Volumetric OCT Imaging Using Surface Feature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images lack color information and are prone to motion artifacts due to relative movement between the OCT probe and the sample, resulting in skewed and reduced-resolution images.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines volumetric imaging with surface image properties, such as color or spatial position, to improve the quality of depth images by associating surface features with corresponding volume types and correcting for motion artifacts using positional information and mechanical adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If OCT imaging is performed using linear scanning light across the surface of the sample, then depth information can be captured, but motion artifacts occur causing skewed images with reduced resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures surface images during volumetric OCT acquisition and uses detected surface feature positions to correct depth image coordinates. This feedback mechanism compensates for probe motion in real-time, maintaining both high resolution and accuracy despite movement during scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
Surface images act as an intermediary between the moving probe and the volumetric OCT data. By detecting surface features in these intermediate images and using them to correct depth image positioning, the system resolves the conflict between motion during scanning and image quality.
2Length of stationary object
If OCT imaging captures only a narrow range of wavelengths, then depth penetration is achieved, but color information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges surface images containing color information with volumetric OCT depth images. By combining these complementary data sources, the system achieves both depth penetration from OCT and color information from surface imaging, creating enhanced volumetric images with both structural and chromatic details.
3Measurement precision
If the OCT probe is held stationary relative to the object, then high resolution images are obtained, but the system lacks adaptability to movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static imaging approach to a dynamic one by continuously capturing surface images during volumetric acquisition and using real-time surface feature detection to correct for probe motion. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high resolution images even when the probe moves relative to the sample.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method of volumetric imaging of a sample. The method comprises providing a plurality of depth images of a region of interest of the sample using a volumetric imaging system. The region of interest is below a surface area of interest of the sample. Each depth image is associated with a layer or slice of the region of interest and the plurality of depth images together forming a volumetric image of the region of interest. The method further comprises providing a surface image of the surface area of interest of the sample and identifying a surface image property of a surface feature of the surface area of interest. The method also comprises processing the plurality of depth images of the region of interest using the surface image property of the surface feature to improve a property of the depth images of the region of interest.