RF Positioning for Ophthalmic Laser Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic surgery techniques require manual alignment of the laser head with the patient interface, which is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracy, potentially causing eye movement and tissue damage during laser ophthalmic surgery.
Innovation Solution
An RF positioning system using multiple RF antennas on the laser head and an RFID tag on the patient interface device for differential RF coupling, enabling automated or assisted eye-docking by determining the relative position of the RFID tag and controlling the laser head's movement for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment of laser head with patient interface is used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment accuracy deteriorates and treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated RF-based positioning system. RF antennas mounted on the laser head detect the position of an RFID tag on the patient interface, enabling automatic docking without manual intervention. This substitution of mechanical alignment with electromagnetic field-based positioning resolves the contradiction by providing high alignment accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-alignment through the RF positioning system, where the laser head automatically determines its position relative to the patient interface and adjusts accordingly. The automated docking process eliminates the need for surgeon intervention in the alignment process, achieving high precision through self-service mechanisms while keeping the overall system architecture manageable.
2Productivity
If manual alignment is used, then device complexity is lower, but treatment time increases due to time-consuming alignment process
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical alignment process is replaced with an automated RF positioning and docking system. The laser head uses RF antennas to detect the patient interface position and automatically docks, eliminating the time-consuming manual alignment process. This increases treatment efficiency while the automated nature of the system keeps complexity manageable through integrated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF positioning system performs preliminary positioning detection before the actual docking action. The laser head continuously monitors RF signals from the patient interface to determine relative position, then executes docking only when properly aligned. This preliminary detection phase automates the alignment process, reducing treatment time while maintaining system simplicity through standardized detection protocols.
3Measurement precision
If automated RF positioning system is implemented, then alignment accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated RF positioning by replacing manual alignment mechanisms with electromagnetic field-based detection. RF antennas on the laser head detect the position of an RFID tag on the patient interface, providing automated high-precision positioning. The system complexity is managed through the use of established RF technology and integrated control systems that automatically process positioning data and execute docking commands.
4Loss of time
If automated eye-docking is implemented, then treatment time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated docking system performs preliminary RF-based position detection and calculation before executing the docking action. The laser head continuously monitors RF signals to determine relative position and orientation, then automatically executes docking when optimal alignment is achieved. This preliminary detection and automated execution significantly reduces treatment time while the use of standardized RF protocols and integrated control keeps system complexity manageable.
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
Enhances alignment accuracy, reduces treatment time, and improves patient comfort by automating the eye-docking process, allowing for more precise and efficient ophthalmic surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the control device is configured to control each of the first through fourth antennas to measure an RF signal generated by an external RF antenna
Implementation Method 2
automatic positioning using differential RF coupling between the instrument head and the patient interface device
Data Source
AI summary
An RF (radio frequency) positioning system and related method for automated or assisted eye-docking in ophthalmic surgery. The system includes an RF detector system on a laser head and an RFID tag on a patient interface to be mounted on the patient's eye. The detector system includes four RF antennas located on a horizontal plane for detecting RF signals from the RFID tag, where one pair of antennas are located along the X direction at equal distances from the optical axis of the laser head and another pair are located along the Y direction at equal distances from the optical axis. Based on relative strengths and phase difference of the RF signals detected by each pair of antennas, the RF detector system determines whether the patient interface is centered on the optical axis. The RF detector system controls the laser head to move toward the patient interface until the latter is centered on the optical axis.