Multi-Channel Dental OCT Scanning for High-Speed Imaging Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld dental and maxillofacial optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems face challenges in achieving sufficient imaging speed and range for diagnostic use, with high-speed raster scanning inducing artifacts and requiring expensive, high-speed digitizers, while high-sweep rate swept sources compromise image quality and increase cost.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel dental OCT system using a swept source laser with multiple optical channels, detectors, and a scanning reflector incorporated into a handheld probe, along with a processor to record and store signals, enabling simultaneous scanning and enhanced imaging range without relying on very high sweep rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed raster scanning is used to increase imaging speed, then image acquisition speed is improved, but artifacts such as wobble, skew, and spatial aliasing are induced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the imaging task into multiple optical channels (e.g., four channels) that simultaneously scan different regions of the sample. Each channel captures a portion of the image, and these segments are later reconstructed into a complete image. This segmentation allows faster acquisition without the artifacts associated with high-speed single-channel raster scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point sequential scanning to multi-point parallel scanning by introducing multiple optical channels. This dimensional change from 1D temporal sequencing to 2D spatial parallelism enables simultaneous acquisition of multiple image lines, dramatically increasing speed while avoiding motion artifacts.
2Productivity
If high-sweep rate swept sources are used to increase scanning speed, then image acquisition speed is improved, but image quality suffers significantly due to photon noise and electrical noise
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the imaging task across multiple optical channels, each channel operates at a lower sweep rate that maintains image quality. The parallel operation of multiple channels compensates for the reduced sweep rate, achieving high overall acquisition speed without sacrificing image quality in any individual channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the outputs of multiple optical channels to reconstruct the complete image. Each channel operates independently at optimized parameters for quality, and their signals are merged in the processing stage, achieving both high speed and high quality simultaneously.
3Length of stationary object
If high-sweep rate swept sources are used to achieve increased imaging range, then imaging range is improved, but expensive high-speed digitizers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging range is divided and captured simultaneously by multiple optical channels, each operating at moderate sweep rates with standard digitizers. The segmented depth information from each channel is reconstructed to provide the complete extended imaging range, avoiding the need for expensive high-speed digitizers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends imaging range by adding the spatial dimension of multiple optical channels rather than increasing the temporal sampling rate. This allows parallel coverage of extended depth ranges using cost-effective standard digitizers in each channel.
4Productivity
If multiple optical channels are used to increase scanning speed, then image acquisition speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple independent optical channels, each with its own detector and processing path. This modular segmentation allows parallel operation for high speed while keeping individual channel complexity manageable and enabling standardized components to be reused across channels.
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 system achieves high-speed image acquisition and extended imaging range, reducing system cost and noise, while maintaining image quality, and adapts to surface contours with real-time range adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
light from a wide-bandwidth source, such as a super luminescent diode (SLD) or other light source
Implementation Method 2
Reflected and back-scattered light from the reference and sample arms is then recombined in the OCT apparatus and interference effects are used to determine characteristics
Implementation Method 3
a corresponding detector that is configured to provide an output signal according to combined light from the sample and reference paths
Data Source
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AI summary
A dental optical coherence tomography system for scanning a sample has a swept source laser configured to generate output light having a range of wavelengths. Two or more optical channels each provide a reference and sample path for the output light, wherein each optical channel has a corresponding detector to provide an output signal according to combined light from the sample and reference, wherein the detector output signal characterizes back-reflected or back- scattered light from the sample path over a range of depths below a surface. A scanning reflector simultaneously directs sample path output light from each of the two or more channels toward the sample surface and directs returned light from the sample to the corresponding sample path and detector. A processor is in signal communication with the detector for each optical channel and that is configured to record and store results from the output signals received from each detector.