Smartphone Corneal Topography Imaging System
Solution Overview
Problem
Current corneal topography systems are large, expensive, and non-portable, lacking integration with mobile processing devices for image capture, analysis, and telemedicine, which limits their accessibility and affordability for remote and field applications.
Innovation Solution
A mobile processing device adapted ophthalmological instrument system that includes a camera, light source, and processor configured to capture and analyze corneal topography images using image processing and computer vision functions, enabling qualitative and quantitative data generation and sharing via a communications network, specifically designed for use with smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional corneal topography systems are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mobile device camera to capture images of the cornea instead of requiring complex dedicated topography hardware. The system creates a functional copy of the imaging capability using the mobile device's existing camera sensor, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability through software-based image processing and analysis algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If traditional corneal topography systems are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the corneal topography imaging function with a mobile processing device that the user already possesses. By combining the camera, processor, and analysis software into a single portable mobile device, the system achieves both measurement precision and portability, eliminating the need for separate bulky topography equipment.
3Measurement precision
If traditional corneal topography systems are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the corneal topography system universal by utilizing the mobile device's existing camera and processing capabilities. The system can be deployed in various settings including remote areas, field applications, and telemedicine scenarios, greatly enhancing accessibility while maintaining measurement precision through software-based analysis.
4Measurement precision
If traditional corneal topography systems are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the mobile device's existing camera sensor, which is a relatively inexpensive component compared to dedicated medical imaging hardware. By using the mobile device's processing power and software algorithms instead of expensive specialized equipment, the system achieves measurement precision at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems.
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
Provides a cost-effective, portable, and versatile tool for corneal topography analysis, enhancing accessibility for remote and field applications, supporting telemedicine and reducing the burden of traditional equipment costs while maintaining clinical standards.
Implementation Method 1
the reflected plurality of concentric rings off the cornea, tear-film, and/or target source are captured, received, and/or delivered by the smart-phone camera lens(es)
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for ophthalmological imaging is provided for use with a mobile processing device, wherein the mobile processing device comprises a camera lens, light source, and processor configured to process images captured, received, and/or delivered by the mobile processing device. The mobile processing device adapted ophthalmological instrument system comprises housing segments, circuitry, lights, and a frustum cone, wherein the frustum cone comprises reference lines of a plurality of circular, frusto-conical, alternating transparent and opaque concentric rings in the conical surface in optical alignment with the mobile processing device's camera lens and subject's central cornea and/or tear-film layer(s). Reflections of the reference lines off the cornea and/or tear-film layer are imaged by the mobile processing device and analyzed by software applications downloaded to and/or accessed by the smart-phone's processor(s), wherein data of shape, structure, composition, function, and/or power of the cornea and/or tear-film layer(s) are determined by methods comprising one or more image processing and/or computer vision functions configured to produce topographic data. The processor of the mobile processing device can provide and/or receive specific information to/from other instruments and/or users through a communications network.