Infant Eye Model for Wide Field Fundus Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye models for wide field fundus imaging lack accurate physical structure, optical characteristics, and detailed retinal features, leading to obscured retinal detail and compromised diagnosis due to simplified structures and reflections, particularly in highly pigmented eyes.
Innovation Solution
An eye model with nominal physical parameters and optical characteristics of a human eye, including a corneal model with translucent plastic for 1st Purkinje reflection, a birefringent layer for 4th Purkinje reflection, and a photo-realistic retinal shell with detailed retinal features, simulating the human eye's anatomy and reflectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simplified structures are used in eye models, then ease of manufacture is improved, but optical accuracy and retinal detail simulation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The eye model is divided into multiple distinct components: corneal model, lens model, vitreous humor model, and retinal model. Each component can be manufactured separately with appropriate materials and then assembled, balancing manufacturing ease with optical accuracy. The corneal model includes separate layers for anterior and posterior surfaces, allowing precise control of each interface's optical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials to achieve accurate optical properties. The corneal model uses materials with specific refractive indices to simulate real corneal layers. The lens model combines materials to replicate gradient refractive index. The retinal model uses pigmented materials to achieve realistic light absorption characteristics, particularly for highly pigmented eyes.
2Device complexity
If simplified retinal details are used, then device complexity is reduced, but photorealism and diagnostic training value deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The retinal model incorporates localized variations in pigmentation and vascular patterns to match real human retinas. Different regions of the retina have different optical properties - the macula has different reflectivity than the peripheral retina. Blood vessels are modeled with specific absorption characteristics that vary by location and size, providing photorealistic detail without requiring every single vessel to be individually constructed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retinal model uses pigmented materials that exhibit wavelength-dependent absorption to simulate the color and reflectivity characteristics of real retinas. The pigmentation varies across different regions to match human retinal appearance under different lighting conditions. This allows accurate simulation of how light interacts with highly pigmented eyes versus lightly pigmented eyes.
3Manufacturing precision
If accurate optical characteristics are implemented, then retinal imaging simulation is improved, but scattered light and reflections increase obscuring retinal detail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly models the harmful reflections and scattered light as they occur in real eyes - these are not eliminated but accurately reproduced. The corneal model generates Purkinje images that match real corneal reflections. The lens model produces scattering patterns similar to real lenses. By accurately simulating these artifacts, the model helps trainees learn to recognize and compensate for them in clinical practice, converting the harmful effect into a training benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The model allows adjustment of optical parameters such as refractive indices, absorption coefficients, and scattering properties to match different patient conditions. The vitreous humor model can simulate different levels of haze or opacity. This enables training scenarios where the amount of scattered light varies, teaching trainees to optimize imaging parameters under different conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wide field imaging is used to observe peripheral retina, then diagnostic capability is improved, but reflected light from ocular structures increases and obscures retinal detail
Solution Approach 1:
The corneal model is designed with specific curvature and thickness parameters that affect how light reflects at different angles. By accurately modeling the corneal geometry, the model reproduces the angular dependence of Purkinje reflections, helping trainees understand how to position the camera and interpret reflections in wide-field images. The model reveals how reflections from different ocular structures appear at different locations in the peripheral retina.
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 eye model provides precise simulation of wide field retinal imaging, enhancing training and practice by accurately mimicking the human eye's optical properties and retinal details, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing the impact of scattered light.
Implementation Method 1
implementing a corneal model with a translucent plastic to mimic image haze and 1st Purkinje reflection (i.e. reflection from the anterior corneal surface) as seen in a human eye
Implementation Method 2
implementing a birefringent layer to the lens posterior surface to simulate 4th Purkinje reflection (i.e. reflection from the posterior lens surface) and its brightness variation under polarized light as seen in a human eye
Implementation Method 3
implementing a birefringent layer to the lens posterior surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention contemplates an infant eye model for wide field retinal imaging by implementing nominal physical parameters and optical characteristics found in scientific literature and by simulating retinal features and details found in real eye images. The present invention also contemplates implementing a corneal model with a translucent plastic to mimic image haze and 1st Purkinje reflection. The present invention also contemplates implementing a birefringent layer to the lens posterior surface to simulate 4th Purkinje reflection and its brightness variation. The present invention further contemplates implementing a photo-realistic retinal hemisphere shell to provide retinal details and demonstrate retinopathy associated with retinal diseases.