Fundus Imaging Apparatus Automated Optical Path Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fundus imaging apparatuses without dedicated optical systems face challenges in automating the adjustment of photographing conditions, leading to incomplete adjustments and inappropriate display of fundus tomographic images.
Innovation Solution
A fundus photographing apparatus with an interference optical system that splits light into measurement and reference lights, using an optical scanner to scan the fundus and adjust optical path lengths and polarization states, allowing for automated adjustment of photographing conditions through a controller that analyzes interference signals to optimize image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fundus imaging apparatus without dedicated optical systems is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustment automation is incomplete leading to inappropriate image display
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses its own OCT measurement light flux and detector to automatically adjust photographing conditions. The controller analyzes interference signals from the detector to autonomously determine optimal scanning positions and focus settings, eliminating the need for external dedicated optical systems while achieving full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The OCT measurement optical system serves multiple functions: it provides the light flux for depth direction scanning, enables focus detection through interference signal analysis, and determines optimal photographing conditions. This multi-functional use of a single optical system reduces overall device complexity while maintaining automation capability.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of photographing conditions is performed, then adjustment precision can be achieved, but productivity and measurement time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from the detector analyzing interference signals during OCT measurement. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the scanning position and focus settings to optimal values, achieving both high precision and rapid automation. The interference signal intensity serves as the feedback criterion for optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with automated optical and electronic systems. The controller electronically controls the scanning device and optical path length based on detector signals, substituting manual mechanical focus and positioning adjustments with automated optical feedback mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If optical path length adjustment is performed without optimization, then device operation is simplified, but image quality and sensitivity are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary automatic optimization of optical path length and scanning position using the OCT measurement system before actual fundus photographing. The controller pre-adjusts these parameters based on interference signal analysis, ensuring optimal image quality is achieved automatically without requiring manual optimization during operation.
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 accurate and automated adjustment of photographing conditions, ensuring high-quality fundus tomographic images are obtained without the need for dedicated optical systems, improving image sensitivity and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
an interference optical system configured to split light flux emitted from a light source into a measurement light and a reference light, the interference optical system detecting, with a detector, an interference state between the reference light and the measurement light that is reflected at a fundus of an examinee's eye
Data Source
AI summary
A fundus imaging apparatus includes: an interference optical system configured to detect, with a detector, an interference state between a reference light and a measurement light that is reflected at a fundus; an optical scanner configured to scan the fundus with the measurement light; an optical member configured to adjust an optical path length difference between the measurement light and the reference light; an imaging unit configured to photograph a tomographic image of the fundus based on an output signal from the detector; a first optical path length adjuster configured to move the optical member, based on a light-receiving signal output from the detector corresponding to a position of the optical member; a second optical path length adjuster configured to readjust a position of the optical member; and an optical system adjuster configured to adjust the interference optical system between adjustments by the first and second optical path length adjusters.