OCT Image Correction Using Front Image Pixel Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
The image quality of OCT images of the subject's eye is lower than that of front images, making it difficult for doctors to grasp the morphology of the fundus in detail using OCT images alone.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmological information processing apparatus that acquires both front images and OCT images of the subject's eye, and corrects pixel values in the OCT image based on corresponding pixel values in the front image, allowing for improved visualization of the morphology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If OCT imaging is used to obtain images of the fundus, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but image quality is insufficient for detailed morphology observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a front image (fundus photograph) as an intermediary reference image that contains high-quality morphology information. This front image is used to correct and enhance the OCT image, allowing the OCT to benefit from the detailed morphology data without requiring direct high-quality OCT imaging. The front image acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between non-invasive OCT measurement and detailed morphology observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pixel value correction by changing the intensity parameters of the OCT image based on the front image. Specifically, the pixel values in the OCT image are adjusted according to the corresponding pixel values in the front image, transforming the OCT image from low-quality to high-quality while maintaining the non-invasive measurement advantage.
2Measurement precision
If OCT measurement is performed with light beam incident from the pupil, then internal morphology imaging is achieved, but image detail is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The front image serves as an intermediary that contains detailed morphology information obtained through a different imaging path. This intermediary image is then used to enhance the OCT image, allowing the OCT measurement to achieve detailed morphology imaging capability without changing the fundamental OCT measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the front image as a reference copy that contains high-quality morphology information. By copying and applying the pixel value relationships from the front image to the OCT image, the system reproduces the detailed morphology characteristics in the OCT image, enhancing its imaging precision.
3Reliability
If only OCT images are used for diagnosis, then non-invasive measurement is maintained, but diagnostic accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the OCT image with the front image by applying pixel value correction. This combination allows the system to maintain the non-invasive OCT measurement while incorporating the detailed morphology information from the front image, thereby preventing loss of diagnostic information and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmological information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit and an image correcting unit. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire a front image depicting a predetermined site of a subject's eye in multiple gradations and an OCT image of the subject's eye. The image correcting unit is configured to correct a pixel value in a region including a first position of the predetermined site in the OCT image based on a pixel value at a second position corresponding to the first position in the front image.