Ophthalmologic Apparatus Eye Fixation Stability Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmologic image acquiring apparatuses face instability in eye fixation during scanning due to the movement of the measuring light position from the scan end to the start position, leading to distraction and poor image quality.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmologic apparatus with a scan unit for two-dimensional scanning of the fundus using measuring light, an image generation unit for generating images based on reflected light, and a control unit that reduces the amount of measuring light used during scanning, specifically turning off the SLO light source when the scanning position returns to the start, to minimize distraction and stabilize fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the measuring light is continuously radiated during the return scan from the scan end position to the start position, then the scanning process can be completed, but the eye fixation stability deteriorates due to distraction caused by unnecessary light exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring light source is controlled to be turned on and off periodically according to the scanning phase. The light is turned on during the forward scan from start to end position and turned off during the return scan from end to start position. This periodic control eliminates unnecessary light exposure during non-imaging phases, thereby improving eye fixation stability without compromising the imaging function.
2Loss of energy
If the measuring light is radiated during the return scan, then the scanning mechanism operates continuously, but energy is wasted on light that does not contribute to image generation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously radiating the measuring light during the entire scanning cycle, the light is radiated only partially during the forward scan phase where image data is actually acquired. During the return scan phase, the light radiation is stopped since no image generation occurs. This partial action approach eliminates energy waste while maintaining full scanning functionality and image acquisition capability.
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 solution enhances the stability of eye fixation and reduces the amount of measuring light radiated to the eye, improving image acquisition by minimizing unnecessary light exposure and maintaining focus during the scanning process.
Implementation Method 1
scan an eye to be inspected with measuring light so that data at a plurality of points of the eye to be inspected are continuously acquired
Implementation Method 2
generate a two-dimensional image of the fundus based on reflected light of the measuring light from the fundus
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ophthalmologic apparatus, including: a scan unit configured to repeat two-dimensional scanning on a fundus of an eye to be inspected with measuring light; an image generation unit configured to generate a two-dimensional image of the fundus based on reflected light of the measuring light from the fundus that is two-dimensionally scanned; and a control unit configured to control, in the two-dimensional scanning, an amount of the measuring light that is radiated to the fundus and is not used to generate the two-dimensional image to be smaller than an amount of the measuring light that is radiated to the fundus and is used to generate the two-dimensional image.