Using Photodetector Patents (Class 351/210)
  • Patent number: 9108044
    Abstract: A method of using and devices for delivering electromagnetic radiation of a selected wavelength for the treatment of conditions pertaining to cephalic sensory organs, in particular to treating conditions of the eye (ocular conditions) and conditions pertaining to the ear (otic conditions). The invention is in particular for the treatment of organelles associated with the acoustic and optic nerves and more particularly for the treatment of age related degeneration of such organelles. The invention also provides devices for treating ocular and otic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Virulite Distribution Limited
    Inventor: Gordon Rex Paterson Dougal
  • Patent number: 9089286
    Abstract: An optical system (100) for following ocular movements of an individual includes: an acquisition module (190) designed so as to acquire an image (Im) of the two eyes (22, 22d, 22g) of the individual, an optical element of transmission (110d, 110g), to the acquisition module, of two images (lm_d, lm_g) of respectively each eye which together correspond to a discontinuous region (24d, 24g) of the face, by multiple reflections along two optical routes (TOd, TOg) devoid of any semireflecting mirror. The optical routes further include optical input paths (114d, 114g) opposite respectively each eye, which are parallel to one another and to an optical axis (Z) of the acquisition module, and the optical element of transmission is configured so as to bring the two images closer together so that the acquisition module acquires the two images simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: E(YE)BRAIN
    Inventors: Frederic Bernert, Mickael Maillard, Serge Kinkingnehun
  • Patent number: 9075563
    Abstract: A system includes a head front display device, an eye position tracking camera to track movement of a driver's irises, a front view camera to take a picture of a front view of the driver, a head front display device controller to implement at least one of an angle change, forward movement, backward movement, upward movement, downward movement, leftward movement, and rightward movement of the head front display device, an image adjuster to adjust an object displayed on the head front display device in association with an object of an actual view seen through the front window of the vehicle based on positions of the driver's irises obtained through the eye position tracking camera and an image of the front view obtained by the front view camera, and a display unit controlled by the image adjuster and configured to display information on the head front display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Jin Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 9033503
    Abstract: A fundus photographing apparatus for photographing a fundus of an examinee's eye includes: a photographing part including a photographing optical system for photographing the fundus; a mechanism for moving the photographing part; a presenting part for presenting a fixation target to the eye; an alignment detecting optical system including a light receiving element to detect an alignment state of the photographing part; and a setting part for setting an alignment completion position in a back and forth direction of the photographing part relative to the eye based on the detected alignment state. The alignment completion position includes a first alignment completion position information to be set when an optical axis of the photographing part is in a predetermined range relative to a corneal vertex of the eye and a second alignment completion position information to be set when the optical axis is apart from the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: NIDEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Yoshino, Yusuke Ando
  • Patent number: 9033506
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for recording a depth profile of a biological tissue, in particular a frontal eye section of a human eye, according to the principle of optical coherence tomography, comprising a light source adapted to generate a bundle of light rays, an interferometer arrangement having a beam splitter device adapted to spatially separate the bundle of light rays into a reference beam and a measurement beam directed toward the tissue, a reference beam deflection device adapted to deflect the reference beam, a beam superpositioning device adapted to spatially superimpose the deflected reference beam onto the measurement beam deflected by the tissue into a superpositioned beam, and a detector arrangement for detecting information in the superpositioned beam associated with the difference of the optical path length of the reference beam and the measurement beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Wavelight GMBH
    Inventors: Christof Donitzky, Klaus Vogler, Christian Wuellner, Claudia Gorschboth, Michael Mrochen
  • Patent number: 9033504
    Abstract: A line scan imager is used to determine the motion of a subject. Each line of image data from the line scan imager is compared with a reference image. The location of a matching line in the reference image reveals the displacement of the subject. The current subject displacement can be determined based on each line of image data. The resulting displacement information can be used to correctly place other optical beams on the subject. The method can be applied to tracking the human eye to facilitate measurement, imaging, or treatment with a beam of optical radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Everett, Claus Flachenecker, Martin Hacker, Scott A. Meyer, Keith E. O'Hara, Rick A. Williams
  • Patent number: 9033508
    Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a handheld vision tester comprising a display, cursor control, interface port, and camera. The display delivers a series of images making up vision tests to a user who interacts with the vision tests by using the display and cursor control of the handheld vision tester. The camera verifies the user is taking the vision tests. The results of the vision tests are stored in the handheld communication device. The interface port allows for communication of the stored results of the vision tests with external devices. In another aspect, there is provided a calibration system for the handheld vision tester. The calibration system includes a stand to hold the handheld vision tester and a reflective surface substantially parallel to a display of the handheld vision tester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: VITAL ART AND SCIENCE, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bartlett, William R. Krenik, Yi-Zhong Wang
  • Patent number: 9033501
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus includes an observation light source configured to generate infrared light for illuminating a subject's eye via an illumination optical system, an imaging unit configured to receive light returned from the subject's eye via an imaging optical system, and an electronic shutter control unit configured to refresh charge generated caused by light received by the imaging unit in response to turning off of the observation light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Kishida
  • Patent number: 9033510
    Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently obtaining optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurement data with reduced effects of motion are presented. One embodiment involves determining the amount of motion present during the collection of an OCT data set based on images of the eye collected at the same time as the OCT data, and recollecting select portions of the OCT data set when the amount of eye motion is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold. Another embodiment includes enabling or disabling a tracking feature based on the quality of the images available for tracking. Another embodiment includes reducing the effect of motion in the axial direction based on a comparison to a model of the eye constructed from OCT data. The method can also be used to reduce the presence of mirror image artifacts in an OCT image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.
    Inventors: Harihar Narasimha-Iyer, Matthew J. Everett
  • Patent number: 9028068
    Abstract: An electronic eyeglasses includes a camera module and a controller. The camera module captures consecutive images of eyes wearing the electronic eyeglasses. The controller includes a recognition module, a storage module, and a control module. The recognition module recognizes movement of the eyes by processing the consecutive images. The storage module stores an index table having a collection of eye movements and a collection of commands each of which is associated with one of the eye movements. The control module indexes a command from the index table using the movement of the eyes and controls the electronic eyeglasses to execute the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jen-Tsorng Chang
  • Patent number: 9025252
    Abstract: The technology provides for adjusting a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display device for alignment with an inter-pupillary distance (IPD) of a user by different examples of display adjustment mechanisms. The see-through, near-eye, mixed reality system includes for each eye a display optical system having an optical axis. Each display optical system is positioned to be seen through by a respective eye, and is supported on a respective movable support structure. A display adjustment mechanism attached to the display device also connects with each movable support structure for moving the structure. A determination is automatically made as to whether the display device is aligned with an IPD of a user. If not aligned, one or more adjustment values for a position of at least one of the display optical systems is automatically determined. The display adjustment mechanism moves the at least one display optical system in accordance with the adjustment values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Lewis, Kathryn Stone Perez, Robert L. Crocco, Alex Aben-Athar Kipman
  • Publication number: 20150116665
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a method and apparatus for determining a physiologic perturbation of a patient including acquiring a video sequence, including a plurality of video frames, of an eye of a patient, selecting at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters including a baseline pupil size, a maximum change in size of a pupil, an average velocity of constriction of the pupil, a maximum velocity of constriction of the pupil, latency of constriction of the pupil, and a velocity of re-dilation of the pupil, determining, using processing circuitry and based on the plurality of video frames, the selected at least one parameter of the plurality of parameters, and determining the physiologic perturbation of the patient based on the determined at least one parameter, where the least one parameter of the plurality of parameters is selected based on which physiologic perturbation of the patient is to be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: CHILDREN'S NATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventor: Julia C FINKEL
  • Patent number: 9016860
    Abstract: A fundus camera includes three fluidic lenses, each fluidic lens having a chamber configured so as to capable of having a fluid inserted therein or removed therefrom, such that the shape of each of the three fluidic lenses is capable of being changed based on an amount of fluid therein, a refractive or diffractic telescopic system, a Shack-Hartmann sensor configured to automatically control of the amount of the fluid in the chamber of each of the three fluidic lenses, so as to be capable of correcting refractive errors in an eye, and a multifunction camera configured for precision of fundus photography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Gholam A. Peyman
