Numerical system control of ophthalmic visualization and image system
Inventors
Parel, Jean-Marie • Gonzalez, Alex • Buckland, Eric • Rowaan, Cornelis Jan • Cabot, Florence
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Assignees
MemberUniversity of MiamiUniversity of MiamiThe University of Miami, established in 1925 and based in Coral Gables, Florida, is a private research university recognized for its comprehensive academic offerings, robust research infrastructure, and strong interdisciplinary focus. Home to more than 19,000 students and with more than 400 acres of campuses across the Miami region, its mission encompasses education, research, innovation, and community service. The institution supports clinical, biomedical, marine, and atmospheric research initiatives, delivers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, and maintains numerous research centers and institutes dedicated to scientific, medical, and societal advancements.
The University of Miami, established in 1925 and based in Coral Gables, Florida, is a private research university recognized for its comprehensive academic offerings, robust research infrastructure, and strong interdisciplinary focus. Home to more than 19,000 students and with more than 400 acres of campuses across the Miami region, its mission encompasses education, research, innovation, and community service. The institution supports clinical, biomedical, marine, and atmospheric research initiatives, delivers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, and maintains numerous research centers and institutes dedicated to scientific, medical, and societal advancements.
Publication Number
US-12290314-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system for ophthalmic imaging comprising an ophthalmic device configured to obtain stereoscopic images of an eye of a patient and to transmit the images in real-time to a display device via a network for viewing by practitioners. The ophthalmic device comprises at least an optic assembly, a processing assembly, a slit assembly, such as a slit lamp, and a positioning assembly. Control devices structured to control the ophthalmic device over the network, such as the world wide web, can be disposed at a plurality of locations, and may be remote from the ophthalmic device while providing real time control of the parameters of the ophthalmic device by the practitioner(s) associated therewith.
Core Innovation
The ophthalmic device obtains stereoscopic images of at least one eye of a patient by using an ophthalmic slit-lamp/biomicroscope imaging device having a slit assembly and an optic assembly. The slit assembly includes a light source and slit width adjustment member, slit height adjustment member, and slit angle adjustment member for adjusting slit illumination parameters. The optic assembly includes at least two image capturing members disposed within the patient’s optical pathway to capture image data.
The device further includes a positioning assembly with a first positioning member coupled to the slit assembly and the optic assembly, and a second positioning member coupled to the slit assembly and the optic assembly. A processing assembly in electrical communication with the slit assembly, optic assembly, and positioning assembly receives the image data from the optic assembly and is operable to transmit the image data.
The optic assembly is specified as not including a beam splitter. The described system uses the captured image data to support stereoscopic viewing, including side-by-side binocular fusion stereoscopy, and transmits the image data in substantially real-time to remote practitioner(s) for interactive control and viewing.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers an ophthalmic stereoscopic imaging device having four inventive features: an adjustable slit assembly, a beam-splitter-free optic assembly with at least two image capturing members, a positioning assembly coupled to the slit assembly and the optic assembly, and a processing assembly configured to receive and transmit image data. Dependent claims add specific component refinements and extend functionality for patient communication and treatment.
Beam-splitter-free stereoscopic optic assembly
An optic assembly including at least two image capturing members disposed within the patient’s optical pathway to capture image data of at least one eye of a patient, wherein the optic assembly does not include a beam splitter.
Adjustable slit assembly for stereoscopic imaging
A slit assembly including a light source, a slit width adjustment member, a slit height adjustment member, and a slit angle adjustment member.
Positioning assembly coupled to slit and optics
A positioning assembly including a first positioning member coupled to the slit assembly and the optic assembly, and a second positioning member coupled to the slit assembly and the optic assembly.
Processing assembly receives and transmits image data
A processing assembly in electrical communication with the slit assembly, optic assembly, and positioning assembly, the processing assembly configured to receive image data from the optic assembly, and the processing assembly operable to transmit the image data.
Overall, the claim set is centered on obtaining stereoscopic image data using an optic assembly with at least two image capturing members positioned within the patient’s optical pathway while explicitly excluding a beam splitter, together with an adjustable slit assembly, a coupled positioning assembly, and a processing assembly operable to transmit the image data. Dependent claims refine image capture with high-resolution cameras and add further components such as a Hruby lens, an ambient light source, a patient display for video/audio, and a photodynamic therapy unit for treating infections.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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