DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention in general relates to laser systems employed in medical devices and in particular relates to a safety mechanism with advanced monitoring of a laser device used in medical industry, such as dental procedures.
BACKGROUND
[0002] For ophthalmology, dental, orthopedic, and similar surgical procedures where the treatment region is constrained or extremely challenging to access, hand-held medical laser tools have often been developed. These laser tools typically consist of a handpiece that a surgeon manipulates, for impinging the laser on to the treatment or surgical site. The handpiece is operably connected to a laser source.
[0003] There are many advantages of using laser tools for medical procedures, such as dental surgery over traditional implements. For example, the laser tools create irradiation to vaporize the tissue and small blood vessels proximate thereto. Laser-based surgery is a bloodless surgery has the effect of preventing diseases, which otherwise could be disseminated by transfusion or infection at the surgical site. These advantages are particularly useful for oral and dental surgical procedures, such as troughing and implant. However, many a times accidents related to the uncontrolled spread of laser also take place while using laser operated devices for surgery or other medical procedures. In the event of such accidents, the uncontrolled laser can cause severe injury to the patient or the operating staff. If the laser falls on the eyes, it can cause blindness or severe burns.
[0004] Generally, a footswitch or a foot pedal is employed with laser tools to facilitate impingement of laser at the treatment site. With changing times, improvements in designs have made pedals more compact, yet delicate. However, the footswitch for activating the laser must be given only to the credentialed laser user. Further, all other footswitch activated devices should be positioned away from the laser and it should be clearly indicated to the user, which foot pedal is for the laser, and which ones are for other devices. Furthermore, since the actuation of laser highly depends on touch screen interaction and the footswitch, at times footswitches are unintentionally left in a non-safe position in the procedure room. Accidental activation of the footswitch is one of the most commonly reported accidents. An accidental pedal press can cause severe injury to the patient or the operating staff. Even after giving access for activation to credentialed laser user, there are instances of unfortunate events.
[0005] Also, during a patient’s dental procedure, there are short breaks given to the patient to gargle, relax their face and mouth, administer an aesthesia in case of pain, etc. During such breaks, if the laser stays in ready state, an accidental pedal or footswitch press can cause severe damage by the laser either to the patient or the surrounding. Similarly, if someone leaves the laser machine unattended in a hurry and the footswitch stays in pressed state with ready state selection, the laser will continue to fire and can cause damage to patients or to the surrounding.
[0006] Further, CO2 laser used in dental procedure is an invisible laser. Conventionally, a green and red-guide light is used for indication near the focus area. The CO2 laser light is used for incision and excision purposes, and it is not safe to operate without protection of eyewear, as it may cause blindness or severe burns on constant focus.
[0007] In view of the above, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY
[0008] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide safety to a user of a laser device, patient as well as surroundings while performing a laser procedure.
[0009] It is another object of the present subject matter to ensure a safe dental procedure.
[0010] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to revert the state of a laser to idle or standby when the footswitch of a laser machine is left unattended for more than a predetermined time period.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to provide auto-shutdown of a laser machine in case of pedal jam, accidental pedal press or unattended laser machine.
[0012] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to substantially reduce the chances of unintentional laser fire in a laser machine.
[0013] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to log a fault if the foot-pedal release does not engage a laser shutter.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to provide an interlock switch to avoid laser emission when the laser arm or handpiece is disconnected to ensure safety.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to control the uncontrolled spread of laser while using laser operated devices for surgery.
[0016] The present invention relates to a safety mechanism for a laser device employed in a medical device, the safety mechanism comprising one or more input modules configured to receive a plurality of input signals from the laser device; and a microcontroller configured to give instructions to the laser device to perform one or more actions based on one or more input signals received by the one or more input modules, said microcontroller comprising a monitoring module configured to monitor said one or more input modules, a fault diagnostic module configured to check a laser firing conditions, to detect an error situation and to set error code based on the plurality of input signals received by the one or more input modules, and an output module for performing the one or more actions based on the microcontroller instructions.
[0017] In an embodiment, the one or more input modules comprise a touch screen module, a footswitch module, an emergency switch module, a key switch module, a laser state determination module, a shutter module and one or more interlock modules.
[0018] In another embodiment, the one or more input signals comprise signals from a touchscreen display of the laser device, signals relating to pressing of a footswitch of the laser device, emergency and key switch actuation and non-actuation, laser related parameters, status of work, status of laser emission, and shutter position.
