Retinal Imaging Scan Transfer Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retinal imaging systems, such as scanning laser ophthalmoscopes, are expensive, large in size, and have low optical efficiency due to the numerous optical components required for creating a raster scan pattern of the retina.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing a source of collimated light and a two-dimensional scanning device with orthogonal axes of rotation, combined with a scan transfer device having two foci, to provide a two-dimensional collimated light scan from a point source, allowing for efficient scanning, imaging, and treatment of the retina with reduced component count and increased optical efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laser scanning elements and scan transfer mirrors are used to create a raster scan pattern of the retina, then acceptable retinal images can be obtained, but the system becomes expensive to manufacture, large in size, and has low optical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate optical components (laser scanning elements and scan transfer mirrors) into a single integrated scan transfer device. This device has two foci: the first focus receives collimated light from a point source, and the second focus directs the scanned light onto the retina. By merging these functions, the system reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to create raster scan patterns for retinal imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The scan transfer device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a scanning element and a transfer mirror, and its two-focus design allows it to handle both the incoming collimated light and the outgoing focused light onto the retina. This multi-functional design reduces the overall component count and simplifies the optical path
2Productivity
If multiple optical components are used for retinal scanning, then raster scan patterns can be created, but manufacturing costs increase and optical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple scanning and transfer functions into a single scan transfer device with two foci. This integration reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while preserving the raster scan capability
3Measurement precision
If conventional scanning elements are used, then retinal imaging is achieved, but the system size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple optical functions into a single scan transfer device, the physical space required for housing separate components is reduced, leading to a more compact overall system design
4Productivity
If numerous optical components are used for scanning, then raster scan patterns can be generated, but optical efficiency becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of scanning and transfer functions into a single device reduces the number of optical interfaces and reflections, thereby minimizing light loss and improving optical efficiency while maintaining scan pattern generation capability
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 enables cost-effective, compact, and high-resolution retinal imaging and treatment systems capable of wide-field imaging without the need for complex optical arrangements, improving optical efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the scan transfer device has two foci and the point source is provided at a first focus point of the scan transfer device and an eye is accommodated at a second focus point of the scan transfer device, and wherein the scan transfer device transfers the two-dimensional collimated light scan from the point source into the eye
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an apparatus and method for scanning, imaging and treating the retina of an eye. The apparatus (10) comprises a source of collimated light (14), a two-dimensional scanning device (16) having two axes of rotation (16a, 16b), wherein the axes of rotation (16a, 16b) are orthogonal and substantially planar, and wherein the source of collimated light (14) and the two-dimensional scanning device (16) combine to provide a two-dimensional collimated light scan from a point source (22). The apparatus (10) further comprises a scan transfer device (18), wherein the scan transfer device (18) has two foci (18a, 18b) and the point source (22) is provided at a first focus point (18a) of the scan transfer device (18) and an eye (12) is accommodated at a second focus point (18b) of the scan transfer device (18), and wherein the scan transfer device (18) transfers the two-dimensional collimated light scan from the point source (22) into the eye (12).