Electronic Fixation Light for Ophthalmic Imaging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic imaging systems face challenges in achieving precise alignment between the eye's optical axis and the imaging device, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in the docking process, particularly due to the lack of precise feedback and guidance systems, which can be time-consuming and frustrating for operators.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled fixation light system that includes a fixation light controller with an input module, control signal generator, and fixation light source, which receives inputs from the imaging device to generate and adjust the fixation light electronically, assisting in aligning the eye with the ophthalmic imaging system by indicating misalignments and guiding the patient to correct them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixation light system is used to guide patient eye alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation light controller receives inputs from the imaging device about eye position and automatically adjusts the fixation light position accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that improves alignment precision without requiring complex manual coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The electronically controlled fixation light acts as an intermediary between the imaging device and the patient's eye, translating imaging device position information into appropriate fixation light positions to guide alignment
2Device complexity
If manual mechanical adjustment of fixation light is used, then system complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and adjustment speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronically controlled fixation light system that receives electronic inputs and automatically positions the light, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment components while improving precision
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation light controller automatically adjusts the fixation light position based on inputs from the imaging device without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-adjusting and reducing the need for complex mechanical control mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If iterative manual docking adjustments are made, then alignment precision can be improved, but the docking time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation light is pre-positioned based on inputs from the imaging device before the docking process begins, and automatically adjusted during docking, eliminating the need for iterative manual adjustments and reducing docking time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The real-time feedback from the imaging device to the fixation light controller enables continuous automatic adjustment during the docking process, allowing rapid convergence to the correct alignment position without time-consuming iterative manual trials
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronically controlled fixation light system is described for ophthalmic systems. The ophthalmic system can include an ophthalmic imaging device that generates an image of a portion of an imaged eye, a fixation light controller that includes an input module, configured to receive an input in relation to the image generated by the ophthalmic imaging device, and a control signal generator that generates an electronic fixation light control signal in response to the received input, and a fixation light source, configured to receive the fixation light control signal, and to generate a fixation light according to the received fixation light control signal. A surgeon can image a portion of an eye with the imaging device, determine a misalignment of the imaged eye relative to the imaging device based on the image, and control the fixation light with an electronic control signal to reduce the determined misalignment.