OCT Apparatus Parallel Preliminary Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmologic observation apparatuses using OCT require extensive preliminary operations such as alignment, focus adjustment, and polarization adjustment, which are time-consuming and burdensome for subjects.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmologic observation apparatus with a controller that manages preliminary operations by storing operating conditions and transferring/terminating criteria, allowing for parallel execution of certain operations to reduce overall preparation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple preliminary operations (alignment, focus adjustment, polarization adjustment) are performed sequentially, then each operation can be completed thoroughly, but the total preparation time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing optimal operating conditions (alignment parameters, focus settings, polarization angles) in a lookup table based on subjective refractive power values. When a measurement is initiated, the system directly retrieves pre-computed settings rather than performing time-consuming real-time adjustments, thereby maintaining high precision while dramatically reducing preparation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the preliminary operation process into distinct components (alignment, focus adjustment, polarization adjustment) that can be independently optimized and executed. Each segment has its own control parameters and adjustment mechanisms, allowing the system to process multiple segments in parallel or selectively execute only necessary segments based on the subject's refractive characteristics, thus reducing overall preparation time while maintaining quality.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of each preliminary operation parameter is performed, then precise control is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining optimal operating parameters based on the subject's refractive power measurements. The control unit autonomously selects alignment angles, focus positions, and polarization settings from pre-stored data without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining precise parameter control while dramatically simplifying the operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the measured refractive power values are continuously monitored and used to dynamically adjust operating parameters. The control unit compares real-time measurements with target values and automatically modifies alignment, focus, and polarization settings to maintain optimal conditions, ensuring precision while eliminating the need for complex manual adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive preliminary operations are performed for all possible eye conditions, then all subjects can be accurately measured, but the system complexity and adjustment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system manages complexity by organizing operating parameters into discrete categories corresponding to different refractive conditions (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism). Instead of continuously adjustable parameters, the system uses predefined parameter sets that can be rapidly selected based on the subject's eye type, maintaining comprehensive adaptability while simplifying the control structure and reducing system 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
This approach significantly shortens the time required for OCT preparation by enabling simultaneous performance of preliminary operations, thereby reducing the burden on subjects.
Implementation Method 1
irradiates low-coherence light beam to an object, superposes its reflected light and reference light to generate interference light, and acquires spectral intensity distribution of the interference light
Implementation Method 2
executes Fourier transform to image morphology in a depth direction (z-direction) of the object
Implementation Method 3
provided with a galvano mirror for scanning light beams (signal light) along one direction (x-direction) perpendicular to the z-direction
Implementation Method 4
scans wavelengths of light irradiated to an object (wavelength sweeping), detects interference light obtained by superposing reflected lights of the respective wavelengths on reference light
Implementation Method 5
detects interference light obtained by superposing reflected lights of the respective wavelengths on reference light
Implementation Method 6
irradiates light having predetermined beam diameter to an object and analyzes components of interference light obtained by superposing reflected light thereof and reference light, thereby forming an image of a cross section of the object orthogonal to irradiating direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A time required for preparation for OCT is shortened. A measuring optical system of an ophthalmologic observation apparatus of an embodiment performs OCT of an eye. An image forming part forms an image based on information acquired by OCT. A preliminary operation performing part performs a plurality of preliminary operations for OCT. Storage stores, for at least one specific preliminary operation among the plurality of preliminary operations, operating condition information including a transferring condition for transferring to a different preliminary operation and a terminating condition for terminating a specific preliminary operation in advance. A controller controls the preliminary operation performing part to commence a specific preliminary operation, controls the preliminary operation performing part to commence a different preliminary operation when the transferring condition of this specific preliminary operation is satisfied, and controls the preliminary operation performing part to terminate this specific preliminary operation when the terminating condition of this specific preliminary operation is satisfied.