Patient-Specific Face Mask for Ophthalmic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ophthalmic systems face challenges in achieving precise alignment of a patient's eye, particularly for self-administered procedures, as traditional methods require skilled technicians and complex automated systems, which are costly and unreliable, limiting their use in home care settings.
Innovation Solution
A patient-specific face mask is used to establish a predefined alignment between the ophthalmic system and the patient's eye, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustments and automated systems by utilizing 3D scanning technology to create a customized face mask that holds the patient's face in a consistent position relative to the ophthalmic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated positioning systems are used to achieve precise alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from complex automated positioning systems and implements it through a simple patient-specific face mask that physically positions the patient's face at a predetermined location. This removes the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a 3D digital model (copy) of the patient's face through scanning, then uses this model to generate a physical face mask. This copy approach enables precise alignment without requiring complex real-time adjustment systems, as the mask is pre-formed to match the patient's unique facial geometry.
2Measurement precision
If automated positioning systems are used to achieve precise alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex automated positioning systems with a relatively simple, disposable patient-specific face mask. The mask can be manufactured at low cost using 3D printing or molding techniques and does not require sophisticated mechanical or electronic components, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a 3D digital copy of the patient's face and using it to manufacture a physical mask, the system avoids the need for expensive automated positioning hardware. The copying process enables precise alignment through digital data rather than through costly mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If traditional alignment methods are used, then alignment precision is maintained, but ease of operation decreases for self-administered procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform self-alignment by simply placing their face on the pre-formed face mask, which automatically positions them correctly for the ophthalmic procedure. This eliminates the need for patients to manually adjust positioning or receive guidance from technicians, making self-administration straightforward while maintaining precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The face mask is pre-formed to match the patient's unique facial geometry before the procedure, establishing the correct alignment position in advance. This preliminary action removes the need for patients to perform complex alignment tasks during the procedure, as the mask already positions their face at the correct location relative to the ophthalmic device.
4Measurement precision
If skilled technicians are used for alignment, then alignment precision is maintained, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from skilled technician expertise and implements it through a passive face mask that physically positions the patient's face. This removes the need for operators to manually adjust positioning or interpret alignment cues, significantly simplifying operation while maintaining precision through the mask's predetermined geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The face mask acts as an intermediary between the patient and the ophthalmic device, providing the correct spatial relationship without requiring operator intervention. The mask mediates the alignment process by physically constraining the patient's face position, eliminating the need for skilled technicians to manually position the patient or adjust device parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical ophthalmic system uses a patient-specific face mask to establish a predefined alignment between the ophthalmic system and an eye of a patient. The patient-specific face mask may optionally provide a light proof enclosure for the eye. The face mask may be coupled directly to an ophthalmic device, or its housing/enclosure, of the ophthalmic system. The face mask may be 3D printed based on a 3D model of the patient's face.