Ophthalmologic Device Holder with Transmissive Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ophthalmologic apparatuses used for diagnosing dry eye conditions face challenges in downsizing while maintaining accurate alignment detection, as the size of the apparatus increases with the arrangement of alignment detection systems, imaging optical systems, and corneal measurement systems.
Innovation Solution
The ophthalmologic apparatus incorporates an objective lens, an alignment light emitting unit, an alignment reflection light receiving unit, and a holder with transmissive portions to improve alignment detection accuracy, allowing for a more compact design by integrating the alignment light source and reflection light receiving unit with the anterior segment camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the alignment detection system, imaging optical system, and corneal measurement system are arranged separately, then the accuracy of alignment detection is improved, but the size of the ophthalmologic apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder integrates multiple optical paths (alignment detection, anterior segment imaging, and corneal measurement) into a single compact structure. The holder includes through-holes that allow different optical paths to coexist in the same spatial region, enabling separate functional systems to be combined without increasing overall apparatus size while maintaining their individual measurement accuracies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vertical stacking of optical components along the optical axis direction to arrange multiple systems in three-dimensional space rather than spreading them out horizontally. This dimensional reorganization allows the alignment detection system, imaging system, and measurement system to occupy different vertical positions within the holder, reducing the horizontal footprint of the apparatus
2Area of stationary object
If the alignment light emitting unit and reflection light receiving unit are integrated with the anterior segment camera, then the apparatus is downsized, but the alignment detection accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into distinct functional regions with through-holes for different optical paths. The alignment light path has its own dedicated through-hole and optical components separate from the imaging path, allowing independent optimization of each function while maintaining compact integration. This segmentation ensures that alignment detection accuracy is not compromised by integration
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the need for compact integration and the requirement for accurate alignment detection. By providing dedicated through-holes and mounting positions for alignment components within the holder, it enables close integration while preserving the functional independence and measurement accuracy of the alignment detection system
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
This configuration enables a downsized ophthalmologic apparatus with enhanced alignment detection accuracy, allowing for precise observation and imaging of the anterior segment and tear fluid film, reducing measurement errors and improving the overall diagnostic capability.
Implementation Method 1
an alignment reflection light receiving unit that receives alignment reflection light, which is a reflection of the alignment light from the subject's eye
Implementation Method 2
a holder positioned between the anterior segment camera and the objective lens to hold the anterior segment camera. The holder includes an imaging transmissive portion, a first light-transmissive portion that transmits the alignment light from the alignment light emitting unit, and a second light-transmissive portion that transmits the alignment reflection light from the subject's eye
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmologic apparatus includes: an objective lens that faces a subject's eye; an alignment light emitting unit that irradiates the subject's eye with alignment light to perform measurement of alignment between the objective lens and the subject's eye; an alignment reflection light receiving unit that receives alignment reflection light, which is a reflection of the alignment light from the subject's eye; an anterior segment camera that receives corneal reflection light; and a holder positioned between the anterior segment camera and the objective lens to hold the anterior segment camera, wherein the holder includes an imaging transmissive portion that transmits the corneal reflection light to the anterior segment camera, a first light-transmissive portion that transmits the alignment light from the alignment light emitting unit, and a second light-transmissive portion that transmits the alignment reflection light from the subject's eye.