Eyeground Imaging Apparatus with Simultaneous Surface and Tomographic Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eyeground imaging apparatuses using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and retinal cameras face inefficiencies due to longer capture times for tomographic images, misalignment issues caused by involuntary eye movements, and the need for prolonged waiting periods for pupil dilation, leading to reduced usability and increased subject burden.
Innovation Solution
An eyeground imaging apparatus with a control unit that allows for simultaneous capture of surface and tomographic images, enabling efficient retaking of tomographic images after checking the previous image, and allowing surface images to be captured only after verifying the tomographic image, thereby reducing the need for prolonged waiting periods and improving image alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tomographic image is captured with the OCT apparatus, then a high-resolution tomographic image is obtained, but the capture time becomes several seconds and the brightness is low or positions are misaligned due to eye movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures a surface image first using the retinal camera before capturing the tomographic image with the OCT apparatus. This preliminary action allows the operator to verify subject cooperation and eye position before committing to the longer tomographic capture, reducing the need for retakes and overall time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system displays the captured surface image to the operator immediately after capture. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to assess image quality and subject stability in real-time, making informed decisions about whether to proceed with tomographic imaging or retake the surface image
2Quantity of substance
If a surface image is captured with the retinal camera, then a two-dimensional surface image is obtained, but the pupil contracts due to large illumination light and several minutes are required for pupil dilation
Solution Approach 1:
The surface image capture is performed as a preliminary step before tomographic imaging. By completing the surface imaging first when the pupil is still dilated, the system maximizes the utility of the dilated state without requiring waiting time, as the subsequent tomographic capture uses different illumination characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the imaging sequence based on pupil state. The retinal camera uses large illumination for surface imaging when the pupil is dilated, while the OCT apparatus uses different illumination characteristics for tomographic imaging, allowing both functions to operate optimally without requiring pupil recovery time
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple images are captured in succession, then both surface and tomographic images are obtained, but the overall process time increases and usability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the retinal camera and OCT apparatus into a composite imaging system with a common optical path. Both imaging functions share optical components and can operate in a coordinated sequence, capturing surface and tomographic images during a single patient visit without requiring separate appointments or equipment setups
Solution Approach 2:
The surface image capture serves as a preliminary verification step before tomographic imaging. This sequencing allows the operator to confirm proper alignment and subject cooperation early, preventing wasted time on subsequent tomographic captures that would need to be retaken due to misalignment or eye movement
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
This solution enables efficient retaking of tomographic images due to improved alignment and reduced waiting times, enhancing user experience and reducing the subject's burden by allowing surface images to be captured only after verifying the tomographic image, thus improving overall imaging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
imaging apparatuses using optical coherence tomography (OCT) that utilizes interference of low coherent light
Data Source
AI summary
A tomographic-image pickup unit is controlled so as to capture a tomographic image in response to a signal input from a signal input unit. Then, a display unit is controlled so as to display the captured tomographic image. An eyeground-image pickup unit is controlled so as to capture a two-dimensional image in response to a signal input from the signal input unit while the tomographic image is displayed on the display unit. Therewith, the user can more easily perform imaging, and the time load on the subject is reduced.