Automated fundus imaging system
First Claim
1. An apparatus for obtaining a retinal image from an eye, comprising:
- a) a control logic processor for executing a sequence of operations for obtaining the image;
b) a visual target for orienting the eye of a patient when the target is viewed by the patient;
c) an indicator element for providing a signal that indicates that the patient is in position for imaging;
d) a cornea focus detection section for providing an indication of cornea focus, in cooperation with the control logic processor;
e) an alignment actuator for aligning an optical path of the apparatus according to a signal obtained from the cornea focus detection section;
f) a retina focus detection section for detecting retina focus in cooperation with the control logic processor;
g) a focusing actuator controlled by instructions from the control logic processor according to a signal obtained from the retina focus detection section; and
h) an image capture light source energized by the control logic processor for illuminating the retina for image capture.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for obtaining a retinal image of an eye has a control logic processor (214) for executing a sequence of operations for obtaining the image. A visual target (162) orients the eye of a patient when viewed. An indicator element (410) provides a signal that indicates that the patient is in position. A cornea focus detection section (450) indicates cornea focus, in cooperation with the control logic processor (214). An alignment actuator aligns the optical path according to a signal obtained from the cornea focus detection section (450). A retina focus detection section (452) detects retina focus in cooperation with the control logic processor (214). A focusing actuator (406) is controlled by instructions from the control logic processor (214) according to a signal obtained from the retina focus detection section (452). An image capture light source is energized by the control logic processor (214) for illuminating the retina.
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Citations
39 Claims
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1. An apparatus for obtaining a retinal image from an eye, comprising:
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a) a control logic processor for executing a sequence of operations for obtaining the image;
b) a visual target for orienting the eye of a patient when the target is viewed by the patient;
c) an indicator element for providing a signal that indicates that the patient is in position for imaging;
d) a cornea focus detection section for providing an indication of cornea focus, in cooperation with the control logic processor;
e) an alignment actuator for aligning an optical path of the apparatus according to a signal obtained from the cornea focus detection section;
f) a retina focus detection section for detecting retina focus in cooperation with the control logic processor;
g) a focusing actuator controlled by instructions from the control logic processor according to a signal obtained from the retina focus detection section; and
h) an image capture light source energized by the control logic processor for illuminating the retina for image capture. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A cornea focusing section in an apparatus for obtaining an image of the eye, comprising:
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a) a control logic processor for executing an automated sequence of operations for obtaining the image;
b) a cornea focus detection section comprising;
i) an aperture illuminated from first and second light sources, wherein the first and second light sources are switched alternately on and off;
ii) a lens assembly for imaging the aperture onto the cornea;
iii) a cornea sensor for sensing an image of the cornea and providing sensed cornea image data to the control logic processor; and
c) an actuator for adjusting the focus position of components in an imaging path, the actuator controlled according to instructions from the control logic processor, based on the sensed cornea image data. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A retina focusing section in an apparatus for obtaining an image of the eye, comprising:
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a) a control logic processor for executing an automated sequence of operations for obtaining the image;
b) a retina focus detection section comprising;
i) an aperture illuminated from first and second light sources wherein the first and second light sources are switched alternately on and off;
ii) a lens assembly for imaging the aperture onto the retina;
iii) a retina sensor for sensing an image of the retina and providing sensed retina image data to the control logic processor; and
c) a focus actuator for adjusting the focus position of components in an imaging path, the focus actuator controlled according to instructions from the control logic processor, based on the sensed retina image data. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method for obtaining a retinal image comprising:
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a) displaying a visual target for orienting the eye of the patient;
b) accepting a signal from an indicator element that is actuated by the patient to confirm visibility of the visual target;
c) detecting cornea focus by alternately illuminating a cornea detection aperture from a first and a second light source, imaging the cornea detection aperture onto the cornea, and sensing the imaged cornea detection aperture;
d) aligning optical components according to the detected cornea focus;
e) detecting retina focus by alternately illuminating a retina detection aperture from a third and a fourth light source, imaging the retina detection aperture onto the cornea, and sensing the imaged retina detection aperture;
f) adjusting a focusing actuator according to the retina focus;
g) illuminating the retina for image capture; and
h) energizing an image capture light source and obtaining an image. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A method for focusing on the cornea of an eye comprising:
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a) illuminating an aperture from first and second light sources, wherein the first and second light sources are switched alternately on and off;
b) imaging the aperture onto the cornea;
c) sensing an image of the cornea and providing sensed cornea image data to a control logic processor;
d) controlling an actuator to adjust the focus position of components in an imaging path; and
wherein the actuator is controlled automatically, according to instructions from the control logic processor, based on the sensed cornea image data. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35)
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36. A method for focusing on the retina of an eye comprising:
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a) illuminating an aperture from first and second light sources;
b) imaging the aperture onto the retina;
c) sensing an image of the retina and providing sensed retina image data to a control logic processor;
d) controlling an actuator to adjust the focus position of components in an imaging path; and
wherein the actuator is controlled automatically, according to instructions from the control logic processor, based on the sensed retina image data. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39)
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Specification