Lens-Sensor Array for Simultaneous Eye Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies for the eye, such as multimode fundus cameras and plenoptic ophthalmic cameras, face limitations in simultaneously capturing high-quality images of both the cornea and retina with sufficient detail and precision, particularly in terms of three-dimensional and spectral/polarization imaging.
Innovation Solution
A lens-sensor array system is developed, comprising a lens array disposed onto a sensor array, with distinct sections for directing light reflected from the cornea and retina to the sensor array, forming a concentric annular pattern, allowing for simultaneous imaging of both eye parts using additive manufacturing processes like 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single imaging platform is used to image both the cornea and retina, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and imaging quality for both structures deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lens array is divided into multiple distinct sections, each optimized for imaging specific ocular structures. The first section images the cornea with appropriate optical parameters, while the second section images the retina with different optical parameters, allowing each section to achieve high measurement precision for its target structure while using a single integrated platform
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the lens array have different optical properties tailored to their specific imaging targets. Each lenslet or group of lenslets is designed with local quality variations in focal length, aperture, or optical path to optimize imaging for specific structures like the cornea or retina, thereby maintaining high imaging quality across multiple structures
2Measurement precision
If separate imaging systems are used for different parts of the eye, then the imaging quality for each part is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging functions for different ocular structures are merged into a single lens-sensor array device. The lens array integrates multiple lenslets or optical sections that can simultaneously or sequentially image different parts of the eye, combining the capabilities of separate imaging systems into one unified platform
Solution Approach 2:
The lens-sensor array is designed as a universal imaging platform capable of imaging multiple ocular structures including the cornea, retina, and other eye parts. The device achieves multi-functionality through the lens array's ability to direct light from different ocular surfaces to appropriate sensor regions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices
3Measurement precision
If a lens array with multiple sections is used to image different parts of the eye, then the measurement precision for multiple structures is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens array is designed with varying optical parameters across different sections, such as different focal lengths, aperture sizes, or curvature radii, to optimize imaging for specific ocular structures. These parameter changes allow each section to achieve high measurement precision for its target structure while accommodating realistic manufacturing capabilities
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
This system enables precise and detailed simultaneous imaging of the cornea and retina, improving diagnostic and surgical procedures by enhancing image quality and accuracy through focused light transmission and sensor detection.
Implementation Method 1
The lens array transmits a light from a lens towards the sensor array
Implementation Method 2
The first section comprises first sub-sections, each first sub-section comprising at least one first lenslet, wherein the first part of the eye is a cornea of the eye
Implementation Method 3
The sensor array comprises sensors that detect the light from the lens array and generate sensor signals corresponding to the light reflected by the cornea of the eye and the light reflected by the retina of the eye
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D
AI summary
A lens-sensor array for imaging parts of an eye comprises a lens array disposed onto a sensor array. The lens array transmits a light from a lens towards the sensor array. The lens array comprises a first section configured to direct the light reflected by a first part of the eye to the sensor array, and a second section configured to direct the light reflected by a second part of the eye to the sensor array. The first section comprises first sub-sections, each first sub-section comprising at least one first lenslet. The second section comprises second sub-sections, each second sub-section comprising at least one second lenslet. The sensor array comprises sensors that detect the light from the lens array and generate sensor signals corresponding to the light reflected by the first part of the eye and the light reflected by the second part of the eye.