Retinal Image Retention and Stitching for Minimal-Flash Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retinal imaging systems require multiple flashes to capture sufficient images for diagnosis, leading to pupil restriction and delayed diagnosis due to pupil recovery, which can be minimized by reducing the need for re-flashing.
Innovation Solution
A system captures multiple retinal images of different regions, identifies usable portions in one image that are not sufficient, checks for these portions in other images, and stitches or uses fallback images to perform diagnosis without re-flashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple flashes are used to capture sufficient retinal images for diagnosis, then image quality and completeness are improved, but pupil restriction increases and diagnosis time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of captured images to identify usable portions before determining if additional flashes are needed. By evaluating image quality metrics and identifying valid retinal regions in advance, the system avoids unnecessary re-flashing and reduces patient waiting time while ensuring diagnostic quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards only the insufficient portions of images while recovering and utilizing the usable portions. By identifying and separating valid retinal regions from defective areas (such as overexposed or underexposed regions), the system maximizes the value of each captured image and minimizes the need for additional flashes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured to ensure sufficient coverage of retinal regions, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the number of flashes increases causing pupil restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the retinal imaging task into multiple focused captures targeting specific regions of interest (such as the optic disc and macula). By dividing the overall diagnostic task into region-specific sub-tasks, the system obtains comprehensive diagnostic coverage with fewer total flashes compared to capturing multiple complete retinal images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different quality criteria and evaluation standards to different retinal regions based on their diagnostic importance. By optimizing image capture and evaluation for specific high-value regions rather than requiring uniform quality across the entire retina, the system achieves high diagnostic accuracy with reduced flash exposure.
3Reliability
If the system waits for pupil recovery before capturing additional images, then image quality is maintained, but diagnosis is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial image capture by obtaining only the specific retinal regions needed for diagnosis rather than requiring complete, perfect images of the entire retina. By capturing sufficient diagnostic information from partial retinal coverage, the system avoids the need to wait for full pupil recovery and can proceed with diagnosis using the available data.
4Loss of information
If repeated flashes are administered to capture sufficient retinal images, then complete diagnostic coverage is achieved, but patient discomfort and pupil restriction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-assessment of captured images by automatically evaluating their quality and sufficiency for diagnosis. Through automated image quality metrics and validity assessment, the system determines whether additional flashes are truly necessary, thereby minimizing patient exposure to harmful flash while ensuring complete diagnostic coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided herein for minimizing retinal exposure to flash during image gathering for diagnosis. In an embodiment, a system captures a plurality of retinal images of different retinal regions. The system determines that a first portion of a first image does not meet a criterion while a second portion of the first image does meet the criterion, identifies a portion of the retina depicted in the first portion that does not meet the criterion, and determines whether the portion of the retina is depicted in a third portion of a second image and whether the third portion meets the criterion. Responsive to determining that the third portion meets the criterion, the system performs the diagnosis. Responsive to determining that the portion of the retina is not depicted in the second image, the system captures an additional image of the retinal region.