Endoilluminator Output Calculation via Segmented Contributions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoilluminator systems lack a technique for accurately and efficiently calculating endoilluminator output, which is crucial for controlling light exposure during procedures like vitreoretinal surgery.

Innovation Solution

The system calculates endoilluminator output by determining the illuminator contribution and fiber contribution using calibrated or empirically determined factors such as illuminator leg efficiency, attenuator factor, initial lamp performance, lamp performance degradation, fiber coupling factor, and fiber transmission ratio, and adjusts components to maintain a set point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing endoilluminator systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the output calculation accuracy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput calculation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the endoilluminator system into distinct functional components: illuminator contribution (light source, optics, attenuators) and fiber contribution (optical fibers, connectors). Each segment has its own calibration factors and efficiency parameters, allowing independent measurement and calculation. This segmentation enables accurate output calculation by multiplying the illuminator contribution by the fiber contribution, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If lamp performance degradation is not monitored, then the system operation is simple, but the output consistency deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput consistencyVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary calibration of the lamp performance degradation factor during manufacturing or initial setup. This pre-determined factor is stored and automatically applied during operation to compensate for expected lamp aging and performance degradation. By performing this calibration action in advance, the system maintains output consistency over time without requiring complex real-time monitoring or adjustment mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple calibration factors are used, then the measurement accuracy improves, but the calculation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput measurement accuracyVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automated calculation algorithms that multiply the calibrated illuminator contribution factor by the calibrated fiber contribution factor to determine the endoilluminator output. The system automatically selects and applies the appropriate calibration factors based on the specific components used, eliminating the need for manual calculations or complex measurement procedures. This automation maintains high measurement precision while reducing calculation complexity and user burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 method provides accurate and efficient control of endoilluminator output, ensuring consistent and safe light exposure during surgical procedures by calculating the endoilluminator output as the product of the illuminator and fiber contributions and adjusting system components accordingly.

Implementation Method 1

The endoilluminator probe has a proximal end that connects to the illumination console at the port and a distal end that projects illuminating light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

The illumination console houses a light source and optics that focus light from the source onto a connector port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP2766660B1Providing consistent output from an endoilluminator system
Publication Date: 2016.01.13 ALCON RESEARCH LTD
  • EP2766660B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2766660B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2766660B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

In certain embodiments, determining an endoilluminator output includes calculating an illuminator contribution of an endoilluminator system and a fiber contribution of one or more optical fibers of the endoilluminator system. The endoilluminator output is determined from the illuminator contribution and the fiber contribution. The illuminator contribution may be established using calibrated or empirically determined factors, such as an illuminator leg efficiency, an attenuator factor, an initial lamp performance, and/or a lamp performance degradation factor of the lamp. The fiber contribution may be established using calibrated or empirically determined factors, such as a fiber coupling factor and/or fiber transmission ratio of the optical fibers.