Reconfigurable OCT System with Mode-Switching Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) systems have fixed system parameters, such as axial resolution, lateral resolution, and depth of focus, which are not optimally suited for different ophthalmic applications like corneal, cataract, and retinal procedures, leading to compromised performance across various surgical needs.
Innovation Solution
The development of an OCT apparatus with selectable optical sources and a mode-switching optics unit that allows for reconfiguration of the OCT engine and optics to adapt to different operating modes, enabling flexible adjustment of axial resolution, lateral resolution, and depth of focus based on specific applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed system parameters are used in OCT, then device simplicity is maintained, but imaging precision is compromised for different surgical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the OCT system by making the optical components (beam expander, collimator, scanner) adjustable and switchable between different configurations. This allows the system to adapt its parameters (axial resolution, lateral resolution, depth of focus) in real-time based on the specific surgical application, thereby improving imaging precision without permanently increasing system complexity through fixed multiple systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal OCT platform that can perform multiple surgical imaging functions (corneal, cataract, retinal procedures) through a single reconfigurable system. By designing the optical path with switchable components, one OCT device can serve multiple purposes that previously required separate specialized devices, thus improving precision across applications while avoiding the complexity of maintaining multiple separate systems
2Measurement precision
If specialized OCT systems are developed for each application, then imaging precision for specific procedures is improved, but device complexity and number of devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional OCT system where a single device can perform corneal, cataract, and retinal imaging by reconfiguring its optical components. The switchable beam expander, collimator, and scanner allow the same hardware platform to adapt to different surgical applications, providing application-specific precision without requiring separate specialized devices for each procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where optical parameters can be changed between applications. The ability to switch between different beam expander configurations, collimator settings, and scanner parameters allows the system to optimize performance for each specific surgical application while maintaining a single versatile platform
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed optical configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different surgical applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical configuration dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The beam expander, collimator, and scanner are designed with switchable settings that allow the system to adapt its optical parameters based on the surgical application. This dynamic approach enables high adaptability while managing complexity through a unified reconfigurable architecture rather than multiple fixed systems
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into independently controllable modules (beam expander, collimator, scanner) that can be individually reconfigured. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific applications while maintaining overall system manageability, as each module can be adjusted without affecting the others
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatus includes an optical source module comprising two or more selectable optical sources or an optical source configured to selectively operate in two or more source operating modes, or a combination of both, and further comprises an OCT engine coupled to the optical source module, the OCT engine comprising an OCT interferometer. The OCT apparatus still further includes a mode-switching optics module coupled to the OCT engine and comprising one or more swappable, selectable, or adjustable optical components, such that the mode-switching optics module is configured to selectively provide two or more optical configurations for the optical path between the OCT engine and an imaged object, according to two or more corresponding operating modes.