[0019] In yet another embodiment, the output module is configured to actuate the laser device to allow or block passage of a laser beam generated by a laser source in the laser device upon receiving the one or more input signals by the one or more input modules, and wherein said output module is configured to send status message to the touchscreen display of the laser device.
[0020] A laser device for a medical device is also provided herein. The laser device comprising a laser source configured to generate a laser beam; an arm to direct the laser beam generated by the laser source towards a laser outlet; a shutter configured to control the path of the laser beam from the laser source to the laser outlet; and a safety mechanism comprising: one or more input modules configured to receive a plurality of input signals from the laser device; and a microcontroller configured to give instructions to the laser device to perform one or more actions based on one or more input signals received by the one or more input modules, said microcontroller comprising a monitoring module configured to monitor said one or more input modules, a fault diagnostic module configured to check a laser firing condition , to detect an error situation and set error code based on the plurality of input signals received by the one or more input modules, and an output module for performing the one or more actions based on the microcontroller instructions.
[0021] In an embodiment, the laser source is configured to generate a CO2 laser beam.
[0022] In another embodiment, the laser device further comprises a laser beam combiner configured to combine the CO2 laser beam and a green guide laser beam at different wavelengths.
[0023] In yet another embodiment, the shutter is enclosed in a shutter box positioned between the laser source and the laser beam combiner.
[0024] In yet another embodiment, the laser device further comprises a footswitch, said footswitch, if pressed by the user, is configured to activate the laser beam.
[0025] In yet another embodiment, the shutter box comprises a proximity sensor configured to confirm the position of the shutter as per the footswitch position and in the case of an error, corresponding error signal is sent to the microcontroller.
[0026] In yet another embodiment, the laser device further comprises a touchscreen configured to view the status of the laser device, to provide inputs related to setting parameters to the laser device, and to display the laser related parameters, status of work, any error in laser emission, or any other messages.
[0027] In yet another embodiment, the laser device further comprises an emergency switch, said emergency switch, if pressed by a user in case of occurrence of an emergency while using the laser device is configured to stop the operation of the laser device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0028] The figures mentioned in this section are intended to disclose exemplary embodiments of the claimed system and method. Further, the components/modules and steps of a process are assigned reference numerals that are used throughout the description to indicate the respective components and steps. Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a system architecture of a safety mechanism of a laser device in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0030] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a laser device of the laser device in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0031] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a shutter box of the laser device in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0032] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the shutter box of the laser device in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0033] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a display and controller assembly of the laser device in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0034] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a footswitch assembly of the laser device in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0035] Figure 7 illustrates a front view of a switching assembly of the laser device in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0036] Figure 8 illustrates a side view of the laser device in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0037] The figures depict a simplified structure only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units whose implementation may differ from what is shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The following presents a detailed description of various embodiments of the present subject matter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0039] The embodiments of the present subject matter are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present subject matter is not limited to these embodiments which are only provided to explain more clearly the present subject matter to a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.
[0040] The specification may refer to “an”, “one”, “different” or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.
[0041] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “attached” or “connected” or “coupled” or “mounted” to another element, it can be directly attached or connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0042] The present invention relates to a laser system that can be employed in medical industry, such as for performing dental procedures and in particular to a safety mechanism for a laser device employed for such applications. The present invention not only provides safety to the user of a laser device but also to the patient on which the procedure is being performed. The safety mechanism of the present invention controls the laser through footswitch and shutter monitoring during laser device procedures. In an embodiment, the laser device according to the present invention is configured to be employed in applications requiring ablation, vaporization, excision, incision, and coagulation of soft tissue in dental and oral procedures. The operation mechanism employed in the present invention is quick, effective, and clean. The present laser device complements the needs of dentists for soft tissue procedures. It is competent to operate with precision of <150um spot size. The procedure performed with the use of the present laser device is painless and comfortable. The green guide laser aids clarity in aiming the laser over red areas in oral cavity, and the shortest spot size makes sure that the laser procedure can be performed on the tiniest areas without scarring in neighboring tissues. The present laser device includes an interactive user interface that is flexible and can save multiple settings as per the requirements of a user. Using the interactive user interface, the three most optimum procedure modes and three emission modes in each, specific settings of procedure modes can be created for optimum results. In an embodiment, the laser device of the present invention also includes a provision of air blow near the tip where laser is focused, for the comfort of the patient. The present laser beam also includes a seven joint articulated arm and a handpiece to the focus laser to a desired location.
