Off-axis Optical Imaging Device Artifact Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Artifacts from primary fixation targets can affect optical imaging of the eye, leading to issues like shadows, blurring, or obscuration in acquired images, which hinder the creation of clear and comprehensive eye images.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging device with multiple off-axis imaging channels that cross each other within the eye, allowing for the generation of composite images by overlapping and averaging individual images to remove artifacts, thereby creating a seamless and clear image of the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a primary fixation target is used for ocular imaging, then the patient can maintain proper fixation and alignment, but artifacts (shadows, blurring, obscuration) are generated on the imaged portion of the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple independent imaging channels (at least two), each capturing images from different angles. This segmentation allows the system to obtain multiple views of the eye, where artifacts present in one channel may be absent or reduced in another channel, enabling artifact removal through image fusion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image processing algorithms as an intermediary to combine images from multiple channels. The processing system identifies and removes artifacts by comparing corresponding regions across channels, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements of maintaining fixation and eliminating artifacts
2Reliability
If multiple imaging channels are used to remove artifacts, then artifact-free composite images are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging function into multiple channels with different optical paths and viewing angles. This segmentation enables the capture of redundant information from which artifacts can be eliminated, improving image reliability while distributing the complexity across modular channel units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges images from multiple imaging channels into a single composite image through image processing. This combining operation consolidates the redundant information into a unified artifact-free output, achieving high reliability while managing device complexity through intelligent data fusion
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 solution enables the removal of artifacts from primary fixation targets, resulting in a contiguous and artifact-free composite image with a greater field of view than any single image, enhancing the accuracy and clarity of ocular imaging.
Implementation Method 1
each imaging channel of the plurality of imaging channels may include a discrete optical imaging pathway... each optical imaging pathway is directed towards a pupil of the eye
Implementation Method 2
a primary fixation target configured to emit optical signals along a primary fixation target projection path towards the pupil of the eye
Implementation Method 3
allowing for the generation of composite images by overlapping and averaging individual images to remove artifacts
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging device includes a support structure and imaging channels, where each imaging channel includes a discrete optical imaging pathway. The imaging channels may be disposed within the support structure, and the imaging channels may be aimed at different angles relative to each other such that each optical imaging pathway is directed towards a pupil of the eye. Additionally, the optical imaging device may include a primary fixation target configured to emit optical signals along a primary fixation target projection path towards the pupil of the eye. Further, an artifact of the primary fixation target may be generated onto a portion of the eye to be imaged.