  • Patent number: 9016861
    Abstract: An adaptive optics apparatus includes an aberration measuring unit that measures an aberration caused by a test object, the aberration being measured on the basis of returning light that returns from the test object; an aberration correcting unit that performs aberration correction in accordance with the aberration measured by the aberration measuring unit; an irradiation unit that irradiates the test object with light corrected by the aberration correcting unit; and an acquiring unit that acquires information based on a transmittance of the test object on the basis of the aberration measured by the aberration measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Nozato, Kazuhide Miyata
  • Patent number: 9004683
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments enable an enhanced direct-viewing optical device to make customized adjustments that accommodate optical aberrations of a current user. In some instances a real-time adjustment of the transformable optical elements is based on known corrective optical parameters associated with a current user. In some implementations a control module may process currently updated wavefront measurements as a basis for determining appropriate real-time adjustment of the transformable optical elements to produce a specified change in optical wavefront at an exit pupil of the direct-viewing device. Possible transformable optical elements include refractive and/or reflective and/or diffractive and/or transmissive characteristics that are adjusted based on current performance viewing factors for a given field of view of the direct-viewing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Caldeira, Peter L. Hagelstein, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, John Brian Pendry, David Schurig, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9004690
    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: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: SIS AG, Surgical Instrument Systems
    Inventors: Christian Rathjen, Roger Cattin, Christoph Meier
  • Publication number: 20150098061
    Abstract: An information system and a method for providing information in correlation with light that is incident on an eye includes a holographic element disposed in front of the eye and a device capable of recording optical signals which detects light that is incident on the eye via the holographic element. The device capable of recording optical signals detects light which is diffracted by the holographic element before the light impinges on the eye such that the diffracted light does not enter the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Metaio GmbH
    Inventors: Roland H.C. Eberl, Matthias Mayer, Heinrich A. Eberl, David Dickerson
  • Publication number: 20150098059
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable pupil detection device with multiband stimulating light and infrared illumination, which comprises at least one pupil detection module for detecting the variation of the pupil of the testee. Each pupil detection module includes an illuminating light source emitting invisible light beams; a stimulating light source emitting visible light beams; at least one beamsplitter corresponding to the illuminating light source, the stimulating light source and an eye of the testee, cooperating with the illuminating light source and the eye to form a first optical path, and cooperating with the stimulating light source and the eye to form a second optical path; a lens corresponding to the beamsplitter and receiving the invisible light beams sent out by the beamsplitter to form an image of the eye; and an imaging element receiving the image of the eye from the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicants: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY HOPSITAL HSIN-CHU BRANCH, NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: MANG OU-YANG, JIN-CHERN CHIOU, MEI-LAN KO, TING-WEI HUANG, JYUN-WEI JHUANG, CHUN-CHENG HU
  • Publication number: 20150098060
    Abstract: A module for use with a mobile device to measure an aberration of a patient's eye includes a light shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The light shaft includes a first plurality of optical components arranged to direct light along a first light path to the proximal end, and a second plurality of optical components arranged to direct light along a second light path to the distal end. A connector at the distal end includes at least one guide component for positioning the distal end adjacent to a light detector and a light source of the mobile device. When the distal end is positioned adjacent to the light detector and the light source, the first plurality of optical components directs light along the first light path and the second plurality of optical components directs light along the second light path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Smart Vision Labs
    Inventor: Yaopeng Zhou
  • Patent number: 8998411
    Abstract: Systems and methods for applying the concept of lightfield sensors to fundus photography are presented. In one embodiment, the ability to isolate specific regions of the collected lightfield are used to reduce the effects of glare in a fundus image. Additional embodiments in which aberrations can be characterized and removed, an image from a particular plane in the collected light field is used to aid in instrument alignment, and dynamic optimization of collection pupil diameter is accomplished are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre R. Tumlinson, Matthew J. Everett
  • Patent number: 8998414
