Slit Lamp Microscope Light Source Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slit lamp microscopes require complex backlight switching mechanisms and control to switch between visible and infrared light for observing meibomian glands, hindering observation due to the need to turn off visible slit light during infrared illumination.
Innovation Solution
A slit lamp microscope design featuring a visible light source and an infrared light source positioned on a rotating light source supporting body, allowing manual or automated switching between the two without a backlight, with a simple structure that prevents power wastage and ensures secure contact for power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If background illumination is switched from visible light to infrared light to observe meibomian gland, then observation capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex optical mechanism and control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The light source system is segmented into separate visible light source and infrared light source modules, each independently controllable. This allows selective illumination without requiring complex switching mechanisms within a single integrated backlight system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining observation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of light sources through a controller that can selectively activate visible light source, infrared light source, or both simultaneously based on observation requirements. This dynamic switching capability eliminates the need for complex mechanical optical mechanisms while adapting to different observation needs.
2Measurement precision
If visible slit light is turned off during infrared backlight illumination, then meibomian gland observation is enabled, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into independent visible light source and infrared light source components, each with separate control circuits. This segmentation allows the controller to independently manage each light source, simplifying the control logic required to switch between illumination modes compared to managing a single integrated backlight system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically manages the switching between visible and infrared light sources based on pre-set observation modes, reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms. The system self-regulates which light sources are active, simplifying the overall control architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex backlight switching mechanism is used to switch between visible and infrared light, then light switching capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backlight system is segmented into separate visible light source and infrared light source modules with independent power supply and control circuits. This modular segmentation enables simple on/off switching without requiring complex mechanical or optical switching mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light switching function from a complex integrated backlight mechanism and implements it through independent control of separate light source modules. This extraction simplifies the switching mechanism to basic electrical on/off control, eliminating the need for complex mechanical or optical switching components.
4Measurement precision
If complex control is used to prohibit slit light output during infrared illumination, then observation quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into separate power supply lines for visible light source and infrared light source. The controller selectively activates only the required light source based on observation mode, preventing simultaneous operation of both light sources. This segmentation-based control reduces power consumption compared to complex control systems that may inadvertently power both sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic or selective activation of light sources based on observation requirements rather than continuous operation. The controller switches between visible and infrared light sources in a controlled sequence, ensuring that only one source operates at a time, thereby minimizing power consumption while maintaining observation quality.
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 efficient observation of meibomian glands without complex light control, reducing power consumption and improving diagnostic capabilities by allowing simultaneous display of visible and infrared images on a single monitor.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light source for emitting slit light
Implementation Method 2
an infrared light source for emitting infrared light
Implementation Method 3
a mirror unit including a reflecting mirror or a prism for reflecting the slit light from the visible light source or the infrared light from the infrared light source to irradiate an eye of a subject
Data Source
AI summary
A slit lamp microscope of the present invention, which is capable of observing a meibomian gland, comprises: a visible light source for emitting slit light; an infrared light source for emitting infrared light, the infrared light source being disposed on a light path of the slit light emitted from the visible light source; a mirror unit including a reflecting mirror or a prism for reflecting the slit light from the visible light source or the infrared light from the infrared light source to irradiate an eye of a subject; and a switching unit for switching the position of the visible light source and the infrared light source, the switching unit being capable of directing one of the visible light source and the infrared light source toward the light path of the slit light.