Patents Assigned to Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
  • Patent number: 11931103
    Abstract: A method for examining a driver of a vehicle. In accordance with the method, at least one part of at least one eye and/or at least one part of the face of the driver is captured using a monitoring unit. The data captured by the monitoring unit is evaluated and the visual perception capability of the driver is examined based on the captured data. The method may further include identifying the driver and operating devices of the vehicle using the captured data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Zinser, Tilman Otto
  • Publication number: 20230284898
    Abstract: In view of the problem of specifying an arrangement and a method by means of which an eye can be measured preferably without artifacts and quickly, an arrangement for measuring an eye (1), comprising a light source (2) which is suitable for emitting light rays (3, 4) to the cornea (5) of an eye (1) and a control unit (6) which drives the light source (2) to emit the light rays (3, 4) and is suitable for converting reflected light rays (3a, 4a, 4b) entering the arrangement into signals (7, 8), is characterized in that the light source (2) when driven by the control unit (6) emits a central light ray (3) and emits a plurality of peripheral light rays (4) which are radially offset with respect to the central light ray (3) or in that the light source (2) when driven by the control unit (6) emits a plurality of peripheral light rays (4) radially offset with respect to one another, Moreover, a method is specified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: Heidelberg Engineering Gmbh
    Inventors: Björn MARTENSEN, Michaela GAENS, Andreas FRITZ
  • Publication number: 20230210376
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising a interferometer for carrying out an optical coherence tomography, wherein the interferometer is divided into two spatially spaced-apart interferometer parts (1, 2), wherein the two interferometer parts (1, 2) can be moved related to one another and are optically connected to one another via flexible light guides (3, 4, 5), which bridge the spatial distance, wherein according to the invention, an assembly having an interferometer is provided, which is as unsusceptible as possible to the effects brought about by bending a tube cable packet and allows for an optimum signal-to-noise ratio or an optimum image quality of an OCT image, characterised in that at least one first flexible light guide (3) is designed as a polarisation-maintaining light guide consisting of two connected polarisation-maintaining light-guiding fibres (3a, 3b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: Heidelberg Engineering Gmbh
    Inventors: Boy BRAAF, Silke AUMANN, Björn MARTENSEN, Lisa KUTZNER, Andreas FRITZ
  • Patent number: 10488179
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for signal processing in optical coherence tomography by means of a tunable light source (swept source), comprising the following steps: tuning the light source and sensing a signal intensity of the light source in linear dependence on the respective wave number (k) of the tunable light source and producing a signal intensity distribution in dependence on k; applying a window function to the sensed signal intensity distribution and producing a weighted signal intensity distribution; and applying a fast Fourier transform (FFT) to the weighted signal intensity distribution; and characterized in that, in the tuning of the light source, the tuned frequency spectrum is limited to a passband of the window function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Björn Martensen, Andreas Fritz
  • Patent number: 10299676
    Abstract: A system for detecting position data of an element in the front region of an eye. A first system component continuously detects position changes of the vertex of the cornea of the eye. A second system component directs electromagnetic radiation at topographical structures of the cornea to be ascertained or modified. A control unit includes a processor and memory. Alignment of the first system component with respect to the alignment of the second system component is defined, and the second system component is continuously guided to the respective target position thereof, by the control unit based on the position changes detected by the first system component. Light sources, which illuminate the cornea, are symmetrically disposed around the main axis of the system so that a pattern of reflection points is created on the cornea. The processor determines the current position of the vertex as the center of the reflection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Engelhardt, Björn Martensen
  • Patent number: 9629542
    Abstract: A method and apparatus including an interferometer is provided for sequentially recording interferometric sectional images at different depths, in particular for analyzing an eye. By use of an interferometer, which includes an optical reference path and an optical sample path, a sample beam scans a measuring region of a sample, in particular of an eye, so as to generate a deep sectional image. The optical and geometric paths in a sample arm and/or reference arm of the interferometer can be switched quickly between two or more positions. The path length of the sample beam and/or of the reference beam is changed by way of a path length switching unit, deep sectional images are generated at least at two different depths of the sample, and the change of the path length in the switching unit takes place by deflection of the beam paths to different geometric paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Engelhardt, Gerit Droege, Bjoern Martensen
  • Patent number: 8880142
    Abstract: Determining the fluorescence in a layer system, such as the eye. The summary decay behavior of the fluorescence is evaluated. Points of origin of individual fluorescence of the layer system are determined. The time of origin (tci) of each fluorescence in the individual layers of the layer system are determined using layer-specific, time-dependent parameters for the relevant fluorescence. The parameters indicate the time of origin of the fluorescence in the relevant layer. The parameters are used in a model function for calculating the summary decay behavior of the fluorescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Dietrich Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 8650018
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Josef F. Bille
  • Publication number: 20130308096
    Abstract: A method and apparatus including an interferometer is provided for sequentially recording interferometric sectional images at different depths, in particular for analyzing an eye. By use of an interferometer, which includes an optical reference path and an optical sample path, a sample beam scans a measuring region of a sample, in particular of an eye, so as to generate a deep sectional image. The optical and geometric paths in a sample arm and/or reference arm of the interferometer can be switched quickly between two or more positions. The path length of the sample beam and/or of the reference beam is changed by way of a path length switching unit, deep sectional images are generated at least at two different depths of the sample, and the change of the path length in the switching unit takes place by deflection of the beam paths to different geometric paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: HEIDELBERG ENGINEERING GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf Engelhardt, Gerit Droege, Bjoern Martensen
