Ophthalmic Apparatus ACA Alignment via Feature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic apparatuses for imaging the anterior chamber angle of the eye lack effective alignment methods, requiring manual adjustment by examiners to ensure proper projection and focus, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic apparatus that automatically detects feature points in the ACA image, such as trabeculae, using image processing, and adjusts the imaging optical system to align the eye with the optical axis, allowing for precise alignment and focus adjustment through a combination of mechanical and electric drivers, and display guidance for manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment and focus adjustment by examiner is used, then the apparatus can capture ACA images, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs self-alignment by automatically detecting the ACA region and calculating the optical axis position based on captured images, eliminating the need for manual examiner intervention in alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures initial images, processes them to detect ACA features, calculates alignment corrections, and adjusts the optical system iteratively until proper alignment is achieved, using feedback from image analysis to guide adjustment
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment adjustment is performed, then the optical system can be positioned, but the complexity of the alignment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated optical-detection-and-calculation system that uses image processing algorithms to determine alignment corrections
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediate image processing stage that captures ACA images, detects feature points, calculates optical axis position, and translates this information into alignment commands, bridging the gap between raw imaging and precise positioning
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 apparatus enables efficient and accurate alignment and focus adjustment of the ACA image, reducing the complexity and time required for examiners to obtain clear images, thereby improving diagnostic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an apparatus which illuminates the ACA of the subject's eye with illumination light so as to obtain a reflected image of the ACA, based on reflected light from the ACA
Data Source
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AI summary
An ophthalmic apparatus includes: an imaging optical system that includes a light projecting optical system for projecting light to an anterior chamber angle, ACA, region of a subject's eye, and a light receiving optical system including a light receiving element for receiving reflected light from the ACA region; an alignment driver configured to change a positional relationship between the subject's eye and the imaging optical system; an imaging processor configured to generate an ACA image based on a signal output from the light receiving element; and a controller configured to detect a feature point in an ACA of the subject's eye from the ACA image, and that adjust the positional relationship in accordance with a position of the feature point in the ACA image.