Ophthalmic Analysis System Using Scheimpflug and OCT Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmological imaging methods, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Scheimpflug systems, face challenges in achieving high-resolution, quick image recording of the eye due to limitations in longitudinal and transverse resolution, and are prone to measurement errors from eye movements during scanning.
Innovation Solution
A method and system combining a Scheimpflug camera with an optical coherence interferometer, utilizing a beam steering device with a tilting mirror and concave mirror to maintain a constant optical path length, allowing simultaneous recording of high-resolution images with reduced impact from eye movements, and enabling the combination of datasets for enhanced information density and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical coherence tomography (OCT) is used to obtain cross-sectional images of the eye, then detailed examination of ocular tissue is achieved, but image acquisition time is extended and measurement errors occur due to eye movements during scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging task into two segments: a first analysis system (Scheimpflug camera) that captures a large area of the eye segment quickly, and a second analysis system (OCT) that provides detailed cross-sectional images of specific regions. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both the speed of Scheimpflug imaging and the detail of OCT without suffering from the drawbacks of either alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The first analysis system performs preliminary imaging to capture the overall structure and identify regions of interest before the second analysis system performs detailed OCT scanning. This preliminary action allows the OCT to focus only on relevant areas, reducing total acquisition time and minimizing the impact of eye movements during the detailed scanning phase.
2Measurement precision
If OCT scanning is performed to obtain detailed cross-sectional images, then measurement precision is improved, but eye movements during scanning cause measurement errors and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the first analysis system to continuously monitor eye position and movements, providing feedback that allows real-time adjustment of the OCT scanning parameters. This feedback mechanism enables the system to compensate for eye movements during scanning, maintaining measurement reliability while preserving the high precision of OCT imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The first analysis system performs preliminary assessment of eye position and identifies stable regions before initiating OCT scanning. This preliminary action allows the system to plan the scanning path to avoid areas affected by eye movements, thereby maintaining measurement reliability.
3Productivity
If Scheimpflug system is used to capture cross-sectional images, then quick image recording is achieved, but longitudinal and transverse resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outputs of two different analysis systems: the quick but lower-resolution images from the Scheimpflug camera and the detailed but slower cross-sectional images from the OCT. By combining these datasets, the system achieves both rapid imaging capability and high measurement precision, with the OCT data supplementing the Scheimpflug images in regions where detailed resolution is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different imaging qualities to different regions of the eye: using the faster Scheimpflug imaging for areas where high speed is sufficient, and supplementing with high-resolution OCT data only in regions where detailed longitudinal and transverse resolution is critical, such as optical interfaces and layered structures.
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 high-resolution, rapid image recording of the eye with reduced measurement errors, allowing for precise determination of eye geometry and optical interfaces, and the creation of detailed three-dimensional models with improved accuracy and reduced distortion.
Implementation Method 1
Optical coherence interferometry uses an interferometer to employ coherent light for imaging and distance measurement of reflective and scattering ocular tissue
Implementation Method 2
employ coherent light for imaging and distance measurement
Implementation Method 3
an eye is illuminated with a light slit by means of a projection device, and an image of the resulting cross-sectional image is captured
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an ophthalmological analysis system (10) for examining an eye, in particular in the region of an anterior segment (20) of an eye (17), with the ophthalmological analysis system comprising a first analysis system (11) for obtaining cross-sectional images (22) of the eye, wherein the first analysis system is formed from a projection device (12) and an observation device (13) which are arranged relative to each other according to the Scheimpflug rule, and comprising a second analysis system (28) for obtaining cross-sectional images (35) of the eye, wherein the second analysis system is formed from an optical coherence interferometer, wherein the ophthalmological analysis system comprises a processing device, wherein a first image data set is obtained with the first analysis system and a second image data set is obtained with the second analysis system from at least one corresponding recording plane (18) of the eye.wherein the processing unit processes the first and the second image data set, wherein the first image data set is at least partially supplemented with data from the second image data set by means of the processing unit.