Automatic OCT Imager Alignment via Processor-Controlled XYZ Stage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) systems require skilled operators for alignment and optimization, leading to lengthy examination times and less effective imagery, especially in small clinical settings where experience is limited.
Innovation Solution
An automatic alignment system that uses a processor-controlled XYZ translations stage, combining light from scanning and alignment optics, with far and near cameras to align the OCT imager, and adjusts the OCT signal strength and polarization to facilitate easy and efficient image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment and optimization steps are used, then alignment precision can be achieved, but examination time increases and operator skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting eye features (pupil, iris, corneal reflections) and adjusting optical components without operator intervention. The processor controls the XYZ translations stage to position the imager relative to the patient's eye based on detected feature positions, eliminating the need for manual joystick alignment while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment (joystick operation) with automated electronic control. The processor uses image processing algorithms to detect eye features and automatically controls the XYZ translations stage, substituting the operator's mechanical adjustments with computational algorithms and automated actuation.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment and optimization steps are used, then alignment precision can be achieved, but operator skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting eye features (pupil, iris, corneal reflections) and adjusting optical components without operator intervention. The processor controls the XYZ translations stage to position the imager relative to the patient's eye based on detected feature positions, eliminating the need for manual joystick alignment while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment (joystick operation) with automated electronic control. The processor uses image processing algorithms to detect eye features and automatically controls the XYZ translations stage, substituting the operator's mechanical adjustments with computational algorithms and automated actuation.
3Reliability
If multiple alignment and optimization steps are performed manually, then imaging quality can be optimized, but examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment and optimization automatically before image capture. The processor detects eye features and adjusts the XYZ translations stage position in advance, establishing optimal imaging conditions prior to actual image acquisition. This eliminates the need for multiple iterative manual adjustment steps during the examination.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated alignment process continuously monitors and adjusts optical parameters without interruption. The processor continuously detects eye features and adjusts the imager position to maintain optimal alignment throughout the examination, eliminating the discontinuous nature of manual adjustment steps.
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
The system enables non-invasive, automatic alignment and optimization of OCT imagers, reducing operator dependency and examination time, resulting in more effective and efficient imaging processes.
Implementation Method 1
a processor-controlled XYZ translations stage to move the imager relative to the patient's eye
Implementation Method 2
combining light from scanning and alignment optics, with far and near cameras to align the OCT imager
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Embodiments of automatically aligning imager are presented. In accordance with some embodiments, an imaging system includes an adjustment stage; an auto-alignment optics mounted on the adjustment stage and coupled to image an object, the auto-alignment optics including at least one video camera providing an image of the object; imaging scanning optics mounted on the adjustment stage and coupled to scan the object; an imager coupled to the imaging scanning optics; and a processor coupled to the adjustment stage and the auto-alignment optics, the processor executing instructions to receive the image of the object and adjust the adjustment stage to align the optics with the imaging scanning optics.