Ultrasonic Arc Scanner for Eye Anterior Segment Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic imaging technologies face challenges in accurately imaging the anterior segment of the eye, particularly the cornea and lens, due to specular reflection properties, which require precise alignment and movement of the transducer to capture comprehensive images without significant patient motion or image degradation.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ultrasonic arc scanning apparatus that allows for movement of its virtual center of curvature, enabling the transducer to emit pulses perpendicularly from curved specular surfaces within the eye, combined with linear and arcuate motion of carriages to generate comprehensive images of the anterior segment, including the cornea, lens, iris, and zonules, while minimizing patient motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the transducer is aligned precisely with the cornea or lens surface to utilize specular reflection, then image quality is improved, but the complexity of alignment and scanning mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved scanning path with the transducer moving along an arc centered at the center of curvature of the cornea or lens. This curvature matching ensures that the transducer axis always passes through the center of curvature and remains perpendicular to the specular surface, maintaining optimal alignment without complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning mechanism dynamically adjusts the transducer position and orientation during scanning. The transducer carriage moves along a curved guide track while the transducer itself rotates to maintain perpendicular alignment with the surface, creating a dynamic alignment system that adapts continuously during the scanning process
2Measurement precision
If the transducer scanning motion is made smooth and precisely aligned to avoid image degradation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the scanning speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes the curved scanning path and alignment geometry before scanning begins. The guide track is configured to match the center of curvature of the eye structure, so that once scanning starts, the transducer automatically maintains proper alignment throughout the motion without real-time feedback adjustments, enabling both speed and precision
Solution Approach 2:
A curved guide track or arc mechanism serves as an intermediary element that translates linear motor motion into precise curved scanning paths. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the transducer follows the exact geometric path needed for optimal alignment while allowing the use of high-speed linear actuators
3Area of stationary object
If the transducer is repositioned to image different regions of the eye, then imaging coverage is improved, but patient motion and image degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is divided into multiple sequential scans, each covering a specific region of the eye. The transducer systematically moves to different positions (e.g., nasal, temporal, superior, inferior aspects) to acquire images of different regions, which are then processed together to form a comprehensive view, minimizing the need for large patient movements
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
This approach enables rapid and accurate imaging of the eye's anterior segment, allowing for precise measurement of geometric features like lens thickness and volume, and accommodative lens performance, improving diagnostic capabilities and surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic energy is reflected only in specific directions. In particular, an ultrasound pulse from a transducer will only be reflected directly back to that transducer when the pulse is reflected substantially at right angles from the corneal or lens surface. This kind of reflective property is call specular reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating accurate and precise ultrasonic images of biological materials or animate objects, such as the cornea and lens of the eye, and, in particular, to an ultrasonic scanning apparatus that can position its virtual center of curvature such that its ultrasonic transducer will emit pulses that reflect substantially perpendicularly from a curved specular surface of interest within the eye. This invention can allow real time imaging of a lens as it accommodates and can better enable researchers and ophthalmic surgeons to develop, fit, implant and diagnose performance of artificial lenses including accommodative lenses.