Eye Examining Or Testing Instrument Patents (Class 351/200)
  • Patent number: 8632183
    Abstract: A viewing target for a visual acuity and refraction measurement includes at least one line comprising a width dimension that is below a resolution limit width (hereinafter “RLW”) of a test subject visual acuity, and an adjustable length dimension that is initially set at greater than the RLW of the test subject visual acuity. A base, at least approximately intersecting the line, has a thickness along the direction of the length of the line that is greater than the RLW of the test subject visual acuity. The length dimension of the line is adjustable in increments small enough to effectively approximate the visual acuity of the test subject by determining a shortest resolvable line and a next smaller line that is not resolvable by the test subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Shui T. Lai
  • Patent number: 8632184
    Abstract: A refraction device determines a refraction end point to provide corrective optics for a test subject. The device includes an adjustable optical system providing corrective optics to the test subject and an adjustable viewing target disposed along an optical path such as to be viewable through the adjustable optical system by a test subject. The adjustable viewing target includes a directional indicator linked synchronously to at least two choices of corrective optics presented to the test subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Shui T. Lai
  • Patent number: 8622546
    Abstract: An algorithm locates valid light spots produced on an image detector by a wavefront of interest. The algorithm includes sequentially examining pixels of the image detector to determine for each of the pixels whether the light intensity detected by the pixel is greater than a threshold, When the pixel's detected light intensity is determined to be greater than the threshold, the algorithm includes: determining whether the pixel belongs to a valid light spot; and when the pixel is determined to belong to a valid light spot; saving data indicating a location for the valid light spot; and masking out a group of pixels of the image detector at the determined location such that the masked pixels are considered to have a light intensity less than the threshold for a remainder of the sequential examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: AMO Wavefront Sciences, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Farrer, Thomas D. Raymond, Wei Xiong, John Dixson, Daniel R. Neal
  • Publication number: 20140002799
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for providing vision correction to a patient is disclosed. The method, system and apparatus involve a) obtaining at least one bare eye data measurement, habitual lens data measurement and/or fitting lens data measurement of the patient; b) providing the at least one bare eye data measurement, the habitual lens data measurement and/or the fitting lens data measurement to a free form custom lens manufacturing system; c) producing a customized lens using the free form custom lens manufacturing system; and d) providing the custom lens to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Wildsmith
  • Patent number: 8613710
    Abstract: A non-invasive method for determining and characterizing the presence of damage or abnormalities resulting from or concomitant with systemic hypertension in subject. This method is comprised of the acquisition of ocular image(s) and subsequent evaluation, classification and/or interpretation of these image(s). The ocular image(s) may be acquired by photography. Evaluation, classification, and/or interpretation may be automated or involve the active participation of a human. The ocular images may be classified into either a normal or clinical group or compared to an algorithm of hypertensive symptoms. The ocular images may, additionally, be processed and have the pertinent characteristics extracted to make the classification more exact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kolanko, Lance Molnar, James V. Odom, James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 8591029
    Abstract: An imaging device includes an illuminating unit configured to illuminate a measurement object with light from a light source; an aberration correcting unit configured to correct aberration of the measurement object occurring in light returning from the measurement object, the returning light being provided by light illuminating the measurement object through an area differing from a center axis of the illuminating unit; and an image obtaining unit configured to obtain an image of the measurement object on the basis of light returning from the measurement object, the returning light being provided by light that is provided after the aberration is corrected by the aberration correcting unit and that illuminates the measurement object through the center axis of the illuminating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Nozato
  • Patent number: 8576081
    Abstract: Provided are a physiological condition estimation device and a vehicle control device capable of preventing an error in the operation of an apparatus, such as a vehicle, and improving the safety of the operation of the apparatus. The physiological condition estimation device includes an eye-open time acquiring unit that acquires the eye-open time of the driver, a variation calculating unit that acquires a variation in the eye-open time acquired by the eye-open time acquiring unit, and a drowsiness predicting unit that determines the physiological condition of the driver on the basis of the variation in the eye-open time acquired by the variation calculating unit. In this way, since the physiological condition is determined on the basis of the variation in the eye-open time, it is possible to detect a slight reduction in the arousal level and estimate a significant reduction in the arousal level to a value that will cause an error in the driving of the vehicle in the future.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Hatakeyama, Yutaka Hirano, Hiroki Okamura
