Auto-ranging Optical Coherence Tomography System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current OCT imaging systems require manual adjustment of the reference and sample arms to match path lengths and focus lenses, which is labor-intensive and prone to human error, especially when imaging biological tissues with varying sizes and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
An OCT imaging system with a controller that performs auto-ranging by sweeping the reference arm to match the sample arm path length and auto-focusing by adjusting the focal position of lenses based on figure of merit analysis, using a computer-readable medium to control the adjustments and determine optimal positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of reference and sample arms is used to match path lengths, then the operator can control the imaging process, but the process becomes labor-intensive and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically determining the sample arm path length through image analysis and adjusting the reference arm to match, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in path length matching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated optical system that uses image capture, processing, and motorized stage control to achieve path length matching
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of focal position is used to ensure image focus, then the operator can control image quality, but the process becomes difficult and subjective
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images at different focal positions, analyzes them to determine which position provides the sharpest focus, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the focal position to the optimal setting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective manual focusing with an automated optical system that uses image capture, processing algorithms, and motorized lens control to objectively determine and achieve optimal focus
3Adaptability or versatility
If the reference arm path length is adjusted to match variations in sample size, then the system can accommodate different samples, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated path length measurement and reference arm adjustment before the main imaging process, so that when imaging begins, the system is already optimized for the specific sample being imaged
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects sample characteristics and adjusts the reference arm path length without requiring operator intervention, enabling rapid adaptation to different sample sizes
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
Automates the process of matching reference and sample arm path lengths and focusing, improving the accuracy and efficiency of OCT imaging by reducing human error and variability in image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter configured to receive the light from the light source, split the light into a first light portion directed along a sample arm
Implementation Method 2
The combination of reflected light from the sample arm and reflected reference light from the reference arm gives rise to an interference pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A system, in one embodiment, includes an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system having a light source configured to emit light. The OCT imaging system further includes a beam splitter configured to receive the light from the light source, split the light into a first light portion directed along a sample arm comprising a sample and a second light portion directed along a reference arm comprising a reference mirror, receive a first reflected light portion from the sample arm and a second reflected light portion from the reference arm, combine the first and second reflected light portions to obtain an interference signal. Further, the OCT imaging system includes a controller having logic configured to perform an auto-ranging process to match the reference arm with the sample arm.