Ophthalmologic Microscope Nonparallel Optical Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmologic microscope systems face limitations in flexibility and optical design due to the need for large objective lenses, which complicates the integration of additional optical systems like OCT, leading to issues with light vignetting and reduced performance when combining with other ophthalmologic apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a nonparallel objective optical axis configuration for the left and right light receiving systems, along with an optical scanner and deflection member, allowing for efficient projection and detection of light from the OCT system without vignetting, enabling better integration with other ophthalmologic functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Galilean stereo microscope with parallel objective optical axes is used, then ease of combining other optical systems is improved, but the degree of flexibility in optical design is limited due to the need for large objective lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the objective optical axes of the left and right light receiving systems to be nonparallel, diverging toward the subject's eye. This asymmetric arrangement eliminates the requirement for large-diameter objective lenses while maintaining the ability to combine multiple optical systems, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and design flexibility.
2Device complexity
If the OCT apparatus optical path is arranged to avoid the binocular optical system, then device complexity is reduced, but light vignetting occurs and OCT performance cannot be sufficiently exerted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by utilizing the spatial dimension created by the nonparallel objective optical axes. The projection system is configured to project light along one of the nonparallel objective optical axes, allowing the OCT optical path to be integrated without causing vignetting. This dimensional arrangement enables both simple optical path integration and full OCT performance.
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 effective projection and detection of light onto the eye from a direction close to perpendicular, enhancing the performance of OCT and other ophthalmologic functions by reducing light obstruction and improving optical path flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The deflection member is disposed in the vicinity of a pair of objective optical axes which are respective optical axes of the left light receiving system and the right light receiving system, is disposed in an optical path of the projection system between the optical scanner and the projection system objective lens, and is configured to deflect the optical path
Implementation Method 2
The left light receiving system includes a left objective lens and a left image sensor, and is configured to guide returning light of the illumination light that has been projected onto the subject's eye to the left image sensor via the left objective lens
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system for projecting illumination light onto an eye. A left (right) light receiving system includes a left (right) objective lens and left (right) image sensor, and guides returning light of the illumination light to the left (right) image sensor via the left (right) objective lens. The objective optical axes of the left and right light receiving systems are disposed nonparallelly to each other. A projection system includes a projection system objective lens, and projects light onto the eye via the projection system objective lens. An optical scanner is used for scanning the eye with the light from the projection system. A deflection member is disposed near the objective optical axes, disposed in the optical path of the projection system between the optical scanner and the projection system objective lens, and deflects the optical path.