  • Patent number: 8562133
    Abstract: A simulator to be used in ophthalmological measurements includes a display apparatus and a control device. The control device is adapted to control the display apparatus in such a manner that the display apparatus displays an image that is adapted to simulate the arrangement of a pupillary midpoint relative to a reference structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: WaveLight GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Schmid, Berndt Warm
  • Patent number: 8562132
    Abstract: In a photometry device, photopic vision luminance Lp is measured by a first luminance measuring unit including a first light filter 4 and a first photoelectric converter 5, and scotopic vision luminance Ls is measured by a second luminance measuring unit including a second light filter 6 and a second photoelectric converter 7. A calculation part 8 calculates mesopic vision luminance Lmes based on a measurement value (photopic vision luminance Lp) of the first luminance measuring unit and a ratio of a measurement value (scotopic vision luminance Ls) of the second luminance measuring unit to the measurement value (photopic vision luminance Lp) of the first luminance measuring unit. Consequently, the photometry device can improve measurement accuracy of the brightness (mesopic vision luminance) in mesopic vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Saito, Hiroki Noguchi, Naohiro Toda, Ayako Tsukitani, Kouji Nishioka, Akira Takasima, Kaoru Ibara, Kensuke Yamazoe, Hiroe Kubo, Yoshinori Karasawa
  • Patent number: 8556823
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmological analysis method for measuring an intraocular pressure in an eye with an analysis system consisting of an actuating device, wherein the actuating device causes a puff of air to be applied to the eye in such manner that the cornea is deformed, an observation system with which the deformation of the cornea is observed and recorded, wherein sectional images of the cornea when it is deformed and not deformed are created with the observation device, and an analysis device with which the intraocular pressure is derived from the sectional images of the cornea, wherein a structural characteristic and/or material characteristic of the cornea is derived from the sectional images of the cornea in the analysis device, wherein a stress of the cornea is derived as a structural characteristic and/or material characteristic, wherein stresses in the corneal material are rendered visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Oculus Optikgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Gert Koest, Andreas Steinmueller
  • Patent number: 8551013
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmological analysis method for measuring an intraocular pressure in an eye with an analysis system consisting of an actuating device with which a cornea of the eye is deformed in contactless manner, wherein the actuating device causes a puff of air to be applied to the eye in such manner that the cornea is deformed, an observation system with which the deformation of the cornea is observed and recorded, wherein sectional images of the cornea when it is deformed and not deformed are created with the observation device, and an analysis device with which the intraocular pressure is derived from the sectional images of the cornea, wherein a material characteristic of the cornea is derived from the sectional images of the cornea in the analysis device, wherein a stiffness of the cornea is derived as a material characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Oculus Optikgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Steinmueller
  • Patent number: 8551014
    Abstract: The invention relates to an opthalmological analysis method for measuring an intraocular pressure in an eye with an analysis system consisting of an actuating device, wherein the actuating device causes a puff of air to be applied to the eye in such manner that the cornea is deformed, an observation system with which the deformation of the cornea is observed and recorded, wherein sectional images of the cornea when it is deformed and not deformed are created with the observation device, and an analysis device with which the intraocular pressure is derived from the sectional images of the cornea, wherein a material characteristic of the cornea is derived from the sectional images of the cornea in the analysis device, wherein a diameter d1 of a first applanation area of the cornea and a diameter dn of a deformation area of the cornea is derived as a material characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Oculus Optikgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Gert Koest, Andreas Steinmueller
  • Patent number: 8550624
    Abstract: An ophthalmic system for use in performing angular measurements in relation to a patient's eye. The ophthalmic system can include an optical angular measurement device that can provide angular indicia by, for example, projecting an image of an angular measurement reticle onto a patient's eye or by superimposing an image of an angular measurement reticle onto an image of the patient's eye. The ophthalmic system can include an optical refractive power measurement device for providing desired angular orientations for ocular implants or for incisions. The ophthalmic system can be used, for example, to align a toric intraocular lens to a desired angular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Wavetec Vision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Padrick, Jack T. Holladay, Dan Bao Tran, Aric K. Plumley, Richard J. Michaels, Jeff Padgett
  • Patent number: 8550631
