Phase Retardation Gradient Detection for Fibrosed Region Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Polarization OCT images of the eye fundus are difficult to interpret due to the challenge of distinguishing fibrosed regions, as the Retardation images do not clearly depict the boundary of these regions, making it hard to understand the birefringence and thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device is configured to generate phase retardation information by combining light returned from the eye with a reference light, and a detection unit identifies regions with significant changes in phase retardation in the depth direction, facilitating the differentiation of fibrosed regions by displaying them clearly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Retardation images are used to image polarization parameters, then birefringence and thickness information of retinal nerve fiber layer can be obtained, but the boundary of fibrosed regions cannot be clearly distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from displaying Retardation values (single parameter) to displaying the gradient of phase retardation in the depth direction (derivative parameter). This dimensional change in the data representation allows clear visualization of boundaries where phase retardation changes rapidly, solving the problem of indistinct fibrosed region boundaries while preserving polarization measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the displayed parameter from absolute phase retardation values to the rate of change of phase retardation (gradient). This parameter transformation highlights regions with rapid phase changes, making fibrosed region boundaries clearly visible while maintaining the underlying polarization measurement accuracy
2Loss of information
If polarization OCT imaging is performed to observe eye fundus tissues, then functional information including birefringence can be acquired, but the interpretation difficulty increases due to unclear region boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
By displaying the depth gradient of phase retardation instead of absolute values, the invention creates a new visual dimension that naturally emphasizes boundaries and transitions. This makes image interpretation easier while preserving all functional polarization information in the underlying data
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs color mapping to represent the gradient of phase retardation, where different colors indicate different rates of change. This visual enhancement makes it easier to interpret the images by providing intuitive visual cues for region boundaries and tissue characteristics
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 solution allows for the easy identification of fibrosed regions in polarization tomographic images, enhancing the ability to diagnose conditions like glaucoma by providing clear visualization of phase differences and birefringence, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Optical coherence tomography (Optical Coherence Tomography: hereinafter, OCT) utilizing multiple-wavelength optical-wave interference is capable of obtaining tomographic images
Implementation Method 2
Polarization OCT which is one of functional OCT carries out imaging by using polarization parameters, which are one of the optical characteristics of the eye-fundus tissues
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device includes: a signal processing unit configured to generate phase retardation information of a subject eye by using information about a plurality of lights obtained by dividing, into lights of different polarizations, a light obtained by combining a light returned from the subject eye irradiated with a measurement light and a reference light corresponding to the measurement light; and a detection unit configured to detect a region in which a change amount of the phase retardation information in a depth direction of the subject eye is larger than a threshold value.