[0043] Figure 1 illustrates a system architecture of a safety mechanism 100 of a laser device in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. In a preferred embodiment, the laser device is employed in a medical device, such as a dental surgery device. The safety mechanism 100 of the present invention comprises a plurality of components and modules. For example, and by no way limiting the scope of the present subject matter, the safety mechanism 100 comprises a touch screen module 102, also referred to as touch screen display module. In an embodiment, the touch screen module 102 obtains signals from a touch screen 302, shown in Figure 3, of the laser device. In a preferred embodiment, the touch screen 302 is configured to view the status of the laser device 200, shown in Figure 2, and to provide the inputs related to setting the parameters to the laser device 200. The touch screen display 302 is also configured to display the laser related parameters, status of work, any error in laser emission, or any other messages in an embodiment.
[0044] The safety mechanism 100 further comprises a footswitch module 104 that is configured obtain signals from a footswitch 402. In an embodiment, the footswitch 402 is shown in Figure 6 and is configured to activate the laser when said footswitch 402 is pressed. The safety mechanism 100 further comprises an emergency switch module 106 and a key switch module 108 configured to obtain signals from an emergency switch 502 and a key switch 504 respectively. In an embodiment, the emergency switch 502 and the key switch 504 are depicted in Figure 7. Preferably, the emergency switch 502 is pressed by the user if any emergency occurs while using the laser device 200. A key is inserted in the key switch 504 for switching the laser device 200 in an ON state or an OFF state by an authorized user/personnel. During operation of the laser device 200, the emergency switch 502 is disengaged, a door interlock switch 409 is connected, and the key switch 504 is switched ON. As shown in Figure 7, both the emergency switch 502 and the key switch 504 are mounted on a switching assembly 500 in a preferred embodiment. The safety mechanism 100 further includes a laser state determination module 110, as shown in Figure 1. The laser state determination module 110 is configured to obtain signals from a laser state determination mechanism of the laser device 200. In a preferred embodiment, the laser state determination mechanism comprises a set of signals from the laser that are checked by a PCB/Hardware. Only if the status of all the laser related conditions is true, is when the laser is enabled by the hardware and same signals are re-checked in the software for a secondary check, before allowing user login OR during user operation. This is shown in Figure 1. In an embodiment, the laser state determination mechanism is configured to determine the current state of the laser generation, its temperature is not greater than 65degC, voltage input did not exceed 55V and other conditions to switch ON. If the laser state determination mechanism indicates that the state determination result is correct, the laser device 200 will initialize successfully and CO2 laser 126 will be turned ON.
[0045] The safety mechanism 100 further comprises a shutter module 112 that is configured to obtain signals from a shutter 204-1 of the laser device 200. In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the shutter 204-1 is provided inside a shutter box 204 in the passage of the CO2 laser 126 to control the CO2 laser 126 at the time of operation. In a preferred embodiment, the shutter 204-1 is configured to block the CO2 laser 126 at the time of operation when any error occurs in the laser device 200 or when the footswitch 402 is not pressed. The safety mechanism 100 further includes one or more interlock modules 114 that obtain signals from one or more interlocks, such as a door interlock switch, a proximity sensor 204-3, etc. In an embodiment, the door interlock switch forms an important component for the operation of the laser device 100 and is connected at the time of the procedure. In an embodiment, if the door interlock is not connected, then the touch screen 302 of the laser device 200 displays an error and the shutter 204-1 blocks the CO2 laser 126.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the proximity sensor 204-3 is provided inside the shutter 204-1 and is configured to determine the position of the shutter 204-1 as per the position of the pedal 408 of the footswitch 402. The interlocks of the laser device 200 ensure safety by shutting the shutter 204-1 down and hence, the passage of the CO2 laser, thus preventing the emission of CO2 laser 126 in case of faulty conditions. The position of the shutter 204-1 as per the foot-switch press or fault conditions is re-confirmed by the proxy sensor 204-3. In a preferred embodiment, the proximity sensor determines the position of the shutter 204-1 if engaged or disengaged, irrespective of the footswitch press or release. The proxy sensor 204-3 is employed to confirm the position of shutter based on footswitch position. If the position of the shutter is not based on the footswitch position, an error signal is raised.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the touch screen display module 102, the footswitch module 104, the emergency switch module 106, the key switch module 108, the laser state determination module 110, the shutter module 112, and the one or more interlock modules 114 individually or collectively form an input module 132.
