OCT Depth Region Extraction for Tissue Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmologic imaging methods using OCT data face challenges in effectively displaying and acquiring data with high depth penetration, leading to difficulties in observing tissues due to the narrow imaging range when the depth of penetration is increased.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmologic image processing method and apparatus that acquire and display OCT data by setting a depth region as an extraction region from the zero delay position, using a wavelength sweep OCT system with a VCSEL light source for wide-area imaging, and adjusting sweep frequencies to maintain imaging range and signal quality, along with optical path length adjustments to optimize data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the imaging range in the depth direction is expanded to improve depth of penetration, then the depth of penetration is improved, but the tissue observation becomes difficult due to narrow imaging range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the OCT data into multiple depth regions (first depth region and second depth region) and processes them separately. The first OCT image displays the first depth region while the second OCT image displays the second depth region, allowing clear visualization of tissues at different depths without the narrow imaging range problem
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a depth dimension for region extraction and selective display. By extracting OCT data based on depth positions and displaying different depth regions in separate images, the system transforms the two-dimensional display limitation into a multi-dimensional approach that maintains both deep penetration and clear tissue observation
2Volume of moving object
If the depth of penetration is increased to expand imaging range, then the imaging range is improved, but the image quality and signal strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing methods to different depth regions. The first depth region (shallower) and second depth region (deeper) are processed separately with appropriate parameters for each region, optimizing image quality for both close and distant tissues simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts imaging parameters based on the depth region being processed. By changing sweep frequencies and other parameters according to the specific depth requirements, the system maintains optimal image quality across the entire extended imaging range
3Measurement precision
If optical path length is adjusted to optimize data capture, then the imaging accuracy is improved, but the burden on subjects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of OCT data by extracting and organizing data from different depth regions before final image generation. This preliminary organization reduces the need for repeated optical path adjustments during actual imaging, thereby reducing subject burden while maintaining accuracy
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 clear and enlarged visualization of eye tissues with high depth penetration, reducing the burden on subjects during optical path length adjustments and improving imaging range and quality across different sweep frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
an acquisition step of acquiring OCT data of an eye to be examined generated by an image processor based on a spectral interference signal output from an OCT optical system that detects the spectral interference signal between measurement light guided to a tissue of the eye to be examined and reference light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are ophthalmologic image processing method, including an acquisition step of acquiring OCT data of an eye to be examined based on a spectral interference signal output from an OCT optical system, a setting step of setting a depth region including an image position of a tissue as an extraction region for data on one-direction side from a zero delay position in the OCT data, and a display control step of extracting extracted OCT data corresponding to the extraction region from the OCT data and displaying the extracted OCT data in a display region set in advance on a monitor, and an OCT apparatus that executes the method.