Portable Ophthalmic Imaging Device with Motorized Auto-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of trained professionals to perform ophthalmic imaging in rural areas and developing countries, and conventional imaging devices are large, complex, and require specialized settings, making it difficult for people in remote areas to access eye health screenings.
Innovation Solution
A portable ophthalmic imaging device with a feedback control system and motors that automatically align the imaging module and eye rest, allowing for high-quality imaging without the need for trained personnel, using a combination of optical and non-optical sensors for alignment and featuring multiple light sources for optimal image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ophthalmic imaging devices are used, then imaging quality can be maintained, but device complexity and size increase, requiring specialized facilities and trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: an imaging module containing optical elements and sensor, a separate eye rest, and motor assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall system complexity and enabling portable deployment in remote areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control system enables the device to automatically align its optical axis with the patient's eye without requiring trained operators. The system captures images, analyzes alignment quality, and autonomously adjusts motor positions to optimize imaging, making the device self-sufficient and easy to operate by untrained personnel.
2Measurement precision
If conventional ophthalmic imaging devices are used, then imaging quality can be maintained, but the lack of trained professionals makes operation difficult in rural areas
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system enables the device to automatically align its optical axis with the patient's eye without requiring trained operators. The system captures images, analyzes alignment quality, and autonomously adjusts motor positions to optimize imaging, making the device self-sufficient and easy to operate by untrained personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors image quality metrics (sharpness, contrast, centering) and uses this feedback to automatically adjust motor positions. This closed-loop control ensures high-quality images are obtained automatically, eliminating the need for operator expertise in alignment techniques.
3Device complexity
If manual alignment is used, then device complexity can be reduced, but alignment precision and imaging quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors image quality metrics (sharpness, contrast, centering) and uses this feedback to automatically adjust motor positions. This closed-loop control ensures high-quality images are obtained automatically, eliminating the need for operator expertise in alignment techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated feedback-controlled motor system. The processor analyzes image quality and commands motors to adjust positioning, substituting human skill with automated optical-electrical-mechanical integration for precise alignment.
4Measurement precision
If the imaging module is moved closer to the eye for alignment detection, then alignment accuracy improves, but the field of view decreases and may lose the pupil view
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging module is mounted on motor assemblies that enable dynamic positioning at multiple distances from the eye. The system can move the imaging module closer for high-precision alignment detection when needed, then retract to provide a wider field of view for pupil visualization and fundus imaging, optimizing performance for each operational phase.
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
Enables high-quality eye imaging in remote locations without specialized facilities, allowing for early detection of conditions like diabetic retinopathy, reducing the need for trained operators and facilitating access to eye care for underserved populations.
Implementation Method 1
using a combination of optical and non-optical sensors for alignment
Implementation Method 2
a feedback control system and motors that automatically align the imaging module and eye rest
Implementation Method 3
motors that automatically align the imaging module and eye rest
Implementation Method 4
featuring multiple light sources for optimal image capture
Data Source
AI summary
A portable ophthalmic imaging device suitable for imaging an eye having a first optical axis is provided. The imaging device comprises an imaging module comprising a plurality of optical elements including a light sensor which define a second optical axis; an eye rest; and a plurality of motors. The plurality of motors are arranged to move the imaging module and/or the eye rest to align the first and second optical axes at least partially automatically using a feedback control system.