Ophthalmologic Measuring Device Triangulation Interferometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ophthalmological measuring devices face limitations in geometric precision due to movement artifacts and restricted depth measurement ranges, with triangulating methods being limited to the anterior chamber area and interferometric methods suffering from reduced depth resolution and increased motion artifacts.

Innovation Solution

An ophthalmological measuring device combining an optical, triangulating system for geometric reference determination and an optical, interferometric system for detailed structure measurement, allowing for high-resolution, artifact-reduced imaging across the entire eye by using geometric references to position detailed structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If triangulating measuring devices are used, then geometric precision is improved and movement artifacts are reduced, but the measuring range is limited to the anterior chamber area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometric precisionVSAvoidmeasuring range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device is divided into two separate measuring systems: a triangulating first measuring system for determining geometric references in the anterior chamber area, and an interferometric second measuring system for determining detailed geometric structures in the posterior chamber area. Each system operates independently in its optimal measurement zone, allowing the device to overcome the limited measuring range of triangulating methods while maintaining high geometric precision where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If interferometric methods are used, then the measuring range is expanded to include the posterior chamber, but movement artifacts increase and depth resolution decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasuring rangeVSAvoiddepth resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different measuring systems are applied to different regions of the eye based on their respective strengths. The triangulating system is used for the anterior chamber area where high geometric precision is critical, while the interferometric system is used for the posterior chamber area where extended measuring range is more important. This local optimization allows each system to operate in its optimal performance zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If high lateral resolution is achieved in interferometric methods, then measurement precision is improved, but the depth measurement range must be designed much smaller

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral resolutionVSAvoiddepth measurement range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement task is segmented into two parts: lateral resolution requirements are met by the interferometric system for detailed structure measurement in the posterior chamber, while depth measurement range requirements are met by combining this with the triangulating system's capability to measure larger axial distances in the anterior chamber. The geometric references from the triangulating system enable the interferometric system to operate effectively within its optimal depth range.

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 combination enables accurate, high-resolution geometric structure measurement across the eye, overcoming the limitations of both triangulating and interferometric methods by minimizing movement artifacts and expanding the measurable range, allowing for the use of less expensive and slower OCT techniques with larger depth ranges.

Implementation Method 1

an optical, triangulating first measuring system for determining at least one geometric reference in the eye by triangulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriangulation: Parallax

Implementation Method 2

an optical, interferometric second measuring system for determining (two- and/or three-dimensional) geometric detailed structures in the eye (in particular in the anterior chamber area of the eye) by optical interferometry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical interferometry: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP2281500B1Ophthalmologic measuring device and measuring method
Publication Date: 2012.02.08 SIS SURGICAL INSTR SYST
  • EP2281500B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2281500B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP2281500B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The device (1) has an optical triangulated measuring system (11) determining a geometric reference in an eyelet (2) through triangulation. An optical interferometric measuring system (12) determines geometric detail structures in the eyelet by optical ferometric based on the geometric reference in the eyelet determined by the optical triangulated measuring system. The optical triangulated and interferometric measuring systems are coupled, and a light projector (112) projects a light gap (114). An independent claim is also included for an ophthalmologic measuring method for determining a geometric structure of eyelet.