Ophthalmologic Device Fixation Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ophthalmologic apparatuses face challenges in acquiring data from a desired site of a subject's eye when the subject is not gazing at the fixation target, particularly due to issues like poor visual acuity or involuntary eye movement, leading to fixation loss.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a movement mechanism to align the subject's eye with the data acquisition unit, a notification system to inform about alignment status, and a display unit to guide the fixation position, allowing for automatic or manual adjustment to ensure the image region is within a predetermined range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixation target is presented to guide the subject's gaze, then the alignment between the subject's eye and data acquisition unit is improved, but fixation loss occurs when the subject has poor visual acuity or involuntary eye movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the subject's gaze position by detecting the image region of the fundus and comparing it with the predetermined range. When deviation is detected (fixation loss), the system provides feedback by displaying a notification to the subject and automatically adjusts the presentation position of the fixation target to maintain proper alignment and ensure reliable data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects fixation loss conditions and self-corrects by adjusting the fixation target position without requiring manual intervention. The notification unit and position adjustment mechanism work autonomously to maintain measurement reliability, allowing the system to service itself during the examination process.
2Device complexity
If the fixation target position is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different subject conditions (visual acuity, eye movement) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation target transitions from a static position to a dynamic one that automatically adjusts based on real-time detection of the subject's gaze position. The system changes the presentation position of the fixation target in response to detected fixation loss, enabling adaptation to different subject conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
3Productivity
If automatic data acquisition is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when fixation loss occurs without detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a determination unit that continuously monitors whether the image region is within the predetermined range, providing feedback on fixation quality. This feedback mechanism ensures that automatic data acquisition only proceeds when proper fixation is confirmed, preventing unreliable data collection while maintaining high productivity through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of fixation status before initiating data acquisition. By checking whether the image region is within the predetermined range in advance, the system ensures that data acquisition only occurs under reliable fixation conditions, preventing wasted time on invalid measurements while maintaining efficient automatic operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An ophthalmologic device according to an embodiment optically acquires fundus data of an eye being examined. The ophthalmologic device comprises a fixation system, an image acquisition unit, a specification unit, and a determination unit. The fixation system projects fixation light into a subject's eye. The image acquisition unit acquires a fundus image of the eye being examined while the fixation light is being projected by the fixation system. The specification unit analyzes the image acquired by the image acquisition unit to specify an image region corresponding to a predetermined site on the fundus. The determination unit determines whether or not the image region specified by the specification unit is included in a predetermined range in the image acquired by the image acquisition unit.