Ophthalmologic Apparatus Flare Removal via Optical Axis Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmologic apparatuses face challenges in removing flare regions from images of the eye due to alignment errors, optical element placement, and other factors, leading to image deterioration.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmologic apparatus equipped with a data acquisition unit, movement mechanism, and controller that analyzes flare regions in images and adjusts the relative position between the eye and the data acquisition unit along the optical axis to remove flare, using a combination of optical systems like OCT and fundus cameras, and processing units to specify and execute precise movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inspection optical system is focused on the fundus to perform imaging, then imaging function is achieved, but flare appears in the image causing deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment detection by capturing an alignment image before fundus imaging, identifies flare regions in advance, and adjusts the optical system position to prevent flare from affecting the final image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the alignment image analysis to detect flare regions and automatically adjusts the optical system position based on the detected flare characteristics, creating a closed-loop control that eliminates flare before fundus imaging
2Adaptability or versatility
If the subject's eye is directed obliquely due to heterophoria, then natural eye state is maintained, but flare appears causing image deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the optical system position based on the detected eye orientation and flare region, allowing the eye to maintain its natural oblique direction while the optical system compensates to prevent flare in the captured image
3Measurement precision
If the cornea is distorted due to disease, then actual corneal state is captured, but flare appears causing image deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of flare regions caused by corneal distortion before fundus imaging, allowing for pre-compensation or correction measures to be taken while preserving the accuracy of the corneal state information
4Adaptability or versatility
If the subject's eye has a small pupil, then natural pupil condition is maintained, but flare appears causing image deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the alignment image to detect flare regions caused by small pupil conditions and automatically adjusts the optical system position to eliminate flare while maintaining the natural small pupil state
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmologic apparatus includes a data acquisition unit, a movement mechanism, an image acquisition unit, an analyzer, and a controller. The data acquisition unit includes an optical system for optically acquiring data of a fundus of a subject's eye. The movement mechanism is configured to change relative position between the subject's eye and the data acquisition unit. The image acquisition unit is configured to acquire an image of the fundus. The analyzer is configured to specify a relative movement direction and relative movement amount of the data acquisition unit with respect to the subject's eye based on a flare region formed all around a fundus region in the image. The controller is configured to control the movement mechanism based on the relative movement direction and the relative movement amount to change relative position between the subject's eye and the data acquisition unit in an optical axis direction of the optical system.