    Abstract: A monitor is used to display a visual acuity test operated by software from an associated computer. A patient is spaced a predetermined distance from the monitor during the testing procedure, and individual, multiple LED housings are equally spaced about a center point of the monitor to direct light toward the patient during at least a portion of the test procedure. The light emanating from the individual housings is a diffuse, unfocused light to simulate glare, and the intensity of the light may be selectively altered. Conducting acuity testing under glare conditions determines if there is any reduction or fall off in the patient's acuity vision under such circumstances and provides an indication of whether the patient may require cataract surgery or has another ocular problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: M&S Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin A. Butler
  • Patent number: 8545021
    Abstract: An ophthalmoscope includes a display, a therapy beam source, and a drive unit. The display is configured to display a live image of a patient's eye. The therapy beam source is configured to apply therapy beam pulses onto the eye. The drive unit is configured to superimpose onto the live image of the eye a virtual pattern of positions intended for the application of therapy beam pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: OD-OS GmbH
    Inventors: Ben Liesfeld, Winfried Teiwes, Michael Huppertz, Kay-Uwe Amthor
  • Patent number: 8545022
    Abstract: An ophthalmoscope includes a therapy beam source configured to apply therapy beam pulses onto an eye and a drive unit configured to store information about the therapy beam pulses applied onto the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: OD-OS GmbH
    Inventors: Ben Liesfeld, Winfried Teiwes, Michael Huppertz, Kay-Uwe Amthor
  • Patent number: 8545020
    Abstract: An ophthalmoscope comprising includes a display, a therapy beam source, and a drive unit. The display is configured to display a live image of a patient's eye. The therapy beam source is configured to apply therapy beam pulses onto the eye. The drive unit is configured to superimpose onto the live image of the eye target positions intended for the application of therapy beam pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: OD-OS GmbH
    Inventors: Ben Liesfeld, Winfried Teiwes, Michael Huppertz, Kay-Uwe Amthor
  • Patent number: 8523359
    Abstract: An illumination device (10) is described for an observation device (100) having one, two or more observation beam paths (16, 17), each with at least one observation beam bundle, particularly for an operating microscope, the illumination device having at least one light source (11, 12) for producing at least one illumination beam path (14, 15) with at least one illumination beam bundle for illuminating an object to be observed, in particular, an eye to be observed, the illumination device (10) having at least one illumination optics unit, which has a collector (18, 22), and the at least one illumination beam path (14, 15) or the at least one illumination beam bundle running coaxially to an observation beam path (16, 17) or observation beam bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Franz Merz, Artur Hoegele, Peter Reimer
  • Patent number: 8506078
    Abstract: A method includes: a) defining position-identification elements for identifying the position of a first frame of reference associated with a wearer's head in a second frame of reference associated with an image-capture device and for identifying the angle of inclination of the first frame of reference in the sagittal plane of the wearer's head about a center of rotation of the head; b) capturing a series of at least two images of the wearer's head; c) determining, in the second frame of reference, a position of the center of rotation; d) identifying, in each image, the image of a first anatomical point of the wearer's face; e) determining, in each image, the angle of inclination relative to a reference plane of an anatomical plane that is perpendicular to the sagittal plane and that contains the center of rotation and the first anatomical point; f) comparing the angle with a predetermined value; and g) determining the geometrical-and-postural parameter as a function of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Chauveau, Konogan Baranton, Claude Pedrono
  • Patent number: 8506077
    Abstract: The invention comprises a neuropsychological test method designed to measure a test subject's variables of visual attention for stimuli believed to preferentially elicit specific visual pathways. Target visual pathways include the magnocellular on/off, parvocellular chromatic red/green, koniocellular blue/yellow, and parvocellular achromatic pathways. Furthermore, the invention computes differential measures between the different stimuli types for diagnostic value. These computations include, but are not limited to, measures believed to elicit non-linear contrast gain control, on versus off pathways, and changes in performance over time. The test displays both target and noise (non-target) stimuli with different apriori probabilities at different stages of the test. The test can capture and analyze physiological measures, isoluminant points and critical flicker fusion points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Computer Psych, LLC
    Inventor: Michael E. Legatt
  • Patent number: 8504329
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software for determining a set of analytical or numerical polynomials that is orthonormal over circular or noncircular pupils are described. Closed-form orthonormal polynomials for circular, annular, hexagonal, elliptical, rectangular, and square pupils are derived. Such techniques can be applied to ray tracing as in the optical design and wavefront fitting from measurement as in the optical testing. These approaches can also be applied to wavefront reconstruction in adaptive optics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: AMO Manufacturing USA, LLC.
