Ophthalmological Apparatus Pupil Alignment Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmological examination methods require medical assistance for accurate alignment and positioning of ophthalmological apparatuses, leading to potential delays in treatment and unnecessary medical visits due to inefficiencies in patient self-examination capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmological apparatus and method that allows patients to independently align and position the device using pupil positioning and focal plane correction signals, enabling self-examination without medical assistance by determining and correcting lateral and axial deviations of the pupil position and adjusting the focal plane for optimal imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a patient performs self-examination without medical assistance, then time and costs are saved, but alignment precision and image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to perform retinal examinations independently without requiring ophthalmologist assistance for alignment. The automated guidance system allows the patient to self-position the apparatus and self-adjust alignment based on real-time feedback, eliminating the need for professional operator intervention while maintaining examination quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors alignment status by detecting the position of the pupil relative to the optical axis and provides real-time feedback signals to the patient. Based on the measured deviation, the system generates guidance signals that indicate the direction and magnitude of correction needed, enabling the patient to iteratively improve alignment precision through feedback-driven adjustments.
2Measurement precision
If medical assistance is required for alignment, then image quality is maintained, but treatment delays may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system transfers the alignment function from the ophthalmologist to the patient, who can perform the alignment independently based on automated guidance. This eliminates the scheduling bottleneck of requiring professional availability while maintaining alignment quality through the feedback mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment actions automatically by detecting pupil position and generating correction signals before the actual retinal examination begins. This preliminary self-alignment process ensures that when the examination starts, the alignment is already optimized, eliminating the need for time-consuming professional adjustment during the appointment.
3Ease of operation
If the patient independently positions the apparatus, then accessibility improves, but positioning accuracy may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system empowers patients to independently position and operate the apparatus without requiring training or professional assistance. The automated detection and guidance system compensates for the lack of expert operation by providing real-time feedback that guides the patient to the correct position, making the system both accessible and accurate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical skill of manual alignment (which requires trained operation) with an automated optical detection and feedback system. The pupil detection mechanism objectively measures positioning accuracy, and the feedback system guides corrections, substituting human skill with automated sensing and guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for examining an eye of a patient by the patient themselves by means of an ophthalmological apparatus, said apparatus having front optics and an apparatus pupil. According to said method, the patient positions the ophthalmological apparatus relative to the eye, a measure of the deviation of the pupil of the eye from the apparatus pupil is determined, and a pupil correction signal is produced depending on the measure of the deviation, said pupil correction signal specifying a direction and/or a degree of the deviation and being output to the patient. The patient can use the pupil correction signal for repositioning in relation to the ophthalmological apparatus with a smaller deviation.