Retinal Imaging System Corrects Peripheral Skew
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current two-dimensional imaging systems, such as fundus cameras and scanning ophthalmoscopes, struggle to accurately represent the peripheral retina due to skewing, making it difficult to assess and monitor retinal features like tumors effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus to produce a three-dimensional image of the retina by obtaining a two-dimensional wide-field image, determining the three-dimensional shape of the retina, and modifying the image using this shape to create a three-dimensional representation, which includes using collimated light, scanning elements, and a scan transfer device to correct distortions and map pixel data to the retinal shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-dimensional imaging systems are used to capture the retina, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the peripheral retina appears skewed and distorted making accurate measurement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional retinal imaging to three-dimensional imaging by introducing depth information through optical sectioning. The confocal scanning system captures reflected light at different focal planes, reconstructing the curved retinal surface in three dimensions. This dimensional transformation eliminates the distortion problem inherent in flat 2D projections while maintaining practical clinical usability.
2Area of stationary object
If wide-field scanning is performed to capture large areas of the retina, then more retinal features can be observed, but image quality and resolution decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide retinal field into multiple scanned lines that are sequentially acquired and reconstructed into a complete image. The confocal scanner systematically moves the focal point across the retinal surface in a raster pattern, capturing high-resolution data along each line. This segmentation approach allows large areas to be imaged with maintained resolution by compiling many high-quality line scans into a comprehensive three-dimensional representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The confocal imaging system maintains high local image quality at each scanned position by using a focused beam and pinhole aperture to eliminate out-of-focus light. Each local region is imaged with optimal resolution before being integrated into the overall wide-field three-dimensional image. This ensures that every portion of the large retinal area maintains high measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fundus cameras are used, then the equipment is simple and accessible, but only central retina around the optical axis is accurately imaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic scanning approach where the focal point and beam position are continuously moved across the retinal surface rather than using a static optical axis. The confocal scanner dynamically adjusts the focal plane and scans through multiple positions to capture the entire retinal area. This dynamic imaging strategy enables accurate visualization of both central and peripheral retina by systematically exploring the three-dimensional retinal space.
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 allows for accurate, large-area three-dimensional imaging of the retina, enabling precise measurement of retinal features and facilitating disease diagnosis and monitoring by providing a true representation of retinal dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
providing said apparent point source at a first focus of said scan transfer device and accommodating said eye at said second focus of said scan transfer device; and using said scan transfer device to transfer said two-dimensional collimated light scan from said apparent point source to said eye
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus of producing a three-dimensional image of at least a part of the retina of an eye is provided. The method including obtaining a two-dimensional wide-field image of said part of said retina, determining a three-dimensional shape for said part of said retina and using the three-dimensional shape for said part of said retina to modify said two-dimensional image to produce a three-dimensional image of said part of said retina. The apparatus including an imaging system adapted to provide a two-dimensional wide-field image of said part of said retina, a three-dimensional shape determination module adapted to determine a three-dimensional shape for said part of said retina, and a two-dimensional image modification module adapted to modify said two-dimensional wide-field image of said part of said retina using said three-dimensional shape to produce a three-dimensional image of said part of said retina.