Slit Lamp Microscope 3D Imaging via Parallel Photography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic telemedicine technologies face challenges in effectively utilizing slit lamp microscopes for remote diagnosis and image interpretation, particularly in capturing and constructing high-quality three-dimensional images of the anterior segment of the eye for accurate medical assessments.
Innovation Solution
A slit lamp microscope system equipped with a slit forming unit, a photographing system, and a controller that enables parallel movement and photography of the slit light and image capture, along with an optical path coupling member and image sensor configuration, allows for the construction of three-dimensional images by transmitting images to an information processing apparatus for further analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slit lamp microscope is operated from a remote location for telemedicine, then accessibility and convenience are improved, but image quality and diagnostic accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging task into multiple sequential photographs taken at different positions of the movable portion. By segmenting the diagnostic area into multiple regions and capturing them separately, the system maintains high image quality for each region while enabling comprehensive remote diagnosis through combination of these segmented images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single static images to multi-dimensional spatial information by capturing images at multiple positions of the movable portion. This dimensional expansion allows reconstruction of three-dimensional or comprehensive views of the diagnostic area, maintaining diagnostic accuracy while enabling remote operation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple photographs are taken in parallel to construct three-dimensional images, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller merges multiple photographs taken in parallel by coordinating the movable portion's position changes with image capture. This combination of multiple images at different positions enables construction of accurate three-dimensional or comprehensive views while the controller manages the complexity through automated coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by taking multiple photographs in parallel rather than sequentially. The controller coordinates the movable portion movement and image capture simultaneously, ensuring continuous data acquisition that improves efficiency while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through multi-position imaging.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the movable portion is moved during photography to capture different areas, then comprehensive diagnosis is improved, but image stability and quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary coordination by pre-planning the movement sequence and timing of the movable portion relative to image capture. This preliminary action ensures that each photograph is taken at the optimal position with proper exposure, maintaining image quality while achieving comprehensive area coverage through coordinated movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by capturing images at discrete, regularly spaced positions of the movable portion. This periodic imaging approach ensures consistent image quality at each measurement point while systematically covering the entire diagnostic area through repeated cycles of movement and capture.
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 remote diagnosis and image interpretation by capturing high-quality three-dimensional images of the anterior segment, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and facilitating telemedicine applications.
Implementation Method 1
a slit forming unit configured to form a slit for generating slit light from light output from a light source, and is configured to project the slit light onto an anterior segment of a subject's eye
Implementation Method 2
a first photographing system configured to photograph the anterior segment onto which the slit light is being projected
Data Source
AI summary
A slit lamp microscope of some embodiment examples includes an illumination system, first photographing system, first movement mechanism, and controller. The illumination system includes a slit forming unit that forms a slit for generating slit light and projects the slit light onto an anterior segment of a subject's eye from a first direction. The first photographing system photographs the anterior segment onto which the slit light is being projected, from a second direction different from the first direction. The first movement mechanism moves a movable portion that includes at least the slit forming unit. The controller performs a first control for the first movement mechanism to move the movable portion and a second control for the first photographing system to photograph the anterior segment a plurality of times in parallel with each other.