Automated Laser Eye Surgery Alignment via Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-assisted eye-surgery systems rely on manual alignment by physicians, which is time-consuming and prone to variability based on the surgeon's skill, leading to inconsistent incision placement during procedures like LASIK, where precise alignment of the flap hinge relative to the astigmatism zone is crucial for effective vision correction.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using image-acquisition units and computer processing to detect eye features, determine the position and orientation of the astigmatism zone, and generate control data for precise incision figure placement, including an auxiliary channel for gas venting, reducing the need for manual alignment and enhancing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment by physician is used, then the system is simpler to operate, but the alignment time is longer and precision is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an automated optical imaging and computer processing system. The image-acquisition unit captures eye images, and the computer automatically processes these images to determine the incision figure's position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual physician alignment while improving both precision and reducing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-alignment through automated image processing. The computer arrangement independently analyzes the captured eye images, detects relevant features, and determines the optimal incision parameters without requiring continuous physician intervention or manual adjustment, making the alignment process autonomous and efficient.
2Reliability
If manual alignment by physician is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the reliability of incision placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the variable human manual alignment process with a consistent automated computer-based system. The image-acquisition unit and computer arrangement provide reliable, repeatable alignment by processing images through standardized algorithms, eliminating the variability inherent in manual physician alignment while managing the added complexity through software automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through image acquisition and processing. The computer arrangement analyzes the captured eye images to determine the optimal incision figure parameters, providing real-time feedback on the alignment quality and enabling adjustments to ensure consistent, reliable incision placement across different patients and procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated image processing is implemented, then alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple manual alignment with an automated optical imaging and computer processing system. The image-acquisition unit captures detailed eye images, and the computer arrangement processes these images to precisely determine the incision figure's position and orientation, achieving high positioning accuracy while managing complexity through software-based solutions rather than complex mechanical systems.
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 significantly shortens the alignment process, reduces patient inconvenience, and ensures more accurate incision placement, improving the efficiency and consistency of laser-assisted eye surgeries by automating the alignment of the laser system with the eye.
Implementation Method 1
a first image of an eye to be treated is acquired with a first image-acquisition unit
Implementation Method 2
detecting, by image processing of the first image, at least one first feature of the eye
Implementation Method 3
by means of suitable laser radiation—customarily radiation of an excimer laser—an ablation of tissue can then be performed
Implementation Method 4
a focusing objective of the laser system... the site of the focus of the laser beam in the x′,y′ plane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for a laser-assisted eye-surgery treatment system, comprising a first image-acquisition unit that is designed to acquire a first image (39) of an eye to be treated. The apparatus further comprises a computer arrangement which is designed to detect at least one first feature (40′) of the eye by means of image processing of the first image, and to determine a position and an orientation of the first feature in a coordinate system (S′) of the treatment system. The computer arrangement is also designed to determine a position and an orientation of an incision (66′) to be produced in the eye in the coordinate system (S′) of the treatment system as a function of the determined position and orientation of the first feature (40′) in the coordinate system and as a function of a previously determined relative position and orientation of at least one second feature (64′) of the eye with respect to the first feature (40′).