Fundus Observation Device Reference Mirror Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fundus observation devices face challenges in obtaining highly precise tomographic images of deep layer tissues within the eye, such as the chorioidea, due to limitations in interference sensitivity and increased user burden from complex adjustments required to achieve high image precision.
Innovation Solution
A fundus observation device equipped with a light source outputting low-coherence light, an interference light generation part to split the light into signal and reference lights, and a detection part to form tomographic images, along with a drive part to move the reference object along the direction of the reference light based on the specified observation site, allowing for high sensitivity and precise image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fundus observation devices are used to observe deep layer tissues, then the observation capability is limited, but the device complexity and user burden increase when attempting to improve image precision
Solution Approach 1:
The reference mirror is made movable along the optical axis to dynamically adjust the optical path length of the reference light. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to different observation depths within the eye, allowing precise tomographic imaging of various layers (retina, chorioidea, etc.) without requiring multiple fixed-depth systems, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical path length parameter of the reference light by moving the reference mirror. This parameter change allows the interference sensitivity to be optimized for different depth positions within the eye, enabling high-precision observation of deep layer tissues at different depths without increasing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If adjustments are made to achieve high image precision for deep layer tissues, then measurement precision improves, but user burden and examination time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily sets the optical path length of the reference light to match the depth of the target tissue before imaging. By pre-adjusting the reference mirror position to the appropriate depth, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustments during the imaging process, thereby reducing examination time while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines and adjusts the optical path length based on the target observation depth, reducing the need for manual user adjustment. This self-adjusting capability streamlines the imaging process, allowing operators to quickly acquire high-precision images of deep layer tissues without extensive manual intervention, thus reducing examination time
3Ease of operation
If the optical path length is not adjusted, then device operation is simple, but interference sensitivity decreases for deep layer observations
Solution Approach 1:
The reference mirror serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the simple operation requirement and the need for high interference sensitivity. By introducing this movable reference mirror, the system allows operators to simply move the mirror to the appropriate position rather than performing complex adjustments, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving high interference sensitivity for deep layer observations
Solution Approach 2:
The reference mirror is made movable to dynamically adjust the optical path length according to the observation depth. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the system to maintain high interference sensitivity for deep layer tissues while keeping the operation simple - the operator only needs to move the reference mirror to the appropriate position, and the system automatically optimizes the interference condition
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 easy acquisition of highly precise tomographic images of the desired observation site within the fundus oculi by moving the reference object to optimize interference sensitivity, reducing user burden and examination time.
Implementation Method 1
an interference light generation part configured to split said low-coherence light that has been output from said light source to generate a signal light directed at the fundus oculi of an eye, and a reference light directed at a reference object, and configured to superimpose said signal light that has reached said fundus oculi and said reference light that has reached said reference object, so as to generate an interference light
Data Source
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AI summary
Technology is provided, capable of easily acquiring high precision tomographic images of the desired observation site of the fundus oculi. A fundus observation device 1 is provided, comprising: an interferometer that generates interference light LC from a reference light LR via a reference mirror 174 and a signal light LS that reaches the fundus oculi Ef after low-coherence light L0 is split into that signal light LS and reference light LR; a CCD 184 that detects interference light LC; an image forming part 220 that forms image data G of a tomographic image based on detection results of the CCD 184; a display part 240A; an operation part 240B for specifying an observation mode (observation site); and a reference mirror drive mechanism 243. The image data G of a tomographic image includes image data of a normal image G (Re) and an inverse image G (Im). A controlling part 210 that displays the selected normal image G (Re) or inverse image G (Im) on the display part 240A along with moving the reference mirror 174 by controlling the reference mirror drive mechanism 243 based on the selected observation mode.