Ophthalmic Analysis System Interferometric Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ophthalmological analysis systems face challenges in achieving accurate measurements of eye geometry due to the comparative imprecision of non-interferometric imaging methods and the time-consuming scanning processes of interferometers, which limit the precision of determining optical boundary surfaces and their relative distances.

Innovation Solution

A method combining a first interferometric analysis system with a second non-interferometric analysis system, where measurement data from the interferometer is used to correct image data sets obtained from the imaging system, enhancing accuracy by aligning relative distances and allowing for graphical representation and evaluation with improved precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a non-interferometric imaging analysis system is used to obtain image data sets of optical boundary surfaces, then the measurement process is faster and can determine partial sections of optical interfaces, but the measurement precision is comparatively lower

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidaccuracy of image data

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines an interferometric analysis system and a non-interferometric imaging analysis system into a single ophthalmological analysis system. The interferometer provides high-precision measurement data that is used to correct the image data sets from the imaging system, thereby merging the speed advantage of the imaging system with the precision advantage of the interferometer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The processing device acts as an intermediary that receives both the image data sets from the non-interferometric system and the measurement data from the interferometer. It uses the interferometer's precise measurement data as a reference to correct and improve the accuracy of the image data sets, mediating between the two different measurement approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If an interferometer is used to scan a measurement section to determine relative distances between optical interfaces, then measurement precision is improved, but the measurement process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of relative distance measurementVSAvoidscanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The interferometer scans only the measurement axis where optical interfaces are located, rather than scanning the entire eye structure. This partial scanning approach maintains high measurement precision for critical parameters while reducing the overall measurement time compared to comprehensive imaging scans.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of information

If an interferometer scans a large measurement section comprising multiple optical interfaces, then complete eye geometry data is obtained, but the measurement time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of eye geometry dataVSAvoidtotal measurement duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement process is segmented into two complementary parts: the interferometer scans only the measurement axis to obtain precise relative distance data between optical interfaces, while the non-interferometric imaging system simultaneously captures image data sets of the optical boundary surfaces. This segmentation allows complete eye geometry data to be obtained through data fusion without requiring the interferometer to scan the entire eye structure, thereby reducing measurement time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 accurate geometric image display and evaluation, matching the precision of interferometers, while reducing measurement time by correcting image data sets based on precise measurement data, allowing for more efficient and accurate determination of eye geometry.

Implementation Method 1

a first interferometric analysis system... measurement data describing relative distances being obtained from optical boundary surfaces of the eye located on a measurement axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

a projection device and an observation device, with defined regions of the eye being illuminated with the projection device, and with the observation device being able to obtain an image data set of the illuminated region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2432373B1Method and analysis system for measuring a geometry of the eye

Publication Date: 2018.05.09 OCULUS OPTIKGERAETE GMBH

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Figure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an ophthalmic analysis system and a method for measuring a geometry of an eye (15) to be examined using the ophthalmic analysis system (10) that comprises a first interferometric analysis system (11) and a second non-interferometric analysis system (12). The first analysis system is used for obtaining measured data on optical boundary surfaces of the eye located on a measurement axis (16), said measured data describing relative distances, and the second analysis system is used for obtaining at least one set of image data on optical boundary surfaces located on the measurement axis. A processing device (13) of the ophthalmic analysis system processes the measured data and the set of image data and corrects the set of image data using the measured data.