Intraocular Laser Retinal Scanning Without Microdisplay Light Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for restoring vision in individuals with corneal disease or injury, such as corneal transplants and artificial corneas, suffer from transplant rejection, surgical complications, and low visual acuity, despite the presence of a functioning retina.
Innovation Solution
An intraocular laser projection system with a laser scanning implant is implanted inside the eye, using a laser projection scanning subsystem to paint images from a digital camera on the retina, potentially placed in the lens capsule, anterior chamber, or vitreous chamber, utilizing wireless power and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an implanted liquid crystal microdisplay is used to restore vision, then the retina can receive images, but the device loses much of its emitted light through polarizers resulting in poor power efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the liquid crystal microdisplay with a laser projection subsystem that uses laser beams to directly paint images on the retina. This substitution eliminates the need for polarizers and liquid crystal modulation, thereby eliminating light loss through these components and dramatically improving power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from broad-spectrum light emission (microdisplay) to coherent laser light projection. This parameter change allows direct retinal stimulation with minimal energy loss, as laser light can be precisely focused and directed without requiring polarizing filters.
2Manufacturing precision
If an implanted microdisplay is used, then images can be displayed on the retina, but the placement of the implant must be very precise relative to the retina
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic scanning mirrors (MEMS devices) that can actively adjust and redirect laser beams in real-time. This dynamic capability compensates for any static placement errors, allowing the implant to be positioned with less precision while still achieving accurate retinal imaging through active beam steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses scanning mirrors as intermediary components between the laser source and the retina. These mirrors act as flexible mediators that can redirect light paths to compensate for placement variations, effectively decoupling the precision requirements of implant placement from the precision requirements of retinal imaging.
3Measurement precision
If lenses are placed after the scanning mirrors to focus the laser beam, then the image can be focused on the retina, but spherical aberrations are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the traditional focusing lenses from the optical path after the scanning mirrors. Instead of using refractive lenses that introduce spherical aberrations, the system relies on the laser's inherent coherence and the scanning mirrors' precision to achieve focused retinal imaging without intermediate focusing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/refractive focusing system (lenses) with a coherent optical system using laser beams. The laser's coherent light can be directly focused by the scanning mirrors without requiring additional lenses, thereby eliminating spherical aberrations while maintaining focus precision.
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
The system provides improved vision by relaxing implant placement constraints, reducing spherical aberrations, and enhancing power efficiency, while avoiding issues associated with traditional microdisplays.
Implementation Method 1
The implant contains a laser projection scanning subsystem configured to 'paint' an image of the scene that is before the person, on the retina
Data Source
AI summary
An implant that is to be implanted inside the eye of a person contains a laser projection scanning subsystem that is configured to “paint” an image of the scene that is before the person, on the retina. The image of the scene may be acquired by a digital camera that is attached to a head unit that may be worn by the person, and then transmitted to the implant. Other aspects are also described and claimed.