Ophthalmic Imaging Apparatus Dynamic Autofocus Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic imaging apparatuses lack the ability to dynamically adjust autofocus and auto shoot functions during imaging operations, requiring pre-set conditions for deactivation and limiting examiner flexibility, especially when capturing images of eyes with opacity like those with cataracts.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic imaging apparatus with a first control unit to deactivate and a second control unit to reactivate the automatic transition, autofocus, and image capturing functions in response to user operations, allowing for manual adjustments and dynamic changes during imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the autofocus function and auto shoot function are activated before imaging operations, then the imaging process is automated and efficient, but the functions cannot be dynamically deactivated during imaging operations to allow manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability for the autofocus and auto shoot functions during imaging operations. The control unit is configured to activate these functions automatically when imaging operations start, and also allows them to be deactivated during the imaging process based on examiner input. This dynamic on/off capability during operation resolves the contradiction between maintaining automation efficiency and enabling manual adjustment flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-set conditions are used to deactivate autofocus and auto shoot functions, then the functions can be deactivated under specific scenarios, but the conditions must be set in advance and cannot be changed dynamically during imaging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static pre-set conditions with dynamic real-time control. Instead of requiring examiners to configure deactivation conditions before imaging, the system allows direct activation/deactivation of autofocus and auto shoot functions during imaging operations through simple user input. This dynamic control approach eliminates the rigidity of pre-set conditions while maintaining the ability to deactivate functions when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service capability where the examiner can directly control the activation and deactivation of autofocus and auto shoot functions without complex pre-configuration. The control unit responds to examiner input in real-time, allowing direct manipulation of function states without requiring setup of conditional rules in advance.
3Ease of operation
If the imaging process is fully automated with alignment adjustment, focus adjustment, and imaging execution, then the operation is simplified, but the examiner cannot change alignment and focus states based on observed eye conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid automated-manual operation mode. The system automatically executes alignment adjustment, focus adjustment, and imaging execution, but also allows the examiner to intervene and manually change alignment and focus states during the process based on observed eye conditions. This dynamic switching between automated and manual control resolves the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic imaging apparatus having an automatic transition function for transiting from an anterior ocular observation state to a fundus observation state, an autofocus function performed during fundus observation, and an automatic image capturing function performed when fundus alignment is complete, the apparatus comprising: a first control unit configured to control the automatic transition function, the autofocus function, and the automatic image capturing function to be deactivated in response to a first user operation; and a second control unit configured to control the deactivated automatic transition function, autofocus function, and automatic image capturing function to be reactivated in response to a second user operation.