OCT Image Processing Apparatus Cross-Sectional Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is difficult to appropriately set a cross-sectional position at a predetermined angle relative to the specific direction of tissue in ophthalmologic photographing apparatuses for acquiring tomographic images, which hinders effective image generation for diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes an OCT optical system, an observation optical system, and a controller, allowing for the setting of a cross-sectional position with a predetermined angle relative to a reference line, enabling precise alignment and scanning of measurement light for generating tomographic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual setting of cross-sectional position is used in ophthalmologic photographing apparatus, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but it becomes difficult to appropriately set the cross-sectional position at a predetermined angle relative to specific tissue direction
Solution Approach 1:
A reference line is introduced as an intermediary element to facilitate the setting of cross-sectional positions. The reference line is displayed on the fundus image and serves as a visual guide for operators to set cross-sectional positions at predetermined angles relative to specific tissue directions (such as the papilla-macula line), thereby improving positioning accuracy without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an image-processing-based approach. By displaying the reference line on the monitor and allowing operators to visually align cross-sectional positions with the reference line, the system substitutes complex mechanical angle-adjustment mechanisms with a simpler computational imaging and display system
2Measurement precision
If automated angle-based positioning system is implemented, then cross-sectional position setting accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs image processing and display technology to replace complex automated mechanical positioning systems. The controller displays the reference line on the monitor based on image data, and operators use this visual information to set cross-sectional positions, thereby achieving accurate angle-based positioning through software and display rather than complex hardware automation
Solution Approach 2:
The reference line is generated as a visual copy or overlay on the fundus image displayed on the monitor. This virtual reference line contains the angular information needed for accurate positioning, allowing operators to align cross-sectional positions with tissue directions (such as perpendicular to the papilla-macula line) without requiring physical angle-measurement devices
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
Enables the generation of tomographic images that are useful for diagnosis by allowing accurate setting of cross-sectional positions relative to specific tissue directions, facilitating the examination of structures like the fundus and blood vessels.
Implementation Method 1
optical coherent tomography (OCT) using low coherent light
Implementation Method 2
generates a tomographic image based on a reflected light of the measurement light
Data Source
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AI summary
An image processing apparatus configured to process a tomographic image of an object to be examined, includes: a processor; and memory storing computer readable instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the image processing apparatus to: set a reference line, which is used as a reference for setting a cross sectional position, on a front image of the object, the cross sectional position being one of a position where a two-dimensional tomographic image is acquired from three-dimensional data of the object, and a position where measurement light for generating a tomographic image is scanned; and set the cross sectional position having a predetermined angle as an angle relative to the set reference line.