Head-Mounted Indirect Ophthalmoscope Camera with Stereoscopic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fundus imaging devices are impractical for patients like infants and young children, and existing head-mounted indirect ophthalmoscopes suffer from image quality issues due to misalignment and lack of stereoscopic imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted system with a digital imaging device, integrated light source, and plus eyepiece lens, configured for hands-free operation using a remote-controlled shutter, enabling stereoscopic imaging by positioning the light source and optical means to create side-by-side virtual images within the pupil, allowing binocularly fused stereoscopic views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a head-mounted indirect ophthalmoscope with an integrated camera is used, then portability and hands-free operation are improved, but image quality deteriorates due to misalignment and vignetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of beam splitters and mirrors that redirect light paths between the camera and the patient's eye. This intermediary optical train allows the camera to capture images through the ophthalmoscope's optical path without requiring direct alignment between the camera aperture and the examiner's pupils, thereby maintaining image quality while enabling hands-free operation.
2Ease of operation
If the camera aperture is positioned between the examiner's pupils, then monocular viewing is improved, but stereoscopic imaging becomes impossible and alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into separate channels for each eye using beam splitters and mirrors. This allows each eye to receive its own optical path from the patient's eye, enabling stereoscopic imaging while maintaining the camera's ability to capture images through the segmented optical train. The segmentation of the optical path resolves the conflict between monocular viewing and stereoscopic imaging capabilities.
3Reliability
If both hands are occupied with the camera and condensing lens, then imaging capability is improved, but manipulation of lids or scleral depression becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera system with the head-mounted ophthalmoscope, integrating the imaging device into the examiner's headgear. This combination allows the camera to be positioned and stabilized on the head, freeing both hands for manipulating the patient's eyelids or performing scleral depression while maintaining reliable imaging capability through the integrated optical system.
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
The system provides reliable, high-quality, hands-free ocular fundus imaging with stereoscopic capabilities, preserving familiar examination techniques and allowing for improved image capture and teaching purposes.
Implementation Method 1
light paths from side-by-side virtual images of the aperture... to be imaged by the condensing lens
Implementation Method 2
condensing lens held in the other hand... plus eyepiece lens positioned between the examiner's eye and the display
Implementation Method 3
optical means for creating side-by-side virtual images of the aperture of the digital imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an indirect ophthalmoscopic system for imaging of the ocular fundus including a headband configured to hold a digital imaging device and a plus eyepiece lens in front of an eye of the examiner, with the plus eyepiece lens positioned in between the digital imaging device and the examiner's eye, such that the examiner is focused upon the display of the digital imaging device. The aperture of the digital imaging device receives light reflected from the ocular fundus of the patient's eye, emanating from the patient's pupil. The examiner examines the patient and composes the image of the ocular fundus directly in the display screen. In this way, what the examiner sees is captured by the digital imaging device. Stereoscopic imagery is obtained by optical means that create side-by-side virtual images of the aperture of the digital imaging device within the pupil of the eye.