Fundus Imaging Apparatus Mode Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fundus imaging apparatuses face complexity and time-consuming operations when switching between fundus and anterior ocular segment imaging modes, increasing the load on examiners and apparatus size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A fundus imaging apparatus with an imaging unit, focusing unit, diopter adjustment unit, imaging selecting unit, diopter adjustment switching unit, and drive unit that allows for simplified mode switching by facilitating the selection and adjustment of imaging modes through a rotary switching operation portion and diopter adjustment mechanism, reducing the need for separate diopter adjustment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate imaging optical system for the anterior ocular segment is provided, then imaging of the anterior ocular segment is enabled, but the apparatus increases in size and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single fundus imaging apparatus to perform both fundus imaging and anterior ocular segment imaging through a unified optical system. The imaging unit can switch between different imaging modes (fundus and anterior segment) without requiring separate dedicated optical systems, thereby reducing apparatus size while maintaining multi-functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If the examiner manually switches diopter adjustment lenses and moves the focus lens, then imaging of the anterior ocular segment is achieved, but the switching operation is extremely complicated and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through an automated control system that performs diopter adjustment and focus lens movement automatically when the imaging mode is switched. The control unit detects the selected imaging mode and autonomously adjusts the optical parameters, eliminating the need for manual diopter lens switching and focus lens manipulation by the examiner
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the control unit with the necessary adjustment parameters for each imaging mode. When the anterior ocular segment imaging mode is selected, the control unit has already prepared the appropriate diopter and focus settings, enabling automatic and rapid switching without requiring the examiner to perform multiple manual adjustment steps
3Adaptability or versatility
If the focus lens is moved greatly in the hyperopic direction for anterior ocular segment imaging, then the imaging range is extended, but the switching time from fundus imaging mode to anterior ocular segment imaging mode is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing manual mechanical focus lens movement with an automated drive mechanism controlled by a control unit. The drive unit automatically moves the focus lens to the appropriate position based on the selected imaging mode, enabling rapid and precise positioning without manual intervention, thereby reducing switching time while maintaining the required imaging range
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fundus imaging apparatus which achieves reduction of a load on an examiner by facilitating understanding of an operation of switching from a fundus imaging mode to an anterior ocular segment imaging mode, comprising: an imaging unit for taking an image of an eye to be inspected; a focusing unit for achieving a substantially conjugate relationship between the eye to be inspected and the imaging unit; a diopter adjustment unit for adjusting a diopter when the eye to be inspected is myopic or hyperopic; an imaging selecting unit capable of selecting the fundus imaging mode or the anterior ocular segment imaging mode; a diopter adjustment switching unit for switching the diopter adjustment unit in accordance with the selected imaging mode; and a drive unit for driving the focusing unit in accordance with the selected imaging mode.