OCT Front Image Display for Early Motion Contrast Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current OCTA image acquisition methods require prolonged time for image processing, leading to increased burden on subjects and examiners due to delayed determination of image-taking success or failure, as success is determined only after OCTA images are displayed.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that generates and displays a front image using three-dimensional tomographic data before displaying the motion contrast image, allowing early determination of image-taking success or failure by processing and displaying images based on tomographic data at an earlier stage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If OCTA images are generated using multiple three-dimensional tomographic data through motion contrast calculation, then accurate angiographic images can be obtained, but the processing time is excessively long and burden on subjects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing task by generating a front image using only one three-dimensional tomographic data set independently from the motion contrast image. This segmentation allows the front image to be processed and displayed separately, reducing the overall processing time for OCTA images while maintaining the accuracy of motion contrast calculation using multiple data sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by generating and displaying the front image before completing the motion contrast image processing. This preliminary display provides immediate feedback on image-taking quality, allowing early determination of whether additional imaging is needed, thereby reducing total processing time and subject burden.
2Reliability
If multiple three-dimensional tomographic data are processed to generate motion contrast image, then reliable OCTA images are produced, but the time for determining image-taking success or failure is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation by generating a front image from a single three-dimensional tomographic data set and displaying it immediately. This preliminary action enables early determination of image-taking success or failure based on the front image quality, without waiting for the time-consuming motion contrast calculation to complete, thus reducing the time for quality assessment while maintaining reliability through subsequent motion contrast verification.
3Productivity
If conventional OCTA processing is used, then motion contrast images can be generated, but the burden on examiners and subjects increases due to prolonged waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the OCTA processing workflow into two independent parts: front image generation from single data set and motion contrast image generation from multiple data sets. This segmentation improves productivity by enabling parallel processing and early display of preliminary results, while reducing operational burden by providing immediate feedback that helps examiners make quick decisions about whether additional imaging is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback by displaying the front image immediately after acquisition, providing real-time information about image quality to both examiners and subjects. This feedback mechanism reduces operational burden by enabling informed decisions about whether to proceed with full motion contrast processing or perform additional imaging, thereby improving overall workflow efficiency.
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
Reduces waiting time for renewed image-taking and minimizes burden on subjects and examiners by enabling early determination of image-taking success or failure, facilitating faster image acquisition and processing.
Implementation Method 1
The OCT apparatus causes return light of measuring light reflected by a subject which is a measuring subject and reference light reflected by a reference mirror to interfere with each other, analyzes interference light intensity, and thereby acquires tomographic images of the measuring subject
Implementation Method 2
SD-OCT (Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography) spectrally analyzes interference light and acquires depth information by replacing the depth information with frequency information
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus that processes an image generated using at least one item of three-dimensional tomographic data out of a plurality of items of three-dimensional tomographic data obtained by conducting a plurality of optical coherence tomography scans of a subject at different times using measuring light controlled to scan a same position of the subject includes: a front image generating unit configured to generate a front image of the subject using the at least one item of three-dimensional tomographic data; a motion contrast image generating unit configured to generate a motion contrast image of the subject using the plurality of items of three-dimensional tomographic data; and a display control unit configured to display the front image on a display unit before displaying the motion contrast image.