Handheld Retinal Imaging Device for Portable Ocular Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fundus cameras are bulky, expensive, and limited by their stationary nature, requiring continuous power and dedicated systems for imaging, processing, and storage, which restricts their mobility and accessibility, especially for patients in developing countries and those with mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A portable, handheld ocular imaging device using a mobile phone with interchangeable lenses and wireless capabilities, capable of capturing high-quality retinal images with a 55-degree field of view, allowing for multi-modal imaging and remote transmission, thus eliminating the need for expensive and cumbersome equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard fundus cameras are used, then high-quality retinal imaging is achieved, but the devices are bulky, expensive, and stationary requiring continuous power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional fundus camera system into separate functional components: a handheld imaging module with lens and light source that can be detached and attached to different mobile devices. This segmentation allows the complex imaging functionality to be distributed across simpler, more portable components while maintaining diagnostic quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal handheld imaging module that can interface with multiple types of mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) through standard camera attachments. This multi-functionality allows the same imaging module to work across different platforms, reducing the need for device-specific equipment while maintaining imaging quality.
2Reliability
If dedicated camera modules and computing systems are used, then imaging functionality is achieved, but cost and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the self-service capabilities of existing mobile devices by using their built-in processors, storage, and operating systems to handle image processing and data management. This eliminates the need for dedicated computing systems, significantly reducing cost while maintaining reliable imaging functionality through the mobile device's existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the traditional fundus camera imaging module with commonly owned mobile devices, combining the specialized optical components with the general-purpose computing capabilities of smartphones and tablets. This merging reduces overall system cost by eliminating redundant components while maintaining full imaging functionality.
3Measurement precision
If standard fundus cameras are used, then retinal imaging is achieved, but accessibility is limited for mobile and hospitalized patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, stationary fundus camera into a dynamic, mobile system that can be easily transported and used at different locations including bedside, outpatient clinics, and remote areas. The handheld design with battery-powered illumination enables the device to adapt to various patient positions and environments, significantly improving accessibility.
4Area of stationary object
If wide field of view is implemented, then more retinal area is captured, but optical complexity increases with reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful reflections from wide-angle optics into a beneficial diagnostic feature by using the same optical path to capture both the retinal image and the illumination pattern. The illumination reflections that would normally be considered noise are actually used to verify proper optical alignment and provide additional diagnostic information about the retinal surface.
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 cost-effective, portable, and inclusive ocular imaging that can be used by both experts and non-experts, facilitating remote evaluation and improving accessibility for eye examinations, particularly in resource-limited settings, and aiding in emergency and bedside care.
Implementation Method 1
The illuminating light from the device enters the retina and the reflected light from the retina is used to form an image on the sensor of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld, ocular imaging device and system that employs the camera, processor and programming of a mobile phone, tablet or other smart device coupled to optical elements and illumination elements that can be used to image the structures of the eye in home-based, ambulatory-care, hospital-based, or emergency-care settings, is presented. The modular device provides multi-functionality (fluorescein imaging, fluorescence, brightfield, infrared (IR) imaging, near-infrared (NIR) imaging) and multi-region imaging (retinal, corneal, external, etc.) of the eye along with the added features of image processing, storage and wireless data transmission for remote storage and evaluation. Acquired ocular images can also be transmitted directly from the device to the electronic medical records of a patient without the need for an intermediate computer system.