Fundus Observation Device Region Specification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fundus oculi observation devices face challenges in accurately specifying and imaging attention sites, such as the optic papilla, macula, and blood vessels, due to low-quality motion images and eye movement, which complicates alignment and image acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A fundus oculi observation device that forms motion images and specifies image regions of interest in still images, using a scanner to scan with signal light based on these regions, generating tomographic images for precise attention site acquisition, and includes features like image display, fixation target projection, and alignment target projection for improved alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If motion images are used to specify attention sites in real-time, then real-time observation is enabled, but image quality deteriorates making accurate specification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing high-quality still images before real-time motion image observation. The attention site is specified based on the high-quality still image, and then the scanner is controlled to scan that specific region using the pre-specified coordinates, enabling both high quality and real-time performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The still image serves as an intermediary between the low-quality motion image and the final tomographic image. The specifying part uses the still image as a reference to accurately identify attention sites, bridging the gap between real-time observation needs and precise image specification requirements.
2Productivity
If scanning is performed based on low-quality motion images, then real-time imaging is achieved, but image quality and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning to capture high-quality still images of the entire fundus oculi before targeted scanning. This preliminary action establishes accurate spatial coordinates and image quality standards that guide subsequent real-time scanning of specific attention sites, ensuring both efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by using high-resolution still images for regions of interest while maintaining real-time observation capabilities. The specifying part identifies attention sites in the still image with high precision, and the scanner focuses on those specific local regions, achieving high reliability for critical areas while maintaining overall productivity.
3Loss of time
If alignment is performed using low-quality motion images, then quick alignment is achieved, but alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment using high-quality still images captured before real-time observation. The alignment part uses these high-quality images to establish accurate spatial relationships and coordinate systems, ensuring precise alignment before switching to real-time motion image observation, thus achieving both speed and accuracy.
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 certain and accurate acquisition of attention site images by specifying regions of interest in high-quality still images and scanning with signal light, facilitating alignment and improving image quality compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
an interference-light generator configured to split a low-coherence light into a signal light and a reference light and superimpose the signal light propagated through the fundus oculi and the reference light propagated through a reference object to generate an interference light
Implementation Method 2
a scanner configured to scan the fundus oculi with the signal light
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect the interference light, and forms a tomographic image of the fundus oculi based on a result of detection of the interference light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fundus oculi observation device 1 can form a near-infrared motion image and a color image (still image) of a fundus oculi Ef. The device 1 specifies an image region within the near-infrared motion image corresponding to a region of interest within the color image while the near-infrared motion image is being formed. The device 1 scans with a signal light LS based on the specified image region, thereby forming a tomographic image along the scanning line. According to the device 1, it is possible to determine a region of interest within a still image having a comparatively high image quality, specify the image region within the motion image corresponding to this region of interest, set a measurement site for the tomographic image.