Ophthalmologic Apparatus Focus Determination via Spectral Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmologic apparatuses for eye fundus imaging require complex configurations with multiple illumination systems, increasing size and cost, which complicates the observation and focus evaluation of a subject's eye.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmologic apparatus utilizing a spectroscopic member to separate light into spectral components, an optical scanner to guide these components to the eye, and a line exposure imaging element with exposure lines for focus determination, allowing for a simpler configuration by illuminating specific regions with both spectral components during exposure operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple illumination systems are used for focus evaluation and observation, then focus determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single illumination system performs dual functions: it provides observation illumination for capturing fundus images and generates split spectral components for focus evaluation. By making the illumination system universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate focus evaluation illumination systems while maintaining both observation and focus determination capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination light is separated into multiple spectral components (first and second spectral components) that are guided to different imaging target lines. This segmentation allows the single illumination system to provide differentiated illumination for focus evaluation across multiple lines, enabling accurate focus determination without additional illumination hardware
2Measurement precision
If multiple illumination systems are used for focus evaluation and observation, then focus determination accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is designed to serve multiple purposes simultaneously - providing observation illumination and generating split spectral components for focus evaluation. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining focus determination accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of observation illumination and focus evaluation illumination into a single illumination system. By merging these previously separate systems, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the same functional outcomes through spectral splitting and selective illumination of imaging target lines
3Measurement precision
If spectral components are separated and guided to different imaging target lines, then focus determination precision is improved, but optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical scanner is designed to perform dual functions: it guides spectral components for focus evaluation and guides illumination for observation imaging. By making the optical scanner universal, the patent reduces the need for separate scanning mechanisms while maintaining the ability to direct light precisely to different imaging target lines for focus determination
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 efficient observation and focus evaluation of the subject's eye with a reduced number of optical components, simplifying the apparatus configuration and reducing costs while maintaining effective imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a spectroscopic member that separates light emitted from a light source into a first spectral component and a second spectral component
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmologic apparatus includes: a spectroscopic member that separates light emitted from a light source into a first spectral component and a second spectral component; an optical scanner that guides the first spectral component and the second spectral component to an observation target region of a subject's eye including a plurality of imaging target lines formed by dividing the observation target region in a scanning direction; a line exposure imaging element that includes a plurality of exposure lines capable of detecting return light from the observation target region in the light receiving region; and a controller that illuminates a region of the imaging target lines corresponding to the two or more exposure lines forming the exposure line group with the first spectral component and the second spectral component to perform focus determination based on the result of detection by the exposure lines in the exposure line group.