Tomographic Image Resolution via Real-Time Wavelength Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical tomography systems using SS-OCT measurement, fluctuations in the wavelength of the light source lead to non-equidistant interference signals with respect to wave numbers, resulting in deteriorated image resolution, as existing methods rely on reproducible wavelength sweeping properties which are difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dividing detected interference signals into different wavelength bands, analyzing each to obtain tomographic data for each depth position, and generating images using these data, while also converting signals to account for wavelength changes, thereby minimizing the impact of wavelength fluctuations and ensuring uniform bandwidth or overlapping bands for improved resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If interference signals are rearranged based on stored wavelength sweeping properties, then the signals can be made equidistant with respect to wave numbers k, but the resolution deteriorates when wavelength fluctuations occur because the stored properties become inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by detecting the actual wavelength at each time point and using this real-time information to rearrange interference signals. The wavelength detection unit continuously monitors the actual wavelength, and the rearrangement unit uses this feedback to correctly position signals in the frequency domain, ensuring equidistant arrangement even when fluctuations occur. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive to real-time wavelength changes rather than relying on pre-stored properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter approach from using fixed pre-stored wavelength sweeping properties to dynamically determining wavelength values at each time point. By detecting actual wavelength at each moment and using this time-varying parameter for signal rearrangement, the system maintains accuracy despite fluctuations in the light source properties, thereby preserving image resolution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If wavelength sweeping properties are stored in advance for signal rearrangement, then the system can maintain consistent processing, but the system becomes vulnerable to environmental factors that cause wavelength fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from real-time wavelength detection to adjust signal rearrangement dynamically. Instead of relying on fixed pre-stored properties that are vulnerable to environmental factors, the feedback mechanism continuously adapts the processing based on actual wavelength measurements, maintaining consistency despite environmental fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static pre-stored wavelength properties to dynamic real-time wavelength detection and adjustment. The system becomes flexible and adaptive, continuously updating the wavelength information used for signal rearrangement based on current conditions, thereby maintaining processing consistency while being resilient to environmental changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interference signals are not arranged equidistantly with respect to wave numbers k, then the system can handle variable wavelength sweeping, but the resolution of tomographic images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time wavelength detection feedback to dynamically rearrange interference signals into equidistant positions in the frequency domain. This feedback-driven rearrangement maintains the flexibility to handle variable wavelength sweeping while ensuring that signals are always properly positioned for high-resolution spectral analysis, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the parameter used for signal arrangement from fixed pre-stored wavelength values to real-time detected wavelength values. This parameter change enables the system to maintain equidistant signal arrangement adaptively, preserving both the flexibility to handle variable sweeping and the precision required for high-resolution imaging.
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 resolution of tomographic images by averaging or weighting intermediate data to cancel noise and ensure consistent analysis, even with wavelength shifts, allowing for high-speed, high-resolution imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit (30) emitting a light beam L within a predetermined wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
combining reflected light beams, which are the measuring light beam reflected at various depth positions within a measurement target, with the reference light beam
Implementation Method 3
detecting interference light beams, formed by combining the reflected light beams and the reference light beam, as interference signals
Implementation Method 4
detecting interference light beams, formed by combining the reflected light beams and the reference light beam, as interference signals
Implementation Method 5
the detected interference signals are divided into different wavelength bands, to generate a plurality of divided interference signals
Data Source
AI summary
Deterioration of the resolution of tomographic images obtained by optical tomography measurement is prevented. Interference signals, which are obtained when a light beam L is emitted, are divided into a plurality of divided interference signals each having different wavelength bands. Spectral analysis is administered for each of the plurality of divided interference signals, to obtain a plurality of pieces of intermediate tomographic data. The plurality of pieces of intermediate tomographic data are employed to obtain tomographic data, a tomographic image is generated based on the tomographic data, then displayed.