Automated Multi-Spectral Image Registration for Retinal Oximetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retinal oximetry methods require expert intervention, are prone to high variability and poor reproducibility due to manual registration of spectral images, and are time-consuming, making accurate measurement of oxygen saturation challenging.
Innovation Solution
An automated system and method for real-time analysis of spectrophotometric measurements that automatically registers multi-spectral images, detects blood vessels, calculates optical density ratios, and evaluates oxygen saturation, enabling novice operators to obtain reliable measurements efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual registration of spectral images is performed, then expert intervention can achieve image alignment, but the process is time-consuming and prone to high variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-registration of multi-spectral images using computational algorithms that identify corresponding features across images and calculate transformation parameters without human intervention, eliminating the need for expert manual alignment while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of image registration with an automated computational system that uses digital image processing algorithms to perform alignment, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual operations while preserving measurement accuracy
2Reliability
If manual registration of spectral images is performed, then expert control is maintained, but reproducibility is poor due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic registration system performs self-alignment without human intervention, eliminating variability introduced by different experts and ensuring consistent, reproducible results across multiple measurements while simplifying the operational process
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the registration algorithm iteratively refines alignment by comparing image features and adjusting transformation parameters until optimal alignment is achieved, ensuring high reproducibility through automated quality control
3Productivity
If automated image registration is implemented, then processing speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual registration procedures with automated computational algorithms that can be implemented in software, increasing processing speed while managing system complexity through algorithmic automation rather than additional hardware
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 provides more reliable and reproducible oxygen saturation measurements by automating the process, reducing human error and increasing efficiency in analyzing retinal oxygenation, thus improving diagnostic accuracy in ophthalmology.
Implementation Method 1
In each of these optical pathways, which are separated by a beam splitter and dichroic mirrors, there is a narrow band pass interference filter.
Implementation Method 2
Each filter has a 5 nm half-bandwidth and different central (peak) wavelengths of transmission.
Implementation Method 3
The filters, or rather their peak wavelengths, are chosen on the basis of the absorption spectra of oxyhemoglobin (HbO2)
Implementation Method 4
The principle of spectrophotometric hemoglobin oximetry is old and the method has been developed into clinically useful instrumentation
Data Source
AI summary
The example embodiments relate to a system for automatically evaluating oxygen saturation of the optic nerve and retina, including an image capturing system which includes a fundus camera, a four wavelengths beam splitter, a digital image capturing device, a computer system, and image processing software for registering and analyzing multi-spectral images of the retina, and for evaluating oxygen saturation level.