Ophthalmic Laser Imaging System for Precise Eye Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic laser surgery systems require physicians to alternate between optical microscopes and system interfaces, increasing complexity due to insufficient high-resolution imaging for precise alignment and centration of laser output with the eye.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a real-time high-resolution digital imaging system, allowing for ergonomic viewing and alignment of the eye, replacing traditional optical microscopes with a digital imaging system, and enabling precise control of pulsed laser beams based on operator inputs through a user interface and controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical microscope is used to view the patient's eye, then magnified image is provided, but the physician must physically change position to view both the microscope and system interface, increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging system and laser control interface into a single integrated display unit. The imaging system captures real-time images of the patient's eye and displays them on the same interface where laser parameters are controlled, eliminating the need for separate optical microscope viewing. This merging of functions reduces system complexity while maintaining high-resolution imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital imaging system as an intermediary between the patient's eye and the physician's view. Instead of requiring direct optical microscope viewing, the imaging system captures and transmits visual information to the display interface, serving as a mediator that allows the physician to view both the eye and control interface simultaneously without physical repositioning.
2Ease of operation
If a digital camera is used to capture images of the patient's eye, then the system interface can display images, but the resolution is insufficient for applanation, alignment or centration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resolution parameter of the imaging system to achieve sufficient detail for alignment and centration tasks. By specifying high-resolution imaging capabilities in the system design, the patent ensures that the displayed images provide adequate visual information for precise applanation, alignment, and centration operations, while still being viewable on the system interface.
3Reliability
If the optical microscope is positioned at a different location than the system interface, then each component can be optimized independently, but the physician must alternate between viewing the microscope and interface, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the viewing function and control function into a single integrated display interface. The imaging system displays real-time images of the patient's eye directly on the system interface where laser parameters are controlled, allowing the physician to perform both viewing and control operations at one location without alternating between separate microscope and interface positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the imaging display at the system interface location. This allows the physician to have both the visual information and control capabilities prepared and available at the same location before the procedure begins, eliminating the need for physical movement and alternating views during operation.
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
Enhances the precision and efficiency of ophthalmic laser surgery by providing a real-time, high-resolution digital image for alignment and centration, reducing the need for physical movement and improving the accuracy of laser application.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging system configured to capture a real-time high resolution digital image of the eye
Implementation Method 2
a laser assembly configured to output a pulsed laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
System and method of photoaltering a region of an eye using a high resolution digital image of the eye. The system includes a laser assembly for outputting a pulsed laser beam, an imaging system for capturing a real-time high resolution digital image of the eye and displaying the digital image of the eye, a user interface receiving at least one laser parameter input, and a controller coupled to the laser assembly, imaging system, and user interface. The controller directs the laser assembly to output the pulsed laser beam to the region of the eye based on the laser parameter input.