Ophthalmic System Inline Optical Path Reduces Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional eye cameras suffer from image distortion due to multiple reflecting surfaces and bends in the imaging path, inadequate lighting, and lack of enhanced autofocus and image filtering capabilities, making it difficult to capture diagnostic images without eye dilation and accurately detect eye and related bodily disorders.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic system with an inline configuration that minimizes reflecting surfaces and bends, featuring a non-visible light source for focusing and a visible light source for image capture, along with advanced autofocus and image filtering capabilities, to provide clear and undistorted images of the eye without dilation, facilitating the detection of eye and other bodily disorders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional multi-angle imaging path with numerous reflecting surfaces is used, then the camera can capture images of the eye, but light transmission is lost and image distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes multiple reflecting surfaces and bends from the imaging path, extracting the harmful elements that cause light loss and image distortion. The system uses a direct inline optical path from the objective lens to the camera sensor, eliminating intermediaries that traditionally were needed for multi-angle imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple reflecting surfaces to redirect light at various angles, the patent inverts the approach by using a direct transmission path. The imaging system captures light that travels straight through the eye structures without requiring multiple reflections, thereby preserving light transmission and reducing distortion.
2Measurement precision
If traditional lighting is used, then the camera can operate, but insufficient light results in inability to capture diagnostic image without dilation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs high-intensity illumination that changes the lighting parameters significantly compared to traditional systems. The increased illumination intensity provides sufficient light for diagnostic imaging without requiring eye dilation, thereby improving the ability to capture clear images while maintaining the eye in its natural state.
3Ease of operation
If traditional systems without enhanced capabilities are used, then the device is simpler, but autofocus and image filtering capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual focusing mechanisms with automated autofocus systems that use electronic sensors and algorithms to automatically adjust focus. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic and software-based solutions enhances ease of operation while managing device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The autofocus system operates autonomously, using the camera's own sensor data to automatically adjust focus without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting the subject distance and focus requirements, then automatically adjusting the lens elements to achieve optimal focus.
4Measurement precision
If systems with reflections off objective lens and cornea are used, then imaging can be performed, but blurring occurs and proper image capture is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses reflections off the objective lens and cornea by using optical filters and coating technologies that convert harmful reflective interactions into beneficial transmission. The system uses anti-reflective coatings and selective filtering to allow useful light transmission while blocking harmful reflections, thereby improving image clarity.
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
The system effectively reduces image distortion, enhances detection capabilities for eye disorders, and allows for early detection of complications, providing clear and accurate images of the eye's internal structures without the need for eye dilation, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a non-visible light source configured to focus the camera assembly
Implementation Method 2
a visible light source configured to capture an image of the eye
Implementation Method 3
The lens may include a lens axis and may be disposed in the distal portion of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic system and method for imaging an eye includes an eye guard, an objective lens, such that light passes through the objective lens along an illumination path that passes through the eye guard, a light source positioned to emit imaging light along the illumination path, a camera assembly positioned to receive emitted light that is emitted from a back surface of the eye. The light source and the objective lens are positioned such that, when the eye guard is positioned proximate the eye of the patient, the imaging light passes through a first portion of a pupil opening in the eye, and the emitted light passes through a second portion of the pupil opening of the eye that is different from the first portion, and wherein the camera assembly captures an image of the eye using the emitted light.