Detachable Ophthalmic Imaging Unit for Selective Light Irradiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ophthalmic devices integrate the specific light irradiation system with the microscope unit or pedestal, making it difficult to flexibly attach and detach according to user needs.

Innovation Solution

An ophthalmic device with a detachable imaging unit that includes a specific light irradiation system, allowing easy and selective attachment of the imaging unit to the main unit, comprising an imaging module and a specific light irradiation system that can be used independently of the main unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the specific light irradiation system is integrated with the microscope unit or pedestal, then the device structure is compact and unified, but the flexibility to attach and detach the specific light irradiation system according to user needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility to attach and detach specific light irradiation systemVSAvoiddevice structure integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a main unit (microscope unit) and a detachable imaging unit. The specific light irradiation system is integrated into the imaging unit rather than being permanently fixed to the main unit, allowing the imaging unit to be attached or detached based on user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging unit serves multiple functions: it contains both the imaging module for capturing eye images and the specific light irradiation system for illuminating the eye with specific wavelengths. This multi-functional design allows users to selectively attach the imaging unit when either imaging or specific light illumination is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the specific light irradiation system is permanently integrated into the main unit, then the device operates reliably without attachment issues, but users cannot selectively use the device with or without the specific light irradiation system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective use of specific light irradiation systemVSAvoidattachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment configuration between the imaging unit and main unit is designed to be dynamically changeable. Users can attach the imaging unit when specific light irradiation or imaging is required, and detach it when these functions are not needed, providing operational flexibility while maintaining reliability during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the imaging unit is made detachable from the main unit, then the flexibility and adaptability of the device is improved, but the complexity of ensuring proper connection and operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachable imaging unit configurationVSAvoidattachment and detachment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into modular components (main unit and imaging unit) with defined attachment interfaces. This segmentation allows the imaging unit to be easily attached or detached without affecting the main unit's operation, simplifying the attachment process despite the increased configurational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates easy and selective use of the specific light irradiation system, enhancing user flexibility and improving operability by allowing the device to be used with or without the specific light irradiation system.

Implementation Method 1

an illumination system configured to emit illumination light toward an eye of a subject under examination

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

a specific light irradiation system configured to emit specific light, different from the illumination light, toward the eye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 3

an observation system configured to allow an examiner to observe return light from the eye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4721644A1Ophthalmic device
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP4721644A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4721644A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4721644A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Provided is an ophthalmic device that makes it possible to easily and selectively attach a specific light irradiation system for emitting specific light. A slit-lamp microscope (100), which is an example of this ophthalmic device, comprises: a body part (10) having an illumination system (30) for irradiating an eye (E) being examined of a subject with illumination light and an observation system (40) for observing return light from the eye (E) being examined; and an imaging unit (60) that is detachably attached to the body part (10) . The imaging unit (60) has an imaging section (61) for acquiring an image of the eye (E) being examined and a background illumination system (80) for irradiating the eye (E) being examined with background light different from the illumination light.