2D 3D OCT Image Registration via Volumetric Re-sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems lack compatibility between 2D cross-sectional images and 3D volumetric data, making it difficult for clinicians to track and compare changes over time without inter-device variation.
Innovation Solution
A method for establishing image registration between 2D and 3D OCT images by re-sampling the 3D volumetric data using a pre-defined scanning protocol, detecting common features, and correlating them to identify the scan location, thereby minimizing inter-device variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 2D OCT scans are used for long-term monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device compatibility and comparability across different scan locations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces 3D OCT volumetric data as an intermediary that bridges 2D OCT scans from different devices and time points. The system registers 3D volumetric data with 2D scan locations, allowing accurate measurement comparison across different 2D OCT devices and time points while maintaining measurement precision through the common 3D reference framework
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the 3D OCT system universal by enabling it to serve multiple functions: providing high-resolution volumetric data, establishing reference scan locations, and facilitating compatibility with various 2D OCT devices. The system can accommodate different scanning protocols and devices by registering them to a common 3D reference frame
2Productivity
If multiple 2D OCT scans are performed over time, then monitoring capability is improved, but inter-device variation and measurement consistency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously registering new 3D OCT scans to the established reference framework. Each new scan provides feedback that refines the registration and allows the system to automatically adjust and correct for device variations, ensuring consistent measurements across multiple time points and devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing a reference 3D OCT scan and its registration framework before conducting subsequent measurements. This pre-established reference frame enables all future 2D scans from different devices to be accurately positioned and compared, ensuring measurement consistency before actual monitoring begins
3Loss of information
If 3D OCT volumetric data is acquired, then comprehensive structural information is improved, but complexity of data processing and registration worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex 3D OCT volumetric data into manageable components by identifying and extracting specific anatomical features and scan locations. This segmentation allows the system to process and register data more efficiently while preserving comprehensive structural information through the organized arrangement of segmented regions
Data Source
AI summary
Advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT) have prompted a transition from time domain OCT, providing 2D OCT images, to spectral domain OCT, which has a 3D imaging capability. Yet conventional technology offers little toward the goal of inter-device compatibility between extant 2D OCT images and newer 3D OCT images for the same or comparable subjects, as in the context of ongoing monitoring the quantitative status of a patient's eyes. The inventive methodology is particularly useful to identify the scan location of tissue in a 2D OCT image within the 3D OCT volumetric data, thereby allowing clinicians to image a patient via 3D OCT, based on available 2D OCT images, with minimal inter-device variation.