Ophthalmologic Imaging Apparatus Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ophthalmologic imaging, the association accuracy between the coordinates of the front image and the OCT data acquisition position is compromised due to asymmetrical optical elements in the OCT and observation optical systems, particularly evident in wider angle views, leading to errors in peripheral fundus imaging.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus that includes an OCT optical system, a second optical system, and an arithmetic controller to associate OCT data acquisition positions with front image coordinates, considering the distortion differences caused by asymmetrical optical elements like dichroic mirrors, using pre-defined association information to correct for non-linear relationships and chromatic aberration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an optical element having asymmetry is arranged on a common optical path to enable both OCT imaging and front image capture, then the imaging system can share optical components and reduce complexity, but distortion difference occurs between the two optical systems particularly in the peripheral part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing distortion correction values for different positions in the imaging range. The arithmetic controller uses these pre-computed correction values to adjust the association between front image coordinates and OCT data acquisition positions, thereby compensating for distortion differences caused by asymmetrical optical elements before imaging operations are performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of coordinate association by introducing distortion correction values that adjust the relationship between front image coordinates and OCT data acquisition positions. The arithmetic controller modifies the association parameters based on the position in the imaging range, applying different correction values for different regions to compensate for the distortion differences introduced by asymmetrical optical elements.
2Area of stationary object
If the angle of view is widened to capture peripheral fundus regions, then the imaging range is expanded, but the association accuracy between front image coordinates and OCT data acquisition position deteriorates due to emphasized distortion differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing position-dependent distortion correction. Different correction values are applied to different regions of the imaging range, with the arithmetic controller selecting appropriate correction values based on the specific position being imaged. This allows the system to maintain high association accuracy across the entire wide field of view, including peripheral regions, by tailoring the correction to local distortion characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetrical optical elements like dichroic mirrors are used to combine OCT and observation optical paths, then the system can achieve multi-functionality, but chromatic aberration and non-linear relationships affect imaging accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the arithmetic controller to calculate and apply distortion correction values based on the known characteristics of the asymmetrical optical elements. The system continuously compensates for chromatic aberration and non-linear relationships by adjusting the coordinate association using pre-calculated correction data, thereby maintaining imaging accuracy despite the presence of multi-functional asymmetrical optical components.
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
Improves the accuracy of associating OCT data acquisition positions with front image coordinates across the entire imaging range, reducing errors and ensuring precise imaging even at wider angles of view.
Implementation Method 1
an OCT optical system for acquiring OCT data of a tissue of a subject eye based on a spectral interference signal of measurement light emitted to the tissue and reference light
Implementation Method 2
a second optical system for acquiring a front image of the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus having an OCT optical system for acquiring OCT data of a tissue of a subject eye based on a spectral interference signal of measurement light emitted to the tissue and reference light. The apparatus further has a second optical system for acquiring a front image of the tissue; an optical element having asymmetry and arranged on a common optical path of the OCT optical system and the second optical system; and an arithmetic controller that associates an OCT data acquisition position with coordinates of the front image while taking at least a difference in distortion caused by the optical element between the OCT optical system and the second optical system into consideration.