Laser Tomography Calibration with Fluorescent Scan Pattern Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser eye surgery systems face cumbersome and time-consuming calibration processes, often 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 to map pixel locations to the treatment space, employing a fluorescent material and calibration plates to calibrate the scanning system, and utilizing polynomial fitting or lookup tables to define control parameters for the xy-scan and z-scan devices, allowing for precise calibration of the laser system.
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 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 system's own imaging and processing capabilities, eliminating the need for manual calibration operations while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated imaging-based system. Instead of manual manipulation of calibration plates and measurement tools, the system uses automated image capture, digital feature detection, and computational geometry to achieve calibration, substituting mechanical processes with optical and computational methods.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual calibration with calibration plate is used, then calibration can be performed, 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 system's own imaging and processing capabilities, eliminating the need for manual calibration operations while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated imaging-based system. Instead of manual manipulation of calibration plates and measurement tools, the system uses automated image capture, digital feature detection, and computational geometry to achieve calibration, substituting mechanical processes with optical and computational methods.
3Productivity
If automated calibration with fluorescent material and camera is used, then calibration time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system serves multiple functions: it captures calibration plate images for geometric calibration, detects fluorescent material emission for scan pattern verification, and provides visual feedback for alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate calibration devices and procedures, offsetting the added complexity with consolidated system operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescent materials that emit light at different wavelengths or intensities under laser irradiation. The camera detects these optical signals to verify scan patterns and calibration accuracy. This optical signaling mechanism provides automated feedback without requiring complex mechanical measurement 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 reduces the time and complexity of calibration, enabling more efficient and accurate alignment of the laser system, enhancing its operational efficiency and precision in ophthalmic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
scanning an electromagnetic radiation beam of the laser system to a series of scanning locations of a fluorescent material... capturing, using the camera, an emitted light from the series of locations of the fluorescent material in response to the scanned electromagnetic radiation beam
Data Source
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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.