Smartphone Corneal Topography Using Automated Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corneal topography systems, especially those attached to smartphones, face challenges in achieving accurate image capture due to manual determination of vertex distance, leading to poor image quality and unfocused Placido rings images, and lack cost-effectiveness for medical professionals.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device-based corneal topography system that includes an illumination system, an imaging system coupled with an image sensor, and a topography processor, which uses a fixation beam and a ranging beam to automatically capture and process images of the cornea, determining correct alignment through spectral analysis and generating topography maps and data files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual determination of vertex distance is used, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to operator error and poor focus
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic vertex distance determination and image capture without requiring operator intervention. The processor automatically analyzes the captured images, determines when optimal focus is achieved, and triggers image capture, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating operator error
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of vertex distance with an automated optical system using fixation beams and ranging beams. The system uses light-based methods to automatically determine and maintain correct vertex distance, substituting mechanical operator control with optical automation
2Manufacturing precision
If automatic capture using fixation beam and ranging beam is implemented, then image quality improves through accurate focus, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile communication device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the imaging platform and the processing unit. The existing camera, processor, and display of the mobile device are utilized for corneal topography, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and mitigating complexity increases
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation beam and ranging beam serve as intermediary elements that facilitate automatic vertex distance determination. These light beams act as mediators between the system and the cornea, enabling automated measurement and focus determination without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
3Ease of manufacture
If smartphone-based platform is used, then cost-effectiveness improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to limited optical capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters of light interaction by using multiple wavelengths (fixation beam and ranging beam) and analyzing their reflection patterns. This allows accurate vertex distance determination using the mobile device's existing optical capabilities without requiring expensive specialized optics
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 system ensures accurate and automatic capture of corneal images, reducing human error and improving image quality, while being cost-effective for medical professionals by integrating the necessary components into a smartphone-based platform.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination system configured to generate an illumination pattern reflected off a cornea of a subject
Implementation Method 2
an imaging system coupled to an image sensor to capture an image of the reflected illumination pattern
Implementation Method 3
determine when the fixation beam and the ranging beam are overlapping by tracking the first wavelength of light and the second wavelength of light with spectral analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication device-based corneal topography system includes an illumination system, an imaging system, a topography processor, an image sensor, and a mobile communication device. The illumination system is configured to generate an illumination pattern reflected off a cornea of a subject. The imaging system is coupled to an image sensor to capture an image of the reflected illumination pattern. A topography processor is coupled to the image sensor to process the image of the reflected illumination pattern. The mobile communications device includes a display, the mobile communications device is operatively coupled to the image sensor. The mobile communications device includes a mobile communications device (MCD) processor. A housing at least partially encloses one or more of the illumination system, the imaging system, or the topography processor.