Stereoscopic Eye Exam Device with Integrated Beam Splitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for stereoscopic eye examination are ergonomically challenging and difficult to operate, with suboptimal viewing due to the need for coordinating complex equipment and viewing screens at unfavorable distances.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with at least two image sensors for capturing half-images, which can be processed electronically for stereoscopic viewing, along with a viewing unit featuring two eyepieces and image display units for real-time, ergonomic examination, allowing for improved ergonomics and operation by enabling three-dimensional display and image processing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a digital camera and screen are added to the slit lamp microscope for image capture and display, then image recording capability is improved, but device complexity increases and ergonomic operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image capture function directly into the optical path of the slit lamp microscope by integrating a digital camera with the existing beam splitter and optical components. This merging approach allows image recording without adding separate, complex external equipment, thereby improving image capture capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the slit lamp microscope multi-functional by enabling it to perform both traditional visual examination and digital image recording simultaneously through the integrated camera system. The optical path is designed to serve multiple purposes: direct viewing through eyepieces and digital capture through the camera, eliminating the need for separate dedicated imaging equipment.
2Loss of information
If a screen is used for displaying images during examination, then image viewing capability is improved, but viewing distance and ergonomic operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional screen viewing to three-dimensional stereoscopic viewing by incorporating two separate optical paths with beam splitters that direct images to both eyepieces and the digital camera. This dimensional enhancement provides depth perception and improves ergonomic viewing without requiring the examiner to maintain an awkward distance from a flat screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that divides the light path between the eyepieces for direct viewing and the digital camera for image capture. This intermediary component enables simultaneous viewing and recording functions while maintaining optimal viewing distances and ergonomics for the examiner.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two optical systems with beam splitters and CCD cameras are used for stereoscopic viewing and image capture, then stereoscopic examination capability is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into two distinct but integrated optical paths, each with its own beam splitter and CCD camera for capturing left and right eye views. This segmentation enables stereoscopic examination capability while organizing the complexity into manageable, modular components that can be controlled systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the optical paths through motorized adjustments and electronic synchronization of the dual CCD cameras. This allows the system to adapt between different viewing modes (stereoscopic, monoscopic, image capture, live viewing) and simplifies operation by automating coordination between the two optical systems rather than requiring manual synchronization.
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 solution enhances the ergonomic and operational efficiency of eye examination by providing a compact, user-friendly system for stereoscopic viewing, allowing for better image processing and display, improving the quality of the 3D effect and reducing the complexity of operating the device.
Implementation Method 1
at least two image sensors (241) for electronic capture of the two images
Implementation Method 2
optics (220) for generating an image
Implementation Method 3
one of the two eyepieces of the slit lamp includes a beam splitter and a CCD camera. Part of the image for one eye is directed to the viewer via the beam splitter, while the other part goes to the CCD camera
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The device (1) comprises a lens (220) for generating two images of eye (810) and image sensors (241) for electronic recording of two images. A viewing unit (200) has an image-reproducing unit (250) for presenting the image and an eyepiece (260) for viewing the image.