Ophthalmic Imaging Misalignment Reduction via Image Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic imaging systems face challenges in achieving precise alignment between the imaging device and the patient's eye due to manual inaccuracies, leading to off-center docking and misalignment issues, even with the use of fixation lights which often rely on mechanical adjustments with limited precision.

Innovation Solution

An ophthalmic imaging system that includes an image processor to determine misalignment by analyzing images from a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) or Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) array, and a misalignment-reduction system using a fixation light source and gantry controller to adjust the imaging device and patient support for precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual alignment guidance is used, then the alignment process is simple to implement, but the alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment process simplicityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment adjustment with an automated image processing system. The image processor captures images of the eye and automatically analyzes misalignment, then controls the fixation light and gantry to correct alignment without manual intervention, thereby improving precision while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting misalignment through image processing and correcting it through electronic control of the fixation light and gantry. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustment while achieving high precision alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If mechanical adjustment of fixation light is used, then the system structure is simple, but the alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidfixation light alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic control. The image processor analyzes misalignment and the gantry controller electronically adjusts the fixation light position based on image data, eliminating mechanical adjustment while improving precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control where the image processor continuously monitors alignment by analyzing eye images and feeds this information back to the gantry controller, which then adjusts the fixation light position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism achieves high precision alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If iterative manual adjustments are performed during docking, then the alignment process is flexible, but the docking time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment flexibilityVSAvoiddocking time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic self-alignment during the docking process by continuously capturing eye images, analyzing misalignment, and electronically adjusting the fixation light and gantry position. This eliminates iterative manual adjustments while maintaining flexibility, significantly reducing docking time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment process becomes continuous and automated rather than iterative. The image processor continuously monitors alignment status and the system continuously adjusts positions as needed, maintaining flexibility while eliminating the time-consuming nature of repeated manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Ease of operation

If manual orientation of eyeball is used, then the operation is straightforward, but the alignment accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation straightforwardnessVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual eyeball orientation with automated image-based detection and electronic control. The image processor analyzes eye images to determine misalignment and the gantry controller electronically adjusts the imaging device orientation, achieving high accuracy while keeping operations straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2680740B1Image-processor-controlled misalignment-reduction for ophthalmic systems

Publication Date: 2016.10.26 ALCON LENSX INC

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AI summary

An ophthalmic system is provided that includes an ophthalmic imaging device to generate an image of a portion of an imaged eye of a patient, an image processor to determine a misalignment of the imaged eye and the imaging device by processing the generated image, and to generate a control signal according to the determined misalignment, and a misalignment-reduction system to receive the control signal, and to generate a misalignment-reduction response. The misalignment-reduction system can include a fixation light system or a gantry. In some cases a locator light system may provide additional alignment information for the image processor.