Light Field Sensor Fundus Camera Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fundus photography faces challenges such as high glare from unwanted light sources, complex and costly optical designs, and the need for precise alignment and focus, which limit image quality and increase mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
The application of light field imaging technology, which includes a light field sensor placed near the back focal plane of a lens array, allows for dynamic optimization of the collection pupil diameter, simultaneous pupil and retinal imaging, and digital glare reduction, enabling high-resolution imaging and aberration correction while reducing mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional optical systems are used for fundus photography, then image quality can be maintained, but glare from unwanted light sources increases and mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate functional modules: a first optical system for capturing light field information and a second optical system for generating the final image. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each system and enables digital processing to eliminate glare without requiring complex mechanical adjustments in the optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical glare reduction methods (such as physical stops and complex optical alignments) with digital image processing techniques. By capturing the complete light field and processing it computationally, the system eliminates glare artifacts without requiring additional mechanical components or precise physical alignment adjustments.
2Measurement precision
If traditional optical systems are used for fundus photography, then imaging can be performed, but precise alignment and focus control are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures complete light field information including angular and spatial data before final image generation. This preliminary capture of directional information allows the system to later reconstruct images with precise focus and alignment control through computational methods, eliminating the need for mechanical precision during acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical alignment and focus control with digital image processing. By capturing the full light field distribution and using computational algorithms to reconstruct images at different depths and angles, the system achieves precise alignment and focus without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If light field imaging is used, then glare can be reduced and resolution improved, but the optical design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the optical systems into two independent parts: a first optical system that captures light field information and a second optical system that generates the final processed image. This segmentation allows each system to be simpler in design while the computational processing between them achieves high resolution and glare reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of image capture by recording not just intensity but also angular and spatial distribution of light. This transformation of the data representation allows for post-processing improvements in resolution and glare reduction without requiring correspondingly complex optical systems.
4Use of energy by moving object
If traditional optical systems are used, then imaging can be performed, but light collection efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures complete light field information including all directional components before final image generation. This preliminary capture preserves maximum light information, allowing subsequent computational processing to reconstruct images with improved light collection efficiency by utilizing the full angular and spatial data without requiring additional optical light-gathering components.
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 approach provides high-resolution imaging of the retina with reduced glare, eliminates the need for precise alignment and focus, and simplifies the optical design, allowing for clinically useful imaging and stereographic photography with improved light collection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light field sensor placed near the back focal plane of a lens array
Implementation Method 2
The light field sensor records the summation of the intensity of light in the plane of the detector
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for applying the concept of lightfield sensors to fundus photography are presented. In one embodiment, the ability to isolate specific regions of the collected lightfield are used to reduce the effects of glare in a fundus image. Additional embodiments in which aberrations can be characterized and removed, an image from a particular plane in the collected light field is used to aid in instrument alignment, and dynamic optimization of collection pupil diameter is accomplished are also presented.