Opto-Science R&D
“Solve current and future social issues with optical technology.” By creating new technology through Tamron’s own research activities, wide-ranging collaborations, and co-creation with other companies and research institutions in a variety of fields, Tamron engages in research and development to contribute to social problem-solving. Tamron’s technologies and products cover a wide range of fields such as new optical elements, measurement equipment and photographing apparatus and Tamron pledges to continue to conduct new research and development especially focused on social issues in medical, agriculture, mobility, and security industries.
Hyper-wide-angle fundus camera allowing wide field fundus photography
Joint development with Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Fundus camera are used for early detection of frequent causes in Japan of blindness such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy.
Although wider view angle is necessary for eye fundus imaging and examination, existing cameras currently used for medical examination have viewing angle of 60°which detects only part of eye fundus.
There are difficulties in designing a lens for clear photography of a concave sphere such as the fundus, and projecting light through the lens to the fundus.
Tamron has specifically designed and completed a prototype of hyper-wide-angle lens optimized for fundus photography.
The lens was installed into near-infrared fundus camera developed by Nara Institute of Science and Technology and approximately 180° of hyper-wide viewing angle photographing was achieved. Without mydriatic (eye drop) used to dilate the pupils, a wide field of eye fundus image can be acquired.
Technical features
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FEATURE 1
Tamron’s prototype lens with compact and hyper-wide-angle optimized for fundus photography
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FEATURE 2
Various technologies illuminating stably near infrared through pupil to wide fundus, which are newly developed by Nara Institute of Science and Technology
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FEATURE 3
Hyper-wide-angle (180°) fundus photography was achieved by combining the two technologies
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FEATURE 4
Wide field of eye fundus image can be acquired without mydriatic (eye drop)
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Wide angle fundus image by Near-infrared
(Dotted line shows the imaging field of general fundus camera) -
Pattern diagram of available imaging field
※Click on the image to enlarge
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View field checking image by 3D printer model eye
※Click on the image to enlarge
Future Development
Tamron plans to aim for product commercialization by collaborating with medical equipment manufactures after confirming medical value in cooperation with medical departments.