaging devices are used, then accessibility and ease of operation improve, but image quality deteriorates due to misalignment and improper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays real-time visual feedback showing the eye's position within the field of view, enabling users to self-correct positioning. This feedback mechanism maintains ease of operation for portable devices while ensuring image quality by guiding users to achieve proper alignment without requiring clinical assistance
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment assessment by analyzing the captured image to determine eye position within the field of view before final image capture. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning is achieved and corrected in advance, maintaining both ease of operation and image quality in portable devices
3Loss of information
If multiple imaging modes are implemented, then diagnostic capability and information quality improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multiple imaging modes (OCT, fluorescence, and optical imaging) within a single portable device, enabling comprehensive diagnostic capability. This multi-functionality approach consolidates multiple specialized devices into one universal platform, improving information quality while managing device complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple imaging modalities (OCT, fluorescence imaging, and optical imaging) into a single integrated apparatus. By merging these functions into one device with shared components and unified control, the system achieves comprehensive diagnostic capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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 high-quality medical imaging of the fundus by subjects independently, improving accessibility to healthcare diagnostics in low-income communities and reducing the need for clinical supervision.
Implementation Method 1
A portable, binocular imaging apparatus with multiple imaging modes (OCT, fluorescence, and optical)
Implementation Method 2
A portable, binocular imaging apparatus with multiple imaging modes (OCT, fluorescence, and optical)
Implementation Method 3
selectively illuminates desired eye portions
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide improved techniques to assist imaging and/or measuring a subject's eye that are suitable for use in an imaging and/or measuring apparatus operated by the subject, even in the absence of a clinician or technician, thereby improving access to medical grade imaging and/or measurement. Some aspects relate to techniques for receiving user input and capturing a medical grade image and/or measurement of a subject's eye responsive to receiving the user input. Some aspects relate to techniques for providing visual feedback to a user of an imaging and/or measuring apparatus indicating a location of a subject's eye in a field of view of the imaging and/or measuring apparatus. Some aspects relate to techniques for selectively illuminating a first portion of a subject's eye with illumination light and capturing an image of the first portion of the subject's eye.