  • Patent number: 8562530
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8 kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Josef F. Bille
  • Patent number: 8403484
    Abstract: An ophthalmic imaging system includes a light source, focusing optics, compensating optics, and a computer that coordinates both of the optics to optimize the Diffraction Limited Point Spread Function (DL-PSF) of the imaging light beam. In detail, the compensating optics includes a customized phase plate that provides substantially complete compensation for static aberrations introduced by an eye into the imaging light beam. Further, the computer measures an operational error signal that results from dynamic aberrations. The computer then uses the error signal to control the compensating optics and thereby optimize the DL-PSF by compensating for both static and dynamic aberrations. For an alternate embodiment, an active mirror can be included in the compensating optics to provide additional compensation for the dynamic aberrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Josef F. Bille
  • Patent number: 8210681
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assessing the field of vision, wherein FDF stimuli are produced and detected by a person using the at least one eye to be examined. The invention is based on the object of providing a novel method and a device in order to efficiently assess the field of vision of a person and/or in order to recognize early signs of disease processes, which can lead to limitations in the field of vision. For this purpose, the invention provides that the production of the FDF stimuli is carried out by utilizing a computer-controlled system for the efficient determination of the vision and that the respective FDF stimulus is generated by utilizing an imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: John Flanagan, James Cassidy
  • Publication number: 20120143035
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8 kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Josef F. Bille
  • Publication number: 20120140178
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8 kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Josef F. Bille
  • Patent number: 8184867
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the biometric identification or verification of people. According to said method, biometric characteristics are detected by means of an imaging device and the identification or verification is carried out by means of the detected image data, especially by comparison with known data records and/or original images. The invention also relates to a system for carrying out the method. The aim of the invention is provide one such method and system which significantly improve the anti-violation security in a simple and secure manner. To this end, the retina of the eye is used as a biometric object for detecting the biometric characteristics, and movements and/or the immobility of the eye are detected and taken into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Tilman Otto, Frank Mueller
  • Patent number: 8137271
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8 kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Josef F. Bille
  • Patent number: 8020994
    Abstract: A custom phase plate for a light beam of wavelength “?” includes a sheet of plastic material having a base refractive index “no”. Formed onto a surface of the sheet is a plurality of contiguous spots having different refractive indices. Together, the spots establish a diffraction pattern in a light beam that removes optical aberrations from the beam. Specifically, each spot has a selected Optical Path Difference (OPD) relative to the base index (no) that is equal to k?/10 (for k=1 to 10). Further, the OPD for each spot in the pattern is individually established by heating the plastic material with a laser beam of ultra-short pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Josef F. Bille
  • Patent number: 7988295
    Abstract: An ophthalmic imaging system includes a light source, focusing optics, compensating optics, and a computer that coordinates both of the optics to optimize the Diffraction Limited Point Spread Function (DL-PSF) of the imaging light beam. In detail, the compensating optics includes a customized phase plate that provides substantially complete compensation for static aberrations introduced by an eye into the imaging light beam. Further, the computer measures an operational error signal that results from dynamic aberrations. The computer then uses the error signal to control the compensating optics and thereby optimize the DL-PSF by compensating for both static and dynamic aberrations. For an alternate embodiment, an active mirror can be included in the compensating optics to provide additional compensation for the dynamic aberrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Josef F. Bille
  • Patent number: 7971999
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an appliance for examination of the retina, with two-dimensional images of the retina being produced. The invention is based on the object of designing the method and the apparatus so as to allow comprehensive examination and diagnosis of the eye retina in a simple manner. The invention proposes that second data items and two-dimensional depth slice images be produced from the retina, and that the position of these second data items be known in the recorded two-dimensional image of the retina, and/or be predetermined on the basis of the two-dimensional image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Zinser
  • Publication number: 20110152693
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for precisely determining the fluorescence in a layer system, such as the eye. The object of the invention is to provide a method that is as simple and requires as little effort as possible for evaluating the fluorescence in a layer system, by means of which the summary decay behavior of the fluorescence can be evaluated very precisely, and by means of which the points of origin of the individual fluorescences of the layer system can be determined at the same time. According to the invention, the time of origin (tci) of each fluorescence in the individual layers of the layer system are determined in that layer-specific, time-dependent parameters are determined for the relevant fluorescences, said parameters each indicating the time of origin of the fluorescence in the relevant layer, and said parameters being considered in the model function for calculating the summary decay behavior of the fluorescence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: HEIDELBERG ENGINEERING GMBH
    Inventor: Dietrich Schweitzer