Ophthalmic Device Alignment Using On-Axis and Off-Axis Reflections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning ophthalmic devices relative to the eye lack precision and accuracy, particularly in achieving exact alignment necessary for diagnostic and surgical procedures, as they rely on various techniques such as reflection-based, height-based, image-based, and stereo-based methods which may not consistently provide reliable results across different corneal shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an ophthalmic device with an on-axis and off-axis illuminator and camera configuration, where light is incident on and reflected by the eye to form centered reflections, allowing for alignment by determining the normality of the illuminator axes to the reflection centers, with a processor adjusting the device's position based on captured image data to achieve precise alignment in x, y, and z directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple positioning techniques (reflection-based, height-based, image-based, stereo-based) are used, then positioning capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the positioning function into two independent subsystems: an on-axis subsystem (illuminator and camera) for x-y positioning and an off-axis subsystem (illuminator and camera) for z-positioning. Each subsystem operates independently to measure specific spatial parameters, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from using multiple complex 3D positioning techniques to a dimensional decomposition approach where on-axis measurements (2D plane) and off-axis measurements (depth dimension) are separated. This allows each subsystem to focus on specific spatial dimensions, reducing computational complexity while achieving full 3D positioning accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If reflection-based technique is used with individual light sources, then alignment capability is improved, but reliability varies across different corneal shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The on-axis illuminator is designed with a shape having a defined center that can be imaged by the on-axis camera, creating a universal reference marker that works consistently across different corneal geometries. This universal reference point enables reliable alignment regardless of variations in corneal shape or size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the imaged center of the on-axis illuminator as a feedback reference to determine proper alignment. The processor compares the position of this reference marker in the captured image against the expected center position, providing continuous feedback for alignment adjustment and ensuring consistent results across different corneal variations.
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 fast, cost-efficient, and simple alignment of ophthalmic devices, providing easy-to-interpret information for users, ensuring accurate positioning despite variations in corneal shape and size, and allowing for improved diagnostic and surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the on-axis illuminator emits light that is incident on and reflected by the eye of the patient to form an on-axis reflection
Implementation Method 2
the off-axis illuminator emits light along an off-axis incident path that is incident on and reflected by the eye along an off-axis reflective path to form an off-axis reflection
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for aligning an ophthalmic device with respect to an eye of a patient. In one disclosure, the system may include an ophthalmic device with an on-axis and an off-axis. The system may include an on-axis illuminator that emits light that is reflected by the eye of the patient to form an on-axis reflection having a center. The system may include an on-axis camera pointed along the on-axis. The system may include an off-axis illuminator that emits light that is reflected by the eye to form an off-axis reflection having a center. The system may include an off-axis camera pointed along the off-axis. The ophthalmic device may be operable to be aligned with respect to the eye of the patient when the on-axis is substantially normal to the center of the on-axis reflection and the off-axis is substantially normal to the center of the off-axis reflection.