Handheld Ophthalmic Instrument Amber Light Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for ophthalmic examinations, such as fundus cameras, are complex and costly, requiring pupil dilation and offering limited diagnostic capabilities in a compact, handheld form.
Innovation Solution
A handheld ophthalmic examination instrument with an illumination system using amber and white light sources, a digital imager, and a processor for automatic focusing, enabling enhanced imaging without pupil dilation, and featuring a liquid lens for dynamic focusing and reduced image jitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated fundus camera is used for retinal imaging, then the field of view and diagnostic capability are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential imaging function from complex dedicated fundus cameras by using a digital imager that can capture retinal images through the undilated pupil. This removes unnecessary complexity while retaining the core diagnostic capability for retinal imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld ophthalmic instrument is designed to perform multiple functions including retinal imaging, optic nerve evaluation, and macular examination through a single device. The digital imager can capture various retinal structures without requiring pupil dilation, making the device versatile for different diagnostic needs.
2Area of stationary object
If pupil dilation is administered to enable retinal imaging, then the field of view is improved, but the examination time and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination wavelength parameter by using amber light (550-600 nm) which has specific optical properties that allow it to pass through the undilated pupil effectively. This wavelength selection enables adequate illumination and imaging without requiring pupil dilation, thus reducing examination time and patient discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed to capture adequate retinal images through the undilated pupil from the beginning, eliminating the need for preliminary pupil dilation steps. The amber light illumination and digital imager configuration are optimized to provide sufficient field of view and image quality without any preparatory medication administration.
3Device complexity
If standard illumination is used for ophthalmic examination, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the image quality and diagnostic accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using amber light (550-600 nm) specifically targeted at the retinal structures being examined. This wavelength range provides optimal penetration and contrast for retinal imaging while maintaining device simplicity. The illumination is localized to the pupil area and directed precisely onto the retinal structures of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument uses amber light illumination with specific wavelength characteristics that enhance the contrast and visibility of retinal structures. The color properties of amber light (550-600 nm) are optimized to differentiate various retinal layers and features, improving image quality without adding complex illumination systems.
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
The instrument provides enhanced diagnostic capabilities with improved ease of use and reduced complexity, allowing for effective ophthalmic examinations with a compact, cost-effective, and user-friendly device that captures high-quality images without the need for pupil dilation.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source emitting the illuminating light in a narrow wavelength range of between about 550 nm and about 600 nm
Implementation Method 2
one of the plurality of lenses includes an optical focusing element capable of varying its thickness in response to an application of a focusing voltage thereto. More specifically, the optical focusing element can comprise a so-called 'liquid lens'
Implementation Method 3
an imaging system for directing the illuminating light as reflected from the target of interest to a viewing location, in which the imaging system includes: a digital imager at the viewing location for detecting and capturing a digital image of the target of interest
Data Source
AI summary
A skin measuring microscope includes a housing, an electronic imager disposed along an imaging axis, and an illumination system. The illumination system includes a plurality of LEDs disposed in a ring-like configuration adjacent a distal end of the housing.