Optical Component Detection in OCT Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence tomographic systems face challenges in verifying the presence, identity, and alignment of optical components within the optical train, particularly when switching between imaging modalities, which can lead to operator errors and compromised measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes OCT measurement data to analyze the optical configuration, detecting the presence, location, and alignment of optical components without requiring additional hardware or complex image processing, allowing for automated verification and correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If add-on lenses are manually inserted into the optical train to expand imaging capability, then the system can perform multiple imaging modalities, but the risk of operator error increases and verification of correct optical configuration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures images of a calibration target through the optical train and uses image processing to verify the presence and alignment of optical components. This feedback mechanism confirms correct optical configuration without requiring manual verification, thus maintaining reliability while enabling multiple imaging modalities
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically detecting optical components and their alignments using the OCT imaging system itself. The calibration target and automated image analysis enable the system to self-check its optical configuration, eliminating the need for external verification tools and reducing operator error
2Measurement precision
If manual verification procedures are implemented to check optical component alignment, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but system complexity and operator burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical verification procedures with automated optical detection. By using the OCT system to capture and analyze images of the calibration target, the measurement of optical component alignment is transformed from a manual mechanical process to an automated optical measurement process, maintaining precision while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The OCT imaging system serves multiple functions: it performs both the primary imaging task and the verification of optical configuration. The same imaging system is used to capture both clinical images and calibration target images, eliminating the need for separate verification equipment and simplifying the overall system
3Extent of automation
If automated verification using diffused features is implemented, then optical configuration can be detected, but additional hardware and complex image processing algorithms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a calibration target with known geometric features that creates a predictable image pattern. By comparing the captured calibration image with the expected pattern, the system can verify optical configuration without requiring complex additional hardware. The calibration target serves as a simplified copy or representation of the optical path geometry
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are used to achieve different field-of-view requirements, then imaging versatility is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and verifying component presence and alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification process is segmented into distinct steps: capturing the calibration target image, detecting specific geometric features in the image, analyzing the spatial relationships between features, and comparing results with expected patterns. This segmentation makes the detection process more manageable and systematic, enabling verification even with multiple optical components
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are presented which allow the detection of the presence, type, and misalignment of optical components in the optical train of an optical coherence tomographic instrument to be determined from the use of OCT depth information.