Ophthalmologic Apparatus Simultaneous Refractometry and OCT Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmologic apparatuses require prolonged time for inspections and measurements, such as refractive power measurement and OCT measurement, as these procedures are typically performed sequentially, burdening the subject and increasing examination time.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmologic apparatus and method that simultaneously perform refractometry and OCT measurements by using a fixation projection system to present two fixation targets with different visual angles, allowing the refractometry optical system and OCT optical system to operate concurrently, with the controller controlling the fixation projection system to change the presentation state of the second fixation target and move the visual target chart to promote fogging of the subject's eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple inspections and measurements are performed sequentially, then each measurement can be performed with sufficient precision, but the total examination time becomes prolonged and the burden on the subject increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (refractometry and OCT measurement) into a single integrated ophthalmologic apparatus. The optical paths are merged through a common optical system with wavelength separation, allowing both measurements to be performed simultaneously on the same subject's eye without sequential waiting time, thus reducing total examination time while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated detection systems for each measurement type
Solution Approach 2:
The ophthalmologic apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to perform both refractometry and OCT measurement using a single integrated system. The apparatus includes multiple optical systems (refractometry optical system and OCT optical system) that share common components such as the objective lens and optical path combining/separating member, enabling the device to execute multiple measurement functions simultaneously rather than requiring separate devices or sequential operations
2Device complexity
If a single fixation target is used for both refractometry and OCT measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to conflicting fixation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation target system is segmented into two separate fixation targets: a first fixation target for refractometry and a second fixation target for OCT measurement. Each fixation target is optimized for its specific measurement purpose, with the first fixation target having properties suitable for refractive power measurement and the second fixation target having properties suitable for OCT measurement. This segmentation allows both measurements to be performed simultaneously with appropriate fixation conditions for each, maintaining measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical path combining and separating member that acts as an intermediary to manage the two different fixation targets. This component wavelength-separates light from the two fixation targets and guides them through the optical system to their respective measurement paths, enabling the coexistence of multiple fixation targets with different optical requirements without creating excessive device complexity
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 significantly reduces the time required for inspections and measurements, thereby decreasing the burden on the subject and enhancing examination efficiency by enabling simultaneous performance of refractometry and OCT measurements.
Implementation Method 1
an optical path combining and separating member that combines an optical path of the OCT optical system with an optical path of the refractometry optical system; and an objective lens disposed on an optical path combined by the optical path combining and separating member, wherein the optical path combining and separating member wavelength-separates light incident through the objective lens and guides the wavelength-separated light to the OCT optical system
Implementation Method 2
an OCT optical system configured to split light from an OCT light source into measurement light and reference light, to project the measurement light onto the subject's eye, and to detect interference light between returning light of the measurement light from the subject's eye and the reference light
Implementation Method 3
a fixation projection system configured to project a first fixation target and a second fixation target onto the subject's eye... the first fixation target projection system includes a visual target chart on which the first fixation target is displayed and is disposed at a position where a fogging of the subject's eye is promoted
Data Source
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AI summary
An ophthalmologic apparatus includes a refractometry optical system, an OCT optical system, a fixation projection system, and a controller. The refractometry optical system is configured to project light onto a subject's eye and to detect returning light from the subject's eye. The OCT optical system is configured to split light from an OCT light source into measurement light and reference light, to project the measurement light onto the subject's eye, and to detect interference light between returning light of the measurement light from the subject's eye and the reference light. The fixation projection system is configured to simultaneously project a first fixation target and a second fixation target onto the subject's eye, a visual angle of the second fixation target being narrower than a visual angle of the first fixation target. The controller is configured to control the refractometry optical system and the OCT optical system to simultaneously perform a refractometry and an OCT measurement.