Laser Testing Eye Body With Separate Irradiation Test Object

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current test objects for pulsed laser radiation in refractive laser treatments of the human eye fail to adequately simulate all degrees of freedom of eye movement, particularly rotational movements, during calibration and treatment simulations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an eye body with a pattern simulating a pupil and/or iris structure, along with a separate irradiation test object made of modifiable material, is used to apply laser radiation according to a predefined application profile, allowing visualization of the material modification and simulation of complex eye movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional sheet- or plate-shaped test objects with imprinted eye structures are used, then the test object structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but all degrees of freedom of eye movement (particularly rotational movements) cannot be adequately simulated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation of eye movement degrees of freedomVSAvoidtest object structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test object is divided into two separate components: an eye body (which may be simple and stationary) and a separate irradiation test object (which simulates the corneal surface). This segmentation allows the irradiation test object to be independently positioned and oriented to simulate various eye movements including rotational movements, while the eye body maintains structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A pattern bearing surface (the irradiation test object) is introduced as an intermediary between the eye body and the laser device. This intermediary carries the eye structure pattern and can be independently positioned and oriented relative to the eye body, enabling simulation of complex eye movements while keeping the overall system manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If separate irradiation test object is used above the pattern, then material modification allows visualization of application profile, but the setup complexity increases compared to direct irradiation of imprinted surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization of application profileVSAvoidtest setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The irradiation test object is made of material that undergoes visible modification when exposed to laser radiation. This material change (such as discoloration, ablation, or other permanent marks) provides direct visual feedback of the laser application profile, enabling precise measurement and calibration without requiring complex imaging systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The eye structure pattern is copied onto the irradiation test object, which then serves as both the target for laser irradiation and the medium for visualizing the application profile. This copying approach simplifies the setup by combining multiple functions into a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 method enables effective visualization and calibration of pulsed laser devices by simulating patient-specific eye movements and treatments, improving the accuracy of laser radiation application and corneal ablation profiles.

Implementation Method 1

The irradiated laser radiation causes a photodisruptive process in the corneal tissue, which results in tissue separation or vaporization of tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotodisruption: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

applying laser radiation of the laser device to the irradiation test object according to a predefined application profile, so that a material modification which corresponds to the application profile is generated in the irradiation test object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3377010B1Method for testing a laser device
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 ALCON INC
  • EP3377010B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3377010B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C

AI summary

A method for testing a laser device which is configured for emitting pulsed, focused laser radiation includes providing an artificial eye body which bears a pattern that simulates a pupil and/or an iris structure, and arranging an irradiation test object, which is separate from the eye body and which is made of a material which is modifiable by the laser radiation of the laser device, above the pattern. The method further comprises applying laser radiation of the laser device to the irradiation test object according to a predefined application profile, so that a material modification which corresponds to the application profile is generated in the irradiation test object.