Ophthalmic Apparatus Eye Alignment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic apparatuses face complexity in aligning optometry units with examinee's eyes due to intricate structures, particularly in face photographing units, which hinder efficient and automatic alignment processes.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic apparatus with a control program that utilizes a face photographing unit to restrict the drive range of an optometry unit based on two-dimensional eye position and camera information, allowing for efficient alignment by moving the optometry unit three-dimensionally and updating drive ranges based on new images to accommodate eye movement and changes in visual line direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional face photographing unit is used for automatic alignment, then alignment automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture a two-dimensional image of the examinee's face and eye position, creating a visual copy of the spatial relationship. This image copy is then processed by the control unit to calculate alignment parameters, replacing the need for complex direct optical alignment systems while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical alignment systems with an image-based computational approach. Instead of using intricate telecentric optical systems or mechanical positioning mechanisms, the system uses 2D image capture, digital processing, and computational geometry to achieve precise alignment automation.
2Measurement precision
If telecentric optical systems are used for precise alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex telecentric optical systems with a computational image processing approach. The control unit calculates the three-dimensional position and orientation of the examinee's eye based on 2D image coordinates and camera parameters, achieving precise alignment without requiring intricate optical hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational intermediary (the control unit performing image processing and coordinate transformation) between the 2D camera image and the 3D alignment requirement. This intermediary processes the image data to derive alignment parameters, replacing the need for direct complex optical measurement systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
An ophthalmic apparatus (1) for examining an eye (E) of an examinee, comprises: optometry means (2) configured to examine the examinee's eye; drive means (4) for relatively moving the optometry means three-dimensionally with respect to the examinee's eye; first photographing means (3) configured to photograph a face of the examinee including at least one of right and left eyes of the examinee; and control means (70) configured to control the drive means. The control means is further configured to restrict a drive range of the drive means based on a two-dimensional position (P(xe, ye)) of the examinee's eye on a first image (Pi) photographed by the first photographing means, the two-dimensional position being specified by image processing on the first image, and information on the first photographing means.