Fundus Image Processing for Integrated Choroidal Vessel Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods struggle to effectively analyze the choroidal vasculature, particularly in generating detailed and integrated images of both line-shaped and lump-shaped portions of choroidal blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method that includes extracting line-shaped and lump-shaped portions of choroidal vasculature from fundus images and integrating them to generate a vascular image, utilizing a fundus imaging device with SLO and OCT units, and a management server for data processing and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing image processing methods are used, then the processing is simpler, but the choroidal vasculature cannot be effectively analyzed and visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the choroidal vasculature into two distinct components: line-shaped portions (blood vessel trunks) and lump-shaped portions (vortex veins). By applying different extraction algorithms tailored to each shape type and processing them separately before integration, the system achieves reliable choroidal vasculature analysis while managing processing complexity through specialized handling of each feature type.
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed extraction of both line-shaped and lump-shaped portions is performed, then the vascular image quality improves, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the extraction process into two parallel segments: one for line-shaped portions using line extraction algorithms, and another for lump-shaped portions using blob detection algorithms. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of both feature types, reducing overall processing time while maintaining high detail quality in the final integrated vascular image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies specialized extraction algorithms that focus specifically on the essential characteristics of each vessel type (line-shaped and lump-shaped) without performing exhaustive general-purpose image processing. This partial action approach extracts only the necessary features with high precision, avoiding unnecessary computational steps that would increase processing time.
3Reliability
If only general fundus imaging is performed, then the imaging process is simpler, but the choroidal blood vessels including vortex veins cannot be selectively visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of SLO imaging and OCT imaging into a single integrated fundus imaging device. By combining these two imaging modalities, the system achieves reliable selective visualization of choroidal blood vessels including vortex veins, while managing device complexity through integrated hardware and coordinated control of both imaging units.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing method including acquiring a fundus image, extracting a first area including a first feature from the fundus image, extracting a second area including a second feature different from the first feature from the fundus image, and generating a combined image in which the extracted first area and the extracted second area are combined.