Reflective Ultra-Wide Field Fundus Imager Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning ophthalmoscopes are limited in their ability to perform both point and line scanning of the retina effectively, with a need for improved systems that can accommodate varying refractive errors and provide high-resolution imaging.
Innovation Solution
The proposed scanning ophthalmoscope design incorporates an uncollimated light source, a first and second scanning element, and aspherical mirrors to achieve point and line scanning by relaying light through a slit of an elliptical or aspherical mirror, allowing for adjustable convergence and divergence of light beams to accommodate different eye types and reduce angular distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional scanning ophthalmoscopes use standard optical systems, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to perform both point and line scanning effectively is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual scanning capability system where the same optical path and scanning elements can perform both point scanning and line scanning functions. The line scanning is achieved by illuminating a line pattern on the retina while using the same detection path, allowing the system to adapt between different scanning modes without requiring completely separate optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the illumination and detection paths into distinct functional modules. The illumination system can be configured to produce either point or line patterns, while the detection system uses separate scanning elements for each function. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each scanning mode while maintaining overall system versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ophthalmoscope uses fixed optical parameters, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot accommodate varying refractive errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable optical elements including variable focus lenses and adjustable scanning element positions that can be dynamically reconfigured based on the patient's refractive error. The system can adapt its optical parameters in real-time to accommodate different eye types, transitioning from static to dynamic operation to maintain imaging quality across varying refractive conditions.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses high-resolution imaging components, then image quality improves, but the system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies high-resolution imaging components selectively at critical positions in the optical path where they provide maximum benefit. Rather than uniformly high resolution throughout the entire system, the design concentrates premium optical elements at the detection and imaging stages where resolution directly impacts diagnostic quality, while using simpler components in auxiliary paths.
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 design enables both point and line scanning capabilities, providing sharp retinal images and accommodating eyes with different refractive errors, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective system with reduced optical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a slit of a first aspherical mirror, wherein the beam of light from the first scanning element is relayed onto the second scanning element by the slit of the first aspherical mirror
Implementation Method 2
a second aspherical mirror for relaying the beam of light from the second scanning element to the pupil of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
Improved scanning ophthalmoscopes for scanning the retina of an eye are discussed in the present disclosure. One example scanning ophthalmoscope includes an uncollimated light source, a first scanning element, a second scanning element, a slit of a first aspherical mirror, and a second aspherical mirror. The uncollimated light source produces a beam of light to illuminate the retina. The beam of light is relayed from the first scanning element onto the second scanning element by the slit of the first aspherical mirror. The second aspherical mirror relays the beam of light from the second scanning element to the pupil of the eye.