Panoramic Gonioscopic Imaging Apparatus for 360-Degree Iridocorneal Angle Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gonioscopic imaging methods are time-consuming, technically difficult, and uncomfortable for patients, as they require sequential evaluation of the 360-degree iridocorneal angle using a gonioscopy prism, and existing photographic methods are prone to alignment errors and delays.
Innovation Solution
A panoramic gonioscopic imaging apparatus with a disposable lens and objective optical device that captures a continuous 360-degree image of the iridocorneal angle, using a relay lens to direct the image to a sensor, allowing for a single, comprehensive, and objective evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential evaluation using a gonioscopy prism is used, then the physician can evaluate the iridocorneal angle, but the process is time-consuming and technically difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides the 360-degree iridocorneal angle evaluation into multiple segmented views captured simultaneously at different positions around the circumference. The disposable lens assembly captures light from multiple angles at once, and the imaging system reconstructs these segmented views into a complete panoramic evaluation, eliminating the need for sequential prism-based evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a one-dimensional sequential evaluation method (physician looking through a prism at one position at a time) to a two-dimensional simultaneous capture method. The disposable lens assembly positioned on the cornea captures light from the entire 360-degree circumference in a single moment, creating a panoramic image that represents a dimensional expansion of the evaluation process.
2Measurement precision
If sequential evaluation using a gonioscopy prism is used, then the physician can evaluate the iridocorneal angle, but the process is uncomfortable for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable lens assembly is designed to be self-positioning and self-aligning on the patient's cornea. The lens assembly automatically captures the panoramic view without requiring the patient to hold or position any components, and the evaluation occurs passively as light from the iridocorneal angle is captured and transmitted through the disposable lens to the imaging system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical process of a physician holding and positioning a gonioscopy prism against the patient's eye with an automated optical system. The disposable lens assembly is positioned on the cornea and the imaging system automatically captures and processes the panoramic view, eliminating the need for manual prism positioning and reducing patient discomfort.
3Area of stationary object
If photographic imaging with multiple photos is used, then a panoramic view can be obtained, but alignment errors and delays are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple optical paths into a single integrated imaging system. The disposable lens assembly combines multiple viewing angles into one unified optical path that simultaneously captures light from the entire 360-degree circumference. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate photographs and their subsequent alignment, as all views are captured in a single synchronous moment through the integrated lens system.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable lens assembly is pre-positioned on the patient's cornea before image capture, establishing the correct optical alignment in advance. The lens assembly is designed with specific optical characteristics that pre-align the capture geometry, eliminating the need for post-capture alignment adjustments. This preliminary positioning action ensures accurate panoramic coverage from the start.
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 rapid, comfortable, and detailed evaluation of the iridocorneal angle, providing a repeatable and comprehensive view, either supplementing or replacing traditional physician gonioscopic evaluation, with improved processing efficiency and reduced alignment errors.
Implementation Method 1
a disposable lens which is configured to rest against a cornea of a patient or against an optically clear fluid on the cornea of the patient
Implementation Method 2
an objective optical device configured to place a continuous panoramic image of an iridocorneal angle of the patient on an intermediate imaging plane
Implementation Method 3
a relay lens configured to relay the continuous panoramic image from the intermediate imaging plane to a sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system may include a panoramic gonioscopic imaging apparatus that includes a disposable component configured to rest against a cornea of a patient, and an objective optical device configured to direct a continuous panoramic image of an entire circumference of an iridocorneal angle of the patient on an intermediate imaging plane, and a relay lens configured to direct the continuous panoramic image from the intermediate imaging plane to a sensor such that the sensor captures the entire circumference of the iridocorneal angle at once. The imaging system may also include a computing device in communication with the panoramic gonioscopic imaging apparatus, where the computing device configured to display an image of the entire circumference of the iridocorneal angle.