Optical Phantom for Retinal Thickness Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic diagnostic instruments face challenges in achieving consistent and accurate retinal thickness measurements due to variations between different OCT instruments and the limitations of using biological tissue for calibration and training, which is expensive, rare, and prone to changes in optical characteristics.
Innovation Solution
Development of an eye model with optically transmissive media that mimics the optical properties between the corneal surface and retina, featuring adjustable refractive index and scattering coefficients, and including layers such as the foveal pit and optic nerve head, allowing for precise imaging and calibration of diagnostic instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If biological tissue is used for calibration and training, then realistic imaging conditions are achieved, but cost increases, availability decreases, and optical characteristics become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a phantom that copies the optical properties of biological ocular media (cornea, lens, vitreous humor, retina) using synthetic materials. The phantom replicates the refractive indices, scattering coefficients, and absorption characteristics of real eye tissues, providing a stable alternative for instrument calibration and training that maintains measurement accuracy without the instability of biological tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically adjusts the optical parameters (refractive index, scattering coefficient, absorption coefficient) of the phantom materials to match those of biological ocular media. By carefully selecting and tuning these parameters, the phantom achieves realistic imaging conditions while maintaining dimensional stability and consistency over time, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and optical stability
2Measurement precision
If multiple layers with different optical properties are created to represent retinal layers, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phantom into multiple distinct layers, each representing a specific ocular structure (cornea, lens, vitreous humor, retina). Each layer is assigned specific optical properties that match its biological counterpart, enabling the imaging instrument to resolve and measure individual retinal layers with high precision while maintaining a manageable segmented structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different optical properties (refractive index, scattering coefficient, absorption coefficient) to different layers of the phantom to match the local characteristics of biological ocular tissues. This local differentiation of optical quality enables precise layer resolution and measurement while keeping the overall phantom structure organized and manufacturable
3Measurement precision
If optical properties are adjusted to match biological tissue, then imaging accuracy improves, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically adjusts the optical parameters (refractive index, scattering coefficient, absorption coefficient) of the phantom materials to match those of biological ocular media. By carefully selecting and tuning these parameters, the phantom achieves realistic imaging conditions while maintaining dimensional stability and consistency over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials and material combinations to achieve the required optical properties. By using combinations of plastics, gels, and other synthetic materials with tailored optical characteristics, the phantom achieves biological tissue-like imaging accuracy while remaining manufacturable through conventional fabrication techniques
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
The eye model enables consistent and accurate retinal thickness measurements, facilitates instrument calibration, and provides a stable training target for medical professionals, reducing costs and handling complexities associated with biological tissues.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more optically transmissive media provides similar optical properties as that between a corneal surface and a retina of an eye
Implementation Method 2
The one or more optically transmissive media has a first index of refraction and a first scattering coefficient
Implementation Method 3
The eye model can further include a rendered choroidal/sclera reflector
Data Source
AI summary
Models of anatomical parts and methods utilizing and fabricating such anatomical models are provided. The model can include an assembly of one or more optically transmissive media having a first portion and a second portion. The one or more optically transmissive media can be configured to provide similar optical properties as that between two regions of the anatomical part. For example, in an example eye model, the two regions can be a corneal surface and/or retina regions of an eye. A rendered retina can be formed in the second portion of the assembly and can be representative of the retina of the eye. The rendered retina can have one or more features associated with the retina of the eye.