Ocular Fundus Autofluorescence via OCT Reflectivity Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining autofluorescence of the ocular fundus are time-consuming, uncomfortable for patients, and complex, particularly when using blue light, which requires high brightness and numerous averages due to the weak autofluorescence signal.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) to generate three-dimensional images of the ocular fundus, dividing them into two-dimensional cross-sections, creating reflectivity and layer thickness maps, and determining autofluorescence values based on reflectivity and layer thickness, allowing for quick and easy pseudo-autofluorescence detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blue light is used for autofluorescence detection, then autofluorescence signal can be captured, but measurement time increases and patient comfort deteriorates due to weak signal requiring high brightness and numerous averages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reflectivity as an intermediary parameter to indirectly determine autofluorescence. Instead of directly detecting the weak autofluorescence signal with blue light, the system measures the reflectivity of retinal pigment epithelium granules, which correlates with autofluorescence intensity. This intermediary approach allows rapid measurement without requiring high brightness or numerous averages.
2Measurement precision
If blue light is used for autofluorescence detection, then autofluorescence signal can be captured, but device complexity increases due to requirement for high brightness and numerous averages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflectivity as an intermediary measurement that simplifies the system requirements. By measuring reflectivity instead of direct autofluorescence, the system avoids the need for complex high-brightness light sources and multiple averaging operations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Reliability
If conventional autofluorescence methods are used, then diagnosis can be performed, but ease of operation decreases due to long measurement times and bright dazzling light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reflectivity as an intermediary that enables rapid measurement with minimal patient discomfort. The reflectivity measurement can be performed quickly without requiring the patient to endure bright dazzling light or long measurement times, while still providing reliable diagnostic information through the correlation between reflectivity and autofluorescence.
4Measurement precision
If direct autofluorescence detection is used, then accurate measurement can be obtained, but measurement speed decreases due to weak signal requiring numerous averages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reflectivity as an intermediary parameter that enables both accurate and rapid measurement. By measuring reflectivity of retinal pigment epithelium granules, the system achieves accurate autofluorescence assessment without requiring numerous averages, thereby significantly improving measurement speed while maintaining precision.
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 enables rapid, comfortable, and efficient measurement of autofluorescence, leveraging the strong reflective properties of retinal pigment epithelium granules, providing accurate autofluorescence maps that can indicate pathological changes without direct detection of the weak autofluorescence signal.
Implementation Method 1
Detecting of an ocular fundus by means of optical coherence tomography
Implementation Method 2
the granules also have light-reflecting properties
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the autofluorescence of an ocular fundus of an eye includes detecting of an ocular fundus by means of optical coherence tomography and providing of a detected three-dimensional image of the ocular fundus including several retinal layers to an evaluation unit. Furthermore, the method includes dividing the three-dimensional image into a plurality of two-dimensional cross-sections per retinal layer and combining a plurality of cross-sections to form at least one reflectivity map and at least one layer thickness map per retinal layer, with the reflectivity map including the reflectivity of the retinal layer and the layer thickness map comprises the layer thickness of the retinal layer. Additionally, the method includes dividing the reflectivity maps and the layer thickness map each into several pixels, determining at least one reflectivity value and the layer thickness per pixel, and determining an autofluorescence value using the reflectivity value and the layer thickness per pixel.