OCT Device Fixed Beam Path Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OCT examination devices require the object to be fixed in place during scanning, which is cumbersome and difficult to use, especially for applications like retinal examinations, and are sensitive to relative movement between the device and the object, leading to measurement errors and a bulky design.
Innovation Solution
The OCT examination device maintains a constant angular orientation between the OCT output and exit directions, allowing for scanning without motorized adjustments or deflection mirrors, enabling the device to be compact and user-friendly, with the option to move the device relative to the object or shift the object within a stationary device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motorized deflection mirrors and beam scanning mechanisms are used to scan the object surface, then measurement precision and image quality are improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motorized deflection mirrors and beam scanning mechanisms from the OCT device, extracting the complex scanning subsystem while retaining the core measurement functionality. The device now uses a fixed beam path with constant angular orientation between input and output directions, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning components while still enabling surface scanning through relative movement between the device and object.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of scanning the beam across the object using movable mirrors, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the beam path fixed and scanning the object (or the device) relative to the beam. This conceptual inversion eliminates the need for complex beam deflection mechanisms while achieving the same scanning effect.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motorized deflection mirrors are used for beam scanning, then scanning capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to need for object fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional scanning approach by eliminating movable beam-deflecting components and instead enabling scanning through relative movement between the OCT device and the object. This inversion removes the need for complex fixation mechanisms while preserving scanning capability, making the device much easier to operate, particularly for applications like retinal examinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows the object (or the device itself) to perform the scanning motion without requiring complex motorized control systems. The relative movement between the fixed beam path and the object naturally achieves the scanning effect, eliminating the need for automated fixation and scanning control mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If the OCT device is designed with fixed beam path and constant angular orientation, then device size is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by inverting the scanning mechanism: instead of using movable components within a large device housing, the invention uses a compact fixed beam path and achieves scanning through relative movement between the device and object. This inversion allows precise measurements to be obtained with a much smaller device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical beam scanning system (motorized mirrors and deflection mechanisms) with a simplified optical system that has a fixed beam path. The scanning function is achieved through relative movement rather than mechanical beam deflection, reducing device size while maintaining measurement precision.
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
This design reduces the need for complex beam deflection mechanisms, making the device more compact and user-friendly, while minimizing measurement errors due to relative movement, allowing for efficient scanning without the need for object fixation, enhancing usability in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an examination technique in which light with a low coherence length is used to measure distances in scattering materials with the aid of an interferometer
Implementation Method 2
the radiation source is tunable such that the narrow bandwidth forms a wider bandwidth of 20 nm to 400 nm by time-delayed emission of waves at different wavelengths
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to an OCT examination device for detecting an object by means of optical coherence tomography, comprising an OCT radiation source, which emits an OCT radiation, an OCT beam path, comprising an OCT output direction of the OCT radiation from the OCT radiation source, a housing, which receives the OCT radiation source, an outlet opening of the OCT radiation from the OCT radiation source formed in the housing, an OCT outlet direction of the radiation through the outlet opening, a control unit, which is connected to the OCT radiation source for signaling, in order to detect a plurality of measurement profiles spaced apart from each other in a detection period and to control the OCT radiation source for emitting the OCT radiation within the detection period and in order to keep the OCT output direction and the OCT emission direction constant in the angle alignment thereof relative to each other during the detection time period.