Ophthalmic Apparatus Protocol-Driven Alignment and Imaging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic apparatuses require complex manual adjustments for imaging, leading to low usability and inefficiency, especially when retrying inspections or switching between different imaging modes.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic apparatus with an inspection unit, a driving unit, and a control unit that follows a predefined inspection protocol for alignment adjustments and performs OCT and fundus imaging, allowing users to select and execute inspection protocols with ease and display results for retry instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustments are performed for alignment and imaging settings, then the apparatus can be precisely adjusted to the eye, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically performs alignment adjustments and imaging operations without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts by executing predetermined control procedures based on inspection protocols, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust alignment while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores multiple predetermined control procedures (inspection protocols) that define alignment and imaging parameters in advance. When an inspection is initiated, the appropriate protocol is automatically selected and executed, preparing all necessary adjustments beforehand rather than requiring step-by-step manual configuration
2Productivity
If automatic imaging functions are implemented, then the operation becomes easier and faster, but the ability to retry specific inspections or switch modes becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adapts the inspection process by allowing mode switching and retries during automatic operation. The system can pause, resume, or modify the execution of inspection protocols based on real-time requirements, combining automated efficiency with operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection protocol is divided into discrete controllable steps or modules. This segmentation allows the operator to retry specific failed inspections or switch between different imaging modes (OCT, fundus) without having to restart the entire inspection sequence, maintaining both automation and flexibility
3Reliability
If multiple inspection types (OCT, fundus) are performed in sequence, then comprehensive eye examination is achieved, but the total inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit executes OCT and fundus inspections in continuous sequence without interruption or manual intervention between modes. The automatic transition between inspection types eliminates idle time and maintains continuous useful action, reducing total inspection duration while ensuring both OCT and fundus examinations are completed
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple inspection protocols are merged into a single automated execution flow. The control unit manages the transition between OCT and fundus imaging as part of one integrated inspection process, eliminating the need for separate manual setup and execution of each inspection type
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic apparatus includes an inspection unit configured to inspect an eye to be inspected, a driving unit configured to drive the inspection unit, and a control unit configured to start control of the inspection unit and the driving unit based on an inspection protocol in response to a predetermined condition, the inspection protocol defining a series of control procedures for performing a plurality of inspections including an alignment adjustment for aligning the inspection unit with the eye to be inspected, wherein the control unit is configured to display results of the plurality of inspections and display information for accepting an instruction to retry a part of the plurality of inspections on a display unit.