    Inventors: Guang-ming Dai, Virendra N. Mahajan
  • Patent number: 8502904
    Abstract: Provided are a digital photographing apparatus which provides the benefit of distorting an image of an object display on an electronic viewfinder so that the object does not appear to be distorted to a user with astigmatism, and a method of controlling the digital photographing apparatus. The digital photographing apparatus includes an image capture device configured to generate data from light incident to an object to generate preview images of the object; and an electronic viewfinder configured to display preview images, wherein the digital photographing apparatus is configured to distort the preview image to correct for the vision of a user and to control the electronic viewfinder to display the distorted preview image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-ryoon Son, Hyun-sik Yu, Byeong-chan Park
  • Publication number: 20130188143
    Abstract: A method for determining parameters of the vision of an eye of a patient. The method comprises: constituting a part of a process of making a prescription for a corresponding lens via which the patient is expected to gaze in at least two different directions; and measuring in one of the two directions all of the following parameters of the eye's vision: sphere power, cylinder and cylinder axis, and measuring in the other of the two directions at least two of said parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: SHAMIR OPTICAL INDUSTRY LTD.
    Inventors: Yuval Carmon, Dan Katzman
  • Patent number: 8491576
    Abstract: A laser system for the irradiation of an eye includes a laser configured to emit a laser beam; a focusing device configured to focus the laser beam; and a beam-shaping device configured to generate a predetermined intensity distribution in a cross section of the laser beam such that an intensity minimum of the laser beam is disposed in region of a center of the cross section of the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Mark Bischoff, Manfred Dick
  • Patent number: 8491120
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for quantitatively imaging the retinal fundus. The method for retinal health assessment comprises imaging the retinal fundus of a patient's eye at different wavelengths within a spectral range and determining spectral reflectivity of the retina for each pixel within a field of view (FOV). The retinal health is assessed based on the spectral reflectivity of the retina. The metabolic and anatomical activity of the eye is monitored to detect, at the earliest stage, activity that could lead to the onset of blinding eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Annidis Health Systems Corp.
    Inventors: David Alexander Kahn, Ian Powell
  • Patent number: 8485661
    Abstract: A vision training system comprises a display device configured to display dynamic visual content having a flicker rate, a flicker generator configured to adjust the flicker rate according to a duty cycle, a visual signal source configured to provide a visual signal in the form of dynamic content to the flicker generator, or, alternatively, to the display device, and a receiver configured to receive indications that the flicker rate should be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Herb Yoo, Alan W. Reichow
  • Patent number: 8474976
    Abstract: A pair of spectacles that can automatically change its power so that a fixation region of interest (ROI) of the user is always in focus. The automatic accommodative spectacle device includes focusing elements, sensors, line of sight detector, focus engine, focusing element controller, and power supply. The line of sight detector determines the line of sight for the left and right eyes of the user using data from the sensors. The focus engine uses the lines of sight for left and right eyes to determine the user's fixation ROI. The fixation ROI is used to determine powers for the focusing elements in order to bring the fixation ROI into focus. The focusing element controller carries out the needed optical power adjustment to apply to the focusing elements. Optional light sources may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Thang Duong, Yibin Tian
  • Patent number: 8465152
    Abstract: An ophthalmological photographic apparatus includes an observation moving-image photographic unit configured to photograph an observation moving image of a subject's eye, a still-image photographic unit configured to photograph a still image of the subject's eye, an image display unit configured to display at least one of the observation moving image and the still image, and a display content control unit configured to cause the image display unit to display one of the observation moving image and the still image when the still-image photographic unit photographs a still image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Chikako Yamada
  • Patent number: 8465153
    Abstract: A system having one or more lenticular units and more supplementary parts without lenticular properties. The lenticular units consist of lenticular plates that are capable of visualizing various clinically relevant examination objects. In all the examination positions, the system may visualize a fixation area that is shown alone or together with clinically relevant examination objects targeted at the examination of clinically relevant visual functions. Supplementary parts with various optical properties may be fixed or be moved relative to the lenticular units. Various clinically relevant examination objects may be visualized for the right eye and the left eye in that the examination objects of the system are provided with different colors or light polarizations and using eyeglasses with a differently colored glass for the right eye and the left eye or with polarization filters with a different direction for the right eye and the left eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Joergen Bruun-Jensen, Jacob Bruun-Jensen
  • Patent number: 8454167
