Multi-Camera Ophthalmic Imaging for 3D Eye Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic apparatuses face challenges in aligning the optical system with the eye to be examined, especially when reducing the curvature of curved mirrors to minimize size, leading to difficulties in precise positioning and high-definition wide-angle imaging.
Innovation Solution
The ophthalmic apparatus employs a configuration with two or more cameras and a movement mechanism to identify and align the optical system with the eye's three-dimensional position, using reflective and refractive systems to achieve wide-angle imaging and precise positioning, even with reduced mirror curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the curvature of the curved mirror is reduced to minimize apparatus size, then the apparatus can be downsized, but the distance between the curved mirror and the eye must be shortened and precise alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing multiple photographs of the eye from different angles before the main fundus imaging. These preliminary photographs are used to calculate the three-dimensional position of the eye and determine the optimal alignment, allowing the apparatus to be pre-positioned correctly before high-precision imaging begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the captured photographs to continuously monitor and calculate the eye's three-dimensional position, then adjusting the apparatus alignment based on this information. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise alignment even when the apparatus is downsized with reduced mirror curvature.
2Area of stationary object
If a curved mirror is used to achieve wide-angle imaging, then wide-field fundus photography can be obtained, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the static curved mirror system with a dynamic multi-camera system that can capture wide-angle images through multiple perspectives. Instead of using a single large curved mirror to achieve wide field of view, the system uses multiple cameras with smaller fields of view that are dynamically positioned to cover the same total area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the wide-angle imaging function into multiple separate camera units. Each camera captures a portion of the overall field of view, and the images are later synthesized to create a complete wide-angle fundus image, eliminating the need for a single large curved mirror.
3Measurement precision
If multiple photographing units are added to improve alignment precision, then positioning accuracy increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the photographing unit to serve multiple functions: it captures both preliminary alignment photographs and main fundus imaging data using the same hardware components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite improved positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements merging by combining the alignment measurement function and the fundus imaging function into a single integrated photographing unit. By merging these functions, the system avoids the complexity of having completely separate alignment and imaging systems, while still achieving high positioning accuracy through the use of multiple cameras.
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 enables high-definition wide-angle photography and measurement of the eye, allowing for accurate alignment and efficient switching between left and right eye imaging without interfering with the examinee's face.
Implementation Method 1
an objective optical system configured to optically relay a measurement position where a pupil of an eye of an examinee can be disposed
Implementation Method 2
an illumination optical system configured to irradiate illumination light onto the eye through the objective optical system
Implementation Method 3
a photographic optical system configured to receive returning light of the illumination light from the eye through the objective optical system
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic apparatus includes an objective optical system, an illumination optical system, a photographic optical system, a photographing unit, a movement mechanism, and a three-dimensional position identifying unit. The objective optical system is configured to optically relay a measurement position where a pupil of an eye of an examinee can be disposed. The illumination optical system is configured to irradiate illumination light onto the eye through the objective optical system. The photographic optical system is configured to receive returning light of the illumination light from the eye through the objective optical system. The photographing unit includes two or more cameras disposed so as to include a position, that is substantially conjugate optically to the measurement position relayed by the objective optical system, within a field of vision. The movement mechanism is configured to relatively move the objective optical system, the illumination optical system, the photographic optical system, and the photographing unit relative to the eye. The three-dimensional position identifying unit is configured to identify a three-dimensional position of the eye based on two or more photographic images of the eye acquired by the photographing unit.