Fundus Imaging With Variable Focus for Non-Mydriatic Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fundus imaging technologies require pharmacological pupil dilation, which can be painful and inconvenient for patients, and struggle with effective imaging in low-light environments without relying on mydriatic drugs.
Innovation Solution
A fundus imaging system utilizing a variable focus lens, illumination LEDs, and passive eye tracking to capture multiple images at different diopter ranges without mydriasis, enabling rapid image capture and compilation of in-focus views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pharmacological pupil dilation is used for fundus imaging, then image quality is improved, but patient comfort and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful element (pharmacological dilation) from the imaging process while maintaining image quality through alternative optical focusing methods using variable diopter lenses and passive eye tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses passive eye tracking to detect the patient's natural eye movements and focuses automatically without requiring pharmacological intervention, allowing the patient's own physiological responses to guide the imaging process
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-mydriatic fundus imaging is performed in low lighting environments, then patient comfort is improved, but imaging effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable diopter lens that can dynamically adjust its focal power, allowing the system to adapt to different lighting conditions and maintain effective imaging without requiring pharmacological dilation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters (diopter settings) to optimize image capture under varying lighting conditions, enabling effective non-mydriatic imaging in low-light environments through rapid adjustment of focal parameters
3Measurement precision
If multiple images at different diopter ranges are captured, then image detail and three-dimensional representation are improved, but capture time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rapid sequential capture of multiple images at different diopter settings, with the variable focus lens cycling through different focal positions quickly to gather comprehensive data without significant time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual focusing mechanisms with automated variable diopter lens control and passive eye tracking, enabling rapid electronic adjustment of focal planes without mechanical intervention delays
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 high-quality fundus imaging without pharmacological dilation, allowing for efficient capture and processing of multiple images to produce clear, detailed, and potentially three-dimensional representations of the eye fundus.
Implementation Method 1
A fundus imaging system utilizing a variable focus lens, illumination LEDs, and passive eye tracking to capture multiple images at different diopter ranges
Implementation Method 2
A fundus imaging system utilizing a variable focus lens, illumination LEDs
Implementation Method 3
A fundus imaging system utilizing a variable focus lens, illumination LEDs, and passive eye tracking to capture multiple images at different diopter ranges
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An apparatus for producing a fundus image includes: a processor and a memory; an illumination component including a light source and operatively coupled to the processor; a camera including a lens and operatively coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to: execute an automated script for capture of the fundus image; and allow for manual capture of the fundus image.