Fourier-Domain OCT Retinal Stimulus Positioning for Faster ORG
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ORG techniques using OCT imaging systems require prolonged dark adaptation periods to acquire data from different portions of the retina, which is time-consuming and uncomfortable for patients, limiting the acquisition rate and clinical efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A Fourier-domain OCT apparatus that applies an optical stimulus confined to specific portions of the retina, allowing simultaneous data acquisition without additional dark adaptation, using a controllable optical system and scanning elements to vary the stimulus location while maintaining a fixed gaze direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional ORG techniques are used to acquire data from different portions of the retina, then complete retinal coverage is achieved, but prolonged dark adaptation periods are required which increases time consumption and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the retinal imaging process into two independent functional segments: (1) an optical stimulus system that can be dynamically positioned to illuminate different retinal locations, and (2) an FD-OCT imaging system that acquires data from a target portion. This segmentation allows the stimulus to be applied locally without requiring global dark adaptation, enabling rapid sequential imaging of multiple retinal portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic positioning of the optical stimulus relative to the retina while maintaining fixed gaze direction. The stimulus can be rapidly repositioned to different retinal locations through optical scanning or beam steering, allowing the system to adaptively target specific regions without requiring mechanical movement of the patient's eye or prolonged adaptation periods.
2Ease of operation
If the optical stimulus is applied to the entire retina, then comprehensive functional response is captured, but patient discomfort increases and imaging time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the optical stimulus locally to specific portions of the retina rather than uniformly across the entire retina. The FD-OCT imaging system is configured to capture functional responses from the stimulated region and adjacent areas, providing sufficient functional information while significantly reducing overall light exposure and patient discomfort.
3Reliability
If intense light sources are used for optical stimulus, then sufficient signal strength is achieved, but patient discomfort and potential retinal damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the optical stimulus energy on small, specific portions of the retina rather than distributing it across the entire retinal surface. This localized application allows the use of lower overall light intensity while maintaining sufficient signal-to-noise ratio in the stimulated regions, thereby improving signal quality without increasing retinal exposure risk.
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 rapid and comfortable acquisition of ORG data from multiple retinal locations, reducing patient discomfort and increasing the imaging rate, while allowing the use of less intense light sources and improving data quality.
Implementation Method 1
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique based on low-coherence interferometry
Implementation Method 2
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique based on low-coherence interferometry
Data Source
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AI summary
A Fourier-domain OCT apparatus for acquiring optoretinography data, comprising: a fixation target which fixes a gaze direction of an eye; an optical system which applies an optical stimulus which is confined to a portion of a retina of the eye whose location is controllable; an OCT imaging system which acquires OCT data from the retina; and a controller which: acquires a target location on the retina; uses the target location to control the optical system, while a position of the fixation target relative to the eye remains fixed, to apply the optical stimulus to a first portion of the retina at the target location; controls the OCT imaging system to acquire OCT data of a second portion of the retina which is stimulated by the applied optical stimulus during acquisition of the OCT data; and generates the ORG data based on the acquired OCT data.