Surgical Microscope OCT Reference Arm Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integration of OCT systems with surgical microscopes often results in suboptimal image quality due to trial-and-error adjustment methods for optical components, leading to out-of-focus samples and compromised imaging modalities.
Innovation Solution
A system with processors and storage devices calibrates the OCT reference arm to match the working distance of the surgical microscope's objective lens, adjusting optical components to ensure parfocality and optimal image quality through automated or manual adjustments until a valid image is obtained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If trial-and-error adjustment methods are used for optical components, then the system can be assembled, but image quality deteriorates due to out-of-focus samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary calibration of the reference arm position to the objective lens working distance before actual imaging. This pre-positioning establishes accurate coordinate mappings that eliminate the need for trial-and-error adjustments during operation, ensuring both ease of assembly and high image quality from the start
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses OCT imaging feedback to detect sample position and provide real-time adjustments. The coordinate information from the calibrated reference arm enables the system to determine whether the sample is in focus and automatically adjust the reference arm position to maintain optimal image quality
2Ease of operation
If conventional trial-and-error adjustment methods are used, then system setup is simple, but time is lost due to repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process performs preliminary positioning of the reference arm to match the objective lens working distance before clinical use. This one-time preliminary action establishes accurate coordinate mappings that eliminate repeated adjustments during actual imaging procedures, reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual trial-and-error mechanical adjustments with an automated coordinate-based positioning system. The system uses calculated coordinate differences to automatically adjust the reference arm position, substituting intuitive mechanical tuning with precise computational control that saves time while remaining easy to operate
3Productivity
If the reference arm position is not calibrated, then the system can operate, but OCT image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration of the reference arm position to the objective lens working distance before operational use. This pre-positioning ensures that the coordinate mapping between the reference arm and sample position is accurate, enabling the system to maintain high OCT image quality throughout operation without requiring repeated recalibration
Solution Approach 2:
The calibrated coordinate system provides continuous feedback about sample position relative to the focal plane. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal OCT image quality during operation by enabling accurate determination of whether the sample is in focus and facilitating precise adjustments when needed
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 ensures that the OCT image is in focus and of high quality by calculating and applying necessary adjustments to the reference arm, improving the alignment of optical paths and enhancing the overall image quality across multiple imaging modalities.
Implementation Method 1
OCT uses the principles of low coherence interferometry to obtain three-dimensional (3D) images of a sample. The optical path length through the sample arm of the OCT system is generally matched by the optical path through the reference arm of the OCT system
Data Source
AI summary
A system for optimizing optics is provided. The system is configured to calibrate a position of a reference arm of an interferometric imaging system such that an image of a sample is visible when the sample is positioned at a working distance of an objective lens to provide an initial calibrated position. An image is obtained using the initial calibrated position. Image quality of the obtained image is assessed to determine if the obtained image is a valid image. A path length of the reference arm is adjusted if it is determined that the obtained image is not a valid image. A difference between the calibrated position of the reference arm and the adjusted position of the reference arm is calculated. System elements are adjusted based on the calculated difference such that the sample is visible when the sample is positioned at the working distance at the adjusted position.