    Abstract: Technology is provided for an integrated eye tracking and display system for a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display device. Image data and IR illumination for eye tracking are optically coupled into a respective see-through, planar waveguide positioned to be seen through by each eye in a respective display optical system of the display device. The respective planar waveguide comprises one or more wavelength selective filters positioned to be co-axial with an optical axis of the respective display optical system. The wavelength selective filters direct IR and visible illumination out of the planar waveguide in the direction of the respective eye and direct IR reflections, including reflections from the eye, into the planar waveguide. The reflections are optically coupled out of the waveguide to an IR sensor which generates eye tracking data based on the reflections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: David D. Bohn
  • Publication number: 20150092163
    Abstract: An eye tracker comprising at least one illuminator for illuminating an eye, at least two cameras for imaging the eye and a controller is disclosed. The configuration of the reference illuminator(s) and cameras is such that, at least one camera is coaxial with a reference illuminator and at least one camera is non-coaxial with a reference illuminator. On the one hand, the controller is adapted to select one of the cameras to be active with the aim of maximising an image quality metric and avoiding obscuring objects. On the other hand, the eye tracker is operable in a dual-camera mode to improve accuracy. The invention further provides a method and computer-program product for selecting a combination of an active reference illuminator from a plurality of reference illuminators and an active camera from a plurality of cameras.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Peter Blixt, Gunnar Troili, Anders Kingbäck, John Mikael Elvesjö, Mårten Skogö
  • Patent number: 8992015
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus includes a scanning optical system configured to scan a plurality of different regions of a test eye with a plurality of different measurement light beams, an acquisition unit configured to acquire information about a shape of the test eye, and an adjustment unit configured to adjust a relative position between an output end of a measurement light beam that serves as a reference among the plurality of measurement light beams and an output end of other measurement light beams among the measurement light beams based on the acquired information about the shape of the test eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Muto
  • Patent number: 8985770
    Abstract: An ophthalmic imaging apparatus which obtains a tomographic image of an eye to be examined based on light obtained by combining return light from the eye irradiated with measurement light with reference light corresponding to the measurement light, the apparatus comprising: a scanning unit configured to scan the measurement light on the eye; and a control unit configured to control the number of times of scanning by the scanning unit in accordance with a scanning position of the scanning unit on the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeaki Ono
  • Patent number: 8985772
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus includes: an optical coherence system for obtaining a tomographic image of an examinee's eye, having an optical scanner for scanning the eye with measurement light and a detector for detecting an interference signal of the light and reference light; an observing optical system for acquiring a front image of the eye; a scan controller for controlling the optical scanner to scan with the light different transverse positions set on the image, and acquire first interference signals at the positions; a display controller for displaying on a monitor an image created in response to the first interference signal; and an image recapture setting unit for setting a rephotographing transverse position in response to an operation signal from an operating unit for the image on the monitor. The scan controller scans the eye with the light at the rephotographing transverse position, and acquires a second interference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Murase
  • Patent number: 8979269
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an optical coherence tomography instrument comprises an eyepiece for receiving at least one eye of a user is provided; a light source that outputs light that is directed through the eyepiece into the user's eye; an interferometer configured to produce optical interference using light reflected from the user's eye; an optical detector disposed so as to detect said optical interference; and electronics coupled to the detector. The electronics can be configured to perform a risk assessment analysis based on optical coherence tomography measurements obtained using the interferometer. An output device can be electrically coupled to the electronics, and may be configured to output the risk assessment to the user through the output device. The optical coherence tomography instrument can be self-administered, and the eyepiece can be a monocular system or a binocular system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Alexander C. Walsh, Paul G. Updike, Srinivas R. Sadda
  • Publication number: 20150070653
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a physiological parameter of a subject through interrogation of an eye of the subject with an optical signal are described. Interrogation is performed unobtrusively. The physiological parameter is determined from a signal sensed from the eye of a subject when the eye of the subject is properly aligned with regard to an interrogation signal source and/or response signal sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Allen L. Brown, JR., Douglas C. Burger, Eric Horvitz, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Chris Demetrios Karkanias, Eric C. Leuthardt, John L. Manferdelli, Craig J. Mundie, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Barney Pell, Clarence T. Tegreene, Willard H. Wattenburg, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Richard N. Zare
  • Publication number: 20150070654
