Fundus Observation Device Tomographic Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fundus observation devices face difficulties in effectively and efficiently performing elapsed observations of the fundus oculi, particularly in capturing and comparing tomographic images of the same site due to eye movement and pulsation, making it challenging to determine if images are of the same cross-section and recapture the same tomographic image.
Innovation Solution
A fundus observation device comprising an image forming part for 2D and tomographic image formation, a position information generating part to indicate the position of tomographic images within 2D images, and an image processing part to adjust the position of tomographic images based on generated position information, allowing for accurate alignment and comparison of images across different examination dates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fundus observation devices are used for elapsed observation, then basic fundus imaging is achieved, but accurate alignment and comparison of tomographic images of the same site is difficult due to eye movement and pulsation
Solution Approach 1:
The device displays the 2D fundus image and overlays the tomographic image position information (cross-section line) on it, providing visual feedback to the examiner. This feedback mechanism allows the examiner to see exactly where the tomographic scan is positioned on the fundus, enabling accurate identification and comparison of the same site across different examination dates despite eye movement or pulsation.
Solution Approach 2:
The 2D fundus image serves as an intermediary reference that bridges the tomographic images taken at different times. By displaying the tomographic cross-section line on the 2D fundus image, the system creates a common reference frame that allows accurate localization and comparison of tomographic images of the same fundus site across different examination dates.
2Productivity
If multiple tomographic images are captured for elapsed observation, then monitoring of changes over time is enabled, but determination of whether images are of the same cross-section becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying the tomographic image position (cross-section line) on the 2D fundus image. This feedback allows the examiner to immediately verify whether a newly captured tomographic image is of the same cross-section as the reference image, significantly reducing the time and effort required for accurate identification and comparison across multiple examination dates.
Solution Approach 2:
The device creates a visual copy of the tomographic cross-section position by overlaying it on the 2D fundus image. This copied position information serves as a reference that can be easily compared with subsequent tomographic scans, making it simple to determine whether new images are of the same cross-section without complex analysis.
3Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used for tomographic images, then basic comparison is possible, but accurate alignment is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically provides alignment feedback by displaying the tomographic cross-section line on the 2D fundus image. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment procedures, as the examiner can visually confirm the position and make quick adjustments if needed, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining high alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The 2D fundus image acts as an intermediary that automatically provides the alignment reference for tomographic images. By displaying the cross-section line on this intermediary image, the system enables rapid and accurate alignment without requiring manual intervention, thus reducing time loss while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Image forming part 220 forms a 2-dimensional image of the surface of the fundus oculi Ef (fundus oculi image) and a tomographic image of the fundus oculi Ef. The fundus oculi image 212a and the tomographic image Ga captured at the first examination time and the fundus oculi image 212b and the tomographic image Gb captured at the second examination time are stored in an image storage part 212. Position information generating part 214 generates the position information 213a indicating the position of the tomographic image Ga in the fundus oculi image 212a and the position information 213b indicating the position of the tomographic image Gb in the fundus oculi image 212b. The generated position information 213a and 213b are stored in information storage part 213. Image processing part 230 adjusts the position between the tomographic images Ga and Gb based on such position information 213a and 213b.