Optical Image Measurement Device for Clear OCT Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical image measurement devices face challenges in acquiring clear OCT images when an eye has sites that reduce signal light intensity, such as nuclear or subcapsular cataracts, leading to insufficient interference light detection and decreased image accuracy, and require labor-intensive alignment procedures.
Innovation Solution
An optical image measurement device and method that determine the optimal projection position of the signal light by analyzing the intensity distribution of interference light, avoiding areas with reduced signal light intensity, and adjusting the signal light projection accordingly to ensure clear OCT image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the signal light is projected through sites with cataracts (nuclear or subcapsular), then the measurement can be performed, but the intensity of the fundus oculi reflection light decreases and clear OCT images cannot be acquired
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary intensity distribution measurement before the actual OCT imaging to identify regions with sufficient signal intensity. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-determine the optimal projection position, avoiding cataract-affected areas and ensuring clear OCT images can be acquired without requiring repeated measurements.
2Measurement precision
If conventional alignment procedures are performed to avoid cataract sites, then image quality may be maintained, but the preparation work requires a lot of effort and increases examination time
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-alignment by automatically measuring the intensity distribution of the fundus oculi reflection light and determining the optimal projection position without requiring operator intervention for manual alignment. The system independently identifies regions with sufficient signal intensity and configures the projection position accordingly, eliminating the need for labor-intensive preparation work and reducing examination time.
3Ease of operation
If the signal light intensity is reduced by cataracts, then measurement can proceed, but the interference light intensity becomes insufficient for clear image acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The device measures the intensity distribution of the fundus oculi reflection light as feedback to determine the optimal projection position. By using this feedback information, the system identifies regions where the interference light intensity is sufficient, even in the presence of cataracts, and configures the projection position to maximize signal quality for clear OCT image acquisition.
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 acquisition of clear OCT images even with eyes having sites that reduce signal light intensity, prevents insufficient alignment, and allows for pre-grasping of the acquired image, reducing measurement time and effort.
Implementation Method 1
an interference-light generator for generating interference light by splitting a low-coherence light into a signal light and a reference light and superimposing the signal light having passed through an eye and the reference light having passed through a reference object
Implementation Method 2
a detector for detecting the generated interference light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical image measurement device comprises: an interference-light generator configured to generate an interference light by splitting a low-coherence light into a signal light and a reference light and superimposing the signal light having passed through an eye and the reference light having passed through a reference object; a detector configured to detect the generated interference light; a calculator configured to obtain intensity distribution of the interference light in the eye, based on a result of the detection by the detector; a determining part configured to determine a projection position of the signal light to the eye, based on the obtained intensity distribution; and an image forming part configured to form an image of the eye, based on a result of detection of a new interference light based on a new signal light projected toward the determined projection position and a new reference light having passed through the reference object.