Virtual Averaging OCT Image Enhancement

The patent creates virtual copies of the original OCT image by adding Gaussian-distributed random noise to generate multiple synthetic versions. These virtual images are then averaged to produce an enhanced image that matches the quality of frame-averaged images. This copying approach allows achieving image quality improvement without requiring actual multiple scans, thus reducing scan time.

The patent transforms the original image by modifying its parameters - specifically by adding controlled random noise with Gaussian distribution. This parameter change creates virtual variations that simulate multiple actual scans, enabling the averaging process to be performed computationally rather than through repeated physical scanning, thereby reducing patient discomfort and scan time.

Instead of requiring multiple actual scans that would increase patient discomfort, the patent creates virtual copies of the original scan through computational noise addition. These synthetic images are then averaged to achieve quality improvement without subjecting the patient to repeated scanning, thus eliminating the harmful effect of patient discomfort while maintaining the beneficial effect of image enhancement.

The patent introduces computational processing as an intermediary between the single original scan and the final enhanced image. By using algorithms to generate virtual images and perform averaging, the system mediates the need for image quality improvement without requiring multiple physical scans, thereby protecting the patient from discomfort while achieving the desired quality enhancement.