Retinal Thickness Circular Profile Analysis for Local Variation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for diagnosing eye disorders using retinal thickness measurements lack sensitivity in detecting abrupt changes, local variations, and association with anatomical features, and do not effectively track the progression of retinal defects over time.

Innovation Solution

Characterizing retinal parameters as a function of polar angle, calculating integrals of reference and measured parameter functions over specific intervals, and using a more nuanced color coding scheme to provide detailed thickness profiles and track abnormalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional color codes with coarse granularity are used to display retinal thickness data, then the display is simple and easy to interpret, but the detection sensitivity for abrupt changes and local variations is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of interpretationVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retinal circumference is divided into multiple arcs, and each arc is further segmented into segments for detailed analysis. This segmentation allows local variations to be detected while maintaining overall simplicity through systematic organization of the divided regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different color codes are assigned to different arcs and segments based on their specific thickness characteristics. This local differentiation enables precise detection of local variations while maintaining a simple color-coded display system that is easy to interpret.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If the retinal circumference is divided into a fixed number of arcs, then the display format is standardized, but the detection of local variations becomes highly variable depending on arc length and orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay standardizationVSAvoidlocal variation detection consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each arc is subdivided into multiple segments, allowing the system to maintain standardized arc divisions while achieving consistent local variation detection through further segmentation that reduces the impact of arc length and orientation variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis transitions from a single arc-level dimension to a two-dimensional arc-segment structure. This additional segmentation dimension provides more granular control over detection sensitivity while maintaining the standardized arc framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If conventional circle scan methods are used to measure retinal thickness, then the measurement process is simple, but the ability to track progression of retinal defects over time is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoidprogression tracking capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retinal circumference is divided into arcs and segments that can be individually tracked over time. This segmentation enables precise monitoring of defect progression in specific regions while maintaining the simplicity of the overall circle scan measurement approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by comparing thickness measurements across multiple time points for each arc and segment. This enables reliable tracking of defect progression while building upon the simple circle scan measurement foundation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If simple arc-based display is used for retinal thickness data, then rapid assessment is enabled, but detailed tracking of defect growth and association with anatomical features is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverapid assessment capabilityVSAvoiddetailed defect characterization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The retinal circumference is divided into arcs and further segmented into segments, enabling both rapid overall assessment and detailed defect tracking. The hierarchical structure allows clinicians to quickly evaluate the entire retina and then focus on specific segments requiring detailed examination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different levels of detail are provided for different regions based on their clinical significance. The arc-segment structure enables detailed characterization of specific defect locations while maintaining rapid assessment capability for the overall retinal status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8567951B2Characterization of retinal parameters by circular profile analysis

Publication Date: 2013.10.29 TOPCON CORPORATION

AI summary

Certain diseases of the retina are diagnosed by circular profile analysis of retinal parameters, such as thickness. Retinal thickness around a user-defined circle on the retina is measured by three-dimensional optical coherence tomography or other ophthalmological techniques. Abnormally thin regions are identified by comparing a measured function of thickness vs. polar angle to a reference function of thickness vs. polar angle. A degree of abnormality is characterized by the ratio of the integral of the measured thickness function to the integral of the reference thickness function over the abnormally thin region, as specified by a range of polar angles.