Ophthalmic Alignment Control Under Contact Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic apparatuses require manual alignment by an examiner familiar with the operation, especially when the examination unit comes into contact with the examinee, posing safety and operational challenges.

Innovation Solution

An ophthalmic apparatus with a detection unit to sense the approach of the examination unit to the examinee, enabling automatic alignment control that adjusts movement range and speed to ensure safety and ease of operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual alignment is performed by an examiner, then alignment can be achieved, but the operation becomes complex and safety risks increase when contact is detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment operationVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic alignment without requiring examiner intervention. The examination unit autonomously adjusts its position and orientation to align with the subject eye, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing operational complexity while maintaining alignment capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously detects the position and contact status of the examination unit relative to the subject eye, and uses this feedback information to automatically adjust alignment. When contact is detected, the system modifies alignment behavior based on real-time feedback, enabling safe automatic operation without complex manual procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If automatic alignment control is performed with full movement range, then alignment speed is high, but safety is compromised when the approach unit contacts the examinee

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment speedVSAvoidcontact hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the movement characteristics of the approach unit based on real-time detection. When contact is detected, the system changes from high-speed full-range movement to restricted movement with reduced speed and range, optimizing both alignment efficiency and safety without requiring complete cessation of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the examinee's face position and potential contact zones before executing full automatic alignment. By anticipating potential contact hazards and preparing restricted movement parameters in advance, the system can quickly switch to safe operation mode while maintaining overall alignment progress

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP4670615A1Ophthalmic apparatus and ophthalmic apparatus control program
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 NIDEK CO LTD
  • EP4670615A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4670615A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4670615A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An ophthalmic apparatus for examining a subject eye includes an examination means configured to examine the subject eye, an approach unit provided with the examination means, a detection means configured to detect an approach of the approach unit approaching an examinee, and a control means configured to perform, when the approach is detected by the detection means, automatic alignment control different from that performed when the approach is not detected.