Ophthalmic Imaging Apparatus Using OCT for Accurate 3D Eye Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic technologies fail to generate accurate eye models, especially for eyes with diseases or post-LASIK surgery, leading to errors in measurement and simulation, and cannot visualize the actual eye structure, relying heavily on user experience and time for simulations.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic imaging apparatus and information processing system that uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) to acquire data sets from a three-dimensional region of the eye, analyzing them to generate reliable three-dimensional eye models and execute simulations based on these models, allowing for accurate parameter acquisition and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement devices are used to measure eye parameters, then measurement can be performed, but measurement accuracy deteriorates for eyes with diseases or post-LASIK surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces OCT imaging as an intermediary technology to capture detailed structural images of the eye. These images serve as a mediator between the measurement device and the eye model generation, providing visual verification of measurement accuracy and enabling correction of errors in eyes with diseases or post-LASIK surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where OCT images are used to verify measurement values. The system compares measurement data with visual information from OCT images, identifies discrepancies, and corrects the eye model accordingly. This feedback loop ensures high reliability even for eyes with diseases or surgical history.
2Device complexity
If only parameter measurement is performed without structural visualization, then measurement process is simple, but the actual eye structure cannot be determined and measurement correctness cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges parameter measurement functionality with OCT imaging functionality into a single integrated system. The measurement unit and imaging unit work together to provide both quantitative parameter values and qualitative structural information, eliminating the need for separate verification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual imaging dimension to the traditional one-dimensional parameter measurement. By incorporating OCT images that show the actual eye structure, the system transitions from purely numerical measurement to multi-dimensional assessment, enabling verification of measurement correctness.
3Ease of manufacture
If eye model generation is based solely on parameter measurement values, then model generation is straightforward, but the model lacks accuracy for eyes with diseases or surgical history
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses OCT images as an intermediary reference to improve eye model generation. The imaging unit provides visual structural information that mediates between raw measurement data and the final eye model, enabling correction of inaccuracies while maintaining the automated generation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback from OCT images to the eye model generation process. The correction unit uses visual information from images to identify and correct errors in the generated model, particularly for eyes with diseases or post-LASIK surgery, thereby improving model accuracy without significantly increasing complexity.
4Ease of operation
If conventional technology is used without structural visualization, then user experience and skills are heavily relied upon, but this increases labor and time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to perform self-verification and self-correction using OCT images. The imaging and correction units automatically identify measurement errors and adjust the eye model without requiring extensive user intervention or expertise, reducing both time and labor requirements while improving accuracy.
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
Enables the creation of highly reliable eye models and efficient simulations, reducing errors and labor, and facilitating accurate simulations even for eyes with diseases, by obtaining both parameter values and structural data, thus improving the accuracy and ease of ophthalmic simulations.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement unit configured to acquire a data set by applying optical coherence tomography to a three-dimensional region of a subject's eye including an area extending from an anterior surface of a cornea to a surface of a retina
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic imaging apparatus of an embodiment includes a measurement unit, an eye model generation unit, and a simulation execution unit. The measurement unit is configured to acquire a data set by applying optical coherence tomography to a three-dimensional region of a subject's eye including an area extending from an anterior surface of a cornea to a surface of a retina. The eye model generation unit is configured to acquire values of one or more parameters of the subject's eye by analyzing the data set acquired by the measurement unit, and to generate a three-dimensional eye model based on the values acquired. The simulation execution unit executes a simulation based on the three-dimensional eye model generated by the eye model generation unit.