Ophthalmic Imaging Lens Array for High-Resolution Retinal Depth Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-field sensors used in ophthalmic imaging systems fail to meet the high resolution requirements specified by ISO standard 10940:2009, particularly for retinal imaging, which is essential for both diagnostic and surgical applications, due to limitations in imaging resolution and depth perception.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic imaging system is designed with a custom light-field sensor and a variable power lens array that forms an array of secondary images on a sensor array, optimizing the optical configuration to achieve high-resolution imaging by ensuring the lens array's parameters satisfy specific relations, allowing for improved depth perception and refocusing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light-field sensor is used in ophthalmic imaging, then depth perception and refocusing capabilities are improved, but imaging resolution deteriorates below ISO standard requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lens array is divided into multiple lenslets, each forming a separate micro-image on the sensor array. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of spatial and angular information, enabling depth perception and refocusing while maintaining resolution through the lenslet design and optical configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional 2D imaging to 4D light-field imaging by adding the angular dimension through lenslets. This dimensional expansion enables depth information to be encoded in the image, providing refocusing capabilities and improved depth perception while meeting resolution requirements through proper optical design
2Measurement precision
If high magnification stereo microscopy is used for vitreoretinal surgery, then visualization of sub-millimeter structures is improved, but depth perception deteriorates and manual focus adjustment becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The light-field sensor system provides autofocus capability through computational refocusing, eliminating the need for manual focus adjustment during surgery. The system self-adjusts focus by processing the light-field data to reconstruct images at different depths, freeing the surgeon from continuous manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical focus adjustment mechanism is replaced with a computational approach. Instead of physically adjusting the microscope focus, the system uses software algorithms to process light-field data and generate focused images at various depths, substituting mechanical operation with digital processing
3Measurement precision
If traditional imaging is used, then imaging resolution is maintained, but depth perception and focus flexibility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The light-field sensor system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it captures high-resolution images, encodes depth information, enables refocusing at different planes, and provides perspective control. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single optical setup, making the system universally applicable for various ophthalmic imaging tasks
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 achieves high-resolution imaging of the retina, meeting the ISO standards, and enhances depth perception during surgery by maintaining consistent lateral resolution across different depths, reducing the need for manual focus adjustments and improving imaging of small anatomical structures.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array configured to form an array of secondary images on the sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic imaging system comprises a first imaging subsystem, a sensor array and a second imaging subsystem. The first imaging subsystem forms a primary image of the interior of an eye through the diameter of the eye pupil. The second imaging subsystem comprises a lens array to form an array of secondary images on the sensor array. The lens array is composed of a plurality of types of lenses, each type having a different optical power.