[0048] In an embodiment, the input module 132 is connected to a micro controller 120. In another embodiment, the microcontroller 120 comprises the input module 132. In an embodiment, the microcontroller 120 further comprises a monitoring module 116, an actuation or output module 122 and a fault diagnostics module 124. The monitoring module 116 of the microcontroller 120 continuously monitors one or more modules in the input module 132. In case of any fault in the laser device, the fault diagnostics module 124 detects such fault and actuates the actuation or output module to block the CO2 laser 126 by operating the shutter 204-1. For examples, the monitoring module 116 monitors the laser state determination module 110. The laser state determination module 110 is configured to provide instructions related to the state of the laser, i.e., if the laser is ON or OFF, to the actuation or output module 122 in case no fault is detected by the fault diagnostics module 124. The actuation or output module 122 is configured to trigger the laser device 200, shown in Figure 2, to emit the CO2 laser 126 and a green guide laser 128. In an embodiment, the wavelength of the green guide laser 128 is 520nm and helps the user to determine the exact location of firing of the invisible CO2 laser 126 having wavelength of about 10600nm. The CO2 laser 126 falls at the location of the green guide laser 128 coaxially with the green guide laser 128.
[0049] The microcontroller 120 is configured to monitor the signals received by the input module 132 to perform an action. The microcontroller 120, programmed by a software 118, waits for the users’ input/s to perform one or more actions and simultaneously monitors faults or errors. The monitoring module 116 performs the task of monitoring one or more modules of the input module 132 and the fault diagnostic module 124 performs the task of detecting fault or error situations with signals or device. The micro-controller 120 is also configured to perform the task of logging errors, e.g., last five fault states, if any, is detected. The micro-controller 120 comprises a storage in which basic information is saved as per user settings, if any fault is detected during laser firing conditions. In case the laser device 200 or its component generates faults, the laser device 200 is operational only if the faults are cleared on power cycle or by a service personnel. The touch screen 302 continues to display error number on the screen and prohibits the user to login.
[0050] In an embodiment, the actuation or output module 122 is configured to operate one or more buzzers, one or more LEDs, and a message box. In an embodiment, a red coloured LED glows when the laser device 200 is powered ON and a blue coloured LED and buzzer are triggered to indicate that the laser is fired using the footswitch 402. In an embodiment, the message box is an interaction on the touch screen display 302. When the microcontroller 120 has some user information to display on the status bar or indicate error in case of fault, the microcontroller 120 interacts with the touch screen display 302 and messages appear either on the status bar or as a message box.
[0051] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the laser device 200, also referred to as the laser emitting mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. The laser device 200 of the present subject matter comprises a plurality of components. For example and by no way limiting the scope of the present subject matter, the laser device 200 comprises a laser source 202, the shutter box 204, a laser beam combiner 206, an articulated arm 208, a handpiece 210, a laser outlet 212 and an arm interlock limit switch 214. The laser source 202 is configured to generate a CO2 laser. In an embodiment, the laser source 202 generates a carbon dioxide-based laser, or CO2 laser, having wavelength of about 10600nm in an embodiment.
[0052] The shutter 204-1 is configured to control the path of the laser beam from the laser source 202 to the beam combiner 206. The shutter box 204 is explained in detail in Figures 3 and 4. The laser beam combiner 206 is configured to combine two wavelengths of IR spectrum: the CO2 laser 126 having wavelength of about 10600nm and the green guide laser 128 having wavelength of about 532nm. The articulated arm 208 is configured to provide passage of the combined laser. In particular, the articulated arm 208 is provided to direct the combined green guide laser and CO2 laser towards the laser outlet 212. The laser outlet, also referred to as the handpiece tip or the handpiece aperture, is the exit point of the laser. The combined laser, when fired, travels through the articulated arm 208 and reaches the handpiece 210. The handpiece 210 is configured to maneuver the laser beam and focus the laser beam at the site. The handpiece 210 is configured in such a way that the laser can reach the treatment site easily. In an embodiment, the laser device 200 also comprises a mechanism for blowing air for the comfort of the patient undergoing the procedure. In an embodiment, the mechanism for blowing air is fitted just coaxially, near the laser outlet 212 and at the tip of handpiece 210.
