Ophthalmological Device Alignment Using Pseudo Index Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmological devices face challenges in accurately aligning the optical system with the subject's eye, especially when photographing peripheral areas, leading to potential misalignment and increased adjustment time, particularly for unskilled operators, due to the disappearance of alignment index images from the monitor screen.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmological device equipped with a control unit that acquires the three-dimensional position of the subject's eye and displays pseudo alignment index images varying in position based on positional displacement, allowing for intuitive alignment adjustment without an alignment optical system, using two or more photographing units to analyze the eye's position and adjust display modes such as color, shape, and brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an alignment optical system projects alignment index images on the subject's eye for alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases and alignment index images may disappear from view when photographing peripheral areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the alignment index images and displays them on the monitor screen rather than projecting them physically on the subject's eye. The control unit generates alignment index images that are superimposed on the eyeground image displayed on the monitor, providing alignment guidance without requiring a separate alignment optical system. This copying approach maintains alignment precision while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical alignment projection system with a digital display system. Instead of using optical components to project alignment indices onto the eye, the system uses a monitor to display virtual alignment index images overlaid on the captured eyeground image. This substitution eliminates the need for complex alignment optical components while maintaining alignment functionality.
2Ease of operation
If alignment index images are projected on the subject's eye for alignment, then alignment guidance is provided, but the images disappear from the monitor screen when photographing peripheral areas, causing loss of information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the alignment index display from a two-dimensional optical projection on the eye to a two-dimensional digital display on the monitor that can be maintained across different viewing conditions. By displaying alignment index images as digital overlays on the captured eyeground image rather than optical projections, the system ensures the alignment information remains visible and accessible on the monitor screen regardless of whether the eyeground center or periphery is being photographed.
3Measurement precision
If the optical system is manually aligned by moving it three-dimensionally while observing alignment indices, then alignment is achieved, but adjustment time increases for unskilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously displays alignment index images overlaid on the eyeground image on the monitor screen. This visual feedback allows operators to see the real-time alignment status and make precise adjustments by moving the optical system until the alignment indices are properly positioned. The feedback loop accelerates the alignment process by providing clear visual guidance, reducing the time required for unskilled operators to achieve accurate alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
The ophthalmological device of an embodiment includes an optical system for inspection, a display, a subject's eye position acquiring unit, and a control unit. The optical system for inspection includes a photographic optical system for photographing an eyeground of the subject's eye. The subject's eye position acquiring unit acquires a three-dimensional position of the subject's eye. The control unit acquires information on positional displacement of the optical system for inspection with respect to the subject's eye on the basis of the three-dimensional position to cause a screen of the display to display two alignment index images to be varied in position with respect to a reference position of alignment preset in the display in a pseudo manner, in accordance with the information on positional displacement.