OCT Microscopy System Automatic Connection Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing OCT-based microscopy systems require manual and time-consuming adjustments when connecting or disconnecting external apparatuses, leading to inefficiencies in operation and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a connection device that includes elements for detecting connection states and apparatus-specific information items, allowing for automatic adjustment of the microscopy system's mode of operation based on the connected apparatus, using optical, electrical, or mechanical means to establish and maintain optimal imaging conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of the microscopy system's mode of operation is performed when connecting external apparatuses, then the system can be adapted to different apparatuses, but the process becomes time-consuming and reduces operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to external apparatusesVSAvoidtime for manual adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the connection state of external apparatuses and pre-configuring the appropriate mode of operation parameters. When an apparatus is connected, the detection device identifies it and the control device automatically selects and applies the corresponding pre-defined operational settings, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through a detection device that continuously monitors the connection state of external apparatuses. This feedback information is transmitted to the control device, which automatically adjusts the microscopy system's mode of operation based on the detected apparatus type, creating a closed-loop system that adapts without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the microscopy system is manually readjusted when apparatuses are detached, then the system can return to its original configuration, but this repeated manual adjustment reduces user convenience and productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when external apparatuses are detached and autonomously adjusting its mode of operation accordingly. The detection device identifies the disconnection and the control device automatically reconfigures the system parameters without requiring user intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares in advance by having pre-defined mode of operation settings for different apparatus configurations. When an apparatus is detached, the control device automatically selects and applies the appropriate pre-configured settings, eliminating the need for manual readjustment and maintaining both user convenience and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If different mode of operation settings are used for different external apparatuses, then high-quality OCT imaging can be achieved, but the complexity of system configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality through a standardized detection and control mechanism that can identify different external apparatuses and automatically apply the appropriate mode of operation settings. The detection device and control device work together to handle multiple apparatus types through a single unified interface, maintaining imaging quality without increasing configuration complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism automatically provides the correct configuration settings based on the detected apparatus type. The detection device identifies which external apparatus is connected and the control device automatically retrieves and applies the corresponding optimal settings from its configuration database, ensuring high-quality imaging while keeping the system operationally simple through automated feedback-driven configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20220296095A1Apparatus for oct-based imaging, microscopy system and method for operating a microscopy system
Publication Date: 2022.09.22 CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG
  • US20220296095A1 patent drawing
  • US20220296095A1 patent drawing
  • US20220296095A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for OCT-based imaging, a microscopy system and a method for operating a microscopy system, include at least one OCT radiation source and at least one connection device for connecting the apparatus to the microscopy system, an optical connection configured to be established between the OCT radiation source and the light-guide element of the apparatus in a connected state, wherein the microscopy system includes means for detecting a connection state change, and a change-conditional adjustment of the mode of operation of the microscopy system being performable upon the detection of a connection state change.