Optical Accessory for Smartphone Fundus Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable ophthalmoscopes associated with smartphones and tablets are bulky, expensive, and limited in usability, particularly for unskilled personnel, as they restrict the visual field and accuracy of eye examinations due to the restrictive use of mobile devices as only image acquisition tools, and require frequent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An optical accessory for mobile devices with a camera and light source, featuring a first reflective surface and a beam splitter, allows the light source to be reflected towards the eye, enabling a wider visual field and accurate imaging of the fundus oculi, while being compact, cost-effective, and easy to use by unskilled personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a detachable support is used to position the mobile device for ophthalmoscopic observation, then the device can be made portable, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The optical accessory is nested within a protective housing that can be attached to the mobile device. The housing contains the light source and optical elements, with the mobile device inserting into a receptacle that positions its camera lens aligned with the optical pathway. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the mobile device with the optical accessory by providing coupling means that functionally attach the accessory to the device. The light source, optical elements, and mobile device are combined into a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate bulky supporting structures.
2Device complexity
If the mobile device is used only as an image acquisition device, then the system is simpler, but the visual field and examination accuracy are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is assigned multiple functions: it serves as both the image acquisition device (camera) and the light source for illumination. The processor in the mobile device also performs image processing functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components while maintaining examination accuracy through the integrated optical system.
3Ease of manufacture
If the support of the mobile device is misaligned with respect to the instrument, then the system is easier to assemble, but frequent adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means are designed with pre-established alignment features that ensure proper positioning of the mobile device relative to the optical elements. The receptacle and protrusion geometry are configured to automatically align the camera lens with the optical pathway upon attachment, eliminating the need for subsequent alignment adjustments during use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a bulky supporting structure with optical and computer equipment is used, then the examination capabilities are comprehensive, but the device is impractical for bedridden or pediatric patients
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential optical components (light source and optical elements) needed for fundus observation, eliminating the bulky supporting structures and extensive computer equipment of traditional ophthalmoscopes. This extracted minimal system maintains examination capability while achieving the portability needed for bedridden and pediatric patients.
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 optical accessory provides a compact, cost-effective, and user-friendly solution for examining the fundus oculi, enhancing the accuracy and usability of eye examinations by utilizing both the camera lens and light source of the mobile device, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and improving visualization.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element provided with a first reflective surface, in particular a mirror, apt to reflect a source light beam emitted by the light source (31) and to generate a first reflected beam directed toward the visual field (V) of the camera lens (32)
Implementation Method 2
a second optical element, in particular a beam splitter (16) provided with a partially-reflective second surface (16a), oriented such as to generate, from the first reflected beam (23), a second reflected beam (24) directed outside the accessory (10) towards an eye to be examined
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical accessory, which can be associated with a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, is described. The accessory comprises coupling means which allow it to be firmly positioned in correspondence with both a camera lens and a light source of the mobile device. The optical accessory further comprises a first optical element provided with a first reflective surface, for example a mirror. The mirror surface reflects a source light beam emitted by the light source and generates a first reflected beam directed toward the visual field of the camera lens. Moreover, the accessory comprises a second optical element, i.e. a beam splitter, provided with a partially reflective second surface, generating a second reflected beam directed to illuminate the eye of a patient and substantially inside the visual field of the camera lens so as to realize an ophthalmoscopic system which allows the examination of the "fundus oculi" of the eye.