Ophthalmic Moving-Image Processing for Rapid Meibomian Gland Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional meibography-based examinations are cumbersome and time-consuming due to the steps of photographing, saving still images, and analyzing them, which hinder quick provision of examination results.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic apparatus equipped with a moving image acquisition unit, an image processor, and an evaluation processor that identifies meibomian gland areas from moving images and generates evaluation information in real-time, enabling rapid analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional meibography-based examination steps (photographing, saving still images, analyzing) are used, then comprehensive meibomian gland examination can be performed, but the examination process becomes time-consuming and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static still image examination to dynamic moving image examination. The meibography apparatus captures moving images of the eyelid and meibomian glands, allowing real-time observation and analysis. This dynamic approach enables comprehensive examination without requiring multiple separate still images, thereby reducing examination time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous moving image capture and processing instead of discrete still image acquisition. The system continuously acquires moving images, processes them in real-time to generate meibomian gland images, and provides ongoing evaluation. This continuous action eliminates the time delays associated with sequential still image capture and analysis, enabling rapid examination while maintaining comprehensive assessment capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple processing steps (photographing, saving, analyzing) are implemented in conventional meibography, then thorough meibomian gland assessment is achieved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate functions into an integrated moving image processing system. The acquisition unit, processing unit, and evaluation unit work together as a unified system that captures moving images and automatically processes them to extract meibomian gland information. This integration eliminates the need for separate photographing, saving, and analyzing steps, reducing device complexity while maintaining thorough assessment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic processing where the moving image data is self-processed to generate meibomian gland images without requiring manual intervention for each processing step. The processing unit automatically extracts gland information from the moving images, and the evaluation unit automatically assesses the gland status. This self-service approach reduces operational complexity while ensuring comprehensive evaluation.
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic apparatus according to an embodiment example includes a moving image acquisition unit, an image processor, and an evaluation processor. The moving image acquisition unit acquires a moving image of a subject's eyelid. The image processor identifies a meibomian gland area from at least one frame of the moving image. The evaluation processor generates evaluation information relating to a predetermined disease based on the meibomian gland area.