Ophthalmic Laser Scanner Misalignment Detection via Digital Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser systems face challenges in accurately detecting issues with their scanners, leading to potential misalignment and precision errors during surgical procedures due to environmental and operational factors, which current human-based detection methods are slow and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic laser system comprising a laser system, imaging system, and computer that automatically analyzes digital images of actual laser spots compared to planned patterns to detect deviations, identify issues, and provide corrective commands to the scanner or laser system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human technicians manually check laser spots on test targets, then the system can detect scanner problems, but the detection process is slow and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection process with an automated digital imaging and computer analysis system. The camera captures images of laser spots, and computer algorithms automatically analyze deviations from planned patterns, eliminating human involvement in the detection process while improving both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-diagnosis by automatically comparing actual laser spot positions with planned positions and identifying scanner issues without requiring external human intervention. The computer system performs the entire detection and analysis process autonomously.
2Productivity
If automated digital imaging and computer analysis are used to detect laser spot deviations, then detection speed and accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: capturing laser spot images, providing visual records for analysis, and enabling automated deviation detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining high detection productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system continuously monitors laser spot positions to detect scanner misalignment, then scanning accuracy is maintained, but the use of energy increases due to continuous operation of laser and imaging systems
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs periodic checks by directing the laser to write predetermined patterns and capturing images at these intervals. This periodic operation maintains scanning accuracy through regular verification while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic laser system includes a laser system, imaging system, and computer. The laser system accesses a planned test pattern of planned laser spots and directs a laser beam towards a test target located at a target plane according to the planned test pattern to yield an actual test pattern of actual laser spots on the test target. The actual laser spots correspond to the planned laser spots. The imaging system has a digital camera that generates a digital image of the actual test pattern. The computer analyzes the digital image to: compare the actual test pattern to the planned test pattern; detect a deviation of the actual from the planned test pattern; identify an issue indicated by the deviation; and provide output in response to the identified issue.