Patents by Inventor Detlef Biernat

Detlef Biernat 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: 9872617
    Abstract: A fundus camera with an OCT measurement module, in which, after the focusing objective, a mirror switches the light to be detected either to the OCT measurement module or an image detector. This design also renders it possible to carry out a method for improved focusing in order to improve the recording quality of the individual modalities. Furthermore, the multimodal measuring instrument distinguishes itself by an operating concept according to the invention. Such combination instruments are advantageous in that, as a result of the reduction from two instruments to one, less space is required than in the case of two separate instruments. Furthermore, reseating of the patient is avoided if recordings or measurements of different modalities should be made for one and the same patient, as a result of which the procedures in the medical practices and clinics can be influenced positively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Detlef Biernat, Markus Strehle, Axel Waldheim, Dietrich Martin, Martin Hacker, Eberhard Hagen, Martin Kühner, André Meyer
  • Publication number: 20170181624
    Abstract: A fundus camera with an OCT measurement module, in which, after the focusing objective, a mirror switches the light to be detected either to the OCT measurement module or an image detector. This design also renders it possible to carry out a method for improved focusing in order to improve the recording quality of the individual modalities. Furthermore, the multimodal measuring instrument distinguishes itself by an operating concept according to the invention. Such combination instruments are advantageous in that, as a result of the reduction from two instruments to one, less space is required than in the case of two separate instruments. Furthermore, reseating of the patient is avoided if recordings or measurements of different modalities should be made for one and the same patient, as a result of which the procedures in the medical practices and clinics can be influenced positively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Detlef BIERNAT, Markus STREHLE, Axel WALDHEIM, Dietrich MARTIN, Martin HACKER, Eberhard HAGEN, Martin KÜHNER, André MEYER
  • Patent number: 9532710
    Abstract: A fundus camera with an OCT measurement module, in which, after the focusing objective, a mirror switches the light to be detected either to the OCT measurement module or an image detector. This design also renders it possible to carry out a method for improved focusing in order to improve the recording quality of the individual modalities. Furthermore, the multimodal measuring instrument distinguishes itself by an operating concept according to the invention. Such combination instruments are advantageous in that, as a result of the reduction from two instruments to one, less space is required than in the case of two separate instruments. Furthermore, reseating of the patient is avoided if recordings or measurements of different modalities should be made for one and the same patient, as a result of which the procedures in the medical practices and clinics can be influenced positively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Detlef Biernat, Markus Strehle, Axel Waldheim, Dietrich Martin, Martin Hacker, Eberhard Hagen, Martin Kühner, André Meyer
  • Publication number: 20150294458
    Abstract: A fundus camera with an OCT measurement module, in which, after the focusing objective, a mirror switches the light to be detected either to the OCT measurement module or an image detector. This design also renders it possible to carry out a method for improved focusing in order to improve the recording quality of the individual modalities. Furthermore, the multimodal measuring instrument distinguishes itself by an operating concept according to the invention. Such combination instruments are advantageous in that, as a result of the reduction from two instruments to one, less space is required than in the case of two separate instruments. Furthermore, reseating of the patient is avoided if recordings or measurements of different modalities should be made for one and the same patient, as a result of which the procedures in the medical practices and clinics can be influenced positively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Detlef Biernat, Markus Strehle, Axel Waldheim, Dietrich Martin, Martin Hacker, Eberhard Hagen, Martin Kühner, André Meyer
  • Patent number: 8542273
    Abstract: An ophthalmic device and an arrangement for generating images with expanded dynamic range and a corresponding method for generating images with expanded dynamic range have at least one beamsplitter, in particular with an asymmetric splitting ratio, and at least two image sensors, wherein the image sensors are reflected into a common imaging beam path by the at least one beamsplitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Uwe Mohrholz, Frank Teige, Detlef Biernat
  • Patent number: 8123353
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus and a method for the contactless observation, examination, treatment, and/or diagnosis of an eye. The apparatus is structurally based on a fundus camera or an ophthalmoscope. An illumination beam path extends from a first illumination source to the eye and is fitted with a perforated mirror and imaging optics, and an observation beam path extends from the eye to a detector via the imaging optics and through the perforated mirror. The arrangement additionally comprises a beam path for scanning illumination which extends from a second illumination source to the eye and is fitted with a scanning unit, a lens, and a beam splitter in addition to the imaging optics. The scanning unit that is arranged in the beam path for scanning illumination is designed as (an) electrostatically or/and galvanometrically driven bidirectional or unidirectional tilting mirror(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Detlef Biernat, Daniel Bublitz, Andreas Brodschelm, Thomas Mohr, Stefan Richter
  • Patent number: 8066374
