Ocular Fundus Imaging Apparatus Using Lateral Infrared Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ocular defect detection apparatuses are complex, bulky, and costly to produce, with reduced precision and high rates of false positives/negatives due to beam splitter interference, affecting image quality and measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus with binocular illumination using infrared light beams and digital imaging, employing CCD or C-MOS sensors, and a control unit for processing images to detect ocular defects, featuring extended light sources positioned externally to the optical field to emulate a moving light source, reducing complexity and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a beam splitter device is positioned along the optical path to deviate light towards the patient's eyes, then the ocular fundus can be illuminated, but the device interferes optically with the light beam reaching the photographic device, reducing image quality and measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the beam splitter device from the optical path between the light source and the patient's eyes. Instead, light sources are positioned laterally adjacent to the optical axis, directly illuminating the ocular fundus without requiring a beam splitter. This extraction of the interfering component eliminates optical interference while maintaining illumination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lateral positioning arrangement as an intermediary structure that holds light sources adjacent to the optical axis. This mediator enables direct illumination without beam deviation, avoiding the need for beam splitters and their associated optical interference problems.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional apparatus structures are used with beam splitter devices, then ocular fundus illumination is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and bulky, increasing production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the beam splitter device from the system, removing the complexity and bulk associated with its integration. The simplified structure uses only essential components: light sources positioned laterally, the ocular fundus, and the photographic device, thereby reducing device complexity and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning light sources on the optical axis and using a beam splitter to deviate light laterally, the patent inverts the approach by positioning light sources laterally and allowing light to travel directly to the ocular fundus. This inversion simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the beam splitter and its supporting infrastructure.
3Illumination intensity
If beam splitter devices are used to illuminate the ocular fundus, then illumination is achieved, but the contrast and quality of photographs are reduced, increasing false positives and negatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the beam splitter device that causes optical interference. By extracting this harmful component from the system, the light path from the light source to the ocular fundus and subsequently to the photographic device is cleared of interference, preserving image contrast and quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of complex light path management into a benefit by using simple lateral illumination. The direct light path from laterally positioned sources to the ocular fundus eliminates interference, turning the design simplicity into a quality advantage.
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 rapid, precise detection of ocular defects with high-quality images and reduced production costs, improving measurement accuracy and flexibility for various detection procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the lighting means radiate light beams towards both of the patient's eyes (binocular illumination). Preferably the light beams are infrared light beams.
Implementation Method 2
The imaging means comprise detection means configured to receive light reflected by the ocular fundus, at a receiving surface, to be able to acquire photographic images of the ocular fundus
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting ocular defects in a patient. The apparatus according to the invention comprises: - lighting means, configured to project a light to illuminate the ocular fundus; - imaging means configured to receive light reflected by the ocular fundus, at a receiving surface, and to acquire images from the ocular fundus, advantageously focused at the level of the pupil, said imaging means comprising an objective group having an optical axis directed towards the patient's eyes and an opening centred on said optical axis; - a control unit configured to control the operation of said lighting means and said imaging means. The aforesaid lighting means comprise at least one lighting group comprising a plurality of first non-point light sources. These light sources are positioned at the opening of said objective group, in a space region external to said opening, and are positioned along a reference axis, at different distances with respect to the optical axis of said objective group. Said light sources are consecutively activatable according to a first activation time sequence.