Ophthalmoscope with Curved Image Surface for Sharp Eye Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available ophthalmoscopes are unable to capture a sharp, complete image of the eye due to its complex geometry, resulting in inefficient and ineffective examinations, as they can only focus on one plane and require precise positioning for reproducible images, which is impractical.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmoscope with a convexly curved sharpening surface and pulsed illumination, allowing for the entire visible area of the eye to be sharply imaged, and featuring a catadioptric system with a mirror and lenses, enabling adaptation to specific eye geometries and standardization of images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single-plane focus system is used in ophthalmoscopes, then the device structure is simple, but only a ring zone of the eye can be sharply imaged while the remaining surface is blurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a convexly curved image surface that matches the curvature of the eye's visible surface. This curved image surface allows the entire eye surface to be sharply imaged simultaneously, rather than only a flat ring zone, by adapting the focal plane to the spherical geometry of the eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane (2D flat) focus system to a multi-plane curved focus system that accommodates the 3D curvature of the eye. This dimensional adaptation enables simultaneous sharp imaging across the entire curved eye surface.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple images are captured to obtain a complete sharp image of the eye, then image completeness improves, but positioning precision requirements increase and reproducibility becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By using a convexly curved image surface that corresponds to the eye's geometry, the system captures the entire eye surface in a single image without requiring multiple captures or precise repositioning, thus maintaining reproducibility.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If absorption technology with ultraviolet or infrared light is used for ophthalmic lens inspection, then measurement capability improves, but health safety deteriorates due to unsuitability for eye examination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the illumination light from ultraviolet or infrared ranges to the visible light range (400-700 nm). This parameter change maintains the absorption measurement capability while eliminating the health hazards associated with UV and IR radiation for eye examinations.
4Illumination intensity
If pulsed illumination is used in the ophthalmoscope, then image brightness improves, but the risk of dazzling the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed illumination that operates intermittently rather than continuously. By controlling the duty cycle and timing of the light pulses, the system achieves sufficient image brightness during exposure while minimizing the overall light exposure and reducing the risk of dazzling the user.
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
Enables reproducible and comparable images of the eye, facilitating analysis and comparison by capturing the entire eye surface, reducing aberration, and allowing for bidirectional measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one objective lens comprises at least one lens and/or at least one mirror... the at least one objective lens comprises a convexly curved focus surface, wherein a convexly curved image surface of an eye can be sharply imaged by the at least one objective onto the at least one conversion device
Implementation Method 2
at least one device for converting light into an electrical signal in the form of a planar chip
Implementation Method 3
the ophthalmoscope comprises pulsed illumination
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to an ophthalmoscope (1) for examining eyes (2), comprising: a housing (3); at least one converting device (4) for converting light into an electrical signal; and at least one objective (5), the at least one objective (5) comprising at least one lens (6) and/or at least one mirror (42), the at least one objective (5) having a convexly curved focus area (7), a convexly curved image surface (8) of an eye (2) being able to be sharply imaged onto the at least one converting device (4) by means of the at least one objective (5).