Detecting problems of a laser beam of a laser system
Inventors
Hurich, Joerg Michael • Meinhard, Frank Peter • Konz, Annelene
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12730033-B2
Publication Date
2026-09-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic laser system include a laser system, imaging system, and computer. The laser system accesses a planned test pattern of a planned laser spot having a planned beam feature and directs a laser beam towards a test target located at a target plane according to the planned test pattern to yield an actual test pattern of an actual laser spot having an actual beam feature. The imaging system includes one or more digital cameras that generate a digital image of the actual test pattern of the actual laser spot. The computer analyzes the digital image to compare the actual laser spot to the planned laser spot, to detect a deviation of the actual beam feature from the planned beam feature, to identify an issue indicated by the deviation, and to provide output in response to the issue.
Core Innovation
The invention is an ophthalmic laser system that accesses a planned test pattern and directs a laser beam towards a test target to yield an actual test pattern. The system comprises a laser source, beam control devices, digital cameras, and a computer. The computer analyzes a digital image of the actual test pattern, compares actual and planned laser spots, detects deviations in beam features, identifies issues, and provides a responsive output.
Image analysis evaluates spot diameter, shape, sharpness, spacing, pattern geometry, and auxiliary-light alignment using grayscale values and pixel-to-length calibration. Furthermore, the system detects deviations, calculates and commands corrections, and evaluates prior test patterns for performance trends. The background section is omitted, so the problem being solved is not explicitly described in patent.
Claims Coverage
The provided relevant claims identify one independent claim with four inventive features covering an ophthalmic laser system that generates and images an actual test pattern, compares it with a planned pattern, identifies issues from deviations, and provides an output.
Generation of an actual test pattern
A laser system accesses a planned test pattern of a planned laser spot and directs a laser beam towards a test target according to the planned test pattern, yielding an actual test pattern of an actual laser spot.
Imaging and comparison of laser spots
One or more digital cameras generate a digital image of the actual test pattern, and a computer analyzes the image to compare the actual laser spot with the planned laser spot.
Detection of deviations and identification of issues
The computer detects deviations of actual beam features from planned beam features and identifies issues indicated by the deviations.
Output in response to identified issues
The computer provides output in response to the identified issues, which may include warnings or commanded corrections.
The independent claim covers laser generation of an actual test pattern, digital imaging and comparison with a planned pattern, detection of deviations and related issues, and responsive output.
Stated Advantages
Automated checking is stated to be faster and more reliable than manual inspection.
Documented Applications
Monitoring an ophthalmic laser system by imaging and analyzing a laser spot test pattern on a test target and comparing actual spot or pattern features with planned features.
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