Smartphone Eye Imaging Apparatus with Positioning Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing images of ocular diseases require controlled settings, limiting the frequency and quality of image capture, which is burdensome and inadequate for studying transient conditions like Morning Eyelid Congestion (MEC) that vary in severity and frequency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that allows for high-quality image capture of eyes using a smartphone or imaging device from any location, featuring a base, hollow receiving element, and positioning attachments to position the device for precise and reproducible images, enabling at-home imaging and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If images are captured in controlled settings with professional photographers, then image quality is improved, but the frequency and accessibility of image capture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to capture their own eye images using a smartphone with the attached optical element, eliminating the need for professional photographers. The positioning attachment and receiving element work together to guide the patient's self-capture process, allowing frequent at-home imaging without requiring external expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical element with positioning attachments that mediates between the patient and the imaging device. This intermediary component ensures proper alignment and positioning of the smartphone camera relative to the eye, maintaining image quality while enabling patient自主 capture.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured from different angles, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the imaging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into a simple base component and interchangeable positioning attachments. Each attachment is designed for a specific angle or position, allowing patients to capture images from multiple angles by simply changing attachments rather than dealing with a complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning attachments are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable, allowing the imaging system to adapt to different capture angles and positions. This dynamic capability enables multi-angle imaging without requiring a permanently complex fixed structure.
3Measurement precision
If professional photography equipment is used, then image precision is improved, but the cost and accessibility of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts a universal smartphone camera for medical imaging purposes by adding a specialized optical element and positioning attachment. This allows the common, accessible smartphone to perform precise eye imaging functions, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated medical photography equipment while maintaining diagnostic quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified copy of professional imaging functionality using consumer technology. By replicating the essential optical path and positioning requirements of professional equipment through the receiving element and attachment design, the patent achieves medical-grade image precision with accessible, low-cost components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus including a base, a hollow receiving element joined to the base, and at least one positioning attachment that positions an imaging device received by the hollow receiving element to capture an image of at least one eye of a user. The present invention also relates to a method of capturing at least one image of at least one eye of a user using the above described apparatus.