Slit Lamp Microscope Image Quality Feedback for Telemedicine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shortage of skilled personnel to operate slit lamp microscopes and the difficulty in acquiring high-quality images due to complex operations and prolonged examination times hinder effective telemedicine and screening using slit lamp microscopes.
Innovation Solution
A slit lamp microscope equipped with a scanner for applying slit light scans, a first assessing processor to evaluate image quality, and a controller to selectively execute control modes based on the assessment, enabling the acquisition of a series of images representing a wide area of the anterior eye segment with satisfactory quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual operation of slit lamp microscope is used, then image quality can be controlled by skilled operators, but it requires high skill level and extends examination time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-assessment of image quality through the assessing processor that automatically evaluates collected images against predetermined quality criteria, eliminating the need for manual skill-based judgment and enabling automated quality control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated control systems including the assessing processor and controller that use algorithms and predetermined conditions to determine photographing parameters and control the scanning process
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote telemedicine examination is implemented, then accessibility is improved, but image quality cannot be ensured due to lack of skilled operators at remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously assesses image quality and controls photographing parameters without requiring skilled operators at remote locations, enabling telemedicine examinations to maintain high image quality through automated quality assurance mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The assessing processor provides feedback on image quality by comparing collected images against predetermined conditions, and the controller uses this feedback to adjust and control subsequent photographing operations to ensure quality standards are met
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control modes are provided, then adaptability to different examination needs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to execute multiple control modes (first, second, and third control modes) within a single integrated system, allowing the same device to adapt to different examination scenarios including automated quality-based control, manual control, and hybrid modes
Data Source
AI summary
A slit lamp microscope according to an embodiment example includes a scanner, a first assessing processor, and a controller. The scanner is configured to perform application of a scan to an anterior segment of a subject's eye with slit light to collect an image group. The first assessing processor is configured to execute an assessment of a quality of the image group collected by the scanner. The controller is configured to selectively execute at least two control modes according to a result of the assessment of the quality obtained by the first assessing processor.