Flat Optical System for Retinal Imaging Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional retinal viewing systems suffer from limited field of view, inadequate illumination, especially in the posterior of the eye, and are often bulky and cost-prohibitive, making them cumbersome to use during surgeries.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising an imaging flat lens and a flat-shaped light guiding arrangement that provides proper illumination and a wider field of view, allowing for flexible and thin design, which can be either reusable or disposable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional retinal viewing systems are used, then imaging function is provided, but field of view is limited and illumination is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into separate functional modules: an imaging module with imaging lens and sensor for capturing retinal images, and an illumination module with illumination lens and light source for providing light. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, enabling the illumination module to provide adequate lighting while the imaging module maintains a wide field of view without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional bulky three-dimensional optical systems to a flat, two-dimensional configuration using flat lenses. This dimensional change reduces the overall system thickness and allows the illumination and imaging paths to be arranged in different planes, enabling both wide field of view and adequate illumination simultaneously without the spatial constraints of conventional designs.
2Ease of operation
If traditional optical systems are used, then imaging is possible, but the system is bulky and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flat lenses that are thin and flexible in design, replacing traditional thick curved lenses. The flat imaging lens and flat illumination lens are configured in a planar arrangement, reducing the system to a thin profile that is easy to handle and operate during surgical procedures while maintaining full imaging and illumination functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional retinal viewing systems are used, then basic imaging is provided, but cost is prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is designed with flat lenses and modular components that can be manufactured at lower cost using simplified fabrication processes. The system can be configured as a disposable unit or reused after sterilization, providing reliable retinal imaging and illumination performance at a more affordable cost point compared to traditional complex optical systems.
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
The proposed optical system offers improved visibility and a wider field of view, reducing patient discomfort and potentially improving surgical outcomes by providing effective illumination without the need for invasive procedures or bulky equipment.
Implementation Method 1
the optical system is configured to allow light to be transmitted from the object side via the imaging flat lens to the image side
Implementation Method 2
The light guiding arrangement is configured to receive illumination light and provide the illumination light to the object side
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 1d
AI summary
The present invention essentially relates to an optical system (100, 200) comprising an imaging flat lens (110) and a light guiding arrangement (120) of flat shape, the optical system (100) having an object side (104) and an image side (102), wherein the light guiding arrangement (120) is configured to receive illumination light (152) and provide the illumination light to the object side (104), wherein the optical system (100) is configured to allow light to be transmitted from the object side (104) via the imaging flat lens (110) to the image side (102).