Laser Eye Surgery Beam Delivery Calibration Using Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser eye surgery systems face challenges in accurately controlling and calibrating the laser beam delivery to ensure precise corneal ablation, which is crucial for successful vision correction and patient safety, due to potential flaws in mechanical or optical components and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an image capture device, such as a microscope camera, to image a calibration pattern and test pattern on a cornea, determining beam delivery system characteristics, and calibrating the system by adjusting machine-readable code to account for lateral redirecting characteristics and offsets, ensuring accurate beam positioning and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional beam delivery system calibration methods are used, then system cost and complexity are maintained at acceptable levels, but beam positioning accuracy and calibration precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A calibration target with known geometric features is introduced as an intermediary object between the beam delivery system and the measurement device. The target serves as a reference medium that enables precise measurement of beam position and orientation without requiring complex direct measurement systems. The known geometry of the target provides a basis for calculating beam delivery characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures images of the calibration target, processes the image data to determine actual beam position and orientation, compares these measurements with intended values, and generates feedback for system calibration. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables continuous improvement of beam positioning accuracy through iterative adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional beam delivery system calibration methods are used, then system cost and complexity are maintained at acceptable levels, but calibration accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target acts as an intermediary that simplifies the calibration process by providing known reference features. Instead of using complex direct measurement methods, the system uses the target's predetermined geometry as a mediator to infer beam delivery characteristics, thereby achieving high calibration accuracy with simpler equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the calibration target through imaging and processes this copied information to determine beam characteristics. By working with the image data rather than directly measuring physical beam parameters, the system achieves high precision without requiring complex physical measurement apparatus.
3Measurement precision
If image capture device is used for beam positioning, then beam positioning accuracy is enhanced, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical beam measurement and positioning systems with an optical imaging-based approach. Instead of using mechanical sensors or complex position detection devices, the patent uses standard imaging technology to capture beam position information, thereby achieving high precision at lower cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device creates a visual copy of the calibration target and beam interaction, which is then processed computationally to extract precise positioning information. This approach substitutes expensive direct measurement hardware with more affordable imaging technology combined with image processing algorithms.
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 enhances the accuracy and precision of laser beam positioning and calibration, reducing the risk of undesired tissue ablation and improving the success of vision correction procedures while maintaining system cost and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
imaging a known calibration pattern at an image location with an imaging device
Implementation Method 2
the laser removing microscopic layers of stromal tissue from the cornea using a technique generally described as ablative photodecomposition
Implementation Method 3
the laser removing microscopic layers of stromal tissue from the cornea using a technique generally described as ablative photodecomposition
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for testing a laser eye surgery system are provided. Methods include establishing an image scale based on a calibration pattern, imageably altering a series of regions of a test surface with the laser system, laterally redirecting a laser beam to form a test pattern, imaging the test pattern, determining a lateral redirecting characteristic of the beam delivery system, and qualifying or calibrating the beam delivery system. Systems can include an input module that accepts an input member such as a calibration pattern parameter, a calibration pattern image, an intended pattern parameter, a test pattern image, an imaging device position, a calibration pattern position, a test pattern position, and a beam delivery system position, a characterization module that determines a beam delivery system characteristic, and an output module that generates a calibration for the beam delivery system of the laser eye surgery system.