Ophthalmic Imaging Apertures for Motion Artifact Reduction
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic imaging apparatuses face challenges in capturing enhanced images with desired orientation and are prone to motion artifacts due to involuntary eye movements and pulsing motions, as they often require multiple light receiving elements and complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic imaging apparatus with a first splitting unit to split return light into two beams, and independently movable apertures in the optical paths of these beams, allowing for the generation of images based on light reception signals and movement of apertures in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, enabling enhanced image capture while addressing motion artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple light receiving elements are used to capture enhanced images, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving element is divided into multiple light receiving regions (first, second, third, and fourth light receiving regions) that can independently receive light from different directions. This segmentation allows the single element to function as multiple elements, capturing enhanced images with improved quality while avoiding the complexity of using multiple separate light receiving elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light receiving element is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating multiple light receiving regions with different orientations. Each region can receive light from specific directions, enabling the element to capture diffused light from multiple angles simultaneously, thereby achieving enhanced image capture without increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light receiving elements are used to capture enhanced images, then image quality is improved, but the apparatus becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving element is divided into multiple light receiving regions (first, second, third, and fourth light receiving regions) that can independently receive light from different directions. This segmentation allows the single element to function as multiple elements, capturing enhanced images with improved quality while avoiding the complexity of using multiple separate light receiving elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light receiving regions are integrated into a single light receiving element, combining the functions of what would traditionally require multiple separate elements. This merging approach maintains compact apparatus size while achieving the image quality improvements associated with multiple light receiving elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If apertures are switched to change the region of received diffused light, then imaging capability is improved, but motion artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple light receiving regions operate simultaneously and continuously to receive diffused light from different directions. This continuous simultaneous operation eliminates the need to switch between different aperture configurations, thereby maintaining imaging versatility while reducing motion artifacts caused by switching delays and temporal discontinuities.
Solution Approach 2:
The light receiving regions are pre-configured to receive light from different directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for dynamic switching during image capture. This preliminary configuration of multiple receiving regions allows the system to adapt to different imaging needs while maintaining continuous operation, thereby reducing motion artifacts.
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 allows for the capture of enhanced images in desired orientations with improved handling of motion artifacts, providing high-resolution and edge-enhanced images suitable for diagnosis with a simpler and more compact apparatus configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a first splitting unit (706, 708, 714, 716) configured to split return light from a subject irradiated with measurement light into first and second light beams
Implementation Method 2
first and second light receiving units (704-2, 704-3) configured to receive the first and second light beams obtained by the first splitting unit through first and second apertures (722, 732) disposed in respective optical paths
Implementation Method 3
a technique for imaging a microscopic living organism by selectively receiving diffused light (nonconfocal light) from the vicinity of a measurement light converging point
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic imaging apparatus includes a first splitting unit configured to split return light from a subject irradiated with measurement light in two directions, first and second light receiving units configured to receive the first and second light beams obtained by the first splitting unit through first and second apertures disposed in respective optical paths of the first and second light beams, respectively, a generation unit configured to generate an image in accordance with light reception signals from the first and second light receiving units; and a moving unit configured to move the first and second apertures in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis. The moving unit moves the first and second apertures independently.