Plenoptic Imaging Corneal Pachymetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current corneal pachymetry methods lack accuracy, which can lead to unsafe or ineffective ophthalmic procedures due to incorrect measurements of corneal thickness.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a plenoptic detector with a light source and processing system to capture and analyze light intensity, position, and direction, allowing for accurate determination of corneal thickness by refocusing images at different depths and calculating distances between eye surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional corneal pachymetry methods are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical contact-based pachymetry devices with a non-contact optical measurement system using plenoptic imaging. The system uses a light source to illuminate the cornea and a plenoptic detector to capture light field information, eliminating mechanical contact and improving measurement accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces plenoptic image data as an intermediary representation that contains both intensity and directional information about light reflected from the cornea. This intermediary data enables accurate depth measurement through computational algorithms that analyze the light field distribution, achieving precise corneal thickness measurement without direct mechanical measurement.
2Reliability
If inaccurate measurements are obtained, then the measurement process is fast, but patient safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through iterative processing of plenoptic image data to verify measurement accuracy. The processing system analyzes the captured light field information and can identify measurement errors or artifacts, allowing for real-time verification and correction to ensure patient safety before proceeding with ophthalmic procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement with non-contact optical measurement, eliminating the risk of mechanical injury to the cornea while improving measurement reliability. The optical method provides consistent, repeatable measurements that enhance patient safety without compromising accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used, then the device is simple, but measurement accuracy is insufficient for safe procedure execution
Solution Approach 1:
The plenoptic imaging system performs self-calibration and automatic focus adjustment by analyzing the captured light field data. The processing system automatically determines optimal measurement parameters and corrects for optical aberrations, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters such as light source intensity, detector sensitivity, and image processing algorithms based on the captured plenoptic data. This adaptive parameter adjustment maintains operational simplicity while optimizing measurement accuracy for different corneal characteristics and patient conditions.
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
Provides precise corneal thickness measurements, enhancing the safety and efficacy of ophthalmic procedures by improving measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The plenoptic detector is configured to receive an image of the light source reflected from the cornea
Implementation Method 2
The microlens array is configured to receive images of the light sources reflected from surfaces of the eye and direct the images to the photosensor array
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide improved systems and methods for corneal pachymetry. These systems and methods can be used to improve the accuracy of corneal measurements that are used for a wide variety of different ophthalmic procedures. One embodiment provides a system and method for corneal pachymetry using a plenoptic detector. For example, a corneal pachymetry system can comprise a light source, a plenoptic detector and a processing system coupled to the plenoptic detector. The light source is configured to illuminate the cornea of the eye, and the plenoptic detector is positioned at an angle relative to the eye. The plenoptic detector is configured to receive an image of the light source reflected from the cornea and generate plenoptic image data representing the images. The processing system is coupled to the plenoptic detector and is configured to analyze the plenoptic image data to accurately determine the corneal thickness of the eye.