Retinal Imaging with Adaptive Optics and Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adaptive optics systems in ophthalmology face challenges with eye motion and ocular aberrations, limiting the field of view and accuracy in imaging and treatment of retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, due to the need for precise alignment and correction of optical distortions.
Innovation Solution
A retinal imaging system integrating adaptive optics, retinal tracking, and laser ophthalmoscopy, utilizing a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor and MEMS-based deformable mirror for aberration correction, along with active eye motion tracking and ultra-short laser pulses for precise treatment, enabling high-resolution imaging and therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If adaptive optics systems use high magnification to resolve small structures such as photoreceptors, then imaging resolution is improved, but the field of view decreases to about 1-2 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging task into multiple segments: a wide-field imaging system captures a large retinal area at lower magnification, while a separate high-magnification adaptive optics system captures detailed images of specific regions. These segments are then integrated through image registration and stitching algorithms to produce a composite high-resolution wide-field image, thus resolving the contradiction between field of view and imaging resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by sequentially acquiring images at different magnifications and fields of view, then combining them in post-processing. This allows the system to achieve both wide field of view and high resolution by utilizing the time dimension to capture multiple views that are synthesized into a single comprehensive image.
2Measurement precision
If adaptive optics systems maintain precise alignment for wavefront sensing, then optical distortion correction is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to translational head motion and requires auxiliary wide-field imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary wide-field imaging system as an intermediary that continuously monitors retinal position and provides feedback for real-time alignment correction. This intermediary system acts as a mediator between the high-magnification adaptive optics system and the patient's natural head movements, enabling the system to maintain precise alignment without requiring the patient to maintain perfectly still positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the auxiliary wide-field imaging system continuously monitors retinal position, detects deviations caused by head motion, and sends correction signals to adjust the positioning of the high-magnification imaging system. This closed-loop feedback control allows the system to dynamically compensate for translational head motion and maintain optimal alignment throughout the imaging session.
3Adaptability or versatility
If retinal tracking and dual imaging systems are added to aid clinical functionality, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the auxiliary wide-field imaging system to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides wide-field navigation for locating regions of interest, monitors retinal position for alignment feedback, and captures reference images for registration with high-magnification images. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems and manages complexity by consolidating functions into a single versatile platform.
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 system achieves precise aberration correction and tracking accuracy down to 6 μm RMS, improving the detection and treatment of retinal diseases by maintaining high-resolution imaging and therapy precision across a wider field of view.
Implementation Method 1
A retinal imaging system integrating adaptive optics, retinal tracking, and laser ophthalmoscopy, utilizing a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor and MEMS-based deformable mirror for aberration correction
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor and MEMS-based deformable mirror for aberration correction
Implementation Method 3
along with active eye motion tracking and ultra-short laser pulses for precise treatment
Implementation Method 4
along with active eye motion tracking and ultra-short laser pulses for precise treatment
Data Source
AI summary
A system provides an optical image of an object. A first module tracks a reference feature of the object. A second module includes a source for an imaging beam, a scanning device to move the imaging beam along a portion of the object and a detection device receives a signal associated with an image of the portion of the object. The first module controls the position of the imaging beam relative to the reference feature to correct for the motion of the object. A third module detects a distortion of the object and compensates for the distortion.