Purkinje Image Positioning for Eye Surgical Laser Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye surgical laser treatment apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the position of the patient interface relative to the optical axis, leading to potential deviations that can hinder efficient and minimally invasive procedures for correcting corneal opacities and scars.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a Purkinje image captured by an optical device to determine the position of the patient interface relative to the optical axis, allowing for real-time comparison and adjustment through control signals to correct decentration or tilting, thereby ensuring precise alignment and minimizing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of the patient interface is used, then the alignment process is simple, but the positioning precision and accuracy relative to the optical axis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an optical measurement system that uses Purkinje images captured by a camera to automatically determine the position and orientation of the patient interface relative to the optical axis, thereby improving positioning precision while managing system complexity through software-based control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (Purkinje image) of the patient interface surface characteristics and uses image processing to extract positional information, allowing non-contact, high-precision measurement of the interface position without physical measurement devices
2Manufacturing precision
If the patient interface is manually aligned with the optical axis, then the setup process is quick, but the alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically capturing Purkinje images, processing the image data to determine misalignment, and generating control signals to adjust the patient interface position, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations and reducing preparation time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the camera continuously monitors the patient interface position through Purkinje image capture, compares the current position to the target position, and automatically adjusts the interface position based on the detected deviation, ensuring high alignment accuracy without manual intervention
3Measurement precision
If automatic positioning using Purkinje images is implemented, then the positioning precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing camera in the treatment apparatus serve multiple functions: it is used for both capturing Purkinje images for position determination and for other operational purposes, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary that translates the optical Purkinje image data into actionable positional information, allowing the system to achieve high precision position determination while keeping the hardware complexity manageable through software-based solutions
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 approach enables accurate and efficient positioning of the patient interface, reducing treatment time and ensuring reliable procedures by automatically correcting deviations and facilitating precise alignment of the laser beam with the cornea.
Implementation Method 1
The patient interface is illuminated by means of an illumination device of the treatment apparatus. Capturing a Purkinje image associated with the patient interface is effected by means of an optical capturing device of the treatment apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for determining a current position of a patient interface of an eye surgical laser for an eye relative to an optical axis of a laser beam of a treatment apparatus. The method includes determining a target position of the patient interface relative to the optical axis, positioning the patient interface in a preset area in front of the optical axis, illuminating the patient interface by means of an illumination device, capturing a Purkinje image by means of the optical capturing device, comparing the captured Purkinje image to the optical axis and determining the current position of the patient interface depending thereon, comparing the current position to the target position and with a deviation, and outputting a control signal to a control device of the treatment apparatus. A treatment apparatus, a computer program and a computer-readable medium are disclosed for carrying out the method.