Tomographic Imaging Apparatus Correcting Refractive Index for Actual Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatuses can only provide optical distance information and not the actual shape or size of the retina, as they calculate the eyeball shape based on optical distances including refractive indices, which does not reflect the actual dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A tomographic imaging apparatus that calculates a second tomographic image based on the optical path length of the reference light and optical information of the object, allowing for the display of actual size and shape by combining return light from the object with reference light, using a storage unit for optical data and a calculation unit to adjust for refractive indices and optical path lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If OCT apparatus uses optical path length measurement to obtain tomographic images, then high-resolution photographing is achieved, but the measured distance includes refractive index information and does not represent actual physical dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that transforms optical path length data into actual physical distance data. By using the refractive index as a conversion factor, the system mediates between the optical measurement domain and the physical dimension domain, allowing recovery of actual shape and size information from optical path length measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical path length to actual physical distance by applying refractive index correction. This parameter transformation allows the system to convert the measured optical quantities into physically meaningful dimensions, resolving the information loss about actual object geometry.
2Productivity
If OCT apparatus calculates eyeball shape based on optical distance, then tomographic imaging is obtained, but the calculated shape does not reflect actual anatomical dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary correction by storing refractive index data before the tomographic image calculation process. This pre-prepared optical information is then applied during image reconstruction to convert optical path lengths into actual physical distances, ensuring accurate anatomical measurements are obtained alongside the tomographic images without sacrificing acquisition speed.
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
Enables the acquisition of tomographic image data that closely represents the actual size and shape of the inspected object, correcting for optical distances and refractive index effects to provide accurate anatomical measurements.
Implementation Method 1
light from a light source is split into measuring light and reference light by a beam splitter or the like
Implementation Method 2
The interfering light of the return light and the reference light is detected by the detector and is analyzed so that a tomographic image of the object to be inspected can be obtained
Data Source
AI summary
A tomographic imaging apparatus includes: a light source; an optical splitter unit for splitting light from the light source into reference light and measuring light; a reference optical system including an adjustment unit for adjusting an optical path length of the reference light; a spectral unit for spectrally splitting combined light of the reference light and the return light obtained by irradiating an object to be inspected with the measuring light so as to acquire an interfering signal; a detection unit for detecting an optical path length when a tomographic image of the object is photographed; a storage unit for recording data about a refractive index of a refracting element of the object; and a calculation unit for calculating image data from the interfering signal acquired by the spectral unit based on an actual size using data about the optical path length and the refractive index.