Optical Image Measurement Device Depth Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical image measurement devices face challenges in easily aligning the measurement position in the depth direction of a measurement subject, particularly due to the need for precise alignment of the reference mirror and the limited measurement sensitivity at positions distant from the optical path length origin.
Innovation Solution
An optical image measurement device comprising a light source, an interference-light generator, a changer for adjusting the optical path length difference between signal and reference lights, a detector, and a controller that analyzes the signal and noise levels to adjust the path length for optimal alignment and image formation within a predetermined frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reference mirror is precisely aligned to capture images at desired depth positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts the optical path length of the reference light by moving the reference mirror based on signal level feedback, enabling self-alignment without manual intervention. The controller monitors the signal level from the detector and autonomously controls the reference mirror position to optimize measurement conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the detector measures the signal level of interference light, the analyzer evaluates this signal level, and the controller adjusts the reference mirror position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system continuously optimizes the optical path length difference to maintain measurement precision.
2Length of stationary object
If the measurement position is distant from the optical path length origin, then deeper tissue imaging is achieved, but measurement sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the optical path length of the reference light to match the desired measurement depth. By making the reference arm optical path length variable rather than fixed, the system can adapt to different imaging depths while maintaining optimal measurement sensitivity through real-time controller adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If manual alignment of the reference mirror is performed, then measurement position alignment is achieved, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-alignment by monitoring signal levels and autonomously adjusting the reference mirror position through the controller, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations and significantly reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism continuously monitors the signal level from the detector and automatically adjusts the reference mirror position to optimize alignment, replacing time-consuming manual alignment procedures with rapid automated feedback-controlled adjustment.
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 easy alignment of the measurement position in the depth direction, ensuring accurate and clear image capture by automatically adjusting the optical path length to exceed a threshold signal level, thereby improving measurement sensitivity and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an interference-light generator configured to generate an interference light by splitting the emitted low-coherence light into a signal light heading toward a measurement subject and a reference light heading toward a reference object, and superimposing the signal light passed through the measurement subject and the reference light passed through the reference object
Data Source
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AI summary
A fundus oculi observation device acts as an optical image measurement device capable of measuring an OCT image such as a tomographic image of a fundus oculi, or the like, and is configured so as to calculate the signal level of the formed OCT image, determine whether the signal level exceeds a threshold value, and change the position of a reference mirror so that the signal level is determined to exceed the threshold value.