Rotating Light Array Ophthalmic Device for Low-Brightness Eye Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic devices for inspecting the eye, such as keratometers and tear scopes, often require high brightness levels and can be uncomfortable for patients due to the need for close proximity and intense lighting.
Innovation Solution
The ophthalmic device employs a rotationally mounted linear array of light sources angled away from the central axis, projecting concentric rings of light onto the eye. This design reduces the required brightness, allows for closer proximity to the eye, and enables customizable light patterns for different measurement techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a hemispherical cup with back-lighting is used to illuminate the cornea, then a large area of the cornea can be illuminated, but the brightness must be very high which is uncomfortable for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the illumination system into multiple linear arrays of light sources positioned at different radial distances from the rotation axis. Each linear array traces a circular path when rotated, creating multiple concentric rings of light that collectively illuminate a large corneal area without requiring excessive brightness from any single source.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static back-lighting to dynamic rotational illumination. By rotating the linear arrays, the light sources trace circular paths in three-dimensional space, creating concentric rings that provide both wide coverage and reduced intensity requirements through temporal averaging.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source is positioned close to the eye to maximize illuminated area, then the required brightness is reduced, but patient comfort is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple linear arrays with light sources at different radial positions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve wide illumination coverage through multiple lower-intensity sources rather than requiring a single high-intensity source close to the eye.
3Device complexity
If a single back light is used, then the device is simple, but it cannot support different measuring techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple linear arrays of light sources serve multiple functions: they can be independently activated to create different ring patterns suitable for various measurement techniques including corneal topography, tear film analysis, and other ocular surface assessments. This multi-functional design allows a single device to support diverse clinical applications.
4Measurement precision
If black and white concentric rings are projected onto the cornea, then the measurement can be performed, but the contrast between light and dark reflections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses multiple light sources arranged to create concentric rings of light rather than projecting black and white patterns. This approach enhances the contrast between illuminated and non-illuminated areas on the corneal surface, improving the visibility of reflections and surface features for more precise measurements.
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 improves contrast between light and dark reflections on the eye's surface with lower brightness, enhancing patient comfort and allowing for more precise measurements and customizable techniques.
Implementation Method 1
the linear array being rotationally mounted about a central axis on a mounting body
Implementation Method 2
at least one linear array of a plurality of light sources
Implementation Method 3
The reflection of the rings is observed by an ophthalmologist
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an ophthalmic device comprising at least one linear array of a plurality of light sources. The linear array is rotationally mounted about a central axis on a mounting body which may contain a motor. The linear array has an inner end and an outer end, and the inner end is mounted closer to the central axis and the mounting body than the outer end. As the array is rotated, it forms a series of concentric and conical rings of light that can be projected onto an eye.