OCT Imaging Light Intensity Control for Simultaneous Eye Biometrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing OCT images and other eye images simultaneously face challenges in preventing light interference between measurement modalities, leading to longer measurement times and reduced reproducibility due to sequential or optical separation methods, which increase equipment demands and costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows for simultaneous recording of OCT and other images by controlling the intensity of reflected light and synchronization of image captures, ensuring minimal overlap and disruption, with OCT images recorded at lower light intensity and other images taken during specific exposure times to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential recording of OCT and other images is used, then light interference between measurement modalities is avoided, but measurement time increases and reproducibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements simultaneous recording of OCT and other images (such as fundus images or keratometric images) using a single light source and optical path. The control unit coordinates the timing so that OCT images and other images are captured in overlapping time windows, eliminating sequential measurement delays and ensuring all measurements occur at the same eye position, thereby improving reproducibility while reducing measurement time.
2Productivity
If simultaneous recording of OCT and other images is used, then measurement time is reduced and reproducibility is improved, but light interference between measurement modalities occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic timing control where the light source alternates between OCT imaging mode and other imaging modes (such as fundus or keratometric imaging). By carefully coordinating the periodic activation of different imaging modalities within their respective exposure times, the system achieves simultaneous recording capability while preventing light interference through temporal separation of light emission and detection windows.
3Productivity
If optical separation or beam splitting is used to prevent light interference, then simultaneous recording is enabled, but device complexity and equipment demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal light source and optical path that serves multiple imaging modalities (OCT, fundus imaging, keratometric imaging) simultaneously. The single light source is controlled to emit light at different intensities and timing for different imaging purposes, eliminating the need for separate light sources, beam splitters, or polarization separation systems. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity while maintaining simultaneous measurement capability.
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 simultaneous production of OCT and other eye images without light interference, improving reproducibility and reducing equipment demands, thus shortening measurement time and maintaining high precision without increasing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The basic principle of the OCT method is based on white light interferometry and compares the propagation time of a signal with the aid of an interferometer (generally a Michelson interferometer). The interference of the signals from both arms produces a pattern from which the relative optical path length within an A-scan (single depth signal) can be read out.
Implementation Method 2
a method for producing OCT images and other images of an eye, from which images the geometric parameters of the eye can be determined
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring the geometric parameters of the eye. These measurements, known by the term biometrics, are particularly significant for the calculation of intraocular lenses after previous refractive cornea surgery. OCT images and other images are recorded simultaneously, the intensity of the reflected light generated during the OCT image recordings being lower by a factor of 2, by a factor of 10 or by a factor of 100, than the intensity of the illumination light of the other image recordings. The solution provides a method for producing other image recordings, in addition to OCT recordings, in the form of representations of the sclera or of the fundus, or keratometric, topographic or biometric measurements, or even short image sequences, for instance, while aligning the device with the eye.