3D Retinal Imaging Optics for Lower-Cost Eye Disease Screening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current retinal imaging systems for eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration are limited by high costs and usability issues, making them inaccessible for widespread screening and monitoring.

Innovation Solution

Adaptation of structured light 3D imaging technology for retinal imaging, incorporating components like a 3D structured light illumination module, collimation optical sub-system, objective lens, baffle-and-illumination module, and reimaging corrective optics to provide high-quality, cost-effective 3D retinal imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional retinal imaging systems are used, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but equipment cost and device complexity are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the retinal imaging function into distinct modules: a light source module for illumination, a camera module for image capture, and a processing module for analysis. This modular segmentation maintains diagnostic accuracy while reducing overall system complexity and enabling cost-effective manufacturing through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging system is designed with multi-functionality to perform various retinal examinations (fundus imaging, OCT, angiography) using a unified platform. This universality reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple specialized instruments into one system while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If traditional retinal imaging systems are used, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but equipment cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs cost-effective, disposable components such as single-use contact lenses with integrated optics or disposable imaging probes. This approach maintains diagnostic accuracy for each patient while significantly reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating expensive sterilization infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical scanning mechanisms with solid-state light sources and digital image processing. This substitution eliminates moving parts, reduces manufacturing complexity, and lowers costs while maintaining or improving imaging precision through digital optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If advanced imaging technology is adopted, then image quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automated alignment and focusing mechanisms that self-adjust based on detected retinal features. The processing module automatically optimizes imaging parameters and performs real-time quality control, eliminating the need for operator expertise while maintaining high image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback loops where image quality metrics are continuously monitored and used to automatically adjust illumination, focus, and exposure parameters. This closed-loop control maintains optimal image quality while simplifying operation, as the system self-corrects without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 accessible and efficient screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of eye diseases with improved image quality and ease of operation, facilitating wider use by reducing equipment costs and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

Structured light 3D imaging technology has been successfully adapted and used for various applications including metrologies and consumer electronics (e.g., smartphones) by providing high image resolutions, wide depth ranges, high speed image captures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStructured light:

Implementation Method 2

an objective lens in the light path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

a reimaging corrective optics module within the light path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical correction:

Data Source

PatentUS20260047759A1Systems and apparatuses for three-dimensional eye imaging for screening, monitoring, and diagnosis of diseases

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 EYENUK

AI summary

Disclosed are example embodiments of a system of retinal three-dimensional (3D) imaging. The system of retinal 3D imaging includes an image sensor within a light path and a reimaging corrective optics module within the light path. The system of retinal 3D imaging also includes an objective lens in the light path and a baffle-and-illumination module in the light path. In an aspect, the reimaging corrective optics module is in front of the image sensor, the objective lens is in front of the reimaging corrective optics module, and the baffle-and-illumination module is between the objective lens and the reimaging corrective optics module.