Ophthalmic Laser Patient Interface for Homogeneous Corneal Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interfaces for ophthalmic laser surgical systems modify light in a way that results in insufficient brightness and non-homogeneous illumination at the surgical site, affecting the accuracy of imaging and alignment during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface with a cone wall and structures that direct light towards the cone interior, including diffusion, reflective, and scattering structures, to enhance illumination homogeneity and brightness at the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional patient interface with a simple cone wall is used, then the device complexity is low, but the illumination homogeneity and brightness at the surgical site are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing specific optical structures (diffusion structures, reflective structures, scattering structures) at particular locations on the cone wall inner surface. These structures are not uniformly distributed but placed strategically to direct light toward the cone interior and surgical site, creating localized improvements in illumination quality without complicating the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary optical elements (diffusion structures, reflective structures, scattering structures) between the light source and the surgical site. These intermediaries modify the light path and distribution, converting direct light into more homogeneous and brighter illumination at the target area without requiring fundamental changes to the overall device architecture.
2Illumination intensity
If a conventional patient interface with a simple cone wall is used, then the device complexity is low, but the illumination homogeneity at the surgical site is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing specific optical structures (diffusion structures, reflective structures, scattering structures) at particular locations on the cone wall inner surface. These structures are not uniformly distributed but placed strategically to direct light toward the cone interior and surgical site, creating localized improvements in illumination quality without complicating the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly addresses homogeneity by incorporating diffusion structures that scatter light uniformly, reflective structures that redirect light to fill dark areas, and scattering structures that evenly distribute illumination. These elements work together to transform non-uniform light from the source into homogeneous illumination across the surgical site.
3Measurement precision
If existing patient interfaces are used, then the imaging accuracy is limited due to insufficient illumination, but adding illumination structures increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing specific optical structures (diffusion structures, reflective structures, scattering structures) at particular locations on the cone wall inner surface. These structures are not uniformly distributed but placed strategically to direct light toward the cone interior and surgical site, creating localized improvements in illumination quality without complicating the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the cone wall with integrated optical structures that automatically direct and distribute light before it reaches the surgical site. This preliminary light conditioning ensures optimal illumination is already prepared when the light reaches the imaging area, improving imaging accuracy without requiring additional active components or complex control 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
The improved illumination allows for better imaging and more reliable identification of features, enabling precise alignment of the eye with the laser treatment pattern.
Implementation Method 1
The diffusion structure diffuses light traveling from the cone wall towards the cone interior
Implementation Method 2
The reflective structure reflects light towards the cone interior
Implementation Method 3
The one or more structures may comprise a refractive structure that refracts light towards a surgical site portion of the contact portion
Implementation Method 4
The one or more structures may comprise a scattering structure that scatter lights towards a surgical site portion of the contact portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a patient interface for an ophthalmic laser system comprises an interface portion and an attachment portion. The interface portion comprises a contact portion, a cone wall, and one or more structures. The contact portion has an abutment face that is configured to be in contact with the cornea of an eye. The cone wall is disposed outwardly from the contact portion and defines a cone interior. The cone wall has an inner surface and an outer surface, where the inner surface defines the cone interior. The cone wall has an upper portion and a lower portion, where the lower portion is coupled to the contact portion. The one or more structures direct light from the cone wall towards the cone interior. The attachment portion affixes the interface portion to the cornea of the eye.