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating presbyopia are provided. In one embodiment, a system for photorefractive treatment of presbyopia includes a laser source configured for ablating corneal tissue and a control system in communication with the laser source and configured to control the laser source to ablate conical tissue of a patient to achieve a desired corneal shape. In some instances, the control system controls the laser source by calculating a global optimum regarding curvature and asphericity of the cornea. In some instances, control system controls the laser source by calculating a central steep island and calculating a curvature and asphericity for the rest of the cornea. In some embodiments, a laser source is controlled to ablate the cornea of the patient in accordance with a calculated shape profile to achieve a desired corneal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Wavelight AG
    Inventors: Theo Seiler, Tobias Lorenz Florian Koller
  • Patent number: 8454164
    Abstract: Device for measuring wave fronts generated by a lens (4) for an eye, with a radiation source (14) for emitting test radiation (12) to be directed at the lens (4) and a sensor device (26) for detecting wave fronts of incident test radiation after interaction with the lens, wherein the sensor device scans the test radiation (20) after interaction with the lens (4) at a scanning frequency which is at least equal in size to the frequency at which changes in wave fronts occur in the test radiation (20) after interaction with the lens (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Wavelight Laser Technologie AG
    Inventors: Claudia Gorschboth, Christof Donitzky
  • Patent number: 8439501
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing multiple procedures involving the eye. The apparatus includes an imager for imaging at least a portion of an eye of a patient, a data collection apparatus for collecting a data set corresponding to at least a portion of an eye of a patient, and a data analysis module. The imager is configured to provide image data. The data collection apparatus is configured to provide data indicative of a neurological disorder. The data analysis module interrelates the image data and the data indicative of a neurological disorder to provide an interpretive result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Newman, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug
  • Patent number: 8434868
    Abstract: An eye-gaze tracking device, which detects a gaze direction of a user based on an electro-oculogram, includes: a drift estimating unit which estimates drift noise included in a set of observation voltages among observation voltages that are electro-oculograms generated in a living body and observed at the plurality of electrodes, based on a component outside an electro-oculography subspace that is an assembly of sets of electro-oculograms theoretically observed at a plurality of electrodes; and an eye-gaze tracking unit which detects the gaze direction of the user, based on a signal generated by removing, from the observation voltages, the drift noise estimated by the drift estimating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Sato, Toshiyasu Sugio
  • Patent number: 8430510
    Abstract: A noise reduction device includes: a saccade information obtaining unit that obtains saccade information from an electro-oculography original signal that indicates an electro-oculogram resulting from an eye movement of a user, the saccade information relating to a saccadic movement which is a rapid eyeball movement; a control unit that determines a filter property for reducing noise included in the electro-oculography original signal, on the basis of the saccade information obtained by the saccade information obtaining unit; and a filtering unit that reduces the noise included in the electro-oculography original signal using the filter property determined by the control unit, to output an electro-oculography signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyasu Sugio, Daisuke Sato
  • Patent number: 8414124
    Abstract: In order to measure a cornea with the aid of a projection (S11) of a two-dimensional reference pattern onto the cornea and of a detection (S12) of the reflection pattern reflected by the cornea by virtue of the reference pattern, a plurality of different reflection images of one or more reflection patterns reflected by the cornea are stored (S13). For points on the cornea a phase value of the reflection pattern is respectively calculated on the basis of intensities respectively measured in the stored reflection images at a pixel corresponding to the relevant point. At least one measured geometrical value of the cornea is calculated (S2) on the basis of the calculated phase value. The measurement of the cornea on the basis of a plurality of different reflection images of one or more reflection patterns reflected by the cornea enables a continuous measurement of the cornea in which corresponding pixels are acquired and evaluated for each point on the cornea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: SIS AG, Surgical Instrument Systems
    Inventors: Christian Rathjen, Roger Cattin, Christoph Meier
  • Patent number: 8403862
    Abstract: A method includes directing toward a portion of a subject's body a first pulse of electromagnetic energy. While the portion is in a functional state due to the first pulse, a second pulse is directed toward the portion. At a second-pulse time, reflected energy due to the second pulse is detected. While the portion is in a functional state due to the first and second pulses, a third pulse is directed toward the portion. At a third-pulse time, energy of the third pulse, reflected from the portion, is detected. In response to detecting the pulses at the second-pulse time and the third-pulse time, a characteristic of the portion is quantified resulting from (a) the functional state due to the first pulse and (b) the functional state due to the first and second pulses. A clinical state of the subject is identified. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Yeda Research and Development Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Amiram Grinvald, Darin Nelson, Harel Primack
