Remote Ophthalmic Exam System with Real-Time Examiner Assistance
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote ophthalmic examination systems face challenges in providing effective assistance to subjects due to the lack of real-time monitoring and expertise, as examiners cannot physically perceive the subject's state or progress during remote examinations, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in assigning skilled examiners to all facilities.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic examination system comprising an ophthalmic examination apparatus, an internal examiner terminal, an external examiner terminal, and a management server that enables communication and information transfer between these components, allowing for real-time monitoring and assistance, and the ability to assign examiners based on expertise and language proficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote examination is implemented without on-site examiners, then accessibility and convenience are improved, but the ability to provide real-time assistance and monitor subject state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication system as an intermediary between the examination apparatus and examiners. This enables real-time audio-visual communication during remote examinations, allowing examiners to monitor subject state and provide assistance without being physically present. The communication apparatus acts as a mediator that transmits examination images and audio between locations, resolving the contradiction by maintaining reliability through technological mediation while preserving accessibility.
2Measurement precision
If skilled examiners are assigned to every facility, then examination quality is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal examination system where a single skilled examiner can serve multiple facilities through the communication network. The examination apparatus and communication system are designed to be location-independent, allowing one examiner to conduct examinations at different locations sequentially. This multi-functional approach maintains high examination quality without requiring skilled examiners to be permanently stationed at every facility, thereby reducing system complexity.
3Device complexity
If remote examination is implemented without real-time communication, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to issue appropriate instructions based on subject understanding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through real-time communication during examinations. The system transmits examination images and audio between the examination apparatus and examiners, enabling examiners to observe subject responses and understanding in real-time. This feedback loop allows examiners to adjust instructions based on subject comprehension without complicating the overall system architecture, as the feedback is achieved through integrated communication rather than additional complex monitoring equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
In an ophthalmic examination system of one embodiment, an internal examiner terminal is used by an internal examiner in a facility where an ophthalmic examination apparatus is installed. An external examiner terminal is used by an external examiner outside the facility. A management apparatus includes a communication establishment unit, and an information transfer unit. The communication establishment unit is capable of establishing communication between at least two apparatuses selected from the ophthalmic examination apparatus, the internal examiner terminal, and the external examiner terminal. The information transfer unit is configured to transfer information sent from one of the at least two apparatuses whose communication has been established by the communication establishment unit. Each of the ophthalmic examination apparatus, the internal examiner terminal, and the external examiner terminal includes an output unit configured to output information transferred by the information transfer unit.