[0053] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the shutter box 204 of the laser device 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the shutter box 204 of the laser device 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the shutter box 204 comprises four side plates 204-6, 204-7, 204-8 and 204-9. The shutter box 204 further comprises a bottom plate 204-4, a top plate 204-5, the shutter 204-1, a shutter motor 204-2, the proximity sensor 204-3 and a limit switch 204-10. The side plates 204-6, 204-7, 204-8, 204-9, the top plate 204-5 and the bottom plate 204-4 in combination forms the outer walls of the shutter box 204. The shutter box 204 also comprises an outlet 204-11 to allow the laser to exit from the shutter box 204. The shutter 204-1 is configured to allow or block passage of the laser coming from the laser source 202. In an embodiment, the shutter motor 204-2 is configured to rotate the shutter 204-1 in order to allow passage of the laser fire coming from the laser source 202 upon pressing the footswitch 402. In a preferred embodiment, the default position of the shutter 204-1 is the closed position. The proximity sensor 204-3 is configured to sense the location of the shutter 204-1 to confirm the position of the shutter 204-1 in accordance with the position of the footswitch 402. The location of the shutter 204-1 is verified each time in the software 118. In case the verified position of the proximity sensor 204-3 is incorrect, a fault is logged, the laser signal is switched OFF and the shutter 204-1 is closed by the microcontroller 120 to avoid the laser fire. In an embodiment, the limit switch 204-10 is placed on the top plate 204-5. The limit switch 204-10 is provided to ensure safety of the service personnel. In case the shutter box 204 is opened or loosened, the microcontroller 120, on reading the status of the limit switch 204-10, switches the laser and the shutter 204-1 OFF. The arm interlock limit switch 214, shown in Figure 2, confirms the connection of the articulated arm 208 with the laser device 200. If the articulated arm 208 is not connected, the arm interlock limit switch 214 signals the same to the microcontroller 120 and the microcontroller 120 stops the emission of the CO2 laser 126 from the laser source 202.
[0054] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the display and controller assembly 300 of the laser device 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the display and controller 300 comprises the touch screen display 302, the microcontroller circuit 120 also referred to as the microcontroller, and a microcontroller circuit cover 304. In an embodiment, the touch screen display 302 is configured to show the laser related parameters, status of work, any error in laser emitting, or any other messages. The touch screen display 302 is also configured to provide input parameters to the microcontroller 120. The microcontroller 120 is configured to operate the shutter to allow or block passage of the CO2 laser 126 from the laser source 202 upon receiving an input from the input module 132.
[0055] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the footswitch assembly 400 of the laser device 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the footswitch assembly 400 comprises the footswitch 402, a footswitch connector 404, an AC mains socket 406 and a door interlock 409. In a preferred embodiment, the footswitch connector 404, the AC mains socket 406 and the door interlock 409 are mounted on the backside cover of the laser device 200, as shown in Figure 8.In an embodiment, the footswitch connector 404 is the connector at which the footswitch is connected. The footswitch 402 is pressed after checking all the parameters of the lasers. In an embodiment, the laser is emitted only if the laser device 200 is set to a ready state and the footswitch 402 is pressed. The ready state of laser device 200 here means that there is no error in the laser device 200. In a preferred embodiment, the ready state is selected by the user to allow the laser fire, if the footswitch 402 is pressed. In case of error, the laser device 200 does not allow the user to login and move to the main page on the touch screen 302to set power and other parameters. It is on this page, the user selects “Ready’ before pressing the footswitch 403 and presses “Standby” to disable the laser fire. The pressing of the footswitch 402 is a type of input to the microcontroller 120. Upon receiving the input, the microcontroller 120 actuates the output module 122 and the CO2 laser 126 comes out of the laser device 200. The footswitch 402 is connected to the laser device 200 by a connector switch. The AC mains socket 406 is configured to provide electricity to the laser device 200. In a preferred embodiment, the door interlock 409 is provided for the door interlock provision to comply with IEC 60825 standard. If the door interlock 409 is open, the laser device 200 does not fire the laser.
