Gonioscopy Lens with Multi-Path Reflection for Non-Contact Iridocorneal Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gonioscopy instruments are limited in their ability to observe the entire iridocorneal annular zone of the eye, requiring repeated contact with the eye and skilled operators, which poses risks and complicates the diagnosis of glaucoma.
Innovation Solution
An optical equipment with multiple illumination and imaging paths allows for simultaneous or sequential capture of images from different sub-portions of the iridocorneal annular zone without moving the lens, using artificial light at high inclination to the eye axis, enabling comprehensive observation without direct contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single imaging optical path is used to observe the iridocorneal zone, then the device complexity is reduced, but the observation coverage is limited and requires repeated contact with the patient eye
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple imaging optical paths (first imaging optical path and second imaging optical path), each capturing a different sub-portion of the iridocorneal zone. This segmentation allows comprehensive observation of the entire zone without requiring repeated contact with the patient's eye, as each optical path simultaneously captures a specific sector of the observation area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lateral dimension to the optical system by adding imaging optical paths arranged laterally around the central optical axis. This lateral arrangement enables simultaneous multi-sector observation of the iridocorneal zone, transforming a single-point observation system into a multi-point parallel observation system without increasing the axial length of the device.
2Measurement precision
If direct contact with the patient eye is required for observation, then measurement precision is improved, but the risk of corneal scratches and need for sterilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-contact intermediary optical system that uses reflected light from a mirror to capture images of the iridocorneal zone. This intermediary approach allows the imaging assembly to remain at a distance from the patient's eye while still achieving precise observation, eliminating direct contact and associated risks of corneal scratches and infection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based observation system with an optical reflection-based system. Instead of physically contacting the eye with imaging components, the system uses light reflection from a mirror to transmit images from the iridocorneal zone to the imaging assembly, substituting mechanical contact with optical field interaction.
3Illumination intensity
If natural light is used for illumination, then the illumination system is simplified, but the observation quality is insufficient due to diffused and weak light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameters by using artificial light sources with specific intensity and directional characteristics instead of natural light. The illumination assembly uses controlled artificial lighting to provide sufficient brightness for observing the iridocorneal zone, compensating for the insufficient intensity of natural light without requiring complex optical concentration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is designed to provide localized high-intensity lighting specifically at the iridocorneal zone observation area. The artificial light sources are positioned and directed to illuminate only the necessary regions, providing concentrated brightness where needed while keeping the rest of the system relatively simple.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple images are captured sequentially by moving the lens, then comprehensive observation is achieved, but the observation time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The observation process is segmented into multiple simultaneous imaging channels, each capturing a different sub-portion of the iridocorneal zone. By dividing the observation task into parallel segments rather than sequential steps, the system captures the entire zone in a single observation session, eliminating the time required to move the lens between different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous observation of multiple sub-portions of the iridocorneal zone through parallel imaging optical paths. This continuous multi-point observation eliminates the interruptions and time losses associated with moving the lens sequentially between different observation positions, maintaining continuous useful action across the entire observation area.
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 solution enables more comprehensive and safer observation of the iridocorneal zone, reducing risks and allowing for faster and more accurate glaucoma diagnosis by non-skilled professionals.
Implementation Method 1
the lateral portion comprises a reflecting element surrounding the central portion and designed to provide a reflection along all the imaging optical paths
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical equipment suitable for observation of at least a portion of an iridocorneal annular zone of an eye (100) comprising: an illumination assembly (201A, 201B), comprising at least one illumination electric device, for illuminating at least a portion of an iridocorneal annular zone of an eye (100), and having a plurality of illumination optical paths (251A, 251B) for one or more illumination light beams going to a corresponding plurality of sub - portions of said portion, an image capturing assembly (202A, 202B), comprising at least one image capturing electric device, for capturing images of at least a portion of an iridocorneal annular zone of an eye (100), and having a plurality of imaging optical paths (252A, 252B) for one or more imaging light beams coming from a corresponding plurality of sub-portions of said portion, and a front optical assembly (203) having a front surface (204) designed to be located close to the front surface of an eye (100), a rear surface (205) designed to be located far from the front surface of an eye (100), and comprising a central portion (206) located between the front surface (204) and the rear surface (205) and a lateral portion (207) located around the central portion (206); the front optical assembly (203) is stationary; all the imaging optical paths (252A, 252B) pass through the central portion (206) between the front surface (204) and the rear surface (205); the lateral portion (207) comprises a reflecting element (208) surrounding the central portion (206) and designed to provide a reflection along all the imaging optical paths (252A, 252B).