OCT Tomographic Image Alignment via Retinal Boundary Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radial scanning in OCT imaging results in misalignment between adjacent tomographic images due to the eye movement during data acquisition, making it challenging to generate accurate three-dimensional data efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus that includes an obtaining unit for radial scan tomographic images, a modifying unit to adjust image shapes based on imaging parameters, and an aligning unit to align the modified images, reducing misalignment by detecting retinal boundary lines and calculating shift values for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radial scanning is used to obtain tomographic images from all directions, then the overall shape of the retina can be grasped, but misalignment is generated between adjacent tomographic images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting retinal boundary lines and calculating shift values before the actual alignment process. The system pre-processes the tomographic images by identifying characteristic retinal boundaries and computing the necessary shift parameters, which are then used to accurately align the images. This preliminary detection and calculation enables precise alignment without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the radial scanning process.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple radially scanned tomographic images are obtained at different times, then comprehensive retinal data is collected, but deviation is generated in the imaging position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the detected retinal boundary lines and calculated shift values to correct the imaging position deviation. The system continuously monitors the position of retinal boundaries across multiple tomographic images and adjusts the alignment based on the calculated shift values. This feedback mechanism ensures that the comprehensive retinal data collected from multiple radial scans maintains high imaging position accuracy despite being acquired at different times.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment processing is performed to correct misalignment, then imaging position accuracy is improved, but processing time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the alignment processing into distinct stages: first detecting retinal boundary lines, then calculating shift values based on these boundaries, and finally performing the actual alignment using the pre-calculated shift values. This segmentation of the alignment process into sequential steps allows each stage to be optimized independently, improving overall alignment accuracy while managing processing time through structured computation rather than monolithic processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing apparatus including an obtaining unit configured to obtain a plurality of tomographic images obtained by radially scanning measuring light on an eye to be examined, and corresponding to a plurality of locations of the eye to be examined, respectively, and an imaging parameter corresponding to each tomographic image, a modifying unit configured to modify a shape of a tomographic image corresponding to the imaging parameter by using the imaging parameter, and an aligning unit configured to align a plurality of shape-modified tomographic images with each other.