OCT Controller Preview and Measurement Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical coherence tomographic image-generating apparatuses take a long time to acquire a desired tomogram for diagnosis, which hampers efficient imaging and diagnosis processes.
Innovation Solution
A controller for an optical coherence tomography apparatus that includes imaging control means for starting and stopping imaging based on external commands, allowing for two imaging modes: a high-resolution measurement mode and a low-resolution preview mode, enabling faster acquisition and display of tomograms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional OCT apparatus performs two-dimensional mechanical scanning to obtain a tomogram, then high-resolution precise image can be achieved, but imaging time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into two distinct modes: a first imaging mode (preview mode) that scans at a larger pitch to cover a broader area quickly, and a second imaging mode (measurement mode) that scans at a smaller pitch to obtain high-resolution images. This segmentation allows the system to first locate the area of interest rapidly, then focus detailed scanning only where needed, thereby resolving the contradiction between comprehensive coverage and high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two imaging modes based on operational requirements. The system can transition from the first imaging mode (larger pitch, faster scanning) to the second imaging mode (smaller pitch, higher resolution) as needed. This dynamic adaptability allows the OCT apparatus to optimize imaging time by using the faster first mode for initial scanning and only employing the slower second mode when high resolution is specifically required.
2Measurement precision
If the OCT apparatus scans at a smaller pitch to achieve higher resolution, then image quality improves, but scanning time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into two distinct scanning operations: a first scan at a larger pitch that covers the entire imaging range quickly to provide an overview, and a second scan at a smaller pitch that focuses on specific areas of interest to obtain high-resolution images. This segmentation ensures that the time-consuming high-resolution scanning is performed only on necessary regions, thereby maintaining both image quality and imaging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary scan at a larger pitch before conducting detailed high-resolution scanning. This preliminary action identifies the area of interest and allows the system to plan subsequent high-resolution scanning more efficiently, avoiding unnecessary detailed scanning in areas that do not require close examination.
3Measurement precision
If the OCT apparatus performs comprehensive scanning to obtain detailed diagnostic images, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the time load on the subject increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into a preliminary overview scan and a subsequent detailed diagnostic scan. The first imaging mode at a larger pitch provides a quick overview to identify areas of interest, while the second imaging mode at a smaller pitch obtains detailed diagnostic images only in those specific areas. This segmentation reduces the total imaging time by avoiding comprehensive high-resolution scanning of the entire field, thereby reducing the time load on the subject while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the imaging strategy based on findings from the first imaging mode. After performing the preliminary scan, the system can selectively apply the second high-resolution imaging mode only to areas that require detailed examination, rather than uniformly scanning the entire area at high resolution. This dynamic approach maintains diagnostic accuracy while minimizing the time load on the subject.
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 controller allows for quick acquisition and display of tomograms, reducing the time required for imaging and enabling real-time preview and high-resolution imaging, improving operational efficiency and diagnostic speed.
Implementation Method 1
optical coherence tomo-graphic image-generating apparatuses... by irradiating a living tissue with light... spectral information as obtained using a detector is subject to FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing to specify an optical path length
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
To measure internal information on the subject, the OCT (optical coherence tomographic) control device is equipped with: a first imaging control means for initiating imaging when it is determined that input of a measurement instruction to scan the laser light at a prescribed pitch in the imaging target area of a sample using the galvano mirror has been received, and completing imaging in an imaging time that matches the prescribed pitch; and with a second imaging control means for initiating imaging when it is determined that input of a preview instruction to scan at a coarser pitch than the prescribed pitch has been received, and for completing imaging when it is determined that input of a measurement instruction as an instruction to cancel the preview instruction has been received.