Infrared Retinal Imaging Chamber Without Pharmacologic Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for taking retinal photographs require pharmacologic dilation, which is invasive and inconvenient for patients.
Innovation Solution
A device using a darkened chamber with infrared light sources and cameras, such as a VR headset, illuminates the retina with infrared light and captures images without the need for pharmacologic dilation, utilizing fiber optics and onboard computers for image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pharmacologic dilation is used to take retinal photographs, then the retinal images can be obtained, but the procedure becomes invasive and inconvenient for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the lighting parameters by using infrared illumination instead of visible light, and controls pupil size through dark adaptation rather than pharmacologic agents. This allows retinal imaging without invasive dilation procedures while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/pharmacologic dilation system with an optical system using infrared light and dark adaptation to achieve pupil dilation, eliminating the need for chemical agents and making the procedure non-invasive
2Ease of operation
If a darkened chamber is used to achieve pupil dilation, then non-invasive imaging is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera system multi-functional by equipping it with both visible light and infrared illumination capabilities, allowing it to perform both external eye surface imaging and retinal imaging through the pupil, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the darkened chamber, infrared illumination system, visible light illumination, and camera are merged into one unit that can perform both external and internal retinal imaging without requiring separate pharmacologic dilation equipment
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 non-invasive retinal imaging by achieving pupil dilation through dark adaptation and providing clear retinal images using infrared illumination, facilitating remote diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
Infrared light source fibers feed into a circumferential adapter ring to illuminate the inside of the eye (retina)
Implementation Method 2
Fiber optic cables of any light source type, such as but not limited to infrared light, may be fed into the adapter ring to provide the light source
Implementation Method 3
Dilation may be achieved by placing the eye in a darkened chamber, such as virtual reality goggles
Implementation Method 4
The camera may be an infrared camera. Infrared light source fibers feed into a circumferential adapter ring to illuminate the inside of the eye (retina)
Data Source
AI summary
A chamber houses a camera, light sources, and an onboard computer. The camera may be an infrared camera. Infrared light source fibers feed into a circumferential adapter ring to illuminate the inside of the eye (retina). The adapter ring contains a central opening through which it fits around the camera lens. The adapter ring contains openings along the circumference for infrared fibers to provide a light source. Another light source is provided for illumination of the external surface of the eye adjacent to the camera.