    Abstract: Methods and system for determining a physiological parameter of a subject through interrogation of an eye of the subject with an optical signal are described. Interrogation is performed unobtrusively. The gaze direction of the eye of the subject is determined and an interrogation signal source and/or response signal sensor are moved into alignment with the eye using an actuator to facilitate detection of the signal from the eye of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Allen L. Brown, Jr., Douglas C. Burger, Eric Horvitz, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Chris Demetrios Karkanias, Eric C. Leuthardt, John L. Manferdelli, Craig J. Mundie, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Barney Pell, Clarence T. Tegreene, Willard H. Wattenburg, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Richard N. Zare
  • Patent number: 8960903
    Abstract: Systems and methods for expanding the field-of-view of ophthalmic scanning devices are presented. An ophthalmic scanning device is designed such that the pivot point of the scanning optics is maintained at a fixed location in the pupil while the scanning optics are rotated about the eye to obtain imaging data over an increased field-of-view than can be achieved by the scanning optics alone. The rotation can be achieved using a singular rotational motion of the scanning optics about a rotational axes coincident with the scanning pivot point or can be achieved using a combination of rotational motion with a second motion either rotational or translational to maintain the scanning pivot point at the fixed location. Embodiments related to optical coherence tomography and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jochen M. M. Horn, Andre Malz, Christopher J. R. V. Baker, Oliver Wirth
  • Patent number: 8955974
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for evaluating human eye tracking. One method includes receiving data representing the location of and/or information tracked by an individual's eye or eyes before, during, or after the individual performs a task; identifying a temporal phase or a biomechanical phase of the task performed by the individual; identifying a visual cue in the identified temporal phase or biomechanical phase; and scoring the tracking of the individual's eye or eyes by comparing the data to the visual cue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: RightEye, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Todd Gross, Melissa Hunfalvay
  • Patent number: 8955973
    Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems help provide for tracking an eye. An exemplary method may involve: causing the projection of a pattern onto an eye, wherein the pattern comprises at least one line, and receiving data regarding deformation of the at least one line of the pattern. The method further includes correlating the data to iris, sclera, and pupil orientation to determine a position of the eye, and causing an item on a display to move in correlation with the eye position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Hayes Solos Raffle, Thad Eugene Starner, Josh Weaver, Edward Allen Keyes
  • Patent number: 8955971
    Abstract: A fundus photographing apparatus comprises: an anterior-segment observation optical system arranged to image an anterior-segment illuminated with infrared light to obtain an anterior-segment image; a fundus photographing optical system arranged to image a fundus illuminated with visible light emitted from a light source to obtain a fundus image; a display controller arranged to selectively display the fundus image and the anterior-segment image on a monitor; a photographing switch for inputting a photographing start signal to start photographing using the fundus photographing optical system; and a time informing part arranged to inform an elapsed time after the photographing start signal is input with the photographing switch or an elapsed time after the visible light is emitted from the light source, wherein the display controller displays the elapsed time informed by the time informing part together with the anterior-segment image on the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Ichikawa, Yoshiaki Mimura
  • Publication number: 20150042954
    Abstract: Techniques are illustrated herein for 1- and 2-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging in the living retina, using adaptive optics to correct aberrations and achieve cellular level resolution. 1-photon fluorescence embodiments may include the use of a confocal pinhole to provide axial sectiontin. 2-photon embodiments allow for inherent axial sectioning without having to block out-of-focus light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Jennifer Hunter, James Feeks
  • Patent number: 8950866
    Abstract: A method for reliably determining the axial length of an eye uses optical coherence tomography (OCT), where the eye is aligned with a fixation mark so that the optical axis of the measuring instrument coincides at least approximately with a visual axis of the eye. The axial length is determined from at least one B-scan taken in an initial AS mode (anterior segment mode) and the axial length is also determined from at least one B-scan taken in a second RS mode (retina segment mode). A resultant reliable axial length of the eye is determined using the axial lengths from the AS and RS modes, where available and where possible, or the process is ended without a resultant axial length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Martin Volkwardt, Ferid Bajramovic, Ralf Ebersbach
  • Patent number: 8944595
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus includes an integration unit which integrates a light emission amount of a light source illuminating an target eye, an integral capacitance changing unit which changes a value of an integral capacitance of the integration unit according to the light emission amount necessary for imaging the target eye, a comparison unit which compares a reference value with an integration value integrated by the integration unit using the value of the integral capacitance changed by the integral capacitance changing unit, and a light emission control unit which stops the light emission of the light source when the integration value exceeds the reference value as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshifumi Masaki
