Telecentric Eye Accommodation Imaging for Precise Sulcus Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the sulcus and ciliary mass of the eye for fitting intraocular lenses are either inaccurate or expensive, with traditional mechanical measurements being imprecise and optical coherence tomography (OCT) being costly and requiring complex recalculations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using a light source and digital camera system with adjustable illumination and post-processing to accurately image the sulcus and ciliary mass, employing hyperspectral imaging and telecentric lenses to minimize distortion, and digital enhancement algorithms to enhance image resolution and contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical measurement tools (ruler, caliper) are used to measure sulcus and ciliary mass, then the measurement process is simple and inexpensive, but the measurement precision is insufficient (accuracy >0.1mm error)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement tools (ruler, caliper) with an optical imaging system consisting of a camera and light source. The system captures images of the eye's accommodation structure and uses digital image processing to measure sulcus and ciliary mass dimensions, achieving sub-0.1mm precision without mechanical contact with the eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the eye's accommodation structure using a camera system. This digital replica allows for precise measurement of anatomical features without requiring direct physical measurement, enabling accurate sizing of intraocular lenses through image analysis rather than mechanical probing.
2Measurement precision
If optical coherence tomography (OCT) is used to measure sulcus and ciliary mass, then the measurement precision is sufficient, but the device cost is high and the system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a relatively simple and inexpensive camera-based imaging system instead of expensive OCT equipment. The system uses standard digital imaging components and light sources that are more affordable and easier to implement than complex OCT instrumentation, while still achieving the required measurement precision for lens sizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex optical coherence tomography system with a simpler camera-based optical imaging system. This replacement maintains measurement capability while significantly reducing system complexity and cost, using digital photography and image processing rather than sophisticated interferometric techniques.
3Measurement precision
If OCT imaging is used, then the required accuracy is achieved, but recalculations by calibration algorithms are required due to optical distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary correction for optical distortions caused by the cornea's waveguide effect. By pre-calibrating the imaging system to account for these known distortion patterns, the system eliminates the need for complex post-processing recalculations, directly providing accurate measurements from the captured images.
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 precise measurements of the sulcus and ciliary mass with high accuracy and reduced cost compared to traditional methods, ensuring proper fitting of accommodative intraocular lenses.
Implementation Method 1
a beam positioning means for positioning a light beam versus the eye with the means configured to illuminate the interior of the eye, for example, in the preferred embodiment, illuminates the limbus by using the cornea as a waveguide thereby backlighting the accommodation structure
Implementation Method 2
The blood, containing haemoglobin, muscle fibers and other components in the eye have all their specific spectral characteristics which characteristics can be accentuated by hyperspectral imaging
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for imaging and measuring the accommodation structure of the eye with the apparatus comprising a light source providing spot-illumination of the rim of the cornea at a slanted angle with the cornea guiding the light to the largely full rim of the cornea thereby illuminating the rim by scattered light emitted by scattering of light inside the eye at the limbus with the image provided by a telecentric lens which allows for accurate measurements of the diameter of the iris without aid of mechanical calibration tools.