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, which is crucial for managing retinal diseases.
Innovation Solution
A compact, handheld OCT system that allows for in-home and mobile monitoring of retinal thickness, featuring a specific scanning pattern for the measurement beam, an interferometer, a position sensor, a three-axis translation stage, and a processor configured to align the system with the eye and adjust for refractive errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior OCT systems are used for retinal thickness measurement, then measurement precision is achieved, 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, implementing only the core interferometric measurement capability needed for retinal thickness monitoring. This allows maintaining measurement precision while eliminating unnecessary complexity for in-home use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies key system parameters including using a simplified light source configuration, reduced scan ranges optimized for retinal thickness measurement, and streamlined data processing algorithms. These parameter changes reduce system complexity while preserving the precision needed for clinical monitoring
2Measurement precision
If prior OCT systems are used for retinal thickness measurement, then measurement precision is achieved, but the systems become expensive and inaccessible for regular patient use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cost-effective, commercially available components such as standard VCSEL light sources, off-the-shelf galvanometer scanners, and consumer-grade photodetectors. These components achieve sufficient measurement precision at a fraction of the cost of clinical OCT systems, enabling widespread patient access
3Measurement precision
If prior OCT systems are used, then retinal thickness can be measured, but the systems are too heavy and complex for patient handling and travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the OCT system into compact, modular functional units: light source module, scanning module, detection module, and data processing module. This segmentation enables miniaturization of each component and facilitates assembly into a handheld form factor that maintains measurement precision while reducing weight to patient-friendly levels
4Measurement precision
If prior OCT systems are used, then retinal measurements can be obtained, but trained operators are required, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated features including automatic eye detection and tracking, automated retinal layer segmentation and thickness calculation, and built-in quality control algorithms. These self-service capabilities eliminate the need for trained operators to manually align the system or interpret complex images, allowing patients to perform measurements independently while maintaining clinical-grade 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
Enables precise and regular measurement of retinal thickness, facilitating timely adjustments in treatment and improving patient care by providing valuable data for diagnosing and monitoring eye diseases.
Implementation Method 1
an interferometer, a position sensor, a three-axis translation stage, and a processor configured to align the system with the eye and adjust for refractive errors
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. The scan pattern is a continuous pattern that includes a plurality of lobes. The measurement beam may be caused to move on the retina by the motion of a mirror that intercepts and redirects the measurement beam. The mirror position may be altered by the application of a drive signal to one or more actuators that respond to the drive signal by rotating the mirror about an axis or axes.