Fundus Imaging via Multi-Camera Segmentation and Distortion Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fundus imaging technologies are expensive, inaccessible, and require specialized equipment and trained personnel, limiting their use for widespread patient care and telemedicine applications.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an imaging device with an indirect ophthalmoscope that captures high-resolution fundus images without obstructing the operator's view, using multiple cameras and advanced image processing techniques to remove glare and distortion, and project segmented images onto a coordinate space for super-resolution representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized fundus cameras are used to capture high-quality fundus images, then image quality and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but device cost and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fundus imaging function into multiple standard camera components that can capture different portions of the fundus. Multiple cameras are positioned to capture overlapping or adjacent fields of view, which are then processed and stitched together to form a complete high-resolution fundus image. This segmentation allows achieving comprehensive fundus imaging using simpler, more accessible equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple standard camera images into a single composite fundus image through image processing techniques. By merging images from multiple cameras or multiple captures, the system creates a complete high-resolution representation of the fundus that would otherwise require specialized equipment. This merging process resolves the contradiction by achieving high image quality through combination rather than through complex single-device imaging.
2Reliability
If specialized fundus cameras are deployed to improve diagnostic capabilities, then patient care quality is improved, but accessibility and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple standard cameras to create copies of fundus images from different angles or portions, which are then processed to form a complete diagnostic image. Rather than requiring a single expensive specialized camera, the system creates the necessary diagnostic information through multiple copies from accessible equipment. This copying approach makes fundus imaging accessible while maintaining diagnostic reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard cameras that can serve multiple purposes - capturing fundus images, providing wide-field views, and potentially other ophthalmic imaging functions. By using universal equipment rather than specialized single-purpose devices, the system improves accessibility while maintaining the ability to perform reliable diagnostic imaging through software processing and image combination techniques.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are integrated with indirect ophthalmoscope to capture wide-field fundus images, then field of view is improved, but device complexity and obstruction of operator view worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the field of view by adding cameras at different spatial positions and orientations around the indirect ophthalmoscope. Rather than attempting to capture the entire fundus in a single view through one complex lens system, the system uses multiple cameras positioned in different dimensions to capture adjacent or overlapping fields of view. These multi-dimensional captures are then processed to create a comprehensive wide-field representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the wide-field imaging task into multiple segments, with each camera capturing a specific portion of the fundus. By segmenting the imaging function across multiple simpler camera units rather than one complex imaging system, the patent achieves wide-field coverage while keeping individual components simple and manageable. The segmented images are then computationally reassembled into a complete wide-field view.
4Measurement precision
If captured fundus images are processed to remove glare and distortion, then image quality is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary image processing techniques during or immediately after image capture to correct glare and distortion artifacts. By performing basic corrections in real-time or near-real-time rather than requiring extensive post-processing, the system maintains high image quality while minimizing processing delays. This preliminary action approach addresses the time-quality tradeoff by doing essential processing work at the point of capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical glare-reduction mechanisms with computational image processing methods. Instead of using additional optical elements or mechanical filters to prevent glare and distortion during capture, the system uses software-based algorithms to remove these artifacts from the captured images. This substitution reduces hardware complexity and processing time while maintaining image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Introduced here are techniques to accurately and efficiently generate an image indicative of a fundus. An imaging device engaged to an ophthalmology device, such as an indirect ophthalmoscope, may capture a series of images of a fundus. The series of images may be segmented to identify a region of interest (ROI) representing the fundus in each image. The segmented series of images may be projected onto a coordinate space to remove any distortion in each of the series of images. The projected segmented series of images may be combined into an output fundus image. As a result, the output fundus image may remove distortion and glare included in the input images. The output fundus image may be utilized in detection and diagnosis of various conditions and diseases.