Dynamic adjustment of flash intensity based on retinal pigmentation
Inventors
Clarida, Warren James • Amelon, Ryan Earl Rohret • Shah, Abhay • SUTHER, JACOB PATRICK • Niemeijer, Meindert • Abramoff, Michael David
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11980420-B2
Publication Date
2024-05-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for adjusting flash intensity based on retinal pigmentation. In an embodiment, a processor determines a retinal pigmentation of a retina of an eye positioned at an imaging device. The processor commands the imaging device to adjust an intensity of a flash component from a first intensity to a second intensity based on the retinal pigmentation. The processor commands the imaging device to capture an image that is lit by the flash component at the second intensity, and receives the image from the imaging device.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method and computer program product for adjusting flash intensity based on retinal pigmentation of a retina of an eye positioned at an imaging device. A processor/module determines retinal pigmentation by commanding the imaging device to obtain feedback by flashing an infrared signal at the retina, receiving feedback indicative of absorption of the infrared signal by the retina, and determining retinal pigmentation based on the feedback. The determined retinal pigmentation is then used to control the imaging illumination strategy.
After retinal pigmentation is determined, the invention commands the imaging device to adjust an intensity of a flash component from a first intensity to a second intensity based on the retinal pigmentation. The imaging device then captures an image illuminated by the flash component at the second intensity, and the image is received from the imaging device. This links infrared absorption-based pigmentation determination to flash intensity selection for retinal image capture.
In further refinements, retinal pigmentation and intensity adjustment can be supported by exposure determination logic, including determining whether a received image is under-exposed or over-exposed and modifying the relationship between the first intensity and the second intensity accordingly. Additional image capture can be commanded when exposure is not proper, and multiple pigmentations can be handled with additional flash-lit images at a third intensity. The document also states that the system is intended to support retinal disease diagnosis by improving biomarker detectability.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes three independent claims (method, computer program product, and computer program product with modules). Across these claims, the inventive core consists of determining retinal pigmentation using feedback from an infrared signal and then adjusting flash intensity from a first intensity to a second intensity to capture an image at the second intensity.
Infrared absorption feedback for retinal pigmentation determination
Commanding the imaging device to obtain feedback by flashing an infrared signal at the retina; receiving the feedback from the imaging device, the feedback indicative of absorption of the infrared signal by the retina; and determining the retinal pigmentation of the eye based on the feedback.
Flash intensity adjustment based on retinal pigmentation
Commanding the imaging device to adjust an intensity of a flash component from a first intensity to a second intensity based on the retinal pigmentation.
Capturing retinal image at the adjusted flash intensity
Commanding the imaging device to capture an image that is illuminated by the flash component at the second intensity; and receiving the image from the imaging device.
API-based instruction transmission for intensity adjustment
Transmitting an instruction via an application protocol interface (API) to command an imaging device to adjust the intensity of a flash component.
Exposure-condition driven additional image capture
Determining whether a received image is properly exposed and, if it is not, commanding the imaging device to capture an additional image using a third intensity.
Module-based implementation for pigmentation-to-flash control
A first module for determining a retinal pigmentation of a retina of an eye positioned at an imaging device by commanding the imaging device to obtain feedback by flashing an infrared signal at the retina, receiving the feedback indicative of absorption of the infrared signal by the retina, and determining the retinal pigmentation; a second module for commanding the imaging device to adjust an intensity of a flash component from a first intensity to a second intensity based on the retinal pigmentation; a third module for commanding the imaging device to capture an image illuminated by the flash component at the second intensity; and a fourth module for receiving the image from the imaging device.
The independent claims cover an infrared-feedback pigmentation determination followed by flash intensity adjustment (first intensity to second intensity) to capture an image at the adjusted intensity, with further claim coverage for API-based control, exposure validation with additional images at a third intensity, and an implementation structured into modules. The partial content also indicates optional downstream diagnostic use based on image features.
Stated Advantages
Reduce the need for multiple flashes.
Improve biomarker detectability for retinal disease diagnosis.
Documented Applications
Retinal disease diagnosis using detected biomarker(s) supported by properly exposed retinal images.
Handling striated retinal pigmentation via capture of additional images for improperly exposed or partially exposed cases.
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