Universal actuators to enhance ophthalmic imaging and structured imaging

Inventors

BROWNE, Andrew • To, Josiah K. • Tang, William C.

Assignees

University of California San Diego UCSD

Abstract

Various embodiments are disclosed of universal actuators for an imaging device or probe. The universal actuator may move the imaging device or probe in one or more of a horizontal direction, vertical direction, rotational directions (e.g., axial rotation and pivoting motions). In some embodiments, the universal actuator is configured to mount to a conventional slit lamp microscope to aid in visualizing the face and or eye(s) of a subject. In other embodiments, the universal actuator is hand-held and is used to scan an imaging probe (e.g., ultrasound probe) over the surface of an eye. The universal actuator may also be removable or separable from a base that is mounted to a slit lamp microscope allowing for both instrument-based scanning and manual scanning via the hand-held device. The imaging device or imaging probe is used to obtain 2D image data. In some embodiments this 2D data is then used to generate 3D images of, for example, the face or eye(s).

Core Innovation

The invention relates to a universal actuator for moving an imaging probe in a controlled manner to acquire a plurality of images of an eye. The universal actuator includes a vertical direction actuator and a horizontal direction actuator, and further includes a rotational actuator mounted on one of the horizontal direction actuator or the vertical direction actuator. The rotational actuator comprises a first motor configured to rotate a universal rotation sleeve within the rotational actuator, where the universal rotation sleeve is secured to a probe adapter configured to hold the imaging probe therein.

The invention also includes a pivoting actuator configured to pivot the imaging probe along an arc, where the pivoting actuator comprises a second motor mechanically coupled to a pinion gear and the rotational actuator is coupled to a curved rack engaging with the pinion gear. A housing and a motor mechanically coupled to a pinion gear move an imaging probe receiver with a curved rack, and a pivot collar is mounted at a distal end of the housing and pivotably secured to the housing via respective pins, forming a pivot axis.

In addition, the invention includes a universal actuator for moving an imaging device in a controlled manner to acquire a plurality of images of an eye or face. A housing includes a first surface holding a rotatable platform that has an imaging device mount and is mechanically coupled to a rotary motor. The invention further includes a slit lamp microscope comprising a face support defined by opposing vertical supports and a chin support, and an interface extending from a second side of the housing opposite the first side, where the interface comprises rotatable fins or tabs located at peripheral regions and positioned between the opposing vertical supports.

Claims Coverage

The independent claims are directed to three universal actuator configurations that enable controlled multi-axis imaging of an eye or face. Across the independent claims, inventive features include vertical and horizontal actuators with a universal rotation sleeve, a curved rack and pinion arc pivoting arrangement with a pivot collar, and a slit-lamp secured rotatable platform using an interface with rotatable fins or tabs.

Across the independent claims, the invention covers coordinated vertical, horizontal, rotational, and arc pivoting motion using a universal rotation sleeve and curved rack/pinion, a curved rack/pinion driven arc motion that pivots an imaging probe about a pivot axis via a pivot collar under controller control, and a slit-lamp mounted rotatable platform with an interface using rotatable fins or tabs to secure the actuator for acquiring multiple images of an eye or face.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications