Ophthalmic Imaging Synchronization for Accurate 3D Eye Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic imaging technologies face challenges in accurately constructing three-dimensional images of the anterior segment of the eye due to discrepancies in aspect ratios between collected frames and actual morphology, leading to difficulties in medical observation, diagnosis, and data processing.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic imaging apparatus employing a first image collecting unit for Scheimpflug imaging and a second unit for time-series photography, combined with image analysis and interpolation units, synchronizes scanning and photography to determine time-series shifts and project light positions, allowing for spatial image interpolation and ocular tissue identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Scheimpflug imaging is performed by scanning a three-dimensional region with slit light, then three-dimensional images can be collected, but the aspect ratio of the collected frames does not match the actual morphology of the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image collection into two separate systems: a first image collecting unit for Scheimpflug imaging and a second image collecting unit for time-series photography. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, with the second unit capturing the actual morphology reference frames that reveal the aspect ratio discrepancy in the first unit's scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces time-series images from the second image collecting unit as an intermediary reference. These reference frames serve as a mediator to compare against and correct the aspect ratio distortions in the Scheimpflug images, enabling accurate three-dimensional reconstruction without requiring complex real-time adjustments to the scanning system.
2Reliability
If repetitive photography is performed in parallel with scanning, then time series images can be collected for synchronization, but frame interval deviations and artifacts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the second image collecting unit continuously captures time-series reference images during the scanning process. These reference frames provide feedback information about actual eye movement and scanning position, allowing the system to detect and correct frame interval deviations and synchronization errors in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical synchronization methods with an optical reference system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical coupling between scanning and photography units, the system uses optical reference frames captured by the second unit to establish temporal and spatial relationships, reducing mechanical errors and artifacts.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional single-unit imaging is used, then device complexity is reduced, but three-dimensional image construction accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate image collecting units into a coordinated system. The first unit performs Scheimpflug scanning while the second unit simultaneously captures reference frames, and the image processing unit integrates both data streams. This merging of complementary functions achieves high three-dimensional accuracy that neither unit could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system where the second image collecting unit serves multiple purposes: capturing time-series reference frames for synchronization, providing aspect ratio correction data, and enabling three-dimensional reconstruction. This multi-functionality justifies the additional unit by delivering multiple benefits from a single additional component.
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 the construction of three-dimensional images with aspect ratios matching the actual eye morphology, improving medical observation, diagnosis, and data processing accuracy by reducing frame interval deviations and artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
A slit lamp microscope is used for illuminating a subject's eye with slit light and observing and/or photographing the illuminated cross section from an oblique or side position with a microscope... also known is a slit lamp microscope that is capable of performing scanning of a three dimensional region of a subject's eye at a relatively high speed by employing an optical system configured to satisfy the Scheimpflug condition (Scheimpflug principle)
Implementation Method 2
The second image collecting unit is configured to collect a series of time series images by performing repetitive photography of the subject's eye
Implementation Method 3
The image interpolating unit is configured to perform interpolation of the series of Scheimpflug images based on the time series shifts of (the projection position of) the slit light
Data Source
AI summary
In the ophthalmic imaging apparatus of an aspect example, the first image collecting unit collects a series of Scheimpflug images by performing scanning of a three dimensional region of a subject's eye with slit light. The second image collecting unit collects a series of time series images by performing repetitive photography of the subject's eye in parallel with the scanning of the three dimensional region performed by the first image collecting unit. The first image analyzing unit analyzes the series of time series images to determine time series shifts of the slit light during the scanning of the three dimensional region performed by the first image collecting unit. The image interpolating unit performs interpolation of the series of Scheimpflug images based on the time series shifts of the slit light determined by the first image analyzing unit.