Handheld Ophthalmic Device Segmentation for Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic diagnostic instruments are bulky and unsuitable for use in austere environments such as battlefields or disaster areas, where they are needed but not readily available, and there is a lack of access to ophthalmologists or optometrists.
Innovation Solution
A handheld ophthalmic device that is lightweight and compact, attachable to mobile communication devices like smartphones, enabling remote examination and data transmission for telemedicine, equipped with cameras and illumination sources for ophthalmoscopic and slit-lamp examinations, and capable of performing near-infrared pupillography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ophthalmic diagnostic instruments are used, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but the device becomes bulky and unsuitable for portable use in austere environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ophthalmic diagnostic system into two separate components: a handheld diagnostic device that performs eye examinations and captures images, and a mobile communication device (smartphone, tablet) that stores and transmits the diagnostic data. This segmentation allows the diagnostic instrument to be lightweight and portable while maintaining full diagnostic functionality, resolving the contradiction between diagnostic accuracy and device weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ophthalmic diagnostic instruments are used, then comprehensive eye examination capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases making it unsuitable for battlefield or disaster area deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile communication device serve multiple functions: it acts as the diagnostic instrument housing, provides illumination sources for eye examination, stores captured images, and transmits data to remote ophthalmologists. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive examination capabilities, as the smartphone/tablet already possesses these functions independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a docking system as an intermediary component that mechanically and electrically connects the handheld diagnostic device to the mobile communication device. This docking interface simplifies the integration of complex functionalities by providing a standardized connection point, allowing the diagnostic device to leverage the mobile device's processing, storage, and communication capabilities without requiring direct integration of all components.
3Reliability
If ophthalmologists or optometrists are present at the site, then immediate diagnosis and treatment are possible, but in austere environments specialists are unavailable requiring remote consultation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary diagnostic actions to be performed in the field using the handheld device, capturing complete eye examination images and data on-site. The mobile communication device then transmits these preliminary results to remote ophthalmologists for immediate review, eliminating the need to wait for specialist arrival and reducing overall consultation time while maintaining diagnostic reliability.
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 portable and remote eye examinations, allowing operators to capture and share images with healthcare professionals, facilitating timely assessments and treatments in areas where access to specialists is limited.
Implementation Method 1
one or more cameras or imaging systems and/or one or more illumination sources that are configured to image and/or otherwise facilitate examination of the eye
Implementation Method 2
one or more illumination sources that are configured to image and/or otherwise facilitate examination of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld ophthalmic device configured to perform various optical diagnostic tests to determine the health of a subject's eye. The handheld ophthalmic device is configured to be attached to a smartphone, a cell phone or an electronic tablet. The smartphone, a cell phone or an electronic tablet can be used to view images obtained by the handheld ophthalmic device and to transmit data and images obtained by the handheld ophthalmic device to an ophthalmologist located remotely.