Learned-Model Ophthalmic Alignment for Opaque Eye Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic apparatuses face difficulties in accurately aligning with eyes having opacity, such as cataracts, making adjustments like shifting the optical axis complex and difficult for operators.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic apparatus with an optical head unit, information obtaining unit, and drive controlling unit that uses a learned model to automatically adjust alignment based on positional information, simplifying the alignment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment operations are used to align the optical axis with opaque eyes, then alignment precision can be achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting the eye's position and characteristics through captured images, then autonomously adjusting the optical head unit without requiring manual intervention. The control unit processes the captured image, identifies the eye's location and opacity conditions, and automatically positions the optical head unit accordingly, eliminating the need for operator expertise in manual alignment adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated control system that uses image processing and computational algorithms. Instead of requiring an operator to physically adjust the optical axis through mechanical controls, the system uses digital image analysis and automated positioning to achieve alignment, substituting mechanical manipulation with electronic control and computational intelligence.
2Reliability
If multiple adjustment operations are performed to image opaque eyes, then imaging quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment operations into a single integrated automated alignment process. Instead of requiring separate manual adjustments for positioning and optical axis alignment, the system merges these functions into one automated operation where the control unit processes the captured image and simultaneously determines the appropriate positioning and alignment parameters, reducing operational complexity while maintaining imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it captures images, processes the images to detect eye position and opacity, determines alignment parameters, and controls the optical head unit positioning. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated systems or manual operations into a single integrated control mechanism, reducing overall device complexity.
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
Reduces the complexity of alignment operations by using a learned model to automatically adjust the optical head unit and supporter, enabling easier imaging of fundus images even with opaque eyes.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system arranged to irradiate an eye to be examined with light and detect return light from the eye to be examined
Implementation Method 2
using a learned model obtained by learning positional information relating to at least one of an eye to be examined and an optical head unit, to obtain information of a position relating to at least one of an eye to be examined and the optical head unit from an image relating to an eye to be examined
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic apparatus is provided that includes: an optical head unit; an information obtaining unit that, using a learned model obtained by learning information of a position relating to at least one of an eye to be examined and an optical head unit, obtains information of a position relating to at least one of an eye to be examined and the optical head unit from an image relating to an eye to be examined that is obtained using the optical head unit; and a drive controlling unit that controls driving of at least one of a supporter that supports a face of a subject and the optical head unit; in which, based on the obtained information of the position, the drive controlling unit controls the driving to cause at least one of the eye to be examined and the optical head unit to move to the position.