Correlation of concurrent non-invasively acquired signals

Abstract

The invention provides a method and system for non-invasive analysis, especially suitable for determining attributes of targets, such as measurement of layer thickness of tissue, or the concentration of glucose within human tissue. The invention includes an optical source and an optical processing system that provides probe and reference radiation; applies the probe beam to the target to be analyzed; re-combines the probe and reference beams interferometrically, to generate one or more concurrent interferometric signals that are detected and processed. The location within the target to which an interference signal relate is aligned and registered with respect to the target is by means of a field of light based imaging device. The invention is not limited to human tissue in vivo, nor to in vivo non-invasive analysis.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application docket number CI120625PT claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application 61 / 667,417, docket number CI120620PR, filed Jul. 3, 2012, which provisional is itself related to U.S. Pat. No. 7,248,907 filed on Oct. 19, 2005 titled “ Correlation of Concurrent Non-invasively Acquired Signals”, the contents of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. It is also related to and claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 61 / 628,709, docket number CI111101PR filed on Nov. 4, 2011, titled An Optical Monitoring Device and System, the contents of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein; which said provisional patent application is also related to U.S. Pat. No. 7,526,329 titled Multiple reference non-invasive analysis system and U.S. Pat. No. 7,751,862 titled Frequency resolved imaging system, the contents of both of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In the case of analyzing living entities, such as human tissue, undesirable side effects of invasive analysis include the risk of infection along with pain and discomfort associated with the invasive process.

The problem of acquiring a well focused image while also correctly depth aligning the OCT system is further complicated in the particular application requiring a image of the retina of an eye while also acquiring biometry or depth images of the retina by means of an OCT system.

Furthermore, in the case of applications, such as the above ophthalmic application, where images and measurements are to be taken without the aid of a skilled operator, complex focusing and alignment procedures may not be practical.

However integrating a plenoptic camera (i.e. field of light imaging device) with an OCT system is full of difficulties, not the least of which is ensuring the OCT system is correctly depth aligned with the region of interest in the target.

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