Optical Tomographic Imaging System Parallel Surface Data Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical tomographic imaging systems cannot display surface conditions in real time, as they require re-composition of tomographic images from three-dimensional volume data, which is time-consuming and incomplete without all images being acquired.
Innovation Solution
The system generates tomographic and surface data in parallel, using a surface data generating unit with logarithmic transformation, high pass filtering, and frame thinning to create and display both images simultaneously, allowing for real-time observation of both tomographic and surface images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface images are generated by re-composing from three-dimensional volume data after all tomographic images are acquired, then complete surface information can be obtained, but real-time observation is not possible and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image generation process into two independent parallel paths: one for tomographic images using Fourier transformation of interference signals, and another for surface images using integration of intensity values. This segmentation allows both types of images to be generated simultaneously from the same interference signal data without sequential dependency, resolving the contradiction between completeness and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of the interference signal by storing it in memory, then simultaneously generates both tomographic and surface images from this pre-stored data. This preliminary action eliminates the need to wait for complete volume data acquisition before generating surface images, enabling real-time observation while maintaining data completeness.
2Reliability
If all tomographic images are acquired before generating surface images, then accurate surface reconstruction is possible, but the system cannot provide real-time imaging feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous parallel processing where the surface image generation unit continuously generates surface images from interference signals as they are acquired, without interruption or waiting for complete volume data. This continuous action maintains reliability by using actual measured data while dramatically improving productivity through real-time generation.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the processing into independent tomographic and surface image generation paths that both operate continuously on the same input data, the system achieves both accurate surface reconstruction and real-time imaging feedback simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If the system generates only tomographic images using Fourier transformation, then depth resolution is maintained, but surface condition observation is not available simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the interference signal processing system multi-functional by implementing two independent generation units: one for tomographic images (preserving depth resolution through Fourier transformation) and another for surface images (enabling surface condition observation through intensity integration). Both functions operate simultaneously on the same input data, achieving versatility without sacrificing depth resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the signal processing into distinct functional paths, allowing each path to optimize for its specific purpose (depth resolution for tomographic, surface observation for surface images) while both paths process the same original interference signal simultaneously.
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 real-time creation and display of both tomographic and surface images, facilitating immediate treatment selection by providing complete and timely imaging data.
Implementation Method 1
causes reflection light that has been reflected by the measuring subject and has returned and the reference light to interfere with each other
Implementation Method 2
splits this interfered light into respective frequency components using a spectrometer. Then, the SD-OCT apparatus measures an interfered light intensity for each frequency component
Implementation Method 3
The SD-OCT apparatus Fourier-transforms a spectral interference intensity signal that has been obtained by measuring the interfered light intensity with a computer, to thereby compose a tomographic image
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An optical tomographic imaging method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method of: splitting light emitted from a wavelength sweep light source into measuring light and reference light; radiating the measuring light onto a measuring subject; combining reflection light from the measuring subject with the reference light; detecting interfered light obtained by combining the reflection light with the reference light as an interference signal; and Fourier-transforming the interference signal to acquire a tomographic image of the measuring subject, and includes steps of: generating tomographic data of the measuring subject based on the interference signal; generating surface data of the measuring subject based on the interference signal; constructing a tomographic image that is based on the generated tomographic data; constructing a surface image that is based on the outputted surface data; and generating a display image from the tomographic image and the surface image.