Ocular Imager with Beam Splitter for Reflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ocular imaging technologies face issues such as corneal reflection and scattering, inhomogeneous illumination, lack of enhanced fluorescein angiography and autofluorescence imaging, internal reflections, and limitations in small pupil illumination, leading to reduced image quality and inadequate support for comprehensive eye disease diagnosis, especially in the anterior segment.
Innovation Solution
An imager system comprising a body with an image sensor and a module having an optical aperture, which includes a camera lens and projection means with adjustable wavelength selection using LEDs for various diagnostic purposes, along with reflection and chromatic aberration removal features, enabling improved imaging techniques like fluorescein angiography, autofluorescence, and slit lamp imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ocular imaging technologies are used, then basic imaging can be performed, but corneal reflection and scattering from the internal eye lens reduce image clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a beam splitter to direct illumination light at an angle that causes corneal reflection to redirect light away from the imaging path, converting the harmful corneal reflection into a beneficial light redirection mechanism that eliminates the reflection from the imaging path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element between the illumination source and the eye, and between the eye and the image sensor, to selectively redirect light paths and eliminate harmful reflections and scattering
2Measurement precision
If conventional imaging systems are used, then standard imaging can be performed, but inhomogeneous illumination of retinal structures occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple illumination sources positioned at different locations and angles, with wavelength-selective filters that can be independently controlled, allowing different regions of the retina to receive optimized illumination characteristics for their specific imaging requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamically controllable wavelength-selective filters that can adjust the spectral composition of illumination light in real-time, allowing the system to adapt illumination characteristics to different retinal regions and imaging conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional imaging systems are used, then basic imaging functions are available, but enhanced fluorescein angiography, autofluorescence and indocyanine green angiography imaging is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple imaging functions including fluorescein angiography, autofluorescence imaging, and indocyanine green angiography into a single imaging system by using wavelength-selective filters that can be configured for different imaging modes, allowing one device to perform multiple specialized imaging functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of illumination light using wavelength-selective filters to enable different imaging modes - using specific wavelength ranges for fluorescein angiography (blue light), autofluorescence (green light), and indocyanine green angiography (red light), allowing the same hardware to perform diverse imaging functions
4Measurement precision
If conventional imaging systems are used, then standard imaging can be performed, but internal reflections and surface specular reflections from outside the imaging system produce artefacts in images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses non-polarized illumination light and polarizing beam splitters to convert harmful specular reflections into useful information - the beam splitter directs reflected light away from the imaging path while allowing transmitted light to reach the sensor, effectively eliminating reflection artefacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarizing beam splitters as intermediary elements in the optical path to selectively separate and redirect reflected light from transmitted light, acting as a mediator that eliminates harmful reflections while preserving useful imaging information
5Measurement precision
If conventional imaging systems are used, then standard imaging functions are available, but small pupil illumination and small pupil imaging cannot be performed, resulting in reduced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically adjustable optical elements including variable aperture stops and adjustable beam expanders that can adapt the illumination beam characteristics to match different pupil sizes, allowing the system to optimize image quality for both small and large pupils
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beam diameter and illumination angle parameters to match different pupil sizes - using beam expanders and adjustable aperture stops to create appropriate illumination patterns for small pupils while maintaining adequate illumination for larger pupils
6Device complexity
If LED based light sources are used in slit lamp imaging, then the system can be simplified, but lack of brightness occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple high-power LED sources working in parallel to achieve the required brightness levels for slit lamp imaging while maintaining the simplicity of LED-based construction, merging multiple light sources to overcome the limitations of individual LEDs
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
The system provides enhanced image quality by minimizing reflections and chromatic aberration, supporting a comprehensive range of ocular imaging techniques, including small pupil illumination, and improving diagnostic capabilities for eye diseases, particularly in the anterior segment.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is operable to image a subject within an optical axis of the imaging channel
Implementation Method 2
a camera lens for focussing the subject image on the image sensor
Implementation Method 3
the projection means may comprise radiation emitting means
Data Source
AI summary
An imager (4) which may comprise a body (10) and an image sensor (20) housed within the body wherein the body may be releasably operably coupleable to a module (6), the module having an optical aperture (54) extending therethrough that aligns with the image sensor when operably coupled to the body to form an imaging channel wherein the sensor is operable to image a subject within an optical axis X of the imaging channel.