Patents by Inventor Ann E. Elsner

Ann E. Elsner has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11375891
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices to improve the assessment of visual function and overcoming limitations of current methods to identify the visual function that potentially could be reached by a given eye. Multiple eye tests including visual stimuli plus optical measurement components, and methods to combine the results, identify and quantify sources of decreased vision resulting from optical sources, such as a lens and cornea as distinguished from retinal sources. By identifying potentially correctable optical sources of decreased vision, and overcoming physiological limitations such as size of the eye's pupil, the visual benefits of treatment such as by cataract or corneal surgery are distinguished from retinal pathology that requires medical intervention. The devices and methods provide metrics that include an expected value of the visual function and sources of variability including both optical and neural components, to guide treatment and improve clinical trials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: The Trustees of Indiana University
    Inventor: Ann E. Elsner
  • Patent number: 8488895
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight digital imaging device uses a slit scanning arrangement to obtain an image of the eye, in particular the retina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Indiana University Research and Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Muller, Ann E. Elsner, Benno L. Petrig
  • Patent number: 7831106
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight digital imaging device uses a slit scanning arrangement to obtain an image of the eye, in particular the retina. The scanning arrangement reduces the amount of target area illuminated at a time, thereby reducing the amount of unwanted light scatter and providing a higher contrast image. A detection arrangement receives the light remitted from the retinal plane and produces an image. The device is operable under battery power and ambient light conditions, such as outdoor or room lighting. The device is noncontact and does not require that the pupil of the eye be dilated with drops. The device can be used by personnel who do not have specialized training in the eye, such as emergency personnel, pediatricians, general practitioners, or volunteer or otherwise unskilled screening personnel. Images can be viewed in the device or transmitted to a remote location. The device can also be used to provide images of the anterior segment of the eye, or other small structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ann E. Elsner, Benno Petrig
  • Publication number: 20100128221
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight digital imaging device uses a slit scanning arrangement to obtain an image of the eye, in particular the retina.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew S. Muller, Ann E. Elsner, Benno L. Petrig
  • Publication number: 20090244482
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight digital imaging device uses a slit scanning arrangement to obtain an image of the eye, in particular the retina. The scanning arrangement reduces the amount of target area illuminated at a time, thereby reducing the amount of unwanted light scatter and providing a higher contrast image. A detection arrangement receives the light remitted from the retinal plane and produces an image. The device is operable under battery power and ambient light conditions, such as outdoor or room lighting. The device is noncontact and does not require that the pupil of the eye be dilated with drops. The device can be used by personnel who do not have specialized training in the eye, such as emergency personnel, pediatricians, general practitioners, or volunteer or otherwise unskilled screening personnel. Images can be viewed in the device or transmitted to a remote location. The device can also be used to provide images of the anterior segment of the eye, or other small structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Ann E. Elsner, Benno Petrig
  • Patent number: 7331669
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight digital imaging device uses a slit scanning arrangement to obtain an image of the eye, in particular the retina. The scanning arrangement reduces the amount of target area illuminated at a time, thereby reducing the amount of unwanted light scatter and providing a higher contrast image. A detection arrangement receives the light remitted from the retinal plane and produces an image. The device is operable under battery power and ambient light conditions, such as outdoor or room lighting. The device is noncontact and does not require that the pupil of the eye be dilated with drops. The device can be used by personnel who do not have specialized training in the eye, such as emergency personnel, pediatricians, or general practitioners. Images can be viewed in the device or transmitted to a remote location. The device can also be used to provide images of the anterior segment of the eye or other small structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Ann E. Elsner
  • Publication number: 20040207811
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight digital imaging device uses a slit scanning arrangement to obtain an image of the eye, in particular the retina. The scanning arrangement reduces the amount of target area illuminated at a time, thereby reducing the amount of unwanted light scatter and providing a higher contrast image. A detection arrangement receives the light remitted from the retinal plane and produces an image. The device is operable under battery power and ambient light conditions, such as outdoor or room lighting. The device is noncontact and does not require that the pupil of the eye be dilated with drops. The device can be used by personnel who do not have specialized training in the eye, such as emergency personnel, pediatricians, or general practitioners. Images can be viewed in the device or transmitted to a remote location. The device can also be used to provide images of the anterior segment of the eye or other small structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Ann E Elsner
  • Patent number: 6640124
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for separating light remitted by a target into a directly scattered light component and at least one multiply scattered light component, detecting the components at least substantially simultaneously, and forming independent sets of image information from each component. The apparatus and the method can be employed in conjunction with techniques such as scanning and tomography to attain precise imaging of biological tissue, including the retina of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: The Schepens Eye Research Institute
    Inventors: Ann E. Elsner, Stephen A. Burns, Andreas W. Dreher, Robert H. Webb
  • Publication number: 20020101566
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for separating light remitted by a target into a directly scattered light component and at least one multiply scattered light component, detecting the components at least substantially simultaneously, and forming independent sets of image information from each component. The apparatus and the method can be employed in conjunction with techniques such as scanning and tomography to attain precise imaging of biological tissue, including the retina of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Ann E. Elsner, Stephen A. Burns, Andreas W. Dreher, Robert H. Webb
  • Patent number: 6236877
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating an image of a target into a directly scattered component and a multiply scattered component by providing a stationary field stop having a first region and associated detector confocal to a point on the target. During a first interval, a light source directs a first beam to the target and the directly scattered component is selected by the first region. During a second interval, the light source directs a second beam to the target and the multiply scattered component us selected by the first region and its associated detector. Alternatively, a light source directs a first beam to the target and the directly scattered component is selected by the first region of the field stop and its associated detector, while the second region and its associated detector select for multiply scattered light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignees: The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Laser Diagnostics Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann E. Elsner, Robert H. Webb, Andreas W. Dreher