VCSEL Array Illumination for Ophthalmic Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmologic diagnostic and therapy equipment face limitations due to mechanical movement-based light sources, which restrict image frequency, accuracy, and speed, particularly in capturing rapid eye movements and processes.
Innovation Solution
A spatially defined array of miniaturized light sources, such as VCSELs, is used to provide highly resolved, variable, and fast lighting without moving parts, allowing for electronic control and adaptation of intensity and wavelength, enabling precise and rapid imaging and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical scanners or moving parts are used in light sources, then the device can be constructed with conventional components, but the image frequency and recording speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanners and moving parts with an array of individually controllable miniaturized light sources (VCSELs, LEDs, or LCD elements). Each light source element can be independently activated and deactivated electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical movement while achieving high-speed image capture and illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is divided into an array of miniaturized individual elements that can be controlled independently. This segmentation allows electronic addressing of specific regions without mechanical movement, enabling high-frequency image capture and flexible illumination patterns.
2Productivity
If mechanical scanners are used to guide laser beams, then the treatment can be performed with conventional equipment, but the treatment speed is limited due to mechanical movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanners that guide laser beams with an array of individually addressable light sources. By electronically controlling which light source elements are activated, the system achieves high-speed treatment without mechanical movement, thereby increasing treatment speed and productivity.
3Loss of time
If flash lamps are used for rapid photography, then quick processes can be captured, but additional optics and limited field rate are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flash lamps with an array of miniaturized light sources that can be individually and rapidly controlled. This eliminates the need for additional flash optics and achieves high capture speeds through electronic control of light source elements, reducing both device complexity and capture time.
4Measurement precision
If eye movements occur during treatment, then the intended and actual material removal locations deviate, but eye tracking adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an eye tracker that detects eye movements and provides feedback to the control system. The control system uses this information to adjust which light source elements are activated, compensating for eye movements and maintaining accurate material removal despite patient movement.
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 solution enables extremely fast and spatially resolved structured lighting, reducing errors from eye movements and enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures by eliminating the need for mechanical scanners, thereby improving resolution and speed in ophthalmologic applications.
Implementation Method 1
an array of miniaturized light sources, in particular VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) arrays
Implementation Method 2
light sources achieve a component density as high as possible and can be individually controlled electronically in a very fast way
Implementation Method 3
in order to cause fluorescence of molecules in interest, which is produced by means of appropriate lighting
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for illuminating organic objects, particular organic objects of the eye. Preferably, the device can be used in an opthalmological diagnosis or therapy device. According to the invention, an array of miniaturized light sources is arranged in a spatially defined manner on a plane or a curved surface such that the light sources achieve a packing density that is as high as possible and can be electronically controlled individually in a very quick manner. The light source array is imaged onto the biological object by means of an optical system.