Robotic Ophthalmic Exam Unit Switching for Space-Saving Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic examination systems require multiple devices for different examinations, necessitating a large space and causing inconvenience for examinees due to the need to move between them.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic system incorporating a robot mechanism with a holding unit and moving unit that can hold and release different examination units, allowing for efficient examination by adjusting the relative positional relationship between the subject eye and the examination units, including face detection for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate examination devices are installed to perform different examinations, then the examination functionality and versatility are improved, but the space required and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single ophthalmic examination system that can perform multiple different examinations (such as fundus photography, OCT, visual field testing) by integrating multiple examination units into one platform. The robot mechanism enables dynamic switching between different examination modules, allowing one device to fulfill the roles of multiple separate devices, thereby reducing the space required while maintaining comprehensive examination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple examination units and their supporting structures into a single integrated system. The robot mechanism serves as a shared resource that can position different examination modules relative to the subject eye, merging what would traditionally require separate standalone devices into one consolidated platform, thus reducing overall space occupation and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate examination devices are installed to perform different examinations, then the examination versatility is improved, but the examinee convenience and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need to move between devices
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a universal examination platform that can perform multiple examination types sequentially, the system allows the examinee to remain in one position while the robot mechanism brings different examination modules to the subject eye. This eliminates the need for the examinee to physically move between separate devices, significantly improving convenience while maintaining examination versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot mechanism introduces dynamic positioning capability, allowing the system to adaptively adjust which examination unit is positioned near the subject eye based on the required examination type. This dynamic reconfiguration happens automatically without requiring examinee movement, making the transition between different examinations seamless and convenient for the subject.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate examination devices are installed, then the examination coverage is improved, but the device complexity and system management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the examination system into modular examination units that can be independently designed and maintained. Each unit performs a specific examination function, and the robot mechanism provides a standardized interface for positioning these modules. This segmentation allows complex examination coverage to be achieved through simpler, specialized modules rather than one monolithic complex device, making the overall system more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot mechanism acts as an intermediary between the multiple examination units and the subject eye. It provides a unified control interface and positioning system that manages the complexity of coordinating multiple examination modules. This intermediary layer simplifies system management by centralizing the control of multiple units through a single robotic positioning system rather than requiring separate control systems for each device.
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic system for examining a subject eye of an examinee includes a plurality of examination units, a robot mechanism, and a controller. The plurality of examination units have housings different from each other, perform examinations different from each other, and include at least a first examination unit and a second examination unit. The robot mechanism has a holding unit that holds and releases either the first examination unit or the second examination unit, and a moving unit that is connected to the holding unit and moves three-dimensionally. A controller controls driving of the robot mechanism to adjust a relative positional relationship between the subject eye and the first examination unit or the second examination unit held by the holding unit. The first examination unit or the second examination unit is replaced to be held by the holding unit for performing a different examination on the subject eye.