Ophthalmic Laser Beam Path Feedback for Focus Drift Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ophthalmological laser treatment devices face challenges in accurately focusing laser beams due to movable application heads and thermal drift, leading to variations in beam characteristics, which existing calibration methods, such as manual placement of grid targets, are inadequate to address.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a laser beam monitor with a photodetector array and a control module that uses a light signal source to determine signal characteristics of the beam path, allowing for real-time adjustment of the treatment laser beam's position, orientation, and power, and controlling the scanner to maintain precise delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the application head is made movable to improve accessibility and flexibility in treatment, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to beam path variations from joint movements
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback system is implemented using a light signal source that emits reference signals through the arm's beam path to a photodetector array. The control module continuously monitors the returned signals and automatically adjusts scanner positions to compensate for beam path variations caused by arm movements, thereby maintaining treatment precision while preserving application head mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical calibration methods (manual grid target placement) with an optical feedback system. Instead of physically adjusting components based on mechanical measurements, the system uses light signal propagation through the same beam path to detect and correct positional deviations automatically, eliminating the need for manual mechanical intervention
2Manufacturing precision
If manual calibration using external grid targets is used to improve manufacturing precision, then beam focusing accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration automatically without requiring manual placement of grid targets. The light signal source continuously emits reference signals through the beam path, and the control module automatically processes the photodetector array signals to determine and correct scanner positions, enabling the system to calibrate itself during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light signal as an intermediary to transfer calibration information through the arm's beam path. Instead of directly measuring physical positions with external targets, the light signal acts as a mediator that carries positional information from the application head back to the base station, enabling automatic detection and correction of beam path variations
3Ease of operation
If the arm structure is used to connect base station and application head to improve ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to thermal drift and mechanical tolerances affecting beam characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback system continuously monitors beam path variations caused by thermal drift and mechanical tolerances. The light signal source emits reference signals that traverse the same physical path as the treatment laser, and the photodetector array detects positional deviations. The control module automatically compensates for these variations by adjusting scanner positions, thereby maintaining beam characteristic stability despite arm structure movements
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes scanner position parameters in real-time based on feedback from the light signal measurements. When thermal drift or mechanical tolerances cause beam path variations, the control module calculates the necessary parameter adjustments and repositions the scanners to maintain accurate beam focusing, thereby compensating for physical structure instabilities
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
Ensures accurate and safe ophthalmological laser treatment by compensating for mechanical and thermal changes in the beam path, reducing errors and enhancing treatment precision.
Implementation Method 1
The laser beam monitor comprises a photodetector array arranged to receive a light signal generated by the light signal source, the light signal having traveled through the arm along the beam path
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmological laser treatment device and methods are disclosed, the ophthalmological laser treatment device comprising: a base station having a treatment laser source, an application head, and an arm configured to provide a beam path for the treatment laser beam; wherein the ophthalmological laser treatment device includes a laser beam monitor, a light signal source, and a control module, the laser beam monitor arranged to receive a light signal generated by the light signal source, the light signal having traveled through the arm along the beam path; wherein the control module is configured to control the ophthalmological laser treatment device using signal characteristics of the light signal.