Optical Tomographic Apparatus Imaging Area Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical tomographic apparatuses face challenges in easily changing the size of the imaging area of tomographic images, leading to increased burden on subjects and difficulty in operation, along with a decrease in resolution and increased time required for enlargement.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a measuring light path length changing unit and a reference light path length changing unit, controlled by a control unit, to adjust the optical path lengths of the measuring and reference lights, allowing for easy modification of the imaging area size without compromising resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging area size is changed by moving the fixation lamp or electronically enlarging the site, then the desired site can be positioned in the imaging area, but the burden on the subject increases and operation becomes difficult, or resolution decreases and time required for enlargement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the imaging area size by enabling the examination table to move along the optical axis, allowing the system to adapt to different imaging requirements without requiring subject repositioning or complex electronic processing. This dynamic mechanical adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing versatility while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the optical path length by moving the examination table along the optical axis. This parameter change enables different imaging area sizes to be achieved while maintaining optimal focus and resolution, avoiding the need for electronic enlargement that would degrade image quality and increase processing time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging area size is changed by moving the fixation lamp or electronically enlarging the site, then the desired site can be positioned in the imaging area, but resolution decreases and time required for enlargement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the examination table position along the optical axis to change the imaging area size while maintaining optimal focus. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to capture high-resolution images at different scales without the resolution degradation that would result from electronic enlargement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical path length parameter by moving the examination table, which enables the imaging area size to be adjusted while maintaining high measurement precision. This physical parameter change avoids the resolution loss inherent in electronic image enlargement methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging area size is changed by moving the fixation lamp or electronically enlarging the site, then the desired site can be positioned in the imaging area, but time required for enlargement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic mechanical adjustment of the examination table position to change the imaging area size in real-time during the examination process. This eliminates the need for time-consuming post-acquisition electronic enlargement operations, as the desired imaging area is captured directly at the appropriate scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning of the examination table to the correct distance along the optical axis before image acquisition. This preliminary action ensures that the imaging area is correctly sized from the start, eliminating the need for subsequent time-consuming electronic enlargement operations.
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 solution enables easy adjustment of the imaging area size, reducing the operational burden on subjects and maintaining high resolution, while allowing for efficient enlargement or reduction of the imaging area without significant increases in time or loss of detail.
Implementation Method 1
acquire a tomographic image of an object to be inspected based on light obtained by combining return light from the object to be inspected irradiated with measuring light with reference light corresponding to the measuring light
Data Source
AI summary
In order to change a size of an imaging area of a tomographic image of an object to be inspected easily, provided is an optical tomographic apparatus for acquiring a tomographic image of an object to be inspected, the optical tomographic apparatus including a control unit for controlling a measuring light path length changing unit to change an optical path length of measuring light in a case where the size of the imaging area of the tomographic image is changed, and for controlling a reference light path length changing unit to change an optical path length of reference light in association with the change in the optical path length of the measuring light.