Plenoptic Eye Imaging for Virtual Slit-Lamp Light Field Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slit-lamp examination systems are limited to capturing a single moment of the examination and require a highly trained professional to perform, lacking the ability to alter slit-beam positions and characteristics post-examination, and traditional imaging systems lose directional light information during recording.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a movable base supporting a rotatable illumination and observation system, incorporating a plenoptic camera to capture and store multiple images with adjustable illumination characteristics, allowing for virtual slit-lamp examinations and enhanced light field data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional slit-lamp examination systems are used, then a single moment of the examination can be captured, but the ability to alter slit-beam positions and characteristics post-examination is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D imaging to 4D light field imaging by capturing not only spatial information (x, y) but also angular information (θ, φ) of light rays. This dimensional expansion allows post-capture manipulation of focus and perspective without requiring additional physical adjustments to the slit-lamp system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary capture of complete light field data before any analysis or manipulation is needed. By recording all directional light information upfront during the examination, the system enables flexible post-processing adjustments of slit-beam positions and characteristics without requiring re-examination or additional equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional imaging systems are used, then directional light information is lost during recording, but system complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D imaging to 4D light field imaging by capturing not only spatial information (x, y) but also angular information (θ, φ) of light rays. This dimensional expansion allows post-capture manipulation of focus and perspective without requiring additional physical adjustments to the slit-lamp system.
Solution Approach 2:
The light field camera serves multiple functions: it captures standard 2D images, enables refocusing at different depths, allows perspective changes, and provides 3D reconstruction capabilities. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices or repeated examinations.
3Loss of information
If a plenoptic camera is incorporated to capture light field data, then directional light information is preserved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light field camera as an intermediary device between the slit-lamp illumination system and the final image capture. This intermediary captures the complete light field information that would otherwise be lost, serving as a bridge between traditional slit-lamp examination and advanced post-processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a comprehensive light field copy of the examination scene that preserves all directional light information. This optical copy contains sufficient data to reconstruct images from any perspective or focus plane, replacing the need for multiple physical examinations or adjustments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple images with adjustable illumination characteristics are captured, then virtual slit-lamp examinations become possible, but storage and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of complete light field data before any analysis or manipulation is needed. By recording all directional light information upfront during the examination, the system enables flexible post-processing adjustments of slit-beam positions and characteristics without requiring re-examination or additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The light field camera serves multiple functions: it captures standard 2D images, enables refocusing at different depths, allows perspective changes, and provides 3D reconstruction capabilities. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices or repeated examinations.
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 flexible and efficient analysis of eye structures by allowing post-examination manipulation of slit-beam positions and characteristics, preserving directional light information for detailed imaging and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an observation system including a plenoptic camera configured to receive imaging rays produced by reflection of light from the eye
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for imaging an eye are disclosed. The systems and methods may include at least one plenoptic camera. The systems and methods may include an illumination source with a plurality of lights.