Superimposed En-Face and SLO Image Display for Eye Fundus Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing OCT image processing systems require examiners to move their sight line over a significant distance to compare SLO images and En-Face images, making it inefficient for analysis.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that acquires both SLO and En-Face images and displays them superimposed on a front image, allowing the depth range of the En-Face image to be adjusted, thereby reducing the distance needed to compare these images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If SLO image and En-Face image are displayed side by side, then both images can be displayed clearly, but the examiner must move the sight line over a long distance for comparison

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage visibilityVSAvoidsight line movement distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the SLO image and En-Face image into a single composite image by superimposing the En-Face image onto the front image. The display control portion overlays the En-Face image at a predetermined position on the front image, allowing both images to be viewed simultaneously at the same location, thereby eliminating the need for sight line movement between separate displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Length of moving object

If En-Face image is superimposed on front image, then sight line movement distance is reduced, but the depth range of the En-Face image needs to be adjustable for optimal viewing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesight line movement distanceVSAvoiddisplay control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability of the depth range for the En-Face image. The display control portion is configured to change the depth range at the eye fundus of the En-Face image that is superimposed on the front image, allowing the system to adapt to different viewing requirements and anatomical variations without adding significant complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11026570B2Information processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.06.08 CANON KK
  • US11026570B2 patent drawing
  • US11026570B2 patent drawing
  • US11026570B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a first acquisition portion acquiring a front image of an eye fundus, a second acquisition portion acquiring an En-Face image on the basis of a plurality of tomographic images of the eye fundus, and a display control portion controlling a display unit to display the En-Face image in a superimposed relation to the front image. The display control portion changes a depth range, at the eye fundus, of the En-Face image superimposed on the front image.