Distance Detection for Optical Coherence Tomography Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing technologies face challenges in ensuring accurate optical coherence tomography by maintaining the appropriate target-to-target distance between the imaging target and the light irradiation unit, which is crucial for high-accuracy scanning and non-contact imaging.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that includes a detection unit to determine the target-to-target distance and a control unit to initiate light irradiation only when the desired distance is achieved, ensuring precise positioning for optical coherence tomography, and optionally uses guide information and mechanical adjustments for optimal alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If non-contact imaging is used to improve hygiene and ease of operation, then the target-to-target distance must be precisely controlled to maintain imaging accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-contact imagingVSAvoidtarget-to-target distance control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the target-to-target distance before initiating the imaging process. The detection unit measures the distance in advance, and the control unit uses this information to determine whether to start irradiation, ensuring the correct positioning is established before imaging begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the detection unit continuously monitors the target-to-target distance and provides this information to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the imaging operation based on the detected distance, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains precision despite non-contact operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the light irradiation unit starts irradiation immediately to improve productivity, then imaging accuracy deteriorates due to incorrect target-to-target distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging speedVSAvoidimaging accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the target-to-target distance before initiating the imaging process. This preliminary action ensures that the correct positioning is established before imaging begins, preventing wasted imaging operations while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the detection unit's measurement capability to automatically determine whether imaging conditions are met, eliminating the need for manual distance verification. The control unit autonomously decides whether to start irradiation based on the detected distance, streamlining the process while ensuring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250014392A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory recording medium

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 NEC CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: a detection unit that detects a target-to-target distance between an imaging target and a light irradiation unit that irradiates light for scanning the imaging target; and a scan control unit that starts irradiation with the light by the light irradiation unit in a case where the target-to-target distance is a desired distance.