[0056] Figure 7 illustrates a front view of a switching assembly 500 of the laser device 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the switching assembly 500 comprises the emergency switch 502 and the key switch 504 mounted on a front cover 506. The front cover 506 is configured to cover the laser device 200.
[0057] Figure 8 illustrates a side view of the laser device 200 depicting assembly of its various components explained above in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0058] The laser device 200 according to the present invention operates with the footswitch 402 comprising the foot-pedal or pedal 408 and the touch screen 302. Initialization is complete only if, when powered, no laser faults are detected. Based on the user settings on the touchscreen 302, e.g., power (0-7W), modes etc., on clicking Ready, the device 200 indicates readiness of the laser fire by switching the green-guide laser 128 ON at the end of the handpiece tip 212. Once the footswitch 402 is pressed, the CO2 laser 126 gets fired from the handpiece tip 212 as per the power selection made by the user on the touchscreen 302. To operate the laser device 200, the key-switch 504 and the door interlock 409 should be connected. When the laser device 200 is powered ON, the health of the laser device 200 is first checked. In case of any faulty condition during power up or when the device is in use, the shutter 204-1 inside the shutter box 204 is automatically engaged and both the laser signals, i.e., the CO2 laser 126 and the green guide laser 128 are turned OFF. In an embodiment, the touch screen 302 does not allow the user to login and continues to display error number. The type of error that occurred is then displayed on the touch screen display 302.
[0059] Once the required power, the operating mode and emission mode are set with desired switching frequency of the laser, one is required to toggle ‘Standby’ button on the screen to ‘Ready’. On clicking the ‘Ready’ button, the standby turns the green guide laser ON, at the tip 202 of the handpiece to indicate ‘readiness’. Upon pressing the footswitch 402, the CO2 laser 126 emits as per the settings chosen by the user. The CO2 laser 126 only emits if the laser device 200 is set to the ‘Ready’ state and the footswitch 402 is pressed. In an embodiment, the laser firing is indicated with the sound of the buzzer 130 and a visual blue led signal in the front that toggles as per the settings and emission mode as per IEC 60825 safety standards. In an embodiment, the laser device further includes a manual brake for keeping the laser device 200 steady during operation.
[0060] In an embodiment, if the laser device 200 detects that the footswitch 402 is pressed, without selection of ‘Ready’ state, a warning is displayed on the touchscreen 302. The fault is also logged for accidental press of the footswitch 402. Since such a fault is not the result of failure of any component of the laser device 200, the user is allowed to operate the laser device 200 further with right selection on the touchscreen 302.
[0061] During operation, in case of any critical fault with respect to the laser 126, the laser signal is tripped. In an embodiment, the faults are also logged in the memory for debugging by the service personnel. In an embodiment, the latest 5 faults are logged in the laser device 200. In case of the laser device 200 or its component generated faults, the laser device 200 is operational only if the fault clears on power cycle or by the service personnel. The touchscreen 302 continues to display the error number and prevents the user to login.
[0062] In an embodiment, the laser device 200 also logs the number of times the footswitch 302 is pressed, period of pressing of the footswitch 302 and the time-period of firing of the CO2 laser 126. These timers and counters support servicing and understanding of machine usage.
[0063] In an embodiment, a fault is also logged if the footswitch 302 release does not engage the laser shutter 204-1 in closed position.
[0064] The laser device 200 according to the present invention ensures safety while performing a procedure, by reverting the laser state to Idle/Standby mode when the footswitch 302 is left unattended for more than or equal to 5 minutes in an embodiment. In another embodiment, the user can change the time based on the feedback from the medical practitioner.
[0065] Generally, time for oral dental procedures when laser is fired is quite small and limited. The procedure can run for long, but the laser application is for a limited time, such as in terms of couple of minutes. The laser device 200 enhances safety by shutting the path of CO2 laser 126 in case there is no input on the touchscreen 302 for more than a predetermined period, such as more than X mins and the footswitch 402 is constantly pressed for more than or equal to X mins (X is calibratable time). This state indicates that the laser device 200 might be left unattended and there are chances of accidental pressing of the footswitch 402 or footswitch pedal jam. The laser 126 can be auto-shutdown in this case to avoid injury or damage of any sort. Only the shutter 204-1 is activated, reverting the laser device 200 state to ‘Standby’ and blocking the laser emission. In an embodiment, the shutter motor 204-2 rotates the shutter 204-1 to block the laser. However, any other mechanism to operate the shutter 204-1 to bring to in the path of the laser beam may be provided in another embodiment.
