Fundus Imaging Apparatus Using Multi-Branch Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fundus imaging apparatuses face challenges in accurately separating and dividing light beams around the point image center area, requiring high precision and increasing costs and alignment time, with limited flexibility in changing the number of divisions and division patterns due to the need for multiple optical elements and fundus conjugate points.
Innovation Solution
A fundus imaging apparatus utilizing a multi-branch bundle fiber that divides light into multiple branches at the entrance end, allowing for flexible division patterns and directions, eliminating the need for additional light beam splitting elements and enabling simultaneous detection of light beams in the point image center area and its periphery without increasing the number of fundus conjugate points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional light beam splitting elements (annular mirror, edge mirror) are used to separate and divide light beams in the fundus conjugate point, then light beam separation and division can be achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and alignment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical light beam splitting elements (annular mirrors, edge mirrors) with a spatial light modulator that uses spatial light modulation to achieve the same beam separation and division functions. This substitution eliminates the need for high-precision mechanical alignment while maintaining beam separation accuracy through programmable optical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The spatial light modulator changes the state of light beams by modulating their spatial distribution, phase, or amplitude parameters dynamically. This allows flexible beam separation and division without requiring precise mechanical positioning, thereby reducing alignment time while maintaining separation precision.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional light beam splitting elements are used to divide peripheral light beams, then beam division can be achieved, but the number of divisions is limited by installation space and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial light modulator serves multiple functions: it can divide light beams into any number of segments, change division patterns dynamically, and adjust division ratios flexibly. This single device replaces what would otherwise require multiple fixed beam splitting elements, reducing system complexity while increasing the number of achievable divisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spatial light modulator provides dynamic control over beam division, allowing the number and pattern of divisions to be changed programmatically without physical reconfiguration. This dynamic capability enables high beam division counts without proportionally increasing system complexity, as all divisions are controlled through software rather than additional mechanical components.
3Measurement precision
If conventional light beam splitting elements are used to separate point image center area and peripheral light beams, then beam separation can be achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to small point image size
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial light modulator replaces precision-machined beam splitting elements with a programmable device that achieves beam separation through optical modulation rather than mechanical geometry. This eliminates the need for high-precision manufacturing of beam splitting components while maintaining separation accuracy through controlled light field manipulation.
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
This configuration reduces alignment time, saves space, and allows for diverse division patterns of peripheral light beams, enabling accurate and efficient imaging with increased flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
light beam divisional information indicating the degree of light beam division by the multi-branch bundle fiber
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector unit which detects light output from each of at least three regions at the exit end of the optical fiber
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a fundus imaging apparatus includes a light source, an optical scanner, an optical fiber, a light guide system, a photodetector unit, and an image forming unit. The optical scanner scans the fundus of a subject's eye with light from the light source. The optical fiber includes a plurality of optical waveguides. The light guide system guides the light returning from the fundus to the entrance end of the optical fiber. The photodetector unit detects light output from each of at least three regions at the exit end of the optical fiber. The image forming unit forms a first image based on a detection result of light output from a first region of the at least three regions, and a second image based on detection results of light output from two or more regions of the at least three regions other than the first region.