Retinal Image Projection Using Dual Laser Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye examination devices using liquid crystal displays face difficulties in projecting high-resolution images onto the retina.
Innovation Solution
A visual sense examination device employing a combination of visible and infrared laser beams, utilizing MEMS scanning mirrors to two-dimensionally scan and project laser beams onto the retina, allowing for high-resolution image projection and efficient detection of the retinal fundus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a liquid crystal display is used to project an image on the retina, then the device structure is simplified, but the image resolution becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the liquid crystal display (electromechanical system) with a laser beam scanning system (optical system). The laser beam is scanned across the retina using mirrors controlled by driving circuits, eliminating the need for liquid crystal panels and achieving higher resolution through precise optical control rather than mechanical pixel arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic scanning of the laser beam across the retina using oscillating mirrors. Instead of a static image projection system, the laser beam is dynamically swept across multiple retinal locations in a controlled pattern, with the image reconstructed from these sequential measurements, enabling high resolution through temporal dynamics rather than spatial density.
2Manufacturing precision
If a laser beam scanning system is used to project high-resolution images, then the image resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified laser scanning system. The same laser beam and scanning mechanism used for high-resolution image projection are also employed for retinal examination and fundus imaging. The driving circuits control both the visible laser for image projection and the infrared laser for retinal scanning, reducing overall system complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the image projection function and the retinal examination function into a single integrated system. The visible laser beam and infrared laser beam share common optical paths and scanning mechanisms, merging what could be separate systems into one unified apparatus, thereby achieving high resolution without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 stable and reproducible high-resolution image projection onto the retina, reducing device size and improving detection accuracy of retinal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The beam source emits a visible laser beam and an invisible laser beam
Implementation Method 2
The image projection optical system two-dimensionally scans the visible laser beam emitted in a first direction by the spectral unit to emit the visible laser beam to the retina
Implementation Method 3
The infrared beam optical system two-dimensionally scans the infrared laser beam emitted in a second direction by the spectral unit to emit the infrared laser beam to the retina
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A visual sense examination device includes: a beam source 11 that emits a visible laser beam 50a and an infrared laser beam 50b; an image projection optical system 14 that includes a scanning unit 20 oscillating at a first frequency to two-dimensionally scan the visible laser beam 50a, and that emits the visible laser beam 50a to a retina 74 of a subject to project an image on the retina 74 of the subject; an infrared beam optical system 15 that includes a scanning unit 22 oscillating at a second frequency different from the first frequency, to two-dimensionally scan the infrared laser beam 50b, and that emits the infrared laser beam 50b to the retina 74 of the subject; a detector 40 that detects the infrared laser beam 50b reflected by the retina 74 of the subject; and a control unit 30 that controls the emission of the visible laser beam 50a and the infrared laser beam 50b from the beam source 11, and detects a state of a fundus of the subject from an output signal of the detector 40.