Eye Structure Comparison Using Polarized Light Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for comparing eye structures with structural images rely on visible features like blood vessels or iris markings, which are unreliable due to changes during surgery or pupil dilation, making accurate comparisons difficult.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing collagen structures in the cornea, which are not visible with normal optics, by employing linearly polarized light and polarizers to capture images of collagen structures, and comparing these images with stored structural images using a comparator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large number of images are stored in the database for comprehensive eye structure comparison, then the completeness and accuracy of diagnosis is improved, but the device complexity and data management burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoiddata management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the eye structure into multiple distinct anatomical regions (anterior chamber, iris, ciliary body, lens, vitreous body, retina, etc.), each with its own dedicated image capture mode and database category. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of all eye structures while organizing data in a manageable, structured manner that reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multiple imaging dimensions by capturing images from different angles and depths (anterior view, posterior view, cross-sectional views at different depths). This multi-dimensional approach enables comprehensive diagnosis without requiring an excessive number of two-dimensional images, as the same structure can be analyzed from multiple perspectives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple image capture modes are used to cover all eye structures, then the comprehensiveness of examination is improved, but the examination time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexamination comprehensivenessVSAvoidexamination time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the illumination device and objective lens assembly to switch between different imaging modes (anterior segment, posterior segment, cross-sectional views) without requiring physical repositioning of the entire device. The illumination device can dynamically adjust its position and angle, and the objective lens can be moved along the optical axis, enabling rapid mode switching and reducing examination time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal imaging system that can capture all eye structure types using a single integrated device. The illumination device and objective lens assembly serve multiple functions by adjusting their positions and configurations, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices for anterior segment, posterior segment, and cross-sectional imaging.

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

3Area of moving object

If the illumination device is positioned far from the objective lens, then the field of view is improved, but the alignment precision and image quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the illumination device and objective lens assembly such that they can dynamically adjust their relative positions. The illumination device can be positioned farther from the objective lens when a wide field of view is needed, and moved closer when high alignment precision is required. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to optimize for either field of view or precision depending on the specific imaging requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2886042B1Assembly and method for comparing an eye structure with a structure image
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 PHRONEMA
  • EP2886042B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2886042B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2886042B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for comparing an eye structure with a structural image (22) and a memory (21) in which a structural image (22) is stored. A measuring light (15) is generated by a light source (14) equipped with a first linear polarizer (17) and directed onto an eye (16). Portions of the measuring light (15) reflected by the eye (16) are detected by an image sensor (19). A second polarizer (18) is arranged between the eye (16) and the image sensor (19), wherein the polarization direction of the first polarizer (17) forms an angle between 75° and 105°, preferably an angle between 85° and 95°, and more preferably an angle of 90°, with the polarization direction of the second polarizer (18). A comparator (20) compares an image (29) obtained by the image sensor (19) with the structural image (22). The invention also relates to an associated method.The invention enables a reliable comparison of an eye structure with a structural image.