Blood Flow Measurement Apparatus Using Segmented OCT Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood flow measurement techniques using optical coherence tomography (OCT) face challenges in simultaneously achieving dense scan intervals and high iteration rates across multiple blood vessels, particularly in the eye fundus, due to limitations in light application and scan width, making it difficult to measure blood flow in widely distributed vessels effectively.
Innovation Solution
A blood flow measurement apparatus that includes an image acquisition unit, an image region specification unit, a measurement location setting unit, a scanner, and a blood flow information generation unit, which utilizes OCT to acquire images, specify multiple blood vessel regions, set measurement locations, scan cross-sections, and generate blood flow information, allowing for dense and high-rate scanning across multiple vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the scan width is enlarged to measure multiple blood vessels, then the coverage area is improved, but the scan interval becomes sparse and iteration rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into two stages: first acquiring a wide-field fundus image to identify multiple blood vessel regions, then performing dense OCT scans only at selected measurement locations within those regions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high scan density at measurement points while covering multiple blood vessels overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary wide-field imaging and blood vessel detection before the actual blood flow measurement. This preliminary action identifies optimal measurement locations, enabling subsequent dense scanning to be focused only where needed, thus maintaining measurement precision while managing scan resources efficiently.
2Measurement precision
If the scan interval is made dense to improve measurement precision, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the iteration rate decreases and measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different scanning densities to different regions: dense scanning is performed only at specific measurement locations within blood vessel regions, while other areas receive no scanning or reduced scanning. This local quality approach maintains high measurement precision where needed without sacrificing overall iteration rate.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of densely scanning the entire fundus area, the system performs partial scanning only at selected measurement locations within blood vessel regions. This partial action achieves sufficient measurement precision for blood flow analysis while maintaining high iteration rates by reducing the total number of scans required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple blood vessels are measured simultaneously across a wide area, then the versatility is improved, but the scan time increases and iteration rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into location identification (via wide-field imaging) and data acquisition (via targeted OCT scans). This segmentation enables the system to measure multiple blood vessels by focusing scans only at relevant measurement locations, reducing total measurement time while maintaining multi-vessel capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of blood vessel regions and selection of measurement locations before executing the actual blood flow measurement. This preliminary action enables efficient planning of scan paths, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple vessels with optimized scan timing and reduced overall measurement time.
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
Enables suitable blood flow measurement of multiple blood vessels by dividing the measurement process into stages with dense scan points and high iteration rates, effectively addressing the limitations of existing techniques and improving the assessment of blood flow in widely distributed vessels.
Implementation Method 1
a scanner configured to scan a plurality of cross sections of the living body corresponding to the plurality of measurement locations using optical coherence tomography
Data Source
AI summary
A blood flow measurement apparatus of an embodiment includes an image acquisition unit, an image region specification unit, a measurement location setting unit, a scanner, and a blood flow information generation unit. The image acquisition unit acquires an image of a living body. The image region specification unit analyzes the image to specify a plurality of blood vessel regions. The measurement location setting unit sets a plurality of measurement locations that intersects with the plurality of blood vessel regions. The scanner scans a plurality of cross sections of the living body corresponding to the plurality of measurement locations using optical coherence tomography. The blood flow information generation unit generates blood flow information on the living body based on data acquired through the scan.