Lens Capsule Boundary Detection via Iris Shadow Casting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ophthalmic diagnostic and measurement systems, such as wavefront acquisition and slit lamps, face limitations in accurately measuring the size and position of the lens capsule and implanted intraocular lenses, which is crucial for precise laser vision correction and cataract surgery.

Innovation Solution

The method involves generating and emitting light beams at an angle adjacent to the eye to detect the position and boundary of the lens capsule by analyzing the shadow cast on the iris, using a combination of LED arrays, slit lamps, and computer systems for image analysis and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wavefront acquisition systems or slit lamps are used for eye imaging, then general diagnostic capabilities are provided, but measurement precision of lens capsule and intraocular lens position is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens capsule and intraocular lens position measurementVSAvoiddetail information of lens capsule boundary
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different lighting strategies for different measurement needs: infrared LEDs provide uniform illumination for general wavefront measurement, while angled visible light beams provide directional illumination specifically for casting shadows that reveal lens capsule boundaries. This localized application of different lighting qualities enables precise boundary detection without compromising overall diagnostic capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the shadow cast on the iris as an intermediary indicator to indirectly measure the lens capsule boundary. Instead of directly imaging the transparent lens capsule, the system uses the shadow it casts on the iris as a visible proxy, enabling precise boundary detection through the intermediary shadow pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If infrared LEDs are used for eye illumination, then wavefront measurement is enabled, but lens capsule boundary detection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens capsule boundary detectionVSAvoidvisible light illumination for shadow casting
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two illumination systems: infrared LED illumination for wavefront measurement and visible light beam illumination for shadow casting. Both illumination sources operate simultaneously or sequentially to provide complementary information - the infrared system enables wavefront diagnostics while the visible light system enables precise lens capsule boundary detection through shadow patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If current eye imaging methods are used, then general diagnostic information is obtained, but surgical precision for laser vision correction and cataract surgery is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical procedure accuracyVSAvoidlens capsule size and position measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct mechanical or optical measurement attempts with a光影 (shadow)-based measurement approach. Instead of trying to directly measure the transparent lens capsule with optical systems, the system uses shadow casting and pattern analysis to indirectly but more precisely determine lens capsule boundaries, size, and position, thereby improving surgical planning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables precise measurement of the lens capsule and implanted intraocular lens size and position, enhancing the accuracy of eye imaging and surgical procedures like laser vision correction and cataract surgery, allowing for better iris registration and IOL placement.

Implementation Method 1

detecting the position and/or boundary of a lens capsule from its shadow casted by reflected light on the iris

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShadow: Shadow

Implementation Method 2

shadow casted by reflected light on the iris

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9820647B2Systems and methods for measuring position and boundary of lens capsule and implanted intraocular lens in eye imaging
Publication Date: 2017.11.21 JOHNSON & JOHNSON SURGICAL VISION INC
  • US9820647B2 patent drawing
  • US9820647B2 patent drawing
  • US9820647B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of this invention generally relate to systems and methods for eye imaging, and more particularly to measuring the size and position of the lens capsule and of the implanted intraocular lens. In one embodiment, a method for measuring the size and position of the lens capsule and of the implanted intraocular lens comprises generating and emitting one or more light beams at an angle adjacent to the eye, generating one or more eye images, and detecting the position and/or boundary of a lens capsule from its shadow casted by reflected light on the iris.