Ophthalmologic Apparatus Light Exposure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmologic imaging apparatuses continuously irradiate the subject with light, leading to increased load and potential harm due to cumulative light exposure during repetitive scans with varying patterns, affecting both the subject and the inspector.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmologic apparatus with a first control unit for scanning and a memory unit to store control information for sequential scans, and a second control unit that reduces light irradiation after the first scan and before starting the second scan, allowing for automatic decrease in light exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the test object is continuously irradiated with light during scan pattern changes to maintain real-time observation image display, then the real-time observation image can always be observed on the monitor, but the cumulative light exposure increases causing harmful effects on the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the light source to emit light only during necessary scanning periods and to decrease or stop light emission during intervals between scans. The control unit switches the light source between emission and non-emission states based on whether scanning is actively performed, converting continuous irradiation into periodic irradiation that maintains imaging functionality while reducing cumulative exposure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light amount is decreased after first scan and before second scan to reduce cumulative irradiation, then the load on subject is reduced, but the real-time observation image cannot be continuously observed during scan pattern changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses stored control information from previous scan patterns to automatically control the scanning unit and light source without requiring continuous real-time observation during transitions. The pre-stored scan control information enables the system to self-manage the scanning process and light emission timing, eliminating the need for continuous light emission and real-time display during scan pattern changes.
3Reliability
If various scan patterns are performed repeatedly for comprehensive inspection, then the measurement completeness is improved, but the inspection time and cumulative light exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by structuring multiple scan patterns to be executed in discrete time intervals with light emission synchronized to each scan period. Between scan periods, the light source is deactivated, creating a rhythm of emission and non-emission that allows comprehensive multi-pattern inspection while minimizing total light exposure time and reducing cumulative irradiation effects on the subject.
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 solution reduces the load on both the subject and the inspector by decreasing light exposure after imaging, minimizing cumulative irradiation effects and enhancing the safety and comfort during imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing optical interference of near infrared laser light
Implementation Method 2
near infrared laser light
Implementation Method 3
a laser scanning ophthalmoscope (ophthalmologic SLO apparatus) for acquiring a fundus image by using a confocal system
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ophthalmologic apparatus including: a first control unit which controls a scanning unit for scanning an eye to be inspected with light emitted from a light source; a memory unit which stores control information for causing the first control unit to control the scanning unit to sequentially perform a first scan and a second scan after the first scan; and a second control unit which decreases a light amount irradiating the eye to be inspected after finishing the first scan and before starting the second scan, which are performed based on the control information.