Ophthalmoscope Natural Pupil Dilation via Light Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmoscopy procedures rely on chemically-induced pupil dilation, causing discomfort and inconvenience, limiting examination flexibility, and requiring specialized medical professionals, while also lacking simultaneous examination of both eyes and asynchronous analysis of pupil constriction responses, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and reduced accessibility of eye care.
Innovation Solution
The development of ophthalmic devices that use a combination of infrared and visible light sources to induce natural pupil dilation and simultaneously examine both eyes asynchronously, utilizing image sensors to capture and analyze eye responses, and communicate with cloud-based services for diagnostic support, enabling remote and efficient eye care.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If chemically-induced pupil dilation is used, then the field-of-view is increased, but the patient experiences discomfort and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the chemical agent (eye drops) from the pupil dilation process. Instead of using chemical mydriatics that cause discomfort, the system uses natural pupil dilation triggered by blocking external light through the eyepiece, thereby removing the harmful chemical side effects while maintaining the benefit of increased field-of-view.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism - the eyepiece that blocks external light - to trigger natural pupil dilation. This intermediary approach replaces the direct chemical action on the pupil with an indirect optical stimulus (light blocking) that naturally induces dilation without chemical side effects.
2Area of stationary object
If chemically-induced pupil dilation is used, then the field-of-view is increased, but the procedure requires specialized medical professionals and reduces accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where patients can perform their own eye examinations without requiring specialized medical professionals to administer chemical agents. The automated light blocking and imaging process allows patients to independently initiate and complete examinations, significantly improving accessibility and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual mechanical process of administering eye drops with an automated optical system. The eyepiece automatically blocks external light and triggers natural dilation, eliminating the need for trained professionals to perform chemical dilation, thereby making the procedure accessible to general use.
3Area of stationary object
If chemically-induced pupil dilation is used, then the field-of-view is increased, but the waiting time and duration of dilation are extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic light blocking through the eyepiece to stimulate natural pupil dilation. By repeatedly blocking and allowing light, the system accelerates the dilation process compared to chemical methods, reducing waiting time while achieving the necessary field-of-view for examination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary light blocking through the eyepiece before the actual imaging occurs, which pre-triggers and accelerates pupil dilation. This preliminary action ensures the pupil is fully dilated and ready for examination, eliminating the extended waiting period required by chemical methods.
4Measurement precision
If simultaneous examination of both eyes is performed, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the examination of both eyes into a single integrated device with dual eyepieces and a unified imaging system. By combining the functionality for both eyes in one device rather than requiring separate examinations, the system improves diagnostic accuracy through simultaneous comparison while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal functionality to examine both eyes using the same optical path and imaging sensor. The single device performs multiple functions (examining left and right eyes) through a unified system, improving diagnostic accuracy without proportionally increasing complexity compared to separate single-eye devices.
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 solution allows for faster and more comfortable pupil dilation, simultaneous examination of both eyes, and asynchronous analysis of pupil responses, improving diagnostic accuracy and accessibility of eye care, especially in remote or underserved areas.
Implementation Method 1
The infrared light source emits infrared light in the direction of the opening
Implementation Method 2
The image sensor captures a reflection of the infrared light
Implementation Method 3
The visible light source emits at least two beams of visible light in sequence, during a period of time for visible light emission
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic device having a single or dual compartment configuration selectively emits infrared and visible light beams onto one or a pair of target eyes. The device performs eye fundus imaging and aids in the detection of ailments as indicated by anomalies in the pupillary reflex.