Compact Multimodal OCT Imaging for Ophthalmic and Neurologic Diagnostics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices are expensive, bulky, and limited to single modality use, hindering widespread adoption and integration of additional imaging modalities for ophthalmic and neurologic diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, compact OCT device with multi-modal capabilities, utilizing a single 2D sensor for simultaneous high-quality OCT and other imaging modalities like spectroscopy and fluorescence, combined with advanced signal processing to compensate for dispersion and motion artifacts, enabling widespread distribution and cloud-based data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional OCT devices are used, then diagnostic quality is maintained, but device cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (OCT, fundus imaging, visual field testing) into a single integrated device platform, sharing common optical paths, detectors, and processing systems. This merging approach maintains comprehensive diagnostic capabilities while reducing overall device complexity and cost compared to using separate specialized devices for each modality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal imaging optics and detectors that can perform multiple functions across different imaging modalities. The same optical components and sensors are used for OCT, fundus imaging, and visual field testing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each function and thereby reducing device complexity while preserving diagnostic quality.
2Device complexity
If single modality OCT devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but diagnostic versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple imaging modalities (OCT, fundus imaging, visual field testing) within a single unified platform, enabling comprehensive diagnostic versatility across ophthalmic and neurologic conditions while maintaining relative device simplicity through shared hardware components and integrated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple diagnostic functions into one device, the system achieves enhanced versatility without proportionally increasing complexity. The shared optical paths, detectors, and processing architecture allow the device to perform diverse diagnostic tasks efficiently.
3Measurement precision
If operator-assisted data capture is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates automated alignment, focusing, and data capture mechanisms that operate without requiring manual intervention for each measurement. The system automatically adjusts optical parameters, tracks eye movements, and captures images at optimal moments, maintaining measurement accuracy while significantly improving operational efficiency and throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from sensors and processors to automatically adjust imaging parameters and capture timing. This feedback mechanism ensures measurements are taken at optimal moments for maximum accuracy while eliminating the need for continuous operator intervention, thereby improving operational efficiency.
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
Facilitates affordable, portable, and efficient multi-modal imaging for eye and brain diagnostics, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and enabling large-scale data collection for AI-driven diagnostics and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases.
Implementation Method 1
merge radiation that exits the reference arm with radiation from the sensing arm that has returned from a sub-region of a sample to provide an interference pattern
Implementation Method 2
phase modulating the radiation that propagates within an arm of the interferometer, wherein the arm is selected out of the sensing arm and a reference arm, wherein the phase modulation has a modulation cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A robust, accurate and cost effective systems and method for measuring a sample. The method may include optical coherence tomography and/or a determining of fluorescence information.