Compact OCT and FLIO Imaging for Low-Cost Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current commercial OCT devices are expensive, have a large form factor, and require dedicated space and an operator for data capture, limiting their widespread use and integration with additional imaging modalities.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, small form-factor OCT device with multi-modal capabilities using the same imaging optics, enabling widespread distribution and cloud-based data collection, and incorporating technologies like FF-OCT, FLIO, and EEG for enhanced detection and diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If commercial OCT devices use traditional imaging systems, then diagnostic capability is maintained, but device cost and form factor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single imaging optical system that can perform multiple diagnostic functions including OCT, fluorescence imaging, and other modalities through a common optical path. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate imaging systems for each diagnostic mode, thereby reducing device cost and form factor while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple imaging modalities into a single integrated system where the same optical components and detector array are used for both OCT and fluorescence imaging. By combining these functions into one device rather than requiring separate systems, the patent reduces overall device complexity and cost while preserving the diagnostic precision of each individual mode.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated OCT devices are used, then imaging quality is ensured, but space requirement and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a compact design where a single optical system serves multiple diagnostic purposes. By making the imaging system universal rather than dedicated to a single function, the device achieves small form factor suitable for point-of-care settings while maintaining the imaging quality required for accurate OCT and fluorescence diagnostics through shared optical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging modalities are added to OCT, then diagnostic versatility improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exemplifies universality by designing an imaging optical system that can accommodate multiple diagnostic modalities through a common optical path. The system includes configurable components such as adjustable filters and switches that enable the same hardware to perform OCT, fluorescence imaging, and other modalities, thereby achieving diagnostic versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic switching capabilities that allow the imaging system to transition between different operational modes. Through controllable optical elements such as switches and adjustable filters, the system can dynamically reconfigure its optical path to accommodate different imaging modalities, enabling versatile diagnostic capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple and cost-effective hardware architecture.
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, easy-to-use, and compact OCT devices with integrated multi-modal imaging, allowing widespread distribution and efficient data management for remote diagnostics and AI-based analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The OCT method is based on interference of electro-magnetic waves on a detector surface
Implementation Method 2
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) of Macular Pigment
Data Source
AI summary
A method that includes performing a plurality of measurement sessions associated with different delay values, a measurement session includes (a) illuminating a region of a sample with radiation pulses that result is a generation of fluorescence pulses; wherein a radiation pulse forms a 2D spot on the region; detecting fluorescence radiation, by a 2D detector of a sensing unit, during detection windows that start at a given delay value from starts of the radiation pulses; wherein each detection window has a duration that (i) exceeds a duration of the fluorescence pulse, and (ii) does not exceed a time difference between adjacent radiation pulses; (b) aggregating, by the sensing unit, detection signals obtained during the detection windows that start at the given delay value from starts of the radiation pulses; and (c) determining decay information based of the detected radiation.