Transparent Contact Element Positioning via Confocal Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position of contact elements in material processing, particularly in ophthalmic applications, are inaccurate and require complex configurations, often necessitating separate adapters for each object and potentially risky high-energy laser radiation.
Innovation Solution
A method using confocally detected radiation to determine the position of contact surfaces by shifting the focus of measurement laser radiation along a measurement surface, ensuring no optical breakthroughs occur, allowing for precise positioning without complex optical systems or high-energy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-energy laser radiation is used to determine contact element position, then positioning can be achieved, but optical breakthroughs occur creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter of the measurement laser radiation from high-energy (causing optical breakthroughs) to low-energy (below optical breakdown threshold), while maintaining positioning capability through confocal detection of back-scattered radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces confocal detection as an intermediary measurement method that detects back-scattered radiation from the focal region, enabling position determination without direct high-energy laser-matter interaction that causes optical breakthroughs
2Measurement precision
If complex optical systems are used for position determination, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the contact element's own surface properties (back-scattered radiation from its curved surface) as the measurement signal source, eliminating the need for separate markers, reflectors, or complex target structures that would increase system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function (confocal detection of back-scattered radiation) from complex optical systems, using minimal optical components (measurement laser source, confocal detector, focus adjustment) to achieve precise positioning
3Measurement precision
If separate adapters are used for each object, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement method that works with any contact element having a curved surface, eliminating the need for object-specific adapters. The confocal detection system universally detects back-scattered radiation from any such surface geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs position determination of the contact element before actual material processing, allowing the system to adapt to the specific contact element mounted and ensuring accurate positioning is established in advance for the subsequent processing step
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 enables accurate and precise positioning of contact elements with reduced complexity and radiation exposure, improving the accuracy of material processing while maintaining safety and sterility.
Implementation Method 1
focusing measurement laser radiation near or on said surface by means of the variable focus adjustment device
Implementation Method 2
radiation scattered back or reflected back from the focus of the measurement laser radiation is confocally detected
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing an apparatus for material processing by generating optical breakthroughs in an object. The apparatus includes a variable focus adjustment device. A contact element is mounted to the apparatus, the contact element has a curved contact surface having a previously known shape. The position of the contact surface is determined prior to processing the object, by focusing measurement laser radiation near or on the surface by the variable focus adjustment device, and the focus position is adjusted in a measurement surface intersecting the expected position of the contact surface. Radiation from the focus of the measurement laser radiation is confocally detected. The position of points of intersection between the measurement surface and the contact surface is determined from the confocally detected radiation to determine the position of the contact surface from the position of the points of intersection and the previously known shape of the contact surface.