Laser Path Curve Generation for Corneal Cutting Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for surgically correcting defective vision using laser technology face challenges in precision when dealing with cutting surfaces that cannot be analytically represented, particularly in the transformed state of the eye under a contact lens, leading to difficulties in determining suitable path curves for laser radiation.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that define path curves by using non-parallel axes or semi-axes intersecting in a reference plane, allowing for interpolation to create concentric closed curves or spirals within the cutting surface, enabling precise control of laser radiation without requiring analytical representation of the cutting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional analytical representation methods are used for cutting surfaces, then computational simplicity is maintained, but precision is lost when dealing with complex surfaces that cannot be analytically represented
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting surface is decomposed into discrete contour lines through systematic intersection with planes perpendicular to the optical axis. This segmentation transforms the continuous complex surface into manageable discrete elements that can be precisely processed without requiring analytical representation, thereby achieving high precision for complex surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of working directly with the complex analytical surface equation, the invention creates a digital copy of the cutting surface through discrete point coordinates obtained by intersecting with calculation planes. This digital model preserves the geometric precision of the original surface while enabling efficient computational processing through standard interpolation algorithms.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex analytical representations are used to accurately represent the cutting surface, then precision is improved, but computational effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting surface is divided into discrete contour lines at different heights along the optical axis. Each contour line consists of discrete points obtained by intersecting the surface with calculation planes. This segmentation enables efficient processing by breaking down the complex surface into simpler one-dimensional curves that can be interpolated and scanned rapidly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention reduces the three-dimensional surface representation problem into a series of two-dimensional contour line problems. By intersecting the 3D cutting surface with multiple 2D calculation planes perpendicular to the optical axis, the complex surface is decomposed into simpler contour lines that can be processed more efficiently while maintaining overall geometric accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cutting surface is decomposed into detailed contour lines, then precision is improved, but the complexity of path curve generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discrete points from different contour lines are merged and connected through standard interpolation algorithms to form continuous path curves. This merging process simplifies the overall path generation by treating all discrete points uniformly, eliminating the need for complex surface-based path calculations while maintaining precision through accurate point-to-point interpolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical or mathematical surface traversal methods with a systematic computational approach: intersecting the surface with calculation planes to obtain discrete points, then using standard interpolation algorithms to connect these points. This substitution of complex surface-based methods with point-based interpolation significantly simplifies the path curve generation process.
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 allows for precise decomposition of complex cutting surfaces into contour lines or spirals, reducing computational effort and improving scanning speed, while maintaining accuracy in optical correction, even for surfaces with higher-order angular symmetry.
Implementation Method 1
a laser device emitting laser radiation for surgically correcting a defective vision of an eye... the use of an excimer laser, which removes the thus-exposed corneal tissue by ablation
Implementation Method 2
the use of an excimer laser, which removes the thus-exposed corneal tissue by ablation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating control data to control a laser device for correcting defective vision. A cut surface is specified which is curved, has a vertex and an edge, and is to be created in the eye. One or more paths, along which a focus of the laser radiation is to be adjusted, are defined for the control data and are selected such that they lie on or near the cut surface. To select the paths, a reference plane, preferably perpendicular, with respect to a direction of incidence of the laser radiation is determined, and different displacement positions are determined for said reference plane from the vertex to the edge of the cut surface. Multiple axes or semi-axes are determined for each displacement position. Intersections of the axes are connected into closed curves which are concentric or form a spiral.