Robotic Arm Camera System for Ophthalmic Eye Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining patient eye level during ophthalmic surgical interventions are prone to parallax error and inefficiencies due to manual visualization, which affects the accuracy of intraocular pressure regulation.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic surgical system equipped with a robotic arm and a positioning camera that determines the patient's eye level relative to a fixed datum by calculating the focal length between the camera and the eye, using an encoder to communicate the robotic arm's position to a processor for precise eye level determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual visualization method is used to determine patient eye level, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to parallax error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical visualization method with an automated optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the patient's eye, and image processing algorithms automatically determine eye level, eliminating parallax error inherent in manual mechanical measurement while reducing device complexity through software-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the camera and the final measurement. The system processes camera images through algorithms that calculate eye level, serving as an intermediary that transforms raw visual data into accurate measurements without requiring direct manual observation.
2Device complexity
If manual visualization method is used to determine patient eye level, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity deteriorates due to surgical workflow inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service measurement system where the camera and image processing algorithms automatically determine eye level without requiring manual intervention from surgical technicians. The system serves itself by capturing images, processing them through algorithms, and outputting measurements autonomously, thereby improving productivity while maintaining low device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous automatic measurement throughout the surgical workflow. The camera continuously captures images and the processing system continuously determines eye level, eliminating interruptions caused by manual measurement procedures and maintaining continuous productive action during surgery.
3Measurement precision
If automated camera-based method is used to determine patient eye level, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement devices with a simpler camera-based optical system. Instead of using complex mechanical instruments for direct measurement, the system uses a camera to capture images and software algorithms to process these images, achieving high precision while reducing overall device complexity through software-based computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the patient's eye through the camera and processes this copy to determine eye level. This copying approach allows for precise measurement without direct mechanical contact or complex instrumentation, as the image data can be processed digitally with high accuracy while keeping the physical device simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic surgical system includes a robotic arm disposed above a patient's eye. A positioning camera is disposed on the robotic arm and positioned to visualize the patient's eye. A processor is electrically coupled to the positioning camera. The processor is configured to receive an indication of a position of the robotic arm relative to a fixed datum, determine a focal length between the positioning camera and the patient's eye, compare the focal length to the position of the robotic arm, and determine a patient eye level relative to the fixed datum.