Remote Ophthalmic Imaging via 3D Slit Lamp Data Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telemedicine technologies are unable to effectively utilize slit lamp microscopes for remote ophthalmic diagnostic imaging due to the complexity of operations required, such as movement of illumination and imaging systems, which are difficult to perform from a distant location even for experts.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic system that includes a slit lamp microscope connected to a communication network, allowing a doctor to interpret medical images acquired by the microscope from a distant location using a computer terminal, with assistance from an assistant at the imaging facility, and utilizing software for data processing and image construction to create three-dimensional images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a doctor operates a slit lamp microscope from a distant location in real time, then remote diagnostic capability is achieved, but the operation becomes extremely difficult and impractical due to the complexity of delicate manipulations required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the slit lamp examination process by capturing images with an imaging device and transmitting them to a remote terminal. The remote doctor can view and analyze these image copies without performing the actual delicate manipulations of the slit lamp microscope, thus resolving the contradiction between remote accessibility and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of an imaging device, communication network, and terminal device that mediates between the slit lamp microscope and the remote doctor. This intermediary captures and transmits visual information, allowing the remote doctor to perform diagnostics without directly operating the complex illumination and imaging systems.
2Productivity
If an assistant operates the slit lamp microscope remotely under doctor's instructions, then remote diagnostic capability is achieved, but the process requires real-time communication and coordination which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary capture and transmission of images so that the remote doctor can review them at their own pace without requiring real-time back-and-forth communication. The assistant can capture multiple images in advance, and the doctor can analyze them sequentially, eliminating the need for continuous real-time coordination and improving overall diagnostic efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional telemedicine technology is used, then remote medical care is possible, but slit lamp microscopes cannot be effectively utilized due to the difficulty of remote operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical operation of the slit lamp microscope with an automated imaging system. Instead of requiring manual manipulation of illumination and focus mechanisms, the system uses an imaging device to capture images automatically, which are then transmitted to the remote terminal. This substitution makes the system adaptable to telemedicine while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An ophthalmic system of an embodiment includes a slit lamp microscope and an information processing apparatus. The slit lamp microscope includes an image acquisition device that acquires a three dimensional image by photographing a subject's eye, and a first communication device that transmits the three dimensional image to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes a second communication device that receives the three dimensional image transmitted by the first communication device, a display controller that displays a first image based on the three dimensional image on a display device, a partial region designation processor that designates a partial region of the first image, and a rendering processor that renders the three dimensional image based on the partial region to construct a second image. The display controller displays the second image on the display device.