Eye Centring via Camera Imaging for Laser Surgery Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for positioning laser radiation during ophthalmological surgeries, such as fs LASIK, rely heavily on subjective surgeon skills, leading to suboptimal centring of the applicator and potential inaccuracies in treating the eye.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing a camera and image-processing unit to automatically determine the centre of the eye from anatomical features, allowing precise control of laser radiation in space and time according to a treatment program, thereby compensating for any suboptimal positioning of the applicator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the applicator is positioned manually by the surgeon, then the positioning process is simple and quick, but the centring precision and reproducibility deteriorate due to subjective surgeon capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated optical imaging and image processing system. The camera captures images of the eye, and the image processing unit automatically determines the centre position, eliminating reliance on surgeon skill and manual alignment while maintaining system usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the eye's anatomical features through camera imaging. This optical copy is then processed to extract precise centring information, allowing the system to determine the true centre without physically touching or disturbing the eye, thereby achieving high precision without mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If manual centring by eye is used, then the device operation remains simple, but the reliability and reproducibility of the treatment location deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-centring by automatically capturing images and processing them to determine the eye centre. The image processing unit autonomously calculates the centre position based on anatomical features visible in the captured images, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating variability associated with different surgeons' manual centring skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously monitors the eye position and the image processing unit provides real-time centring information. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust and maintain accurate treatment location alignment, significantly improving reliability while keeping the operator interface simple.
3Manufacturing precision
If subjective surgeon judgment is used for positioning, then the procedure remains fast and efficient, but the manufacturing precision of the treatment location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary centring by capturing images and determining the eye centre before the actual laser treatment begins. The image processing unit calculates the precise centre position in advance, allowing the treatment program to be accurately aligned with the determined centre, thereby ensuring high manufacturing precision without adding significant time to the overall procedure.
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
Enables precise and reproducible centring of the surgical treatment, maximizing the ablation zone and ensuring optimal flap geometry during procedures like fs LASIK, reducing human error and improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a camera (46) which records a feature of the eye
Implementation Method 2
an image-processing unit (50a) which derives information about a centre of the eye from the recording of the camera (46)
Implementation Method 3
a laser radiation source (12) for generating laser radiation (14)
Implementation Method 4
with which the laser radiation is focused onto or into the cornea
Implementation Method 5
such as a suction ring (16), which on one side is connected to the eye by suction
Implementation Method 6
the power densities being so high that a continuous incision arises by virtue of photodisruptive effects
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for treating an eye with laser radiation exhibits the following: a laser radiation source (12) for generating laser radiation (14), means (20, 24, 40, 42, 44) for directing the laser radiation (14) onto the eye (10) for the purpose of an ophthalmological intervention on or in the eye, a controller (50) for controlling the laser radiation (14) in space and time in relation to the eye (10) in accordance with a treatment program (52) which is oriented towards a center (Z) of the eye, a camera (46) which records a feature of the eye (10), and an image-processing unit (50a) which derives information about the center (Z) of the eye (10) from the recording of the camera and enters this information into the controller (50), as a result of which the controller (50) controls the laser radiation (14, 14′) in accordance with the treatment program and in a manner depending on the center of the eye derived in step e).