Ophthalmic OCT Optics for Alignment-Free Anterior-Posterior Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical coherence tomography devices require re-adjustment of alignment between the examination subject and imaging device when switching between posterior and anterior eye portion observations due to the use of a lens attachment.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic device with a scanning member, objective lens comprising two lens groups, and an optical element that can be inserted or removed from the optical path, allowing for seamless switching between posterior and anterior eye portion observations without re-adjusting alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lens attachment is disposed between the objective lens and the examined eye to enable observation of both posterior and anterior eye portions, then the device can acquire tomographic images for both regions, but alignment between the subject and imaging device needs to be re-adjusted every time a switch is made from posterior to anterior eye portion observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the optical element (lens attachment) movable between inserted and removed states. The optical element is disposed on the optical path between the objective lens and the scanning member, and can be inserted or removed based on whether anterior or posterior eye portion observation is required. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between observing different eye portions without requiring realignment, as the optical element itself adapts to the observation target rather than requiring adjustment of the entire imaging device alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lens attachment is used to enable switching between posterior and anterior eye portion observation, then both regions can be imaged with a single device, but the time required for capturing a series of images increases due to re-adjustment needs
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is designed to be quickly inserted or removed from the optical path between the objective lens and the scanning member. This dynamic switching mechanism allows rapid transition between posterior and anterior eye portion observation modes without requiring time-consuming realignment procedures. The optical element can be smoothly switched in and out, enabling continuous or rapid sequential imaging of both eye portions without interruption for adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element is pre-positioned on the optical path in a removable state, ready for quick insertion when anterior eye portion observation is required. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments during the switching process, as the optical element is already in place or can be quickly inserted into the predetermined position on the optical path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lens attachment is disposed in the optical path, then the device can focus light in different regions of the examined eye, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into a fixed objective lens and a separate, removable optical element. The objective lens remains stationary in the optical path, while the optical element (lens attachment) can be independently inserted or removed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity in its base configuration while adding functionality only when needed, as the optical element is a separate module rather than an integrated complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element serves multiple functions: it can be inserted to enable anterior eye portion observation, removed to enable posterior eye portion observation, and its presence or absence changes the focal characteristics of the system. This multi-functional design allows a single component to provide different observation capabilities without requiring multiple separate devices or complex integrated systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Enables smooth and rapid switching between anterior and posterior eye portion imaging without the need for re-adjustment, reducing the time required for capturing a series of images and maintaining consistent alignment.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens comprising a first lens group and a second lens group in order from the scanning member side
Implementation Method 2
light that is scanned by the scanning member is focused in a first region of an examined eye
Implementation Method 3
an optical element that is capable of being inserted into and removed from an optical path between the second lens group of the objective lens and the scanning member
Implementation Method 4
an interference light detector that detects interference light obtained by synthesis of return light from an examined eye and the reference light
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic device includes a scanning member, an objective lens, and an optical element. The objective lens includes a first lens group and a second lens group in order from the scanning member side. The optical element is capable of being inserted into and removed from an optical path between the second lens group of the objective lens and the scanning member. In a case in which the optical element is not inserted into the optical path, the objective lens configures a first observation optical system. In a case in which the optical element has been inserted into the optical path, the objective lens and the optical element configure a second observation optical system.