Laser Scan Calibration Using Fluorescent Imaging Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calibration of surgical laser systems in ophthalmic procedures is often cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring manual calibration of scanning systems with calibration plates, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an automated calibration method using a camera with a sensor array and a scanning system that maps sensor locations to the treatment space by scanning electromagnetic radiation over fluorescent material, with optional use of calibration plates and z-scan devices to define control parameters for precise calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration with calibration plate is used, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but calibration time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing images of the calibration plate, detecting feature points, and computing transformation parameters without requiring manual intervention. The calibration process is executed autonomously by the control unit, eliminating the need for operators to manually position the calibration plate or perform calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated optical-digital system. Instead of manual positioning and measurement, the system uses a camera to capture images, digital image processing to detect feature points, and computational algorithms to determine calibration parameters, thereby substituting mechanical operations with optical and digital processes.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration with calibration plate is used, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing images of the calibration plate, detecting feature points, and computing transformation parameters without requiring manual intervention. The calibration process is executed autonomously by the control unit, eliminating the need for operators to manually position the calibration plate or perform calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated optical-digital system. Instead of manual positioning and measurement, the system uses a camera to capture images, digital image processing to detect feature points, and computational algorithms to determine calibration parameters, thereby substituting mechanical operations with optical and digital processes.
3Productivity
If automated calibration with fluorescent material and camera is used, then calibration time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves multiple functions: it captures images of the calibration plate for feature point detection, visualizes the scan pattern on the fluorescent material, and provides feedback for calibration verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each calibration step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the fluorescent material's property of emitting light at a different wavelength than the excitation source. The laser emits at one wavelength and the fluorescent material converts it to a different wavelength that can be captured by the camera, creating a visible scan pattern that facilitates automated detection and calibration.
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 reduces the time and complexity of calibration, enabling more efficient and accurate alignment of laser systems for ophthalmic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
scan the laser system's electromagnetic radiation beam to a series of scanning locations of a fluorescent material
Data Source
AI summary
A laser system calibration method and system are provided. In some methods, a calibration plate may be used to calibrate a video camera of the laser system. The video camera pixel locations may be mapped to the physical space. A xy-scan device of the laser system may be calibrated by defining control parameters for actuating components of the xy-scan device to scan a beam to a series of locations. Optionally, the beam may be scanned to a series of locations on a fluorescent plate. The video camera may be used to capture reflected light from the fluorescent plate. The xy-scan device may then be calibrated by mapping the xy-scan device control parameters to physical locations. A desired z-depth focus may be determined by defining control parameters for focusing a beam to different depths. The video camera or a confocal detector may be used to detect the scanned depths.