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical system for a fundus camera for reflection-free opthalmoscopy having a beam path with refractive and reflective optical elements which are used substantially in common for illumination and observation or recording. An imaging mirror system substantially comprising a plurality of reflecting optical elements in the form of mirrors and is provided for illuminating and imaging the fundus. At least one optical element, for example, mirror, is formed as a freeform mirror with an imaging, reflecting freeform surface. The optical elements are arranged in a housing in a precisely defined position and attitude relative to one another in such a way that an imaging of the reflecting surfaces of the optical elements on the image of the imaged retina is prevented within a wide diopter range of the patient's eye to be examined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec, AG
    Inventors: Ingo Koschmieder, Manfred Dick, Detlef Biernat, Jan Buchheister, Lothar Mueller
  • Publication number: 20110116040
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus and a method for the contactless observation, examination, treatment, and/or diagnosis of an eye. The apparatus is structurally based on a fundus camera or an ophthalmoscope. An illumination beam path extends from a first illumination source to the eye and is fitted with a perforated mirror and imaging optics, and an observation beam path extends from the eye to a detector via the imaging optics and through the perforated mirror. The arrangement additionally comprises a beam path for scanning illumination which extends from a second illumination source to the eye and is fitted with a scanning unit, a lens, and a beam splitter in addition to the imaging optics. The scanning unit that is arranged in the beam path for scanning illumination is designed as (an) electrostatically or/and galvanometrically driven bidirectional or unidirectional tilting mirror(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG
    Inventors: Detlef Biernat, Daniel Bublitz, Andreas Brodschelm, Thomas Mohr, Stefan Richter
  • Patent number: 7802885
    Abstract: A stripe pattern of known distance is imaged on the ocular fundus by the imaging unit for opthalmological devices. This makes it possible to carry out absolute measurements of distances and objects at the ocular fundus with knowledge of the initial values serving as a basis. The imaging unit for opthalmological devices, particularly fundus cameras, according to the invention comprises a device for generating and imaging any, but a known, stripe pattern or line pattern on the retina of an eye to be examined, a camera for recording the stripe pattern or line pattern on the retina, and an evaluating unit for determining the distances on the retina. The imaging unit is constructed in such a way that the stripe pattern or line pattern to be imaged is coupled into the beam path between the opthalmological device and the eye to be examined. The use of an imaging unit of this kind as an accessory to opthalmological devices also expands the possibilities for its use in measurements at the ocular fundus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Detlef Biernat, Ingo Koschmieder, Bernhard Rassow, Thomas Mohr
  • Publication number: 20100201799
    Abstract: An ophthalmic device and an arrangement for generating images with expanded dynamic range and a corresponding method for generating images with expanded dynamic range have at least one beamsplitter, in particular with an asymmetric splitting ratio, and at least two image sensors, wherein the image sensors are reflected into a common imaging beam path by the at least one beamsplitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Uwe Mohrholz, Frank Teige, Detlef Biernat
  • Patent number: 7753522
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a device for opthalmological equipment for examining the fundus of the eye by means of an optical system and electronic sensors for image recording. The focusing device, according to the invention, for opthalmological equipment based on the nonmydriatic principle comprises a projection unit which projects at least one focusing mark in the infrared spectral region on a surface in the eye and a focusing unit, both of which are displaceable along the optical axis. The displacement carried out by electronically controllable adjusting elements is carried out simultaneously or individually based on the corresponding presets of a control unit that is provided. The necessary synchronization between the projection unit and the focusing unit can be ensured in a simple manner by means of the inventive solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Guenter Link, Detlef Biernat
  • Patent number: 7726815
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for observing the ocular fundus, in particular to a fundus camera. Said device comprises a light source (1b) for the provision of illumination radiation, an illumination optical path for directing the illumination radiation onto the ocular fundus and observation optics for reproducing the illuminated ocular fundus, the observation optics comprising a module (16b), whose refractive power can be electrically adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Frank Teige, Detlef Biernat, Lothar Mueller
  • Publication number: 20100014052
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical system for a fundus camera for reflection-free opthalmoscopy having a beam path with refractive and reflective optical elements which are used substantially in common for illumination and observation or recording. An imaging mirror system substantially comprising a plurality of reflecting optical elements in the form of mirrors and is provided for illuminating and imaging the fundus. At least one optical element, for example, mirror, is formed as a freeform mirror with an imaging, reflecting freeform surface. The optical elements are arranged in a housing in a precisely defined position and attitude relative to one another in such a way that an imaging of the reflecting surfaces of the optical elements on the image of the imaged retina is prevented within a wide diopter range of the patient's eye to be examined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Ingo Koschmieder, Manfred Dick, Detlef Biernat, Jan Buchheister, Lothar Mueller
  • Publication number: 20090245602
