Galvanometer Mirror Zero Point Correction in OCT Probes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT) probes have complex structures and high costs due to shutter mechanisms, and there is a risk of laser exposure to patients when irradiating towards air, complicating zero point correction.

Innovation Solution

The use of galvanometer mirrors with actuators to switch reflecting mirrors between states where measurement light is reflected by the subject and states where it is diffusely reflected within the probe, eliminating the need for a shutter mechanism and preventing laser leakage during non-imaging periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shutter mechanism is provided in the probe to block measurement light during zero point correction, then zero point correction can be performed, but the number of components and assembly steps increases, complicating the probe structure and increasing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezero point correction capabilityVSAvoidprobe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the light blocking function from a dedicated shutter mechanism and integrates it into the existing galvanometer mirror system. The galvanometer mirror is controlled to redirect measurement light away from the subject during zero point correction, eliminating the need for a separate shutter component while maintaining the required light blocking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The galvanometer mirror, originally designed solely for scanning measurement light across the subject during imaging, is given a dual function: it also redirects light away from the subject during zero point correction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional components and simplifies the overall probe structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the probe is directed toward air during zero point correction to block reflected signals, then zero point correction can be performed, but there is a risk of laser exposure to patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezero point correction capabilityVSAvoidlaser exposure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The galvanometer mirror acts as an intermediary element that redirects measurement light away from the subject during zero point correction. Instead of directing the probe toward air (which creates laser exposure risk), the mirror serves as a mediator to safely redirect light within the probe, preventing harmful laser exposure while enabling zero point correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical action of directing the probe toward air with a controlled optical redirection using the galvanometer mirror. This substitution maintains the zero point correction functionality while eliminating the safety hazard of laser exposure to patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a shutter mechanism is added to block measurement light, then zero point correction is enabled, but the number of components and assembly steps increases, increasing manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezero point correction capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The galvanometer mirror is designed to perform multiple functions: scanning measurement light during imaging and redirecting light away from the subject during zero point correction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional components, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing cost while maintaining zero point correction capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The light blocking function is extracted from a dedicated shutter mechanism and integrated into the existing galvanometer mirror control system. This approach eliminates the need for separate shutter components and assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 configuration simplifies the probe structure, reduces costs, and enables safe zero point correction by preventing laser return to the reflecting mirrors, allowing for clear image adjustment without additional components.

Implementation Method 1

a scanning means composed of galvanometer mirrors for changing an irradiation direction of the measurement light, wherein the scanning means includes actuators for switching reflecting mirrors, which reflect the measurement light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10555673B2Probe, optical coherence tomography device, and zero point correction method

Publication Date: 2020.02.11 YOSHIDA DENTAL MFG

AI summary

A probe (1) is used in an optical coherence tomography device which irradiates measurement light to a subject and collects scattered light that has returned from the subject after being reflected. The probe (1) is provided with a scanning means (70) composed of galvanometer mirrors (72, 73) that change an irradiation direction of the measurement light. The scanning means (70) is provided with actuators (72b, 73b) which switch reflecting mirrors (72a, 73a) that reflect the measurement light between a state where the measurement light is reflected by the subject and returns as the scattered light, and a state where the measurement light is diffusely reflected within the probe (1).