OCT Axial Motion Compensation for Stable Real-Time Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems face challenges in maintaining image quality during real-time imaging due to axial motion of the sample, leading to defocused images and potential loss of the image from the field of view.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adapts parameters of the OCT imaging system, such as the focal position of the sample arm and the axial position of the reference arm mirror, based on changes in the axial position of the sample, using image processing and machine learning methods to stabilize the image and compensate for motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time imaging is performed without motion compensation, then imaging speed is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to axial motion of the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the axial position of the subject between consecutive image frames and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust imaging parameters. The system determines the change in axial position (dz) from image data and automatically compensates by adjusting the focal position or reference arm position, creating a closed-loop control that maintains image quality during real-time imaging without sacrificing imaging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static imaging parameters to dynamic adjustment of focal position and reference arm position based on real-time subject motion. The control system adapts the optical focus and axial position of the reference arm mirror dynamically during the imaging process, allowing the system to respond to subject motion while maintaining optimal imaging conditions for real-time acquisition.
2Manufacturing precision
If the focal position is adjusted to compensate for axial motion, then image quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions: it processes image data to determine axial position changes, calculates compensation amounts, and controls both the focal position and reference arm position. This multi-functional approach consolidates motion detection and compensation control into a single system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining image quality through coordinated adjustment of multiple imaging parameters.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the axial position of the reference arm is adjusted to compensate for motion, then image stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring axial position changes from image data and automatically adjusting the reference arm position to compensate. This closed-loop approach stabilizes the optical path length difference between sample and reference arms, maintaining image stability while using software-based control to minimize the need for additional hardware complexity.
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 effectively stabilizes OCT images by dynamically adjusting optical focus and reference arm positions, ensuring high-quality, real-time imaging even with sample motion, particularly useful for large structures like the cornea or during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Optical coherence tomography is based on low-coherence interferometry, typically employing near-infrared light
Implementation Method 2
swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) can be used, in which a frequency of the light is varied over time
Implementation Method 3
spectral domain OCT (also known as Fourier domain OCT), as will also be described later... with a diffraction grating or other dispersive detector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a control system (130) for controlling optical coherence tomography imaging means for imaging a subject (190), the control system being configured to perform the following steps: receiving scan data (122) from the subject (190) being acquired by means of optical coherence tomography, performing data processing on the scan data (122), and obtaining image data (142) for an image (144) of the subject, and the processing system (130) further being configured to adapting, based on a change of a value, the value characterizing an axial position (z) of the subject (190) with respect to the OCT imaging means, between two sets of image data, at least one parameter of the OCT imaging means, to a processing system, to an OCT imaging system (100) and a corresponding method.