  • Patent number: 8403480
    Abstract: Briefly described, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a computer control system and an environmental light source that is controlled by the computer control system such that an amount of light provided by the environmental light source is adjusted by the computer control so that ocular parameters of an examinee are within a targeted range. Further, the system includes an irradiation system that provides multiple angle and axial eccentricity illuminations and selective wavelength irradiation based upon instructions received from the computer control system, wherein the computer control system instructs the irradiation system to provide different irradiation characteristics for different screening procedures. Also, the system includes an image detection system that captures ocular images of the examinee, wherein the computer control system analyzes captured images and provides results of in-situ analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: University of Tennessee Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ying-Ling Ann Chen, James W. L. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8393734
    Abstract: A method of screening a pupil of a subject to determine whether the pupil reflex resembles a canonical pupil reflex is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of stimulating the pupil with a stimulus source. The method further includes the steps of using a pupilometer to track the pupil's constriction response over a duration of time, wherein the step of tracking the pupil constriction response begins substantially simultaneously with or immediately subsequent to time 0 and lasts for a period of time y, and using the pupilometer to collect a plurality of data points in which each data point corresponds with a diameter of the pupil at a specific time within the time duration y. The method further includes the step of generating a pupil data profile by compiling the data points and determining whether one or more conditions arc met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Neuroptics, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Privitera, Kamran Siminou
  • Patent number: 8388610
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the applicability of a treatment pattern for manipulation of a cornea of an eye using a laser. The concept of the present invention is based on the determination of an actual volumetric profile based on a set of input data and a theoretical volumetric profile which is created independently based on only the basic optical parameters. On the basis of a comparison of the determined volumetric profiles it is determined whether the actual volumetric profile is within predetermined tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Youssefi, Anton Hilger
  • Patent number: 8356896
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for specifying or determining the spatial position of a distance reference point and/or a near reference point of a progressive spectacle lens for correcting defective vision of a spectacle wearer. Said method consists of the following steps: individual data of the spectacle wearer is obtained; the individual vertical and/or the horizontal position of the distance reference point and/or the near reference point is determined or calculated in accordance with the determined individual data of the spectacle wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Esser, Nadine Jung, Katrin Nicke, Ilka Schwarz, Andrea Welk, Martin Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8353596
    Abstract: Among other items, an illumination device (110) is [provided] for an observation device (100) having one, two or more observation beam paths, each with at least one observation beam bundle, in particular for an operating microscope, having at least one light source (112) for producing at least one illumination beam path with at least one illumination beam bundle (121, 122, 123) for illuminating an object to be observed, in particular, an eye to be observed, in addition having at least one illumination optics unit (11)*, which is constructed according to the Köhler principle of illumination, as well as an objective element (119), wherein the at least one illumination beam path or the at least one illumination beam bundle (121, 122, 123) runs coaxially to an observation beam path or observation beam bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditech AG
    Inventor: Artur Hoegele
  • Patent number: 8346345
    Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides methods for assessing a physiological state of a mammalian retina in vivo, the methods of this aspect of the invention each include the steps of (a) irradiating a portion of a mammalian retina, in vivo, with light having a wavelength in the range of from 600 nm to 1000 nm at an intensity sufficient to stimulate two-photon-induced fluorescence in the retina; and (b) assessing a physiological state of the retina by analyzing the fluorescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Imanishi, Krzysztof Palczewski, Bryan S. Sires, Eric J. Seibel
  • Patent number: 8337017
    Abstract: There is described in one embodiment an eye viewing device for viewing a structure of an eye such as a retina. The eye viewing device can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an eye viewing device can be adapted to facilitate both visual viewing of an eye structure and electronic image capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin Goldfain, Chris R. Roberts, Allan I. Krauter, Steven R. Slawson, William H. Lagerway
  • Patent number: 8333472
