In Vivo Retinal Imaging via Conjugate Plane Backscattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging techniques face challenges in visualizing and contrasting translucent retinal cells in the eye due to lack of cellular contrast, limiting basic science and clinical investigation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves illuminating objects in the eye with a light source and axially displacing detectors to receive light from a conjugate plane behind the object, processing detector data to generate information about the object's internal structure or type, including cells, without the need for contrast agents, using adaptive optics and non-confocal detection methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional confocal imaging is used to image retinal cells, then the imaging system can focus light at the object plane, but the translucent nature of retinal cells results in lack of cellular contrast and poor visualization
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the detector at the confocal plane to image the object directly, the patent inverts the approach by placing the detector at a conjugate plane behind the object. This allows detection of light that has passed through the object and been scattered by a screen behind it, thereby obtaining contrast information about translucent retinal cells without requiring the detector to be in the same plane as the object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a screen as an intermediary element positioned behind the retinal cells. This screen acts as a light scatterer that converts the transmitted light into detectable signals, enabling the visualization of translucent cells that would otherwise be invisible in conventional confocal imaging.
2Measurement precision
If contrast agents or labels are used to enhance cell visibility, then imaging contrast improves, but the complexity of the system and potential harm to the subject increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the eye's own structural features (retinal layers, choroid) as the scattering screen, eliminating the need for external contrast agents. The system uses the natural anatomy of the eye to provide the necessary light scattering, thereby avoiding the complexity and potential harm of introducing foreign contrast materials.
3Measurement precision
If the detector is positioned at the conjugate plane behind the object, then light backscattered from the screen provides enhanced contrast, but the detection geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single detector positioned at the conjugate plane to simultaneously capture multiple types of information: light transmitted through the object, light scattered by the screen, and contrast information about the object. This multi-functional detection approach simplifies the overall system compared to multiple separate detection systems.
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 approach enhances image contrast and signal-to-noise ratio, enabling the visualization and identification of internal cell structures and types, such as red and white blood cells, and immune cell activity within the eye, improving diagnostic capabilities and disease assessment.
Implementation Method 1
receiving at the one or more detectors a backscattered light from the light source which has been refracted at least in part by the object before being backscattered from the light screen
Data Source
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AI summary
A method to image an in vivo object in an eye includes illuminating an object in the eye by a light source; configuring one or more detectors to receive light from a conjugate plane behind a confocal plane of the object, the conjugate plane acting as a light screen; receiving at the one or more detectors a backscattered light from the light source which has been refracted at least in part by the object before being backscattered from the light screen to provide a detector data; and processing the detector data over a time period by a computer to generate information about the object.