Fluorescent Eye Model for Ophthalmological Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye models that simulate eye structures for ophthalmological measurements inadequately replicate the scattering behavior of real eyes due to multiple scattering in translucent imitation materials, leading to unsharpness in recorded images.
Innovation Solution
An eye model with fluorescent properties is used, where the replicas contain fluorophores that emit light of a longer wavelength than the excitation radiation, allowing for clear definition of contours and avoiding unsharpness, and can be made from transparent materials like Plexiglas with homogeneous or inhomogeneous distribution of fluorescent material to simulate different eye structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If translucent imitation materials with scattering substances are used to simulate eye structures, then the scattering properties can be reproduced, but multiple scattering occurs leading to unsharp contours and loss of measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental optical parameter from scattering-based to fluorescence-based emission. Instead of using materials that scatter light (which cause multiple scattering and unsharp contours), the invention uses fluorescent materials that absorb excitation light and emit at longer wavelengths, eliminating multiple scattering effects while maintaining the ability to simulate eye structure optical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the scattering mechanism with a fluorescence emission mechanism. The measurement system transitions from detecting scattered light to detecting fluorescent emission, replacing the problematic scattering-based optical interaction with a cleaner fluorescence-based interaction that provides sharp contours and eliminates multiple scattering artifacts
2Reliability
If scattering substances are doped into the imitation body, then scattering behavior can be imitated, but the scattered light beam expands causing loss of information about boundary surfaces and contours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the optical parameter from scattering to fluorescence emission. Fluorescent materials absorb light at one wavelength and emit at longer wavelengths, providing a clean emission signal that does not undergo multiple scattering, thereby preserving boundary surface and contour information while still enabling simulation of eye structure optical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorophores as an intermediary substance within the transparent imitation material. These fluorophores serve as the active optical element that converts excitation light into fluorescent emission, acting as a mediator that enables optical measurement without the harmful effects of multiple scattering that would occur with traditional scattering substances
3Stability of the object's composition
If homogeneous distribution of scattering substances is used, then the imitation body appears uniform, but multiple scattering still occurs at all interfaces leading to beam expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical mechanism from scattering to fluorescence. Fluorescent materials can be distributed homogeneously throughout the transparent imitation material, providing uniform optical properties without the multiple scattering problem. The homogeneous distribution of fluorophores maintains material uniformity while the fluorescence emission mechanism preserves contour sharpness
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 sharp-contour photographic recordings and accurate calibration of camera systems used in ophthalmological measurements, such as Scheimpflug cameras, by suppressing multiple scattering effects and providing reference images for device calibration and comparison.
Implementation Method 1
the material of the replica contains fluorophores which, when excited by an excitation radiation, emit light of a longer wavelength than the excitation radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial eye model (10) for use in ophthalmological measurements has a reproduction (12, 14) of at least one eye structure, such as a cornea or an eye lens. According to the invention, the reproduction exhibits fluorescing characteristics. It is possible in this manner to avoid beam expansion due to multiple scatter in the case of photographic exposures based on scattered light. Instead, imaging of the reproduced eye structures with highly-defined contours is made possible.