Köhler B, Allgeier S, Eberle F, Maier S, Peschel S, Reichert K-M, Stachs O
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Institut für Angewandte Informatik, Karlsruhe.
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Institut für Angewandte Informatik/Automatisierungstechnik, Karlsruhe.
Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 2014 Dec;231(12):1170-3. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1383331. Epub 2014 Dec 17.
The high resolution of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) allows in vivo imaging of the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (SNP). The field of view of a single CCM image (0.16 mm²) is not sufficient for the reliable morphometric characterisation of the SNP. Therefore we are developing a highly automated mosaicking technique for large-area imaging of the SNP using CCM image sequences.
In order to acquire an image sequence of a larger area of the SNP, the view direction of the patient is guided by a computer-controlled moving fixation target on a display in front of the non-examined eye. The CCM image sequence is recorded with 30 fps. An online calculated mosaic image allows the medical operator to observe the acquisition process and assess the quality and size of the resulting image during the CCM recording process. Remaining image artefacts are corrected in an automated post-processing step.
Using a first prototype system and an appropriate fixation target trajectory, a mean growth of the covered SNP area of 0.18 mm²/s could be achieved.
Using the presented technology, large-area images of the SNP can be generated. The technology is characterized by a high degree of automation and short examination times.
角膜共焦显微镜（CCM）的高分辨率能够对角膜基底神经丛（SNP）进行活体成像。单个CCM图像的视野（0.16 mm²）不足以对SNP进行可靠的形态计量学特征分析。因此，我们正在开发一种高度自动化的拼接技术，用于使用CCM图像序列对SNP进行大面积成像。
为了获取SNP更大区域的图像序列，通过计算机控制的移动固定目标在未检查眼睛前方的显示器上引导患者的视线方向。以30 fps的帧率记录CCM图像序列。在线计算的拼接图像使医学操作人员能够在CCM记录过程中观察采集过程，并评估所得图像的质量和大小。在自动后处理步骤中校正剩余的图像伪影。
使用第一个原型系统和适当的固定目标轨迹，SNP覆盖面积的平均增长速度可达0.18 mm²/s。
使用所提出的技术，可以生成SNP的大面积图像。该技术具有高度自动化和检查时间短的特点。