[0066] The proximity sensor 204-3 re-assures the position of the shutter 204-1 in accordance with the position of the footswitch 402. If the footswitch 402 is released, the shutter 204-1 should be in closed position and if the footswitch 402 is pressed, the shutter 204-1 should be in the open position for the laser to fire.
[0067] Upon clicking the ready button on the touchscreen 302, the laser device 200 comes back to idle and can be used to fire the CO2 laser 126. A fault is logged by the fault diagnostic module 124 for such an event. In case of a confirmation to dialogue on the touchscreen to continue, the laser device 200 is ready to use by toggling ‘Standby’ to ‘Ready’ state again. Since this condition is not generated due to failure of components of the laser device 200, the user confirmation suffices the use again.
[0068] The present laser device 200 provides safety when the laser device is left unattended. The present laser device 200 provides safety to handle pedal/footswitch jams and accidental pedal press by external object or person unintentionally to avoid severe damage to person/surroundings. The present laser device 200 substantially reduces chances of unintentional laser fire by monitoring the laser device 200 when in use or powered up.
[0069] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.
,CLAIMS:I/WE CLAIM:
1. A safety mechanism for a laser device employed in a medical device, the safety mechanism comprising:
one or more input modules configured to receive a plurality of input signals from the laser device; and
a microcontroller configured to give instructions to the laser device to perform one or more actions based on one or more input signals received by the one or more input modules, said microcontroller comprising a monitoring module configured to monitor said one or more input modules, a fault diagnostic module configured to check a laser firing condition, to detect an error situation and to set an error code, based on the plurality of input signals received by the one or more input modules, and an output module for performing the one or more actions based on the microcontroller instructions.
2. The safety mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more input modules comprise a touch screen module, a footswitch module, an emergency switch module, a key switch module, a laser state determination module, a shutter module and one or more interlock modules.
3. The safety mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more input signals comprise signals from a touchscreen display of the laser device, signals relating to pressing of a footswitch of the laser device, emergency and key switch actuation and non-actuation, laser related parameters, status of work, status of laser emission, and shutter position.
4. The safety mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said output module is configured to actuate the laser device to allow or block passage of a laser beam generated by a laser source in the laser device upon receiving the one or more input signals by the one or more input modules, and wherein said output module is configured to send status message to the touchscreen display of the laser device.
5. A laser device for a medical device, the laser device comprising:
a laser source configured to generate a laser beam;
an arm to direct the laser beam generated by the laser source towards a laser outlet;
a shutter configured to control the path of the laser beam from the laser source to the laser outlet; and
a safety mechanism comprising:
one or more input modules configured to receive a plurality of input signals from the laser device; and
a microcontroller configured to give instructions to the laser device to perform one or more actions based on one or more input signals received by the one or more input modules, said microcontroller comprising a monitoring module configured to monitor said one or more input modules, a fault diagnostic module configured to check a laser firing condition , to detect an error situation and to set an error code, based on the plurality of input signals received by the one or more input modules, and an output module for performing the one or more actions based on the microcontroller instructions.
6. The laser device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the laser source is configured to generate a CO2 laser beam.
7. The laser device as claimed in claim 6 further comprising a laser beam combiner configured to combine the CO2 laser beam and a green guide laser beam at different wavelengths.
8. The laser device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the shutter is enclosed in a shutter box positioned between the laser source and the laser beam combiner.
9. The laser device as claimed in claim 5 further comprising a footswitch, said footswitch, if pressed by the user, is configured to activate the laser beam.
10. The laser device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the shutter box comprises a proximity sensor configured to confirm the position of the shutter as per the footswitch position and in the case of an error, corresponding error signal is sent to the microcontroller.
11. The laser device as claimed in claim 5 further comprising a touchscreen configured to view the status of the laser device, to provide inputs related to setting parameters to the laser device, and to display the laser related parameters, status of work, any error in laser emission, or any other messages.
12. The laser device as claimed in claim 5 further comprising an emergency switch, said emergency switch, if pressed by a user in case of occurrence of an emergency while using the laser device is configured to stop the operation of the laser device.

Dated this 31st day of July 2023

______________________
ABHISHEK MAGOTRA
IN/PA No. – 1517
of MS LAW PARTNERS
Agent for the Applicant