Optical Image Measurement Laser Intensity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical image measurement devices are prone to reduced light irradiation due to environmental temperature effects and light source degradation, leading to obscured images and potential eye damage from intense laser beams, with cumbersome light measurement processes complicating operator tasks and safety.

Innovation Solution

An optical image measurement device with a light amount measurement part integrated within, allowing for easy measurement and adjustment of laser beam intensity using a mode switching mechanism, alarm system, and irradiation prevention to ensure safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a light amount measurement device is arranged outside the light path to measure laser beam intensity, then measurement safety is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement safetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light amount measurement device as an intermediary component that can be selectively positioned in the light path. This mediator allows for safe measurement of laser beam intensity without requiring permanent external measurement equipment, thereby improving safety while managing device complexity through selective integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a mode switching mechanism that dynamically reconfigures the measurement device's position in the light path between different operational modes (measurement mode and imaging mode). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, improving safety during measurement while maintaining imaging capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If light amount measurement is performed manually with separate equipment, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight amount measurement precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light amount measurement function with the existing imaging device by integrating the measurement device into the optical path and controlling it through the same device controller. This integration allows precise light amount measurement to be performed automatically during imaging operations, eliminating the need for separate manual measurement procedures and significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the light amount measurement device continuously monitors laser beam intensity and provides this information to the device controller. The controller then uses this feedback to automatically adjust imaging parameters or alert the operator, enabling precise measurement without requiring manual intervention and improving operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If laser beam intensity is not automatically adjusted, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential eye damage from intense laser beams

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsafety reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by measuring the laser beam intensity before actual imaging operations begin. The light amount measurement device characterizes the laser beam properties in advance, and the device controller uses this information to pre-adjust imaging parameters such as gain and exposure settings. This preliminary characterization and adjustment ensures safety and optimal imaging quality before the actual measurement process starts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback control where the light amount measurement device continuously monitors laser beam intensity during operations and provides real-time information to the device controller. The controller automatically adjusts imaging parameters based on this feedback to maintain safe and optimal laser levels, ensuring reliability without requiring complex manual control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If light amount measurement is integrated into the imaging device, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to interference with the imaging light path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidlight amount measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical path into separate measurement path and imaging path segments. The light amount measurement device is positioned to measure laser beam intensity without interfering with the imaging light path, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously with high precision. This spatial segmentation enables easy operation through integrated control while maintaining measurement precision by isolating the measurement function from imaging operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates straightforward light measurement and adjustment, enhancing image quality and safety by automatically maintaining optimal light levels and preventing excessive laser exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a light source that generates a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

scanning part that scans the laser beam on a measured object by changing the irradiation position of the laser beam on the measured object by changing the direction of a galvanomirror

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

detection part that detects the laser beam reflected by the measured object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2415392B1Optical image measuring apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.05.04 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP2415392B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2415392B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2415392B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical image measurement device comprises: a light amount adjustment part that adjusts the light amount of a laser beam generated by a low coherence light source 201; and a photodiode 105 placed outside the light path of the laser beam irradiated on an eye E and capable of measuring the light amount, wherein the laser beam is input to the photodiode 105 by changing the direction of a galvanomirror 170B; the photodiode 105 measures the light amount of the input laser beam; and the light amount adjustment part previously stores a specified range of light amount and adjust the light amount of the laser beam generated by the low coherence light source 201 such that the light amount measured by the photodiode 105 falls within the specified range.