Fundus Imaging Optics With Integrated Laser Protection Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmological optical observation apparatuses for laser treatments require additional pivoting mechanisms for laser protection filters, increasing complexity and requiring extra installation space, and lack effective contactless fundus imaging systems.

Innovation Solution

Integrate a laser protection filter into the optical elements of a contactless fundus imaging system, utilizing coatings with specific transmission characteristics to block laser radiation without needing additional pivoting mechanisms, thereby enhancing user-friendliness and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an additional pivoting mechanism is used to introduce the laser protection filter into the beam path, then the laser radiation can be blocked effectively, but the device complexity increases and additional installation space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser radiation blockingVSAvoidpivoting mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the laser protection filter with the existing contactless fundus imaging system by integrating it into the beam path without requiring separate pivoting mechanisms. The filter is incorporated into the optical path of the fundus imaging system, merging two functions (laser protection and fundus imaging) into a single integrated system, thereby avoiding additional mechanical complexity while maintaining effective laser radiation blocking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The contactless fundus imaging system is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions both as a diagnostic imaging tool and as a platform for laser protection. By making the system multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated laser protection filters with pivoting mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring comprehensive laser radiation blocking capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a separate laser protection filter with pivoting mechanism is added, then laser radiation protection is improved, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser radiation protectionVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The laser protection filter is merged with the existing contactless fundus imaging system components, utilizing the same optical path and mounting structure. This integration approach allows the laser protection function to be achieved within the existing physical footprint of the fundus imaging system, eliminating the need for additional installation space that would be required for separate pivoting mechanisms and filters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple elements are used for the laser protection filter, then the laser radiation blocking capability is enhanced, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser radiation blocking capabilityVSAvoidnumber of elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing optical elements of the contactless fundus imaging system are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The optical path and existing filters are configured to provide both fundus imaging capability and laser radiation protection, eliminating the need for additional separate elements and maintaining system simplicity while ensuring comprehensive laser blocking capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 integrated laser protection filter effectively blocks harmful laser radiation, ensuring user safety and reducing apparatus complexity by eliminating the need for additional components, while maintaining clear imaging quality.

Implementation Method 1

at least one coating that realizes the transmission characteristic and thus forms the laser protection filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

in the form of an interference layer system, which forms an interference filter. The filter effect in a color filter is based on the absorption of the spectral range to be removed, whereas in an interference filter said filter effect is based on the spectral range to be removed being selectively reflected by means of interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS20250344947A1Ophthalmological optical observation apparatus, method for providing an ophthalmological optical observation apparatus with a laser protection filter and fundus imaging system

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG

AI summary

The invention relates to an ophthalmological optical observation apparatus for use during a treatment of the eye by means of laser radiation. It comprises a contactless fundus imaging system having at least one optical element and a laser protection filter with a transmission characteristic suitable for blocking the laser radiation used during the treatment of the eye. In this context, at least one optical element of the contactless fundus imaging system is provided with at least one coating that realizes the transmission characteristic and thus forms the laser protection filter.