  • Patent number: 8944597
    Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently displaying large volumes of medical imaging data using pre-defined dynamic displays to illustrate key anatomic features are described. In a preferred embodiment, one or more pulse files comprising en face images of sub sections of the volume are displayed sequentially to the user in a playback loop. These displays can aid in navigation of data for review and future data acquisition. Additional images generated from the data can be displayed next to or overlaid on the pulse files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Meyer, Paul F. Stetson
  • Patent number: 8939584
    Abstract: Methods and systems for unlocking a screen using eye tracking information are described. A computing system may include a display screen. The computing system may be in a locked mode of operation after a period of inactivity by a user. Locked mode of operation may include a locked screen and reduced functionality of the computing system. The user may attempt to unlock the screen. The computing system may generate a display of a moving object on the display screen of the computing system. An eye tracking system may be coupled to the computing system. The eye tracking system may track eye movement of the user. The computing system may determine that a path associated with the eye movement of the user substantially matches a path associated with the moving object on the display and switch to be in an unlocked mode of operation including unlocking the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Hayes Solos Raffle, Adrian Wong, Ryan Geiss
  • Patent number: 8919958
    Abstract: An wavefront sensor uses a calibration wave generator to calculate correction factors to be applied to ratiometric combinations of position sensor output signals to determine real centroid deflection values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Clarity Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Zhou, Bradford Chew, William Shea
  • Patent number: 8919957
    Abstract: A sequential wavefront sensor includes a light source, a beam deflecting element, a position sensing detector configured to output a plurality of output signals and a plurality of composite transimpedance amplifiers each coupled to receive an output signal. The output of each composite transimpedance amplifier is phase-locked to a light source drive signal and a beam deflecting element drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Clarity Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Zhou, Bradford Chew, William Shea
  • Patent number: 8915593
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus comprises an optical measurement system that radiates measurement light to an eye to be examined, an imaging unit that takes a cross sectional image of the eye by using reflected light of the measurement light from the eye, and a controller that controls the optical measurement system and the imaging unit. When the optical measurement system is positioned at a measurement position, the controller obtains a two-dimensional cross sectional image by the imaging device. One axis of the two-dimensional cross sectional image extends in a vertical direction of the eye, and another axis of the two-dimensional cross sectional image extends in a depth direction of the eye. The controller determines whether the eye is in an examinable state or not based on the two-dimensional cross sectional image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Tomey Corporation
    Inventor: Keiichiro Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8915592
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods employing ocular surface interferometry (OSI) employing polarization and subtraction for imaging, processing, and/or displaying an ocular tear film are disclosed. The apparatuses and methods can be employed for measuring tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, which includes lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT). An imaging device is focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in a first image. The imaging device is focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture a second image containing background signal(s) in the first image. The second image can be subtracted from the first image to reduce and/or eliminate background signal(s) in the first image to produce a resulting image that can be analyzed to measure tear film layer thickness (TFLT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, William L. Weber, Randal B. Chinnock, Benjamin T. Gravely, Stephen M. Grenon
  • Patent number: 8905544
    Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus for guiding positioning an intraocular lens for astigmatism correction, includes: an obtaining unit for obtaining an anterior segment image of a patient's eye and an astigmatic axis of a patient's cornea; a feature point designating unit for defining a feature point of an iris or a sclera on the anterior segment image; and a display control unit for superimposing and displaying a gauge image that models a cornea gauge and an axis that represents the astigmatic axis of the cornea on the anterior segment image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunari Shimizu, Hiroyuki Hiramatsu
  • Publication number: 20140354953
    Abstract: An optical assembly includes a light source and a beam splitter. The light source is used for emitting an incident beam. The beam splitter is used for dividing the incident beam into a plurality of outgoing beams. The incident beam and the outgoing beam are both invisible light. The outgoing beams enter an eyeball and form a plurality of glints on the eyeball. The glints are formed on the region outside the pupil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Pixart Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: HUI-HSUAN CHEN, WEN-YEN SU, HUNG-CHING LAI
