OCT Image Distortion Correction via Eccentricity Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging systems face distortion in tomographic images due to alignment eccentricity between the measurement light and the object being inspected, leading to variations in incident angle and optical path length, which affect image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image generating apparatus and method that acquire tomographic data using OCT, calculate and correct for incident angle and optical path length variations caused by alignment eccentricity, and generate corrected tomographic images to reduce distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement light is aligned with the optical axis of the eye to be inspected, then the tomographic image quality is improved, but the adaptability to avoid opacity of crystalline lens in cataract eyes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment to determine the degree of alignment eccentricity before acquiring tomographic data. Based on this preliminary assessment, the system pre-calculates correction values for incident angle and optical path length, enabling subsequent distortion correction without requiring perfect initial alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of incident angle and optical path length based on the detected alignment eccentricity. By dynamically adjusting these parameters through calculation and correction, the system compensates for misalignment effects, allowing accurate imaging even when the optical axis cannot be perfectly aligned due to cataract opacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical axis of the imaging apparatus is displaced from that of the eye to be inspected to avoid cataract opacity, then the adaptability is improved, but distortion in the tomographic image increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the detected alignment eccentricity information is used to calculate and apply correction values. The correction unit continuously adjusts the tomographic data based on the measured deviation from the optical axis, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for displacement-induced distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary correction process between light acquisition and image generation. The correction unit acts as a mediator that processes the raw tomographic data by applying calculated corrections for incident angle and optical path length variations, thereby eliminating distortion caused by necessary optical axis displacement.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment eccentricity is corrected by adjusting the optical axis, then the image distortion is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with computational correction methods. Instead of physically adjusting the optical axis to eliminate alignment eccentricity, the system uses calculation units to compute correction values and software-based processing to correct the tomographic data, substituting mechanical complexity with algorithmic solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction unit serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of distortion correction through data processing rather than mechanical intervention. This intermediary layer processes the relationship between alignment eccentricity and image distortion, applying mathematical corrections that simplify the overall system architecture compared to mechanical realignment mechanisms.
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 solution effectively reduces distortion in OCT images by accurately accounting for alignment eccentricity, improving image quality and enabling more precise analysis of retinal structures.
Implementation Method 1
light from a light source is split into measurement light and reference light by a beam splitter or the like. The measurement light irradiates an object to be inspected... return light of the measurement light from the object to be inspected is combined with the reference light and is guided to a detector as interference light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image generating apparatus including: an acquisition unit configured to acquire tomographic data on an object to be inspected, the tomographic data being obtained by performing optical coherence tomography imaging of the object to be inspected through use of measurement light; an eccentric amount acquisition unit configured to acquire an eccentric amount of an optical axis of the measurement light with respect to the object to be inspected; and a generation unit configured to generate a tomographic image through use of the acquired tomographic data. The generation unit includes: a calculation unit configured to calculate, through use of the eccentric amount, an incident angle variation of the measurement light entering the object to be inspected, and an optical path length variation of the measurement light; and a correction unit configured to correct the tomographic data through use of the incident angle variation and the optical path length variation.