SD-OCT Imaging System Depth Segmentation for Ophthalmic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging systems face challenges in distinguishing between direct and mirror images of eye structures during ophthalmic surgery, leading to complex ambiguity and reduced precision in imaging, which complicates procedures like cataract surgery.
Innovation Solution
The method involves positioning the eye relative to a Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomographic (SD-OCT) imaging system, adjusting the reference depth to generate and distinguish direct and mirror images of eye structures, and suppressing non-selected images using techniques such as spatial separation recognition, pattern recognition, or pre-existing knowledge about the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If SD-OCT imaging system captures all reflected light signals, then complete imaging information is obtained, but complex conjugate ambiguity creates indistinguishable mirror images that reduce imaging precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into separate depth ranges: a first depth range capturing the anterior capsule layer and a second depth range capturing the posterior capsule layer. By processing these depth ranges separately and assigning different reference depths, the system eliminates complex conjugate ambiguity while maintaining complete imaging information for surgical guidance.
2Measurement precision
If reference depth is adjusted to separate direct and mirror images, then imaging precision is improved, but additional processing steps and system adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring different reference depths for different depth ranges before imaging begins. The system pre-establishes that the first depth range uses a first reference depth and the second depth range uses a second reference depth, thereby eliminating complex conjugate ambiguity without requiring real-time adjustments during surgery.
3Loss of information
If both anterior and posterior capsule layers are imaged simultaneously, then comprehensive surgical information is provided, but complex conjugate ambiguity causes overlapping images that complicate interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the overlapping image problem by introducing a dimensional separation in the depth axis. By assigning different reference depths to different depth ranges, direct and mirror images are separated along the depth dimension, allowing simultaneous imaging of both capsule layers without overlap, thereby maintaining information completeness while improving interpretability.
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 enhances the precision of OCT imaging by eliminating complex ambiguity, allowing for accurate visualization of eye structures like the anterior and posterior capsule layers, thereby improving the efficiency and precision of ophthalmic surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomographic (SD-OCT) imaging system
Data Source
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AI summary
Optical imaging techniques and systems provide high-fidelity optical imaging based on optical coherence tomographic imaging and can be used for optical imaging in ophthalmic surgery and imaging-guided surgery. One method for imaging an eye includes positioning the eye relative to a Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomographic (SD-OCT) imaging system, the eye having a first and a second structure, and imaging the eye with the SD-OCT imaging system by selecting one of a direct image and a mirror image of the first eye-structure and generating a first image-portion corresponding to the selected image of the first eye-structure, selecting one of a direct image and a mirror image of the second eye-structure and generating a first image-portion corresponding to the selected image of the second eye-structure, and suppressing the non-selected images of the first and second structures.