OCT Topography with Image Sensor Trace for Eye Movement Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scheimpflug corneal topography suffers from distortion due to eye movement during mechanical camera rotation, and existing OCT imaging techniques face challenges in accurately capturing detailed data while accounting for target movement.
Innovation Solution
An optical system combining OCT with an image sensor and processing circuit to project a beam scan, capture its trace on a target surface, and process the data to generate and modify coordinate maps, accounting for both global and detailed coordinates to minimize distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical camera rotation is used to capture full 360° view, then complete corneal topography can be obtained, but distortion occurs due to eye movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating camera system with a fixed optical system that uses an OCT beam scanner to project scanning patterns. The camera remains stationary while the beam scans across the cornea in predetermined patterns (radial, concentric, or other configurations), eliminating mechanical movement and its associated distortion from eye motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures a reference image of the corneal surface before performing the beam scan. This reference image is used to generate coordinate transformations that compensate for any eye movement during scanning. By establishing the initial state beforehand, the system can correct for subsequent movements and maintain measurement accuracy throughout the 360° coverage.
2Loss of information
If OCT beam scanning is used to obtain detailed internal structure, then three dimensional imaging capability is achieved, but coordinate accuracy deteriorates due to target movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two imaging approaches: OCT beam scanning for internal structure and 2D image capture for surface coordinate reference. The OCT system provides detailed cross-sectional information while the simultaneous 2D image provides accurate surface positioning. By combining these complementary techniques, the system achieves both internal detail and coordinate precision even when the target moves during scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the captured 2D reference image to generate coordinate transformation data that is applied to correct the OCT beam scan coordinates. This feedback mechanism allows real-time compensation for target movement by using the reference image as a baseline to adjust and maintain coordinate accuracy throughout the scanning process.
3Measurement precision
If coordinate transformation is applied to correct eye movement, then imaging accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that generates coordinate transformation matrices based on the reference image and applies these transformations to the OCT data. This intermediary processing step acts as a bridge between the raw OCT measurements and the final corrected images, systematically handling the complexity of coordinate corrections through standardized mathematical transformations rather than ad-hoc adjustments.
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 approach provides improved topographical imaging by accurately determining target characteristics and surface profiles, reducing distortion and enhancing the accuracy of 3D models and refractive measurements.
Implementation Method 1
OCT imaging techniques are often used in a medical setting. The techniques are capable of producing three dimensional images from within optical scattering samples, such as biological tissue. In other words, light scattered by a sample can be detected in order to form an image of the sample.
Data Source
AI summary
An OCT system is arranged to capture a three-dimensional (3D) OCT scan of a target. The OCT system projects a beam scan towards the target, and the OCT system generates data corresponding to the beam scan. Additionally, an image sensor is arranged to capture an image of a trace of the beam scan on a surface of the target. Using the image of the trace, various characteristics of the target are determined.