Optical Interference Tomography Ghost Image Reduction via Vertical Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical interference tomographic image generating apparatuses face challenges in obtaining clear images of samples due to the influence of unnecessary objects, such as mirrors, which can obscure the sample image, especially when the mirror is positioned near the sample.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a reference mirror on a reference optical path that is adjusted to equalize the optical path length with the sample optical path, allowing the reference position to be set deeper than the object along the optical axis, and a control device that inverts the image vertically to reduce the ghost image of unnecessary objects, thereby improving image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mirror is mounted on the tip of the probe to irradiate the masticating surface of a molar, then it is possible to obtain an image of the masticating surface in a stable state with decreased hand movement influence, but an unnecessary image of the mirror enters the image of the molar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies image inversion to eliminate the harmful effect of the mirror's ghost image. By inverting the obtained image, the mirror image is flipped and no longer overlaps with the molar image, thereby removing the interference while preserving the stable image acquisition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of image orientation (inversion) to resolve the contradiction. This parameter change transforms the harmful mirror image into a non-interfering element, allowing both stable image acquisition and absence of mirror ghost images
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the reference position is set at a position deeper than the object along the optical axis, then the ghost image of unnecessary objects is reduced, but the image requires vertical inversion processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-correction by automatically inverting the image when the reference position is set deeper than the object. This self-service approach handles the orientation issue internally, reducing the need for manual intervention or complex external processing
3Measurement precision
If the optical path length of the reference optical path is equalized to the sample optical path length with reference position deeper than the object, then the influence of unnecessary objects near the sample is reduced, but additional image processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image inversion as part of the standard processing workflow when the reference position is set deeper than the object. This preliminary action prevents the need for more complex post-processing, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining high image clarity
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 configuration effectively reduces the influence of unnecessary objects near the sample, allowing for clearer and easier-to-observe images by aligning the optical path lengths and inverting the image, resulting in improved image quality.
Implementation Method 1
detects interference light between scattered light from the sample and a reflected beam returned from the reference mirror
Implementation Method 2
interference light between scattered light from the sample
Implementation Method 3
reflected beam returned from the reference mirror
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an optical interference tomographic image generating apparatus and a method for using the same, whereby an image can be acquired in which the effect of unnecessary matter near a sample is reduced. An optical interference tomographic image generating apparatus is provided with an OCT control device for performing image processing for vertically inverting an image generated from a detection signal in the case of a setting whereby a reference mirror is disposed so that the optical path length of a reference optical path matches the optical path length of a sample optical path having as a reference position a position at a greater depth along the optical axis of a sample than a subject.