Fertilized Egg OCT Imaging for Blastomere Volume Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating fertilized eggs in assisted reproductive technology are qualitative and subjective, lacking quantitative and objective criteria for assessing the three-dimensional structure and uniformity of blastomeres, which affects pregnancy success rates.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to obtain three-dimensional image data of fertilized eggs, extract blastomere regions, calculate their volumes, and derive an index value representing volume variation, providing a quantitative evaluation of blastomere size uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical microscope imaging is used to observe fertilized eggs, then the observation process is simple and equipment requirements are low, but the evaluation is subjective and cannot precisely represent the three-dimensional structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical microscope imaging system with an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system. OCT uses low-coherence light interference to obtain three-dimensional structural information of the fertilized egg, transforming from two-dimensional optical imaging to three-dimensional optical tomography, thereby achieving objective quantitative evaluation while maintaining optical imaging advantages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional optical microscope imaging to three-dimensional OCT imaging. By adding the depth dimension through optical coherence tomography, the system can capture the three-dimensional structure of blastomeres, enabling precise measurement of volume and spatial distribution, thus resolving the limitation of subjective two-dimensional evaluation
2Measurement precision
If three-dimensional OCT imaging is used to capture fertilized egg structure, then the three-dimensional structure can be precisely represented, but quantitative evaluation criteria are not yet established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the three-dimensional OCT image data into quantitative parameters including blastomere volume, number of blastomeres, and uniformity index. By calculating these specific parameters from the three-dimensional data, the system converts qualitative structural information into objective quantitative evaluation criteria, establishing a complete assessment system for fertilized egg quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms and quantitative analysis software as intermediaries between the OCT imaging system and the evaluation process. These intermediaries automatically extract and calculate blastomere parameters from three-dimensional images, bridging the gap between raw imaging data and meaningful quantitative evaluation results
3Reliability
If subjective judgment by trained specialists is used for fertilized egg evaluation, then the evaluation process is simple, but the pregnancy success rate is not necessarily high due to lack of precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where quantitative parameters (blastomere volume, number, uniformity index) are calculated from OCT images and used to objectively assess fertilized egg quality. This feedback loop replaces subjective specialist judgment with data-driven evaluation, identifying embryos with better developmental potential and thereby improving pregnancy success rates through more accurate selection
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
Enables a more precise and objective evaluation of fertilized eggs by quantifying blastomere size uniformity, reducing subjective judgment and improving pregnancy success rates.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining three-dimensional image data representing a three-dimensional image of a fertilized egg in a cleavage stage obtained by imaging the fertilized egg by optical coherence tomography
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing method according to the present invention includes: obtaining three-dimensional image data representing a three-dimensional image of a fertilized egg in a cleavage stage obtained by imaging the fertilized egg by optical coherence tomography; extracting a blastomere region corresponding to an individual blastomere in the three-dimensional image for each blastomere based on the three-dimensional image data; obtaining a volume of each blastomere region based on a result of the extraction and the three-dimensional image data; and obtaining an index value expressing a volume variation of the blastomeres based on a derived result of the volumes. It is possible to provide useful quantitative information in evaluating a state of the fertilized egg.