Handheld OCT Retinal Thickness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems are complex, expensive, and not suited for regular, in-home monitoring of retinal thickness, requiring trained operators and being cumbersome for daily use, which limits their accessibility and effectiveness in managing retinal diseases.
Innovation Solution
A compact, handheld OCT system with improved signal processing capabilities that allows patients to measure retinal thickness accurately, featuring a processor-driven interferometer with enhanced scanning patterns and alignment techniques to improve resolution of retinal structures, enabling in-home and mobile monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior OCT systems are used for retinal thickness measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase, making them unsuitable for regular in-home monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential OCT measurement functionality from complex clinical systems, isolating the core interferometer and signal processing components needed for retinal thickness measurement while removing unnecessary complexity. This enables a simplified handheld device that maintains measurement capability for monitoring retinal diseases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of clinical OCT systems by implementing the core optical coherence tomography principle using a compact interferometer and basic optical components. This copy provides sufficient measurement precision for in-home monitoring without replicating the full complexity of clinical systems.
2Measurement precision
If prior OCT systems are used for retinal monitoring, then retinal thickness can be measured, but the systems are expensive and not affordable for typical patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a cost-reduction strategy by using affordable optical components and simplified manufacturing approaches. The handheld OCT system uses standard optical elements and integrated circuits that can be manufactured at lower cost, making the device accessible to typical patients for regular monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If prior OCT systems are used, then retinal measurement is possible, but they require trained operators and are not suitable for patient self-monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic alignment and measurement features that eliminate the need for trained operators. The system includes automated eye tracking, focus adjustment, and retinal layer identification algorithms that guide the patient through the measurement process independently, enabling self-monitoring at home.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms including visual guidance displays, automated quality assessment of retinal images, and instructional prompts that help patients perform measurements correctly without operator intervention. The system provides immediate feedback on measurement quality and guides users through the process.
4Measurement precision
If prior OCT systems are used, then retinal thickness can be measured, but the systems are cumbersome and not suitable for travel or mobile use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a compact handheld design where optical components, electronics, and power supply are nested within a portable housing. The interferometer, scanners, and detectors are integrated into a space-efficient configuration that fits in a handheld form factor, enabling easy transport and mobile use while maintaining measurement precision.
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
The system provides precise and accessible retinal thickness measurements, allowing for timely adjustments in treatment and improved patient care by enabling regular monitoring and data analysis for healthcare providers.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to generate a measurement beam
Implementation Method 2
an interferometer with an OCT measurement beam
Data Source
AI summary
An OCT system for measuring a retina as part of an eye health monitoring and diagnosis system. The OCT system includes an OCT interferometer, where the interferometer comprises a light source or measurement beam and a scanner for moving the beam on the retina of a patient's eye, and a processor configured to execute instructions to cause the scanner to move the measurement beam on the retina in a scan pattern. Measurement data may be processed using a decurving process to enhance the resolution of the ILM layer and provide improved determinations of retinal thickness.