Multi-Modality Ophthalmic Imaging System with Automated Anomaly Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current process of ophthalmic imaging is time-consuming and requires skilled clinicians to review initial images for pathologies, leading to reduced patient throughput and multiple clinic visits for further imaging.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal ophthalmic imaging system with a control module that detects anomalies in initial images, determines regions of interest, and automatically selects appropriate imaging modalities for further imaging, allowing for efficient acquisition of high-quality ophthalmic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clinician manually reviews initial ophthalmic images to identify pathologies and determines further imaging requirements, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient throughput is reduced and multiple clinic visits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated anomaly detection and imaging modality selection. The control module automatically detects anomalies in initial images, determines regions of interest, selects appropriate imaging modalities, and triggers further imaging without clinician intervention. This automation maintains diagnostic accuracy while significantly improving patient throughput by eliminating manual review bottlenecks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual clinician review with an automated control module that uses image analysis algorithms. The control module substitutes human visual inspection and decision-making with automated detection of anomalies, region of interest determination, and imaging modality selection, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining diagnostic reliability.
2Loss of information
If multiple ophthalmic images are captured in separate clinic visits, then comprehensive diagnostic coverage is improved, but loss of time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically analyzing initial images and determining all necessary further imaging requirements before the patient leaves the clinic. The control module identifies anomalies, determines regions of interest, and selects appropriate imaging modalities in advance, allowing all necessary images to be captured during a single visit rather than requiring multiple recall appointments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple imaging modalities and procedures into a single integrated workflow. The system combines initial image capture, automated anomaly detection, region of interest determination, and further imaging acquisition into one unified process that completes all necessary diagnostic imaging during a single clinic visit, eliminating the need for separate appointments.
3Device complexity
If unskilled photographers operate the imaging system without automated assistance, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to identify pathologies
Solution Approach 1:
The control module serves as an intermediary between the imaging system and the unskilled operator. It automatically performs anomaly detection, region of interest determination, and imaging modality selection, bridging the gap between simple operation and expert-level diagnostic capability. The photographer only needs to capture initial images and follow automated instructions, while the control module handles the complex diagnostic tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-modal ophthalmic imaging system for acquiring ophthalmic images of a patient's eye comprising: a first imaging module, operable in a first imaging modality, for acquiring a first ophthalmic image of a first portion of the patient's eye and one or more further imaging modules, each operable in a different imaging modality. The imaging system further comprises a control module arranged to: detect an anomaly in the first ophthalmic image that is indicative of an ocular disease, determine a region of interest in the patient's eye based on the detected anomaly wherein the region of interest is a region within the patient's eye that is predicted to contain a second anomaly and determine, based on the second anomaly, a second imaging modality for imaging the determined region of interest and control the selected second imaging module to acquire a second ophthalmic image of the determined region of interest.