Optical Tomography System Wavelength Resolution Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical tomography systems, particularly SS-OCT, the large optical path length difference between measuring and reference light leads to deteriorated signal-to-noise ratio and limited measurable range, making it challenging to obtain high-resolution tomographic images without extensive adjustment and time, especially when observing structures like the stomach wall.
Innovation Solution
An optical tomography system that includes a light source unit emitting light while sweeping its wavelength, a light dividing means, a multiplexing means, an interference light detecting means, and a tomographic information obtaining means, with a detecting mode control system that switches between two wavelength resolutions to adjust the measurable range and improve convenience by increasing wavelength resolution in the measurement initiating position adjusting mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical path length difference is large in SS-OCT measurement, then the measurable range is extended, but the spatial frequency of the interference signal is enlarged and the S/N ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the wavelength sweeping speed of the light source. When the optical path length difference is large, the system reduces the sweeping speed to decrease the spatial frequency of the interference signal, thereby improving the S/N ratio while maintaining an extended measurable range. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between measurable range and signal quality.
2Measurement precision
If the wavelength resolution is increased to improve image quality, then the measurable range is narrowed, but the resolution in the optical axis direction is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the wavelength sweeping speed adjustable based on the measurement requirements. The control unit dynamically changes the sweeping speed to switch between high-resolution mode (slow sweeping) and wide-measurable-range mode (fast sweeping). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adaptively balance between resolution and measurable range according to the specific measurement task.
3Measurement precision
If the measurable range is narrowed to improve resolution, then the image quality is improved, but the time required to adjust the measurement initiating position is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling rapid initial positioning at high speed, then switching to high-resolution mode only when needed for final image acquisition. The control unit can quickly adjust the measurement initiating position using fast sweeping before committing to a high-resolution measurement, thereby reducing the overall adjustment time while maintaining the capability for high-resolution imaging when required.
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 system allows for flexible switching of the measurable range and improved convenience by increasing wavelength resolution, enabling efficient adjustment of the measurement initiating position and obtaining high-resolution tomographic images without significantly increasing image acquisition time.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit which emits light while sweeping the wavelength thereof at predetermined periods
Implementation Method 2
a light dividing means which divides the light emitted from the light source unit into measuring light and reference light
Implementation Method 3
a multiplexing means which multiplexes the reflected light from the object when the measuring light divided by the light dividing means is projected onto the object and the reference light
Implementation Method 4
interference light due to the superposition is detected by, for instance, heterodyne detection
Implementation Method 5
a interference light detecting means which detects interference light of the reflected light and the reference light which have been multiplexed by the multiplexing means
Implementation Method 6
a tomographic information obtaining means which obtains a tomographic information of the object by carrying out frequency_analysis on the interference light detected by the interference light detecting means
Data Source
AI summary
In an optical tomography system for obtaining a tomographic image of an object to be measured by detecting interference light of the reflected light and the reference light, a controller switches between a first detecting mode in which the interference light is detected at a first wavelength resolution and a second detecting mode in which the interference light is detected at a second wavelength resolution higher than the first wavelength resolution.