Retinal Imaging Stabilization via Subsampled Spot Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye tracking systems, such as scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), face limitations in tracking speed and accuracy due to geometric distortions caused by eye movements during image acquisition, leading to incorrect motion determination and correction in secondary imaging modalities like OCT.
Innovation Solution
The system employs subsampled full-field imaging using a digital light modulator to create patterns of small spots on the retina, allowing for fast acquisition and registration of images, which are then used to determine eye motion and provide real-time feedback for stabilization in secondary imaging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) is used for eye tracking, then full-field retinal images can be acquired, but the tracking speed is limited by frame rate and geometric distortions occur due to eye movements during acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the full retinal image into multiple sub-frames or regions of interest, acquiring images of specific retinal locations rather than the entire retina. This segmentation reduces the total number of pixels that need to be scanned and processed, thereby increasing frame rate and tracking speed while maintaining sufficient accuracy for eye motion determination through comparison of sequential sub-frame images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary information for eye tracking from full retinal images by focusing on specific retinal landmarks or features within sub-frames. By taking out only the critical motion-cueing elements rather than processing complete high-resolution images, the system achieves faster processing speeds while preserving eye motion determination accuracy
2Reliability
If full-frame images are used for eye tracking, then comprehensive retinal information is available, but acquisition time increases causing geometric distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary acquisition of multiple sub-frames at high frame rates before complete geometric distortions occur. By capturing a sequence of partial frames in rapid succession, the system gathers sufficient motion information before eye movements significantly alter retinal geometry, enabling reliable motion correction while minimizing acquisition time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial frames rather than complete full-field images for eye tracking purposes. By applying partial action (acquiring only necessary sub-frames with relevant motion cues), the system reduces acquisition time and avoids geometric distortions while maintaining sufficient reliability for motion determination through comparative analysis of sequential partial images
3Speed
If sub-frames are used to increase tracking speed, then acquisition time is reduced, but performance varies depending on retinal region and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sub-frame acquisition system to be adaptable across different retinal regions and orientations by implementing a multi-functional scanning approach. The same sub-frame acquisition and processing methodology can be applied universally to various retinal locations (macula, periphery, different quadrants), ensuring consistent tracking speed and displacement estimation accuracy regardless of which retinal region is being monitored
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 enables precise and rapid eye motion correction, reducing geometric distortions and improving tracking speed, thereby stabilizing secondary imaging systems like OCT with respect to eye motion.
Implementation Method 1
The system employs subsampled full-field imaging using a digital light modulator to create patterns of small spots on the retina
Implementation Method 2
The light is focused on the retina, and the reflected light is imaged back onto a pinhole to reject the out of focus light reflected from the eye
Data Source
AI summary
The human eye is constantly in motion. For many imaging applications in the eye, eye motion on the time scale of the image acquisition distorts the images. For imaging applications where the signal is very low, image distortion is so severe that imaging is impossible. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, systems, methods and computer-accessible medium can be provided to determine eye motion in real time, and provide real time correction of the eye motion for secondary imaging methods to provide stable images and permit long integration times of single images to increase the signal to noise.