OCT Image Layout for B-Scan Direction Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional OCT imaging systems fail to clearly differentiate between tomographic images obtained at different B-scan directions, making it difficult for users to recognize similarities or differences in displayed images without additional information.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that determines and displays the layout of tomographic images to explicitly reflect B-scan direction information, allowing users to intuitively recognize the relative orientation of B-scan directions by inclining or positioning images accordingly on the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple tomographic images are simultaneously displayed to provide sufficient diagnostic information, then the quantity of information increases, but it becomes unclear whether the displayed images are similar or different in B-scan direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by adding spatial arrangement as a new dimension to the display of tomographic images. Instead of merely overlaying multiple 2D images, the system arranges them in a 2D layout where positional relationships encode B-scan direction information. The layout positions images according to their B-scan directions, creating a visual map that preserves directional context without requiring additional textual annotations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a simplified visual representation (layout) that replicates the essential directional relationships between multiple tomographic images. The layout serves as a copy or abstraction of the complex spatial relationships, allowing users to understand B-scan direction differences without examining each full image in detail. This copied spatial arrangement makes the directional information accessible at a glance.
2Measurement precision
If additional information indicating B-scan direction differences is provided to clarify image relationships, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using visual attributes (such as color coding or visual emphasis) to differentiate B-scan directions in the layout. Different B-scan directions can be represented by different colors or visual styles, allowing users to immediately distinguish between images taken at different angles without requiring complex annotations or additional processing.
3Ease of operation
If tomographic images are arranged to reflect B-scan direction information, then ease of operation improves, but the layout determination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the layout determination to automatically extract and utilize B-scan direction information that is inherently contained in the tomographic image data. The system determines the layout based on the directional relationships already present in the acquired images, without requiring manual intervention or external input. The images essentially determine their own optimal arrangement based on their inherent directional properties.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image processing apparatus capable of acquiring OCT tomographic images that can be captured by an OCT imaging apparatus configured to scan a target to be captured with low-coherence light along a predetermined main scanning line. The image processing apparatus includes an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of OCT tomographic images of the target to be captured along a plurality of main scanning lines that are different in direction, and a display control unit configured to display the plurality of OCT tomographic images on a display screen using a layout that can express differences in the direction of each main scanning line so as to reflect a relative relationship between respective main scanning line directions with respect to the target to be captured in respective OCT tomographic images.