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Publication Number
US-8109634-B2
Publication Date
2012-02-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
Obtaining spectral images of an eye includes taking an optical system that images eye tissue onto a digital sensor array and optically fitting a multi-spectral filter array and the digital sensor array, wherein the multi-spectral filter array is disposed between the digital sensor array and an optics portion of the optical system. The resulting system facilitates acquisition of a snap-shot image of the eye tissue with the digital sensor array. The snap shot images support estimation of blood oxygen saturation in a retinal tissue. The resulting system can be based on a non-mydriatic fundus camera designed to obtain the retinal images without administration of pupil dilation drops.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a way of obtaining spectral images of eye tissue using an optical system that images eye tissue onto a digital sensor array. A multi-spectral filter array is optically fitted to the digital sensor array so that the light reaching the digital sensor array is filtered by the multi-spectral filter array. The multi-spectral filter array is disposed between the digital sensor array and an optics portion of the optical system, and each filter element is optically associated with an integer number of detectors of the digital sensor array.
The invention further facilitates obtaining spectral images by optically fitting a multi-spectral filter array with the digital sensor array so that imaging light for eye tissue that reaches the digital sensor array is filtered by the multi-spectral filter array. This configuration supports snap-shot spectral imaging of eye tissue rather than time-sequential acquisition.
In a system form, the optical system images eye tissue onto a digital sensor array and a multi-spectral filter array is optically fitted with the digital sensor array in close proximity to the digital sensor array in the optical path of the optical system. The disclosed embodiments address spectral reconstruction per pixel block from the filtered sensor output, including de-mosaicking.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides three independent claims covering a method and a system for eye spectral imaging using an optically fitted multi-spectral filter array disposed near or between the sensor array and the optics, with filter elements associated with an integer number of detectors and snap-shot acquisition.
Snap-shot spectral imaging by optically fitted multi-spectral filter array
An optical system images eye tissue onto a digital sensor array; a multi-spectral filter array is provided and optically fitted with the digital sensor array; the multi-spectral filter array is disposed between the digital sensor array and an optics portion of the optical system; each filter element is optically associated with an integer number of detectors of the digital sensor array; and a snap-shot image of the eye tissue is acquired with the digital sensor array.
Filtering imaging light with an optically fitted multi-spectral filter array
An optical system images eye tissue onto a digital sensor array; a multi-spectral filter array is optically fitted with the digital sensor array so that light for imaging the eye tissue that reaches the digital sensor array is filtered by the multi-spectral filter array; and each filter element is optically associated with an integer number of detectors of the digital sensor array.
Eye spectral imaging system with close-proximity optically fitted multi-spectral filter array
An optical system images eye tissue onto a digital sensor array; and a multi-spectral filter array is optically fitted with the digital sensor array, disposed in close proximity to the digital sensor array in the optical path of the optical system, with each filter element optically associated with an integer number of detectors of the digital sensor array.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage is the use of a multi-spectral filter array that is optically fitted with a digital sensor array for eye tissue imaging, with each filter element optically associated with an integer number of detectors, enabling filtered snap-shot spectral image acquisition.
Stated Advantages
Avoids eye-motion spectral distortion.
Enables more spectral points per snapshot.
Improves registration, calibration, light transmission, cost, and robustness.
Supports retinal vessel and tissue oxygen saturation maps for disease screening/classification.
Documented Applications
Retinal vessel and tissue oxygen saturation mapping for disease screening/classification, including diabetic retinopathy.
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