Integrated OCT Microscope Imaging System for Eye Examination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems face limitations in imaging both anterior and posterior portions of the eye effectively, particularly due to mechanical inaccuracies in Time-Domain OCT and the need for different setups for varying depths in Frequency-Domain OCT.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a microscope system with an OCT system that employs principles of Frequency-Domain OCT, specifically Spectral-Domain OCT and Swept-Source OCT, allowing for adjustable axial and lateral resolutions, and the use of adjustable light sources and optics to accommodate varying depths and anatomical structures within the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Time-Domain OCT is used, then imaging capability is provided, but mechanical inaccuracies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical moving mirror system of Time-Domain OCT with a stationary mirror and spectral dispersion system. Instead of mechanically scanning the reference arm, the system uses a diffraction grating or prism to disperse light spectrally, achieving depth encoding without mechanical motion in the reference path. This substitution eliminates mechanical inaccuracies while maintaining OCT imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic spectral sampling across the visible spectrum to encode depth information. By systematically varying the wavelength across discrete spectral channels (e.g., using a spectrum camera with multiple pixels), the system achieves periodic depth encoding that replaces continuous mechanical scanning, improving reliability while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If Frequency-Domain OCT is used, then mechanical inaccuracies are reduced, but different setups are needed for varying depths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a unified Frequency-Domain OCT system that can image both anterior and posterior eye structures using the same optical platform. By implementing adjustable illumination optics and variable magnification objectives, the system achieves multi-functionality, eliminating the need for separate mechanical setups for different depth ranges while maintaining high mechanical accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through variable optical power illumination optics and interchangeable objectives with different magnifications. These dynamic elements allow the system to adapt to varying imaging depths (anterior vs. posterior eye structures) without requiring mechanical reconfiguration, maintaining reliability while improving versatility.
3Device complexity
If single imaging system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges microscope imaging and OCT imaging capabilities into a single integrated system. Both imaging modalities share common optical components including the objective lens, illumination path, and detection platform. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to separate systems while providing comprehensive imaging capability for both reflective and scattering tissue structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal imaging platform that performs both microscope imaging and OCT imaging functions. The system uses the same optical train for both modalities, with the ability to switch between reflective imaging (microscope) and scattering imaging (OCT) modes. This multi-functionality approach reduces device complexity while expanding imaging capabilities across different tissue types and depths.
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 comprehensive imaging of both anterior and posterior eye portions with improved axial and lateral resolutions, reducing mechanical inaccuracies and allowing for adaptable imaging modalities to suit different anatomical features.
Implementation Method 1
measuring light returned from the object is superimposed with a reference light having traversed a reference arm of the interferometer such that the superimposed portions of light may interfere with each other
Implementation Method 2
the superimposed portions of light may interfere with each other. Intensities of the interfering light are detected. Measuring light returning from different portions of the object experiences different phase differences relative to the reference light, resulting in different detected light intensities after superposition with the reference light
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging systems are provided allowing examination of different object regions spaced apart in a depth direction by visual microscopy and by optical coherence tomography. An axial field of view and a lateral resolution is varied depending on which object region is examined by the imaging system. The proposed imaging systems are in particular applicable for thorough examination of the human eye.