Spectroreflectometric System with Pointer Mode for Fundus Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroreflectometric systems for ocular oximetry face challenges in designing an efficient optical arrangement for image and data acquisition, signal redirection, and proper targeting of the analysis spot in the eye fundus, which affects their usability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A spectroreflectometric system comprising an imaging device, spectral analyzer, optical assembly with a dichroic beamsplitter, and a pointer light source, along with a controller operating in acquisition and pointer modes, to concurrently obtain images and spectral analyses, and visually represent the analysis spot, utilizing optical fiber links and shift optics for precise targeting and data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spectroreflectometric system is designed to provide both spectral analysis and visual representation of the analysis spot, then the system's functionality and user guidance are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional optical components and pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spectral analysis function and the visual guidance function into a single integrated optical system. The beamsplitter merges the spectral analysis light path and the imaging light path, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously through shared optical components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining dual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The optical assembly and beamsplitter serve multiple functions: they direct light for spectral analysis, guide imaging light to the camera, and provide visual feedback to the operator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thus managing device complexity while enhancing versatility
2Measurement precision
If a dichroic beamsplitter is used to separate imaging and spectral analysis light paths, then the spectral analysis precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for specific transmission spectral profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The dichroic beamsplitter is designed with specific transmission spectral profile parameters that define high transmissivity regions for imaging light and low transmissivity regions for spectral analysis light. By carefully selecting and controlling these spectral parameters, the system achieves precise light separation while managing manufacturing tolerances through parameter optimization
3Productivity
If the system operates in acquisition mode to concurrently obtain images and spectral analysis, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for coordinated operation of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to concurrently perform spectral analysis and imaging operations through continuous operation of the light source and simultaneous data acquisition by both the spectral analyser and the imaging camera. This continuous parallel operation maximizes productivity by eliminating sequential processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback to the operator through the imaging camera, showing the analysis spot location and fundus view. This feedback mechanism allows real-time monitoring and adjustment of the measurement process, improving operational efficiency and productivity while managing complexity through intuitive control
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 provides efficient, accurate, and cost-effective spectral analysis of the eye fundus, enabling improved ocular oximetry and other eye-related measurements by optimizing the optical arrangement and data acquisition process.
Implementation Method 1
The beamsplitter may be a dichroic beamsplitter. In one example, the dichroic beamsplitter may have a transmission spectral profile defining: one or more high transmissivity regions associated with a spectrum of the imaging portion of light travelling along the imaging light path; a low transmissivity region associated with a spectrum of the spectral analysis portion of the light travelling along the spectral analysis light path
Implementation Method 2
a pointer light source operable to generate a pointer light beam and optically coupled to the spectral analysis light path such that said pointer light beam is projectable on the fundus of the patient's eye at an analysis spot of said spectral analyser
Implementation Method 3
The optical assembly includes a beamsplitter positioned along the imaging light path and configured to direct an imaging portion of light travelling along the imaging light path to the imaging device and a spectral analysis portion of said light to the spectral analysis light path
Data Source
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AI summary
A spectroreflectrometric system for performing a spectral analysis on the fundus of a patient's eye or other medium is provided. The system includes an imaging device and a spectral analyser. Illumination light from an illumination light source is projected towards the fundus of the patient's eye. The resulting light from the fundus is separated by a beam splitter into an imaging portion travelling along an imaging light path to reach the imaging device and a spectral analysis portion deviated to a spectral analysis light path. The system further includes a pointer light source optically coupled to the spectral analysis light path. The system is operable in an acquisition mode to concurrently obtain an image of the fundus of the patient's eye and a spectral analysis of an analysis spot on this fundus, and in a pointer mode to obtain a visual representation of the analysis spot within the image.