Scheimpflug Ophthalmic Analysis System Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ophthalmological analysis systems for deriving the refractive ratio and axial length of the eye are cumbersome and require separate examination devices, limiting their practicality for calculating intraocular lenses and diagnosing conditions like keratoconus and cataracts.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a Scheimpflug recording device and slit projection system where a raster screen divides the illumination slit into sections, allowing for the derivation of the refractive index and axial length by analyzing scattered light patterns, with the eye fixed at an infinite distance, enabling comprehensive three-dimensional imaging of the eye.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate examination devices are used to determine axial length and refractive ratio, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the axial length measurement device and the refractive ratio measurement device into a single integrated ophthalmological examination system. The slit projection device and Scheimpflug recording device serve dual purposes: they project illumination slits for refractive ratio measurement and record sectional images for axial length determination, eliminating the need for separate examination devices while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The examination system is designed with multi-functional components that perform multiple measurement tasks. The slit projection device can project slits at different orientations and positions to measure both refractive ratios of different eye components and axial length, making the system universal and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate examination devices are used for axial length and refractive ratio, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the measurement functions into a single examination system with unified calibration and operation procedures, the patent improves ease of operation while maintaining reliability through consistent measurement conditions and integrated data processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If multiple examination devices are used, then comprehensive eye data is obtained, but productivity and time efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive eye dataVSAvoidtime efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated system captures both refractive ratio data and axial length data during a single examination session, eliminating the need for multiple separate device operations and significantly improving time efficiency while maintaining comprehensive data collection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs multiple measurements continuously during one examination procedure, with the slit projection and image recording occurring in sequence without requiring the patient to leave or switch devices, thereby maintaining continuous useful action and improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This method simplifies the determination of refractive ratios and axial lengths, facilitating precise calculations for intraocular lenses and aiding in the diagnosis of eye conditions like keratoconus and cataracts, while integrating with existing systems for enhanced functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the refracting media in the eye are not crystal clear, but rather a clear scattering occurs on them, especially in the short-wave portion of visible light. This results in a sharply focused beam of light, i.e. the projected slit of light that is sent through the optical media of the eye, becoming visible when viewed from the side.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

The Scheimpflug condition requires that the projection plane, this is the plane in the eye illuminated by the slit projection device, intersects the main plane of the lens system and the image plane between a common axis.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScheimpflug condition:

Data Source

PatentEP1731086B1Method of operating an ophthalmological analysis system
Publication Date: 2013.11.27 OCULUS OPTIKGERAETE GMBH
  • EP1731086B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1731086B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1731086B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating an ophthalmological analysis system with a slit projection device for illuminating the eye and a Scheimpflug imaging device for acquiring digitized cross-sectional images of the eye, wherein the slit projection device and the Scheimpflug imaging device are mounted together so as to be rotatably pivotable about an axis that essentially coincides with the optical axis of the eye. In a first position of the slit projection device and the Scheimpflug imaging device, a cross-sectional image of the eye is acquired and stored as the first image data set. Subsequently, the slit projection device and the Scheimpflug imaging device are rotated and pivoted at least once and fixed in each subsequent (second, third, fourth, ...) position. In each subsequent (second, third, fourth, ...With the slit projection device and Scheimpflug imaging device positioned, a cross-sectional image of the eye is captured and stored as a subsequent (second, third, fourth, ...) image data set. In a digital image data analysis device, a multidimensional descriptive model of at least one component of the eye is derived through digital image data analysis of the various image data sets and stored as a result data set. The result data set is output in a suitable format to a data output device.