    Abstract: The above objects are achieved with a compact neuro-otologic testing device and method of utilizing the same according to the present invention. The device according to the present invention provides an image producing laser with a right hand, servo controlled galvanometric based XY interface. The high quality closed loop servo control system that can drive the target (i.e. the laser image) in excess of 1,000,000 degrees/second2 and at velocities in excess of 12000 degrees/second. The bandwidth of the XY interface is greater than 400 Hz, providing high image reproducibility. The repeatability and position accuracy of the target is +?3 arc-seconds and the field of range of the XY interface are about 60 degrees (i.e. about 60 degrees horizontal and 60 degrees vertical).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Neuro Kinetics
    Inventor: Alexander D. Kiderman
  • Patent number: 8328354
    Abstract: A device for at least one of diagnosis and treatment of binocular vision disorders is disclosed. The device comprises a portable, wearable viewing apparatus that includes a left eye electronic display and a right eye electronic display, a dual data channel input, wherein each data channel corresponds to a respective one of the left eye and right eye electronic displays, a left eye adjustable optic structure adjusting a view of the left eye electronic display, and a right eye adjustable optic structure adjusting a view of the right eye electronic display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Geng Li, Yeung-Ming Chow, Man-Hong Balwin Chan, Tat-Hoi Lee, Chung-Kong Cheung
  • Patent number: 8328355
    Abstract: An ophthalmic device is provided with a photographing optical system that photographs an eye fundus; an illumination optical system that illuminate the eye fundus; a split target projection optical system that projects a split target for focusing the photographing optical system on the eye fundus; an alignment target projection optical system that projects an alignment target (AL) for aligning the photographing optical system with an examining eye; an observation optical system that displays optical images of the eye fundus; and a pseudo-target display processing unit that takes an observation video signal output by the observation optical system in, detects at least one of positions of the split target and the alignment target in the observation video signal, and displays a pseudo-target on the monitor in accordance with the detected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Masanori Nagashio, Kanichi Tokuda, Taisaku Kogawa, Hiroyuki Ootsuka
  • Patent number: 8322855
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for determining the visual behavior of a person. The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in: recording the movement of the individual's head, recording the movement of his/her eyes, determining the relative orientation of the eye in relation to the head, and determining the amount of time for which the eye is maintained in each orientation. The aforementioned amount of time is determined by collecting the records of orientations in finite intervals and counting the number of records (frequency) in each interval. Said orientations are specified using angular co-ordinates for both the head and the eye. The data are detected and processed with the aid of a device comprising light emitters (51) which are fixed to the head, cameras (63) and a screen (611, 612) for attracting the individual's gaze. The results from the method are used in order to customize the design of a lens for spectacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: INDO Internacional S.A.
    Inventors: Antonia Giménez Carol, Carmen Prieto Pin, Juan Carlos Dursteler López, Josep Salvador Solaz Sanahuja, Begoña Mateo Martinez, Rosa Maria Porcar Seder
  • Patent number: 8313195
    Abstract: A fundus camera includes an illumination unit configured to illuminate a fundus of a subject's eye with a visible light from a visible light source, an imaging unit which has sensitivity in a visible wavelength range and is configured to receive a reflected light from the fundus to capture a fundus image, and a light amount balance changing unit configured to independently change at least a part of a light amount emitted from LED elements wherein the visible light source includes a plurality of the LED elements discretely arranged into a ring shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Itoh, Shinya Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20120287405
    Abstract: A method of determining binocular performance of a pair of spectacle lenses comprises: a eyes characteristics providing step, a pair of spectacle lenses providing step, a environment providing step, a binocular performance criteria selecting step, and a binocular performance criteria determining step, wherein the at least one binocular performance criterion is selected among one or a combination of the following criteria groups consisting of central vision criteria group and/or peripheral vision criteria group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Soazic Mousset, Cécile Petignaud, Claude Pedrono, Agnès Ladous, Bruno Amir, Aude Contet
  • Patent number: 8303115
    Abstract: A method for quantifying disease progression through retinal health assessment and management. The method comprises obtaining a first image of a retina or iris at a point in time; generating a first vascular map of the first image of the retina or the iris; obtaining a second image of the retina or the iris at a later point in time; generating a second vascular map of the second image of the retina or the iris; registering the first image and the second image on the basis of the first vascular map and the second vascular map; and displaying at least one difference between the registered first image and the second image to quantify a disease progression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Annidis Health Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Zeljko Ribaric, Robert A. Andrews, Eric Desgroseilliers, Alan Boate, Richard Clayton, Derek C. Thorslund