3D Optical Coherence Tomography Eye Tracker for Laser Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye-tracking technologies for laser eye treatments are limited by their two-dimensional imaging, leading to inaccuracies due to three-dimensional eye movements and the need for computationally intensive reconstruction, resulting in slow image rates and potential disturbances from secondary illuminations.
Innovation Solution
An eye-tracker utilizing an interferometric image-acquisition device based on three-dimensional optical coherence tomography for time-resolved acquisition of sectional images, enabling high-speed and precise measurement of six-dimensional eye movements with coherent light, reducing interference from secondary illuminations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two-dimensional camera-based eye tracking is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately capture three-dimensional eye movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional camera-based imaging to three-dimensional optical coherence tomography. The interferometric image-acquisition device captures sectional images of the eye in three dimensions, enabling accurate measurement of both translational and rotational eye movements without requiring complex multi-camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical camera-based optical system with an interferometric optical coherence tomography system. This substitution uses coherent light interference patterns to directly measure three-dimensional eye structures and movements, achieving higher precision without increasing mechanical complexity.
2Measurement precision
If computationally intensive reconstruction is performed to obtain three-dimensional data from two-dimensional images, then the measurement precision improves, but the productivity deteriorates due to slow image rates
Solution Approach 1:
The interferometric image-acquisition device performs three-dimensional measurement directly during image acquisition without requiring subsequent computational reconstruction. The sectional images are captured in three dimensions from the start, eliminating time-consuming post-processing steps and achieving high image rates.
3Device complexity
If camera-based eye trackers are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to disturbances from secondary illuminations
Solution Approach 1:
The interferometric system uses coherent light with specific wavelength and directionality to illuminate only the target eye structures. This localized coherent illumination is insensitive to ambient secondary light sources, ensuring stable and reliable eye tracking regardless of room lighting conditions.
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
The solution provides significantly higher accuracy and speed in tracking eye movements, allowing for precise alignment and orientation of laser treatment, minimizing suboptimal outcomes and avoiding disturbances from secondary light sources.
Implementation Method 1
an interferometric image-acquisition device that has been set up for time-resolved acquisition of sectional images of the eye and that operates on the basis of three-dimensional optical coherence tomography
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument is proposed for examining or machining a human eye, with an eye-tracker for acquiring eye movements and for outputting a signal that is representative of the acquired eye movements, the eye-tracker including an interferometric image-acquisition device that has been set up for time-resolved acquisition of sectional images of the eye and that operates on the basis of two-dimensional or three-dimensional optical coherence tomography, and also an evaluating module ascertaining the eye movements solely from the sectional images.