Multimodal Retinal Imaging via Shared Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retinal fundus imaging techniques provide superficial information and are insufficient for diagnosing certain ocular and non-ocular diseases, lacking the depth and molecular detail needed for accurate diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal imaging apparatus combining white light, fluorescence, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and infrared (IR) imaging modalities within a shared optical path, enabling five-dimensional imaging of the fundus and providing detailed structural and molecular information for comprehensive disease diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional digital camera imaging is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and diagnostic capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (white light imaging, fluorescence imaging, and optical coherence tomography) into a single integrated apparatus that shares common optical components and detection systems. This merging approach enables comprehensive diagnostic capability while managing device complexity through shared infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, where a single system can perform multiple imaging tasks including structural imaging, fluorescence imaging, and OCT scanning. The shared optical path and detection sensors enable the device to provide both superficial and deep tissue information, enhancing diagnostic precision across different applications.
2Loss of information
If multiple separate imaging devices are used to obtain comprehensive information, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging modalities into a single integrated system that can acquire white light images, fluorescence images, and OCT data simultaneously or in rapid succession. This eliminates the need to switch between separate devices and reduces total imaging time while maintaining comprehensive information acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus enables continuous acquisition of multiple types of optical information through shared optical paths and synchronized detection systems. The system can continuously scan and detect different wavelengths and depths without interrupting the imaging process, maintaining useful action continuity and reducing overall measurement time.
3Loss of information
If multiple separate imaging devices are used, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple imaging devices into a single unified apparatus that shares optical components, detection systems, and processing capabilities. This merging reduces the number of separate devices while maintaining the ability to acquire comprehensive diagnostic information across multiple modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus is designed as a universal system capable of performing multiple imaging functions through shared optical paths and multi-functional detection sensors. This multi-functionality allows the single device to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining diagnostic completeness.
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 accurate diagnosis of a wide range of ocular and non-ocular diseases, including cardiovascular health and neurological conditions, by providing detailed, non-invasive, and multidimensional imaging, improving diagnostic capabilities and accessibility, especially in low-income communities.
Implementation Method 1
the white light imaging device comprises a white light source, the fluorescence imaging device comprises at least one laser
Implementation Method 2
an optical element configured to combine an optical path of light emitted from the white light source with an optical path of light emitted from the at least one laser such that the light emitted from the white light source and the light emitted from the at least one laser share the shared optical path
Implementation Method 3
the shared optical path includes a path from the first optical element to an eye of the subject, and from the eye of the subject to the imaging sensor
Implementation Method 4
the apparatus further comprises a reflector in the shared optical path, the reflector comprising an opening configured to allow light reflected from the retina fundus to pass through the reflector
Implementation Method 5
the apparatus further comprises a beam splitter configured to transmit light for the fluorescence imaging device to a fluorescence imaging sensor and reflect light for the white light imaging device to a white light image sensor
Implementation Method 6
the fluorescence imaging sensor is configured to detect a fluorescence lifetime of at least one molecule in the subject's eye
Implementation Method 7
the fluorescence imaging sensor is configured to detect a fluorescence wavelength of at least one molecule in the subject's eye
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide improved techniques for imaging a subject's retina fundus. Some aspects relate to an imaging apparatus that may be substantially binocular shaped and/or may house multiple imaging devices configured to provide multiple corresponding modes of imaging the subject's retina fundus. Some aspects relate to techniques for imaging a subject's eye using white light, fluorescence, infrared (IR), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and/or other imaging modalities that may be employed by a single imaging apparatus. Some aspects relate to improvements in white light, fluorescence, IR, OCT, and/or other imaging technologies that may be employed alone or in combination with other techniques. Some aspects relate to multi-modal imaging techniques that enable determination of a subject's health status. Imaging apparatuses and techniques described herein provide medical grade retina fundus images and may be produced or conducted at low cost, thus increasing access to medical grade imaging.