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solution for ophthalmologic diagnostics in which stereo images of the human fundus are evaluated. The device according to the invention comprises a plane-parallel plate of known thickness which is arranged in front of the front objective of an ophthalmologic device, an adjusting mechanism, an image recording device, and a control unit. The plane-parallel plate can occupy any angular positions. After determining an optimal deflection angle ?opt, the plane-parallel plate is moved into the other optimal position ??opt, and an image of the fundus is recorded in both positions by the image recording device and is stored in the storage of the control unit for evaluation and/or archiving. While the proposed solution is preferably provided for fundus cameras, it can also be used in principle for other ophthalmologic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Frank Teige, Detlef Biernat
  • Publication number: 20090096986
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optoelectronic unit for directing the eye gaze of the patient during examination or documentation of the fundus of the eye. The solution according to the invention for internal eye gaze guidance in fundus cameras provides a spatial light modulator for generating the fixation mark comprising imaging optics by which the displayed fixation mark is imaged on the eye fundus by a semitransparent mirror arranged in an observation beam path and via a swivel mirror arranged in a documentation beam path. The spatial light modulator is connected by a control unit to an actuating element for positioning the fixation mark. The device, which is preferably provided for fundus cameras, can facilitate the diagnosis of diseases of the eye fundus in that the documented recordings can be exactly reproduced and therefore exactly compared. In particular, the tracking and presentation of the course of diseases can be improved in this way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG
    Inventors: Frank Teige, Detlef Biernat
  • Publication number: 20080192203
    Abstract: A stripe pattern of known distance is imaged on the ocular fundus by the imaging unit for ophthalmological devices. This makes it possible to carry out absolute measurements of distances and objects at the ocular fundus with knowledge of the initial values serving as a basis. The imaging unit for ophthalmological devices, particularly fundus cameras, according to the invention comprises a device for generating and imaging any, but a known, stripe pattern or line pattern on the retina of an eye to be examined, a camera for recording the stripe pattern or line pattern on the retina, and an evaluating unit for determining the distances on the retina. The imaging unit is constructed in such a way that the stripe pattern or line pattern to be imaged is coupled into the beam path between the ophthalmological device and the eye to be examined. The use of an imaging unit of this kind as an accessory to ophthalmological devices also expands the possibilities for its use in measurements at the ocular fundus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Detlef Biernat, Ingo Koschmieder, Bernhard Rassow, Thomas Mohr
  • Publication number: 20080030681
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a device for opthalmological equipment for examining the fundus of the eye by means of an optical system and electronic sensors for image recording. The focusing device, according to the invention, for opthalmological equipment based on the nonmydriatic principle comprises a projection unit which projects at least one focusing mark in the infrared spectral region on a surface in the eye and a focusing unit, both of which are displaceable along the optical axis. The displacement carried out by electronically controllable adjusting elements is carried out simultaneously or individually based on the corresponding presets of a control unit that is provided. The necessary synchronization between the projection unit and the focusing unit can be ensured in a simple manner by means of the inventive solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Guenter Link, Detlef Biernat
  • Publication number: 20080030682
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for observing the ocular fundus, in particular to a fundus camera. Said device comprises a light source (1b) for the provision of illumination radiation, an illumination optical path for directing the illumination radiation onto the ocular fundus and observation optics for reproducing the illuminated ocular fundus, the observation optics comprising a module (16b), whose refractive power can be electrically adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Frank Teige, Detlef Biernat, Lothar Mueller
  • Patent number: 7258439
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for examining the eye, preferably the fundus of the eye, by an optical system and electronic sensors for image recording in different imaging scales. In the device according to the invention, at least two image recording sensors with different shape factors are swivelably arranged in the imaging plane of the device. These image recording sensors have optically active surfaces of different geometric sizes, an approximately identical number of pixels and preferably the same electronic control and evaluation. The invention described herein requires no additional objectives and the optical adjustment is limited to an individual rigid objective. An exact alignment of the image recording sensors in the imaging plane and manufacturing tolerances can be compensated by adapting the image section by means of software. It is particularly advantageous that the imaging scale is influenced without changing the optical parameters of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Thomas Mohr, Detlef Biernat
  • Publication number: 20070030448
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical device for the observation and documentation of the ocular fundus and is preferably provided for fundus cameras. In order to generate a uniform illumination of the fundus by transillumination of the sclera in the illumination unit, according to the invention, for fundus cameras and/or ophthalmoscopes, the light emitted by the illumination source is coupled into individual light-conducting fibers or bundles of light-conducting fibers which extend into the area of the front lens of the fundus camera and ophthalmoscope and whose fiber ends are formed in such a way that the exiting light is projected on and transilluminates the sclera. The discomfort caused to the patient by pupil-dilating means is avoided as are the risks associated with the placement of contact lenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2004
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Detlef Biernat, Uwe Mohrholz, Frank Teige