Portable Retinal Imaging Optics for Non-Mydriatic Eye Exams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable retinal imaging devices face challenges in achieving high-quality imaging of the eye fundus without artifacts, due to the need for balancing image quality, size, and cost, while also requiring ergonomic design and efficient illumination without mydriatic pupil dilation.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising optical, electronic, and mechanical modules, integrated with a mobile device, uses a compact optical design with shared components for imaging and illumination, synchronized LED lighting, and ergonomic design for high-resolution retinal and anterior segment imaging without mydriatic pupil dilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact optical system is used for portable retinal imaging, then the device size and cost are reduced, but image quality and artifact-free imaging become difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination optical path and imaging optical path into a single shared optical system. The same objective lens and optical components are used for both illuminating the retina and capturing the reflected light, eliminating the need for separate illumination and imaging paths. This integration reduces the overall device size while maintaining image quality through careful optical design that prevents illumination artifacts from degrading the retinal image.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components, particularly the objective lens and related elements, serve dual functions: they both illuminate the retinal tissue and form the optical image for capture. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, thereby shrinking device volume while preserving the quality of retinal imaging through optimized optical performance.
2Measurement precision
If mydriatic pupil dilation is used to improve retinal imaging, then image quality and field of view are enhanced, but patient comfort and exam complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses rapid sequential capture of multiple retinal images in succession. By capturing several images quickly before the pupil can constrict, the system accumulates sufficient data for high-quality imaging without requiring sustained pupil dilation. This periodic imaging approach maintains patient comfort while achieving diagnostic image quality through temporal integration of multiple captures.
3Illumination intensity
If separate optical paths for illumination and imaging are used, then illumination control is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination and imaging optical paths into a single integrated system. The illumination light and imaging light share the same objective lens and optical components, eliminating the need for separate optical trains. This merger reduces device complexity while maintaining effective illumination control through the shared optical path, preventing the added complexity that would arise from maintaining completely separate illumination and imaging systems.
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 high-resolution, artifact-free imaging of the retina and anterior segment with a compact, cost-effective system suitable for telemedicine, using a mobile device for non-mydriatic examinations.
Implementation Method 1
illumination by a light source in the visible and near-infrared spectrum... Using light emitting diodes or other appropriate light sources
Implementation Method 2
One of the main difficulties in imaging the eye fundus is due to the number of interfaces that the light must travel through (cornea, aqueous humor, crystalline and vitreous humor) to homogeneously illuminate the retina
Implementation Method 3
The optical module also has light sources in the visible and near infrared spectrum and, depending on the embodiment, at least one camera sensitive to this spectral region
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hand-held imaging system, device and method, composed of optical, electronic and mechanical modules, of specific ergonomic and functional design, configured to obtain images and videos in the visible and infrared spectrum of the anterior and posterior segment of the human eye, mainly non-mydriatic retinal exams controlled by an external mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet or embedded hardware, for clinical purposes.