Patent ID: 11920929
Assignee: CANON U.S.A., INC.
Field: Measurement (Instruments)
Classification: CPC G  A | IPC A  G

Claim 12:
13. A method for detecting and guiding one or more optical connections for one or more imaging modalities of an apparatus or system, the method comprising:
switching the apparatus or system from a main reference arm to an auxiliary reference arm;
moving a linear stage and a rotary motor of the apparatus or system to pre-engagement and/or pre-disengagement positions;
measuring a, or use a previously stored, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or a peak in at least one A-line scan of a patient interface component (PIC) output connector prior to engagement or disengagement of the one or more optical connections between the PIC and a catheter or probe;
moving the linear stage of the apparatus or system to an engagement position and/or to a post-disengagement position;
measuring an SNR or a peak of the PIC output connector after the engagement and/or the disengagement; and
determining that (i) in a case where the engagement occurs, the engagement is successful or acceptable in a case where a post-engagement SNR or peak is different from the pre-engagement SNR or peak, and/or in a case where the apparatus or system confirms, or the apparatus or system confirms, that only one peak is present in at least one A-line at or about the PIC output connector, and/or (ii) in a case where the disengagement occurs, the disengagement is successful or acceptable in a case where a post-disengagement SNR or peak is different from the pre-disengagement SNR or peak, and/or in a case where the apparatus or system confirms that a second peak is present in at least one A-line at a distance from the PIC output connector about equal or equal to a distance between pre-disengagement and post-disengagement positions or about where the catheter or probe connector is expected or estimated.