Retinal Imaging Pupil Diameter Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retinal imaging technologies face challenges in achieving high-resolution imaging on a cellular scale, leading to delayed diagnosis of retinal diseases like Age-Related Macular Degeneration and glaucoma, as they struggle to effectively detect microscopic structures such as photoreceptors and micro-capillaries due to limitations in signal-to-noise ratio and contrast.
Innovation Solution
A high-resolution retinal imaging device and method that limits the diameter of the input pupil to a specific range (between Φmin and Φmax) to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio and contrast, with Φmin defined by the central wavelength, allowing for the detection of spatial-frequency structures up to 250 cycles/mm, contrary to conventional wisdom that larger pupils improve resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the diameter of the input pupil is increased to improve resolution, then the theoretical resolution limit is reduced, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to increased optical defects and aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the pupil diameter to a specific range (2.0-4.0mm) rather than using the maximum possible diameter. This intermediate parameter value balances two competing requirements: it provides sufficient aperture for acceptable resolution while limiting the total amount of optical defects and aberrations that would otherwise degrade the signal-to-noise ratio. The patent explicitly states that this optimized pupil diameter range achieves the best compromise between resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.
2Illumination intensity
If the diameter of the input pupil is increased to gather more light, then the illumination intensity on the retina is improved, but the contrast of retinal images deteriorates due to increased optical imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting an optimized pupil diameter range (2.0-4.0mm) that balances light gathering capability with image contrast. This intermediate value provides sufficient aperture to collect adequate light for retinal illumination while limiting the total optical imperfections that would otherwise reduce image contrast. The patent explicitly states that this optimized range achieves the best compromise between illumination intensity and image contrast.
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
The solution significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio and contrast of retinal images, enabling early detection of retinal diseases by optimizing the input pupil diameter based on the imaging wavelengths, thereby enhancing the detection of fine retinal structures without degrading the image quality beyond a certain pupil size.
Implementation Method 1
an optical imaging system with an input pupil of given diameter
Implementation Method 2
an optical imaging system with an input pupil of given diameter
Implementation Method 3
at least one emission source for emitting a light beam for the illumination of the retina
Implementation Method 4
capable of detecting spatial-frequency structures of 250 cycles/mm measured in the plane of the retina
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a high-resolution retinal imaging method and device notably comprising an emission source (LSr) for emitting a light beam for the illumination of the retina of an eye (10) of a subject, a detection device (12) capable of detecting spatial-frequency structures of 250 cycles/mm measured in the plane of the retina, an optical imaging system (16) allowing for the formation of an image of at least a part of the retina on the detection device (12), a device (15) for measuring optical defects with an analysis plane of the optical defects, a correction device (14) comprising a correction plane and intended to correct, in said correction plane, the light rays from said emission source (LSr) and backscattered by the retina as a function of the optical defects measured by the measurement device (15). The correction and analysis planes are optically conjugated with a predetermined plane (17) of the eye, and the input pupil of said optical imaging system has a diameter of between a first value Φmin and a second value Φmax, the first value being defined to allow for the detection by said detection device (12), at an imaging wavelength, of structures of the retina exhibiting a spatial frequency of 250 cycles per millimeter, and the second value being less than 5.75 mm.