  • Patent number: 8899748
    Abstract: A system for detection of eye nystagmus in a test subject includes a camera to capture digital images in a series of sequential digital image frames of the test subject's face when the camera is located a selected distance from the test subject, and an analyzer. The analyzer includes a memory configured to store data, and a processor. The processor is configured with logic to detect and track eye movements of the test subject based upon an analysis of digital image frames captured by the camera, where eye movements are tracked via analysis of a plurality of the captured digital image frames on a sequential frame-by-frame basis. The processor is further configured with logic to provide an indication regarding whether the test subject exhibits nystagmus based upon the eye movement detection and tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Exelis Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon Louis Migdal
  • Patent number: 8902195
    Abstract: An input panel for an interactive input system comprises an optical waveguide; a first radiation source directing radiation into said optical waveguide, said radiation undergoing total internal reflection within said optical waveguide; a diffusion layer adjacent to and on one side of the optical waveguide, totally internally reflected light being frustrated and escaping the optical waveguide in response to pointer contacts on the diffusion layer; a second radiation source directing radiation towards another side of the optical waveguide that is opposite the one side; and at least one imaging device having a field of view looking at the optical waveguide and capturing image frames, wherein said first and second radiation sources are turned on and off in succession and wherein said first radiation source is turned off when said second radiation source is on and wherein said first radiation source is turned on when said second radiation source is off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: SMART Technologies ULC
    Inventors: Grant McGibney, Gerald Morrison, Charles Ung, Trevor Akitt, Ed Tse, Erik Benner, Jamie Duncalf
  • Patent number: 8903145
    Abstract: Image processing for computer-aided eye-surgery includes acquiring a reference image of the eye and enriching said reference image by inserting additional context information which are helpful for a surgeon when performing the eye surgery. The reference image is registered with a real time image of the eye. The context information is overlayed over the real time image of the eye based on a tracking of the eye movement such that the context information is displayed at the same position despite a movement of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
    Inventor: Oliver Kersting
  • Patent number: 8899751
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a tomographic image of a fundus by optical coherence tomography includes the steps of setting a line, based on which the fundus tomographic image is to be obtained, on a first front image of the fundus, the first front image being a still image, establishing a positional correspondence between a second front image of the fundus and the first front image by matching the first and second front images, specifying a line on the second front image based on positional information on the line set on the first front image, and the established positional correspondence, and obtaining the fundus tomographic image that corresponds to the lines on the first and second front images by scanning measurement light with the use of an optical scanner provided to an interference optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Tokio Ueno
  • Patent number: 8888287
    Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing a person with a computer, the apparatus comprising a gaze tracker having a 3D camera and a picture camera that image the person and a controller that processes images acquired by the cameras to determine a gaze direction and point of regard of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Giora Yahav
  • Patent number: 8888286
    Abstract: Ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for measuring a tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, including the lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or the aqueous layer thickness (ALT). The TFLT can be used to diagnose dry eye syndrome (DES). Certain embodiments also include ocular topography devices, systems and methods for deducing corneal shape by capturing an image of a target reflecting from the surface of the cornea. The image of the target contains topography information that is reviewable by a clinician to diagnose the health of the patient's eye by detecting corneal aberrations and/or abnormalities in corneal shape. Certain embodiments also include a combination of the OSI and ocular topography devices, systems and methods to provide imaging that can be used to yield a combined diagnosis of the patient's tear film and corneal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Donald R. Korb
  • Patent number: 8882274
    Abstract: The device and method of the present invention are useful for determining the characteristics of an infrared wavefront. The present invention involves positioning a beam of light containing the infrared wavefront to be characterized onto a distorted grating, using the grating to produce a plurality of images, determining the infrared wavefront from the plurality of images and analyzing the infrared wavefront for features that characterize the infrared wavefront.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventors: Leonard John Otten, III, Paul Harrison, Desirae L. Cuevas, Paul Fournier