3D Blood Vessel Data Generation for New Vessel Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current OCT angiography methods do not effectively identify new blood vessels in images of blood vessels obtained through motion contrast feature values, lacking a method to specify blood vessels with a possibility of new formation.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic apparatus is developed with a generation unit for 3D blood vessel data, a boundary obtaining unit for layer boundary data, and a determination unit that compares 3D blood vessel data with layer boundary data to identify blood vessels intersecting with the layer boundaries, aiding in the detection of new blood vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If OCT angiography uses motion contrast feature values to generate blood vessel images, then blood vessel visualization is achieved, but the ability to identify new blood vessels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retinal layers are segmented into multiple boundaries (first retinal layer boundary, second retinal layer boundary, third retinal layer boundary) based on reflectivity characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish blood vessels at different depths and identify new blood vessels by their unique positional relationships with these segmented boundaries, thereby improving measurement precision while preserving new blood vessel detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D blood vessel images to 3D blood vessel data by incorporating depth information from multiple retinal layers. This dimensional change enables the system to analyze blood vessels in three-dimensional space, allowing identification of new blood vessels through their spatial relationships with retinal layer boundaries, thus resolving the limitation of conventional 2D imaging.
2Productivity
If conventional OCT angiography is used, then blood vessel imaging is obtained, but diagnostic capability for new blood vessel detection is enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing by obtaining multiple sets of blood vessel images at different depths before final analysis. Retinal layer boundaries are pre-identified through reflectivity analysis, and blood vessels are segmented and stored in three-dimensional space beforehand. This preliminary action enables efficient subsequent analysis to identify new blood vessels, enhancing diagnostic capability while managing processing complexity through structured preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system compares blood vessel positions against identified retinal layer boundaries and previously stored blood vessel data. This feedback loop allows the system to detect changes and identify new blood vessels by comparing current imaging data with reference data, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy through iterative verification.
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
The apparatus effectively generates 3D blood vessel data and layer boundary data, enabling the accurate identification and display of new blood vessels, enhancing diagnostic capabilities in ophthalmic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
In the OCT, light reflected by the measurement object and light reflected by a reference mirror interfere with each other and an intensity of a resultant interference light is analyzed so that a tomographic image of the measurement object is obtained
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic apparatus includes a generation unit configured to generate 3D blood vessel data indicating a blood vessel in a fundus based on a plurality of tomographic image data indicating cross sections of the fundus, a boundary obtaining unit configured to obtain layer boundary data indicating at least one layer boundary based on 3D tomographic image data including the plurality of tomographic image data indicating the cross sections of the fundus, and a determination unit configured to determine a blood vessel intersecting with the layer boundary by comparing the 3D blood vessel data with the layer boundary data.