Eye Tracking Apparatus for High-Speed Laser Eye Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye treatment systems using refractive lasers operate at relatively low pulse rates, limiting their speed and efficiency in precise alignment and ablation processes.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an advanced eye tracking apparatus connected via bidirectional buses for real-time alignment and control, utilizing two movable mirrors and an acoustical sensor for high-speed data transfer and energy monitoring, enabling faster and more precise control of the laser and scanning apparatus, with a CAN-bus for data communication between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pulse rate of the refractive laser is increased to improve treatment speed and efficiency, then productivity is improved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for high-speed eye tracking and alignment systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the eye tracking apparatus continuously monitors eye position and provides real-time feedback to the scanning apparatus and laser control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to compensate for eye movements dynamically, maintaining precise alignment even at high pulse rates of up to 1000 Hz, thus resolving the contradiction between improved productivity and increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with an optical and electronic feedback system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical precision and slow mechanical adjustments, the system uses optical sensors to detect eye position and electronic control to rapidly adjust the scanning mirrors and laser timing, enabling high-speed operation without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity.
2Productivity
If the pulse rate is increased to 1000 Hz or more to enhance treatment efficiency, then productivity is improved, but the alignment precision may deteriorate due to the rapid firing rate
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism continuously tracks eye position between pulses and adjusts the scanning apparatus timing accordingly. This ensures that even at 1000 Hz or higher pulse rates, each laser pulse is precisely aligned with the target area on the cornea, maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The eye tracking apparatus performs preliminary detection and calculation of eye position and movement trajectory before each laser pulse is fired. This advance preparation allows the system to pre-position the scanning mirrors and timing parameters, ensuring precise alignment is achieved automatically at high pulse rates without requiring post-adjustment.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time eye tracking and alignment control is implemented to maintain precision at high speeds, then alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity and data communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex wired data communication systems with optical fiber-based communication between the eye tracking apparatus, scanning apparatus, and laser control unit. This optical communication system provides faster data transfer rates with lower latency, enabling real-time coordination of alignment precision without proportionally increasing electrical system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional bus system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits position data from the eye tracking apparatus, carries control commands to the scanning apparatus, and facilitates feedback signals from the laser system. This multi-functional data communication infrastructure reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple dedicated communication channels into a single integrated system.
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 configuration allows for high-speed operation at pulse rates of up to 1000 Hz, ensuring accurate alignment and efficient ablation with enhanced data communication and energy control, improving the overall speed and reliability of the treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
The excimer laser eye surgery system is used for a non-invasive resculpting of the surface of the eye by providing shots from an excimer laser at desired locations on a determined treatment area of an eye
Implementation Method 2
a pulsed beam is provided with typical repetition rates of 60 to 100 pulses per second with a typical pulse length of 10 to 30 ns
Implementation Method 3
a focussing lens directs the pulsed beam onto a scanning mirror, which then reflects the beam onto a patient's eye. The scanning mirror is capable of moving a beam at 5000 mm/s at the surface of the eye
Implementation Method 4
a focussing lens directs the pulsed beam onto a scanning mirror... The focussing lens focuses light such that when the eye is at the optimal distance, the pulsed beam is properly focussed onto the eye
Implementation Method 5
utilizing two movable mirrors and an acoustical sensor for high-speed data transfer and energy monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system and a method for the treatment of a patient's eye. The system comprises a laser apparatus, a scanning apparatus and an eye tracking apparatus for determining the actual position of the patient's eye and for generating alignment data of the patient's eye relative to a reference position of the patient's eye to the laser, said eye tracking apparatus being provided with a desired treatment shot file. Said scanning apparatus is connected via a first bidirectional bus to the eye tracking apparatus, said laser apparatus is connected via a second bidirectional bus to the eye tracking apparatus. The eye tracking apparatus adjusts the position data for each shot based on said alignment data of the patient's eye and provides aiming control signals representative of the target position data to the scanning apparatus for said shot via said first bidirectional bus. The eye tracking apparatus comprises a comparator for comparing the target position data with the actual position data provided by the scanning apparatus for the shot to be fired. Moreover, said eye tracking apparatus is sending a command signal to the laser apparatus via said second bidirectional bus for firing the shot when the target position data is equal to the actual position data of the scanning apparatus for the shot to be fired.