Systems and methods for alignment of the eye for ocular imaging
Inventors
Abramoff, Michael D. • Talmage, Eric • Clark, Ben • DeHoog, Edward • Chung, Timothy
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10694945-B2
Publication Date
2020-06-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
An ocular alignment system for aligning a subject's eye with an optical axis of an ocular imaging device comprising one or more guide light and one or more baffle configured to mask the one or more guide light from view of the subject such that the one or more guide light is only visible to the subject when the eye of the subject is aligned with the optical axis of an ocular imaging system.
Core Innovation
The disclosure describes an ocular-imaging alignment device with a tubular housing and guide-light assemblies arranged around a luminal space through which the optical axis passes. Baffles with slits mask the guide lights so that they are visible to the subject when the eye is aligned with the imaging optical axis and not visible when it is out of alignment. Adjustable secondary baffles and additional light cues provide further alignment guidance.
The system and method use first and second sets of guide lights to indicate alignment along the x- and y-axes, with visibility of both sets indicating z-axis alignment. The described problem is reliance on operator alignment or complex automated mechanisms. The disclosure emphasizes using the subject’s natural eye movements to reduce that reliance.
Claims Coverage
The three independent claims are claims 1, 9, and 18, which collectively recite three inventive features covering a device, a system, and a method for aligning a subject’s eye with an ocular imaging device.
Baffled guide-light device
Claim 1 covers a housing with a luminal space configured to allow passage of the optical axis, and multiple guide-light assemblies. Each assembly has a guide light in a channel and a transverse baffle with a slit; the light is visible to the subject when the eye is aligned with the optical axis and not visible when it is out of alignment.
Axis-indicating ocular alignment system
Claim 9 covers first and second sets of guide lights that are visible when the subject’s eye is aligned along the x- and y-axes, respectively, with visibility of both sets indicating z-axis alignment. One or more baffles mask the guide lights so they are visible only when the eye is aligned with the ocular imaging system’s optical axis.
Guide-light alignment method
Claim 18 covers providing first and second sets of guide lights that are visible when the subject’s eye is aligned along the x- and y-axes, respectively, with visibility of both sets indicating alignment along the z-axis.
The independent claims cover a device using baffled guide lights, a system using light sets to indicate alignment across three axes, and a method using those light sets to align the subject’s eye with an ocular imaging device.
Stated Advantages
Using the subject’s natural eye movements reduces reliance on operator alignment or complex automated mechanisms.
Documented Applications
The disclosed alignment systems are identified for fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography retinal imaging, corneal imaging, iris imaging, lens imaging, and optic-nerve-head imaging.
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