Ophthalmologic Optical Scanning for Faster Eye Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ophthalmologic imaging devices face challenges in minimizing image capturing time, which increases the burden on subjects and risks image quality deterioration due to eye movement during scanning.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a continuous driving operation for the optical scanning unit between partial image data acquisition operations, allowing the unit to continuously operate without suspension, thereby reducing the time required for image capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the optical scanning unit is stopped between scanning positions to minimize unnecessary light emission, then energy consumption is reduced, but the image capturing time increases due to suspension and restart delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumption of optical scanning unitVSAvoidimage capturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit determines in advance whether the optical scanning unit should be suspended or continuously operated between scanning positions. By predicting the timing and position of next scanning operations, the system prepares the scanning unit's state beforehand, avoiding delays caused by sudden suspension and restart cycles, thus reducing overall image capturing time while managing energy consumption effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the optical scanning unit between suspension and continuous operation based on real-time scanning requirements. The control unit monitors scanning position data and automatically transitions the scanning unit between idle and active states, optimizing the balance between energy savings and maintaining readiness for next scan operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the image capturing time is extended to ensure complete data acquisition, then measurement precision is improved, but the risk of eye movement artifacts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage data accuracyVSAvoideye movement artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical scanning unit maintains continuous operation without suspension between scanning positions, ensuring uninterrupted light emission and data acquisition. This continuous scanning approach minimizes the total capturing time while maintaining complete data coverage, thereby reducing the window for eye movement artifacts to occur while preserving measurement precision through consistent scanning coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system rapidly transitions between scanning positions without unnecessary suspension, rushing through the scanning sequence to minimize the total time the subject's eye is exposed to the scanning process. By eliminating idle suspension periods and maintaining continuous motion, the system completes data acquisition faster, reducing the opportunity for eye movement while ensuring all necessary scanning positions are covered

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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 approach effectively shortens the overall image capturing time by minimizing transition periods between scanning positions, enhancing image quality and reducing the risk of eye movement artifacts.

Implementation Method 1

an optical scanning unit that includes a deflection portion configured to deflect light emitted from the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight deflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a light receiving element that is configured to receive light reflected by the tissue scanned by the optical scanning unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12539036B2Ophthalmologic imaging method, ophthalmologic imaging device, and storage medium for storing ophthalmologic imaging control program

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 NIDEK CO LTD

AI summary

An ophthalmologic imaging method is implemented by an control unit of an ophthalmologic imaging device for acquiring entire image data of the tissue by repeatedly performing the steps of: setting a scanning position; acquiring the partial image data by applying, to an optical scanning unit, a driving signal that causes the optical scanning unit to scan light on a tissue of a subject eye at the scanning position that was set this time; and continuously operating the optical scanning unit after capturing the partial image data based on the scanning position that was set this time was completed by applying, to the optical scanning unit, a continuous driving signal.