Integrated Visible-Infrared Optical System for Eye Examination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye-examining apparatuses have a complex internal configuration and high manufacturing costs due to separate image detectors for infrared and visible optical channels, increasing the likelihood of malfunctions and failures.
Innovation Solution
An eye-examining apparatus with a visible-infrared integrated optical system, utilizing a single image detector and a visible light blocking filter to selectively detect infrared and visible light images, reducing the number of components and system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate image detectors are used for infrared and visible optical channels, then detection accuracy for each channel is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the infrared detection function and visible light detection function into a single image detector unit. The detector is designed with dual-band capability to detect both infrared wavelengths (for corneal configuration) and visible wavelengths (for eye shape observation) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate detectors and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The image detector is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: detecting infrared light for corneal curvature measurement, detecting visible light for eye shape imaging, and potentially detecting reflected chart images. This multi-functional detector replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized detectors.
2Measurement precision
If separate image detectors are used for infrared and visible optical channels, then channel-specific detection performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the infrared detector and visible light detector into a single integrated image detector unit, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and calibrated. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining detection performance through the detector's dual-band capability.
3Measurement precision
If separate image detectors are used for infrared and visible optical channels, then specialized detection capability is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single image detector unit, reducing the total number of components in the system. Fewer components mean fewer potential failure points, fewer connection interfaces, and reduced complexity in signal processing and data integration, thereby improving overall system reliability.
4Device complexity
If a single image detector is used for both infrared and visible light, then device complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a visible light blocking filter that selectively blocks visible wavelengths while allowing infrared wavelengths to pass through to the image detector. This parameter-based filtering enables the single detector to accurately detect infrared light for corneal configuration measurement without interference from visible light, maintaining detection accuracy despite the integrated design.
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 integrated optical system simplifies the internal configuration, reduces the size and manufacturing cost, and minimizes the risk of malfunctions by using a single detector for both infrared and visible light imaging, while maintaining accurate measurements of corneal configuration and eye shape.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light blocking filter inserted in an optical path of visible light and infrared light traveling toward the image detector for blocking the visible light
Implementation Method 2
an infrared light source for irradiating a cornea of an examinee's eye with infrared light of a predetermined shape; an image detector for detecting an image of the infrared light which is irradiated from the infrared light source and reflected from the cornea
Implementation Method 3
a visible light source for irradiating the examinee's eye with visible light
Data Source
AI summary
An eye-examining apparatus in which a visible light optical system for observing a shape of an examinee's eye and an infrared optical system for detecting a shape of the cornea of the examinee's eye are integrated. The eye-examining apparatus having an integrated optical system comprises: an infrared light source for irradiating a cornea of the examinee's eye with infrared light; a visible light source for irradiating the eye with visible light; an image detector both for detecting an image of the infrared light which is irradiated from the infrared light source and reflected from the cornea of the eye and for detecting an image of the visible light which is irradiated from the visible light source to the eye; and a visible light blocking filter inserted in an optical path of the visible light and the infrared light traveling toward the image detector for blocking the visible light.