Digital 3D Infrared Slit Lamp Pupil-Adaptive Intensity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current slit lamps for ophthalmic diagnosis lack the ability to optimize infrared light intensity for retinal examination, leading to potential phototoxicity and inadequate detection of lesions, especially since they do not account for pupil size variations and do not provide 3D digital imaging capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A digital 3D infrared slit lamp apparatus using solid-state LEDs for both visible and infrared light, with adjustable intensity based on pupil measurements, and digital imaging capabilities to capture and transmit 3D images for enhanced diagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If infrared light intensity is increased to improve lesion detection, then detection capability is improved, but phototoxicity to the retina increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelesion detection capabilityVSAvoidphototoxicity to retina
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts infrared light intensity based on real-time pupil size measurements. The controller modifies the illumination intensity in response to changing pupil diameter, allowing optimal detection capability while preventing excessive intensity that would cause phototoxicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where pupil size is continuously measured and used to adjust infrared light intensity. The controller receives pupil measurement data and automatically adjusts the illumination level to maintain safe operating parameters while optimizing lesion detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If infrared light intensity is decreased to reduce phototoxicity, then safety is improved, but lesion detection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephototoxicity reductionVSAvoidlesion detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts infrared light intensity based on real-time pupil size measurements. When the pupil constricts, the system increases intensity to maintain detection capability; when the pupil dilates, it reduces intensity to prevent phototoxicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the illumination intensity parameter in response to pupil size variations. By linking intensity control to pupil diameter measurements, the system optimizes the balance between detection precision and safety across different viewing conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If pupil size variations are not accounted for, then device complexity is reduced, but illumination optimization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidinfrared light optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The slit lamp system integrates multiple functions including visible light examination, infrared illumination, automated pupil measurement, and intensity control. This multi-functional approach allows the system to optimize infrared illumination while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capabilities

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically measures pupil size and adjusts infrared intensity without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously manages the illumination optimization based on real-time pupil measurements, reducing the need for complex manual calibration procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 optimizes infrared light intensity for safe and effective retinal examination, reduces phototoxicity, and provides 3D digital imaging for improved lesion detection and diagnosis, allowing for remote review and analysis.

Implementation Method 1

Solid state lamp means and associated optics for generating a narrow beam of light white light and a narrow beam (or full beam) of infrared light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

projecting the beams onto the cornea, lens or retina of a patient's eye for reflection by structures of the eye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11172816B2Digital 3D infrared slit lamp with pupil measurement
Publication Date: 2021.11.16 MCWHERTER IAN W
  • US11172816B2 patent drawing
  • US11172816B2 patent drawing
  • US11172816B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device and method of ophthalmic diagnosis of lesions on retina utilizing a slit lamp apparatus with a pupil reader and at least one visible LED and one Infrared LED to detect a lesion on the retina of an eye.