Digital Microscope Magnification Calculation Using Interchangeable Eyepieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital binoculars for ophthalmic microscopes are limited by fixed magnification levels, requiring users to switch to different devices for varying magnification needs, which impedes widespread adoption.

Innovation Solution

A visualization system with interchangeable eyepieces and digital binoculars that allow clinicians to adjust magnification levels without replacing the binoculars, using a method to calculate total magnification based on microscope, binoculars, and eyepiece factors, and incorporating moveable platforms for interpupillary distance adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed magnification digital binoculars are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different magnification needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnification adaptabilityVSAvoidbinoculars complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The binoculars incorporate an adjustable zoom mechanism that allows dynamic change of magnification levels (e.g., 0.7x to 4.3x) without requiring physical replacement of the binoculars themselves. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing magnification adaptability while maintaining a single binocular device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the magnification parameter through electronic control of the zoom mechanism and by switching between different eyepieces with varying magnification powers. This allows the same binocular housing to adapt to different magnification requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed magnification binoculars are provided, then magnification versatility is improved, but device complexity and user burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnification rangeVSAvoiddevice switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single binocular device is designed to perform multiple magnification functions through an integrated zoom mechanism and interchangeable eyepieces. This universal design eliminates the need for users to switch between multiple dedicated binoculars, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining magnification versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The zoom mechanism provides continuous or stepped magnification adjustment within a wide range, allowing users to dynamically adapt to different surgical requirements without physically changing devices. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing versatile magnification control through a single operable unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable eyepieces are added, then magnification flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeyepiece interchangeabilityVSAvoidbinoculars structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The binocular system is segmented into modular components: a main binocular housing with zoom mechanism and interchangeable eyepieces. This segmentation allows the eyepieces to be independently selected and replaced based on magnification needs, providing flexibility while keeping the main device structure relatively simple and standardized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The binocular housing is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of eyepieces through standardized mounting interfaces. This universal design allows different eyepieces to be used with the same binoculars, providing magnification flexibility without requiring multiple complete binocular devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If polarized glasses and 3D display screens are used, then image quality is improved, but user comfort and accessibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidviewing comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical 3D display system (requiring polarized glasses and specialized screens) with a direct digital binocular viewing system. This substitution maintains high image quality through digital sensors and processing while eliminating the need for polarized glasses, thereby improving user comfort and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250306351A1Total magnification calculation of digital microscope having digital binoculars and interchangeable eyepieces

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 ALCON INC

AI summary

A visualization system for use with an ophthalmic microscope having a pair of image sensors includes a first pair and multiple second pairs of interchangeable eyepieces each having a corresponding magnification level and field-of-view (FOV), and digital binoculars in communication with the image sensors. The digital binoculars include a housing configured to connect to the ophthalmic microscope and defining a housing cavity, a pair of annular bases connected to the housing configured to separately engage the first and multiple second pairs of interchangeable eyepieces to provide the FOV, and surrounding a corresponding center axis or designated position, and a pair of micro displays positioned within the housing cavity. Each respective one of the micro displays is arranged on the corresponding center axis or designated position.