Eye Fundus Image Registration Using Wide-View SLO Reference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for comparing small-view-angle surface images of the eye fundus struggle with efficient registration and analysis, particularly in observing photoreceptor cells over time, due to the need for precise alignment of high-resolution images with limited view angles.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device and method that acquires, registers, and superimposes images of different regions of the eye fundus, using a wide-view-angle SLO image as a reference to generate a superimposed image, allowing for efficient time-course comparison and fine registration of specific regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution AO-SLO images are acquired with small view angles to resolve photoreceptor cells, then imaging precision is improved, but the efficiency of time-course comparison and registration is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the registration process into multiple stages: first registering AO-SLO images with each other, then registering the registered images with wide-view-angle surface images. This segmentation allows efficient processing by breaking down the complex task into manageable steps, resolving the contradiction between high-resolution imaging and registration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wide-view-angle surface images as intermediary reference images that bridge the AO-SLO images. These intermediary images serve as a common reference framework, enabling efficient registration and time-course comparison without requiring direct registration between all high-resolution images, thus improving productivity while maintaining imaging precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple AO-SLO images are acquired to cover the same region for time-course comparison, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the registration of multiple AO-SLO images with the registration of wide-view-angle surface images into a unified process. By combining these registration operations and using a common reference framework, the system reduces processing complexity while maintaining the ability to perform precise time-course comparison of multiple images.
Solution Approach 2:
The wide-view-angle surface images serve multiple functions: they act as reference images for registration, provide a common coordinate system for time-course comparison, and enable efficient processing of multiple AO-SLO images. This multi-functionality reduces the overall processing complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If fine registration is performed between multiple high-resolution images, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary registration of AO-SLO images with each other before registering them with wide-view-angle surface images. This preliminary action establishes a reference framework that simplifies subsequent registration operations, achieving high registration precision while reducing the time required for complete registration by performing registrations in staged manner.
Data Source
AI summary
A registration unit configured to perform first registration of the first image (WF-SLO image) and the second image (AI-SLO image) included in the same set and second registration of the first images included in the different sets and to generate positional information of these registration; and a superimposition unit configured to superimpose the second image included in a first set and the second image included in a second set that is the set acquired after the first set on the first image included in the first set or on the first image included in the second set based on the positional information generated by the registerer to generate a superimposed image are provided.