Frequency-Swept Light Source OCT Imaging with Multi-ADC Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems face challenges in accurately acquiring information over a wide range in a single scanning cycle due to varying optical path lengths for central and peripheral fundus regions, leading to time-consuming image processing and potential inaccuracies in wide-angle fundus inspections.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus employing a light source for frequency-swept light, an interference unit for generating coherent light, at least two analog-to-digital converters for data conversion, an association unit for indexing data arrays, and an integration unit for generating images based on these arrays, allowing for accurate section information acquisition even with increased image acquisition ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the range of image acquisition in one scanning cycle is increased to cover a wider field angle, then the observation area of the tomographic image is widened, but the optical path lengths of the irradiation light significantly vary for central and peripheral portions of the fundus, causing inaccurate section information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data acquisition process into multiple segments by using multiple A/D converters, each handling a specific wavelength range. This segmentation allows independent optimization of sampling for each segment, ensuring accurate section information across the entire wide field of view while maintaining equal wavenumber intervals in the integrated data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sampling parameter strategy by using multiple A/D converters with different sampling rates matched to different wavelength ranges. This parameter differentiation ensures that each converter operates at optimal sampling conditions, and the association unit integrates them with equal wavenumber intervals, resolving the optical path length variation issue across the wide field
2Productivity
If multiple A/D converters are used to handle different wavelength ranges, then the data acquisition speed and accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple conversion units and association requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wavelength spectrum into multiple ranges, each handled by a dedicated A/D converter. This segmentation enables parallel data acquisition across different wavelength ranges, significantly improving data acquisition speed while the association unit provides a systematic method for integrating the segmented data with equal wavenumber intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The association unit serves multiple functions: it associates indices from different A/D converters, integrates the segmented data arrays, and ensures equal wavenumber interval sampling across all converters. This multi-functional component manages the complexity of having multiple converters while providing a unified output
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 high-speed, accurate acquisition of tomographic images over a wide range in a single scanning cycle, improving the efficiency and accuracy of fundus inspections by integrating data from multiple A/D converters to achieve equal wavenumber interval sampling.
Implementation Method 1
light is irradiated on an object while changing a wavelength of the irradiation light to cause interference between reflected light, which is obtained as the irradiation light returning from different depths of the object, and reference light corresponding to the irradiation light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an imaging apparatus, including: a light source which irradiates light that is frequency swept; an interference unit which diverges the irradiation light into irradiation light, which is to be irradiated on an object to be inspected, and reference light, to generate coherent light from reflected light of the irradiation light from the object to be inspected and the reference light; at least two conversion units which subject at least two analog signals, which are obtained by diverging an analog signal of the coherent light, to analog-to-digital conversion; an association unit which associates indices of at least two data arrays obtained by the analog-to-digital conversion; an integration unit which integrates the at least two data arrays based on the associated indices; and an image generating unit which generates an image of the object to be inspected based on a data array obtained by the integration.