Patent ID: 6749302
Filing Date: 2004-06-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A position detection system for determining the X-Y-Z alignment status of an ophthalmic instrument relative to an eye of a patient, said position detection system comprising:a first light source for illuminating said eye with a first beam of light along a first illumination axis; a second light source for illuminating said eye with a second beam of light along a second illumination axis different from said first illumination axis; a first detector defining a first light-detecting area for receiving an image of said first light source, said first detector providing signal information indicative of the location of said image of said first light source in said first light detecting area; a second detector defining a second light-detecting area for receiving an image of said second light source, said second detector providing signal information indicative of the location of said image of said second light source in said second light detecting area; processing means connected to said first and second detectors for receiving said signal information from said first and second detectors, determining first coordinates x1, y1 describing the location of said image of said first light source in said first light detecting area and second coordinates x2, y2 describing the location of said image of said second light source in said second light detecting area, and computing the X, Y, and Z alignment status of said ophthalmic instrument relative to said eye by inputting said first coordinates x1, y1 and said second coordinates x2, y2 to a plurality of predetermined geometric relationships; and memory means connected to said processing means for storing said plurality of predetermined geometric relationships.