Systems and methods for reflection-based positioning relative to an eye

Abstract

Systems and methods for aligning an ophthalmic device relative to an eye of a patient are disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, the system may include an ophthalmic device having a quasi-axis and an off-axis. The system may include a quasi-axis illuminator that emits light that is reflected by the patient's eye to form a quasi-axis reflection having a center. The system may include a quasi-axis camera pointed along the quasi-axis. The system may include an off-axis illuminator that emits light that is reflected by the eye to form an off-axis reflection having a center. The system may include an off-axis camera pointed along the off-axis. The ophthalmic device may be operated to align relative to the patient's eye when the quasi-axis is substantially orthogonal to the center of the quasi-axis reflection and the off-axis is substantially orthogonal to the center of the off-axis reflection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for positioning a device, such as a diagnostic or surgical device, relative to an eye. Background Art

[0002] In ophthalmology, precise positioning of a device, such as a diagnostic or surgical device, relative to the eye is often critical to obtaining accurate results. It may be important to center a portion of the device in front of the eye and to set a portion of the device at a precise distance from the eye.

[0003] Many techniques can be used to aim the device. For example, a reflection-based technique can be used, where individual light sources are reflected on the cornea and imaged by a camera or eye. The size and or position of the reflections are used to position the device.

[0004] Height-based techniques may also be used. For example, alignment may be achieved by using distance information provided by the Scheimpflug technique or volume information from an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system.

[0005] Image-based techniques can use the sharpness of the eye image to determine distance, which is used, for example, in a camera to automatically focus a scene on the sensor.

[0006] Stereo-based techniques may involve photogrammetry of distances and detection of the same eye features (eg, pupil, limbus) at different reference points. Summary of the invention

[0007] Disclosed herein is a system for aligning an ophthalmic device relative to an eye of a patient. The system may include an ophthalmic device. The ophthalmic device may include an on-axis illuminator, an on-axis camera, an off-axis illuminator, and an off-axis camera. The system may include an on-axis and an off-axis intersecting the on-axis at an acute off-axis angle. The system may be configured such that the on-axis illuminator emits light, the light is incident on the eye of the patient and is reflected by it to form an on-axis reflection with a center. The system may be configured such that the on-axis camera points along the on-axis, such that the on-axis camera captures an on-axis image including the on-axis reflection, and generates on-axis image data representing the on-axis image including the on-axis reflection. The system may be configured such that the off-axis illuminator emits light along an on-axis incident path, the light is incident on the eye and is reflected by the eye along an off-axis reflection path to form an off-axis reflection with a center. The system may be configured such that the off-axis camera is pointed along the off-axis, such that the off-axis camera captures an off-axis image including the off-axis reflection, and generates off-axis image data representing the off-axis image including the off-axis reflection. The system may be configured such that the ophthalmic device is operable to align relative to the patient's eye when the quasi-axis is substantially orthogonal to a center of the quasi-axis reflection and the eccentric axis is substantially orthogonal to a center of the off-axis reflection.

[0008] The system may have the following additional features, which may further be combined with each other in any possible combination unless clearly mutually exclusive:

[0009] The system may be configured such that a quasi-axial camera is enclosed within the quasi-axial illuminator.

[0010] The system may be configured such that an off-axis camera is enclosed within the off-axis illuminator.

[0011] The system may be configured such that the shape of the quasi-axial illuminator has a defined center.

[0012] The system may be configured such that the system includes a processor. The processor may be coupled to receive the paraxial image data and the off-axis image data and to generate a pass signal when the ophthalmic device is aligned with the patient's eye.

[0013] The system may include an off-axis angle in the range of 0° to 90°, or 15° to 75°. For example, the off-axis angle may be set to 45 degrees.

[0014] The system may include a control interface coupled to receive input from a user and generate a control signal. The system may include a motor coupled to receive the control signal and adjust the position of the ophthalmic device relative to the patient's eye.

[0015] The system may include a processor coupled to receive the paraxial image data and the eccentric image data and to send a command signal. The system may include a motor coupled to receive the command signal and to adjust the position of the ophthalmic device relative to the eye.

[0016] The system may include a screen coupled to display a processed image. The processed image may include at least a portion of the on-axis image received by the on-axis camera and at least a portion of the off-axis image received by the off-axis camera.

[0017] Disclosed herein is a method for aligning an ophthalmic device with an eye of a patient. The method may include placing the ophthalmic device at a position relative to the eye of the patient, the position including an x ​​position, a y position, and a z position. The method may include illuminating a first portion of the eye of the patient with a quasi-axis illuminator to produce a quasi-axis reflection having a center. The method may include illuminating a second portion of the eye of the patient with an off-axis illuminator to produce an off-axis reflection having a center. The method may include receiving a quasi-axis image including the quasi-axis reflection with a quasi-axis camera pointed along the quasi-axis. The method may include receiving an off-axis image including the off-axis reflection with an off-axis camera pointed along the off-axis. The method may include determining whether the quasi-axis is substantially orthogonal to the center of the quasi-axis reflection. The method may include determining whether the off-axis is substantially orthogonal to the center of the off-axis reflection. The method may include adjusting at least one of the x position and the y position of the ophthalmic device when the quasi-axis is not substantially orthogonal to the center of the quasi-axis reflection. The method may include adjusting the z position of the ophthalmic device when the off-axis is not substantially orthogonal to the center of the off-axis reflection.

[0018] The method may have the following additional steps and features, which may further be combined with each other in any possible combination unless clearly mutually exclusive:

[0019] The method may include enclosing the para-axial camera within the para-axial illuminator.

[0020] The method may include enclosing the off-axis camera within the off-axis illuminator.

[0021] The method may include generating quasi-axial image data representing the quasi-axial image. The method may include generating off-axis image data representing the off-axis image. The method may include sending the quasi-axial image data to a processor. The method may include sending the off-axis image data to the processor. The method may include generating a command signal by the processor. The method may include sending the command signal to a motor.

[0022] The method may include displaying on a screen an overlay of at least a portion of the on-axis image and at least a portion of the off-axis image.

[0023] The method may include generating a quasi-axial graphical representation of at least a portion of the quasi-axial image. The method may include generating an off-axis graphical representation of at least a portion of the off-axis image. The method may include displaying at least a portion of the quasi-axial graphical representation on a screen. The method may include displaying at least a portion of the off-axis graphical representation on the screen.

[0024] The method may include setting an allowed error margin, the error margin including at least one value corresponding to a distance from the quasi-axis to a center of a reflection of the quasi-axis.

[0025] Disclosed herein is a method of arranging components of a system for aligning an ophthalmic device with an eye of a patient. The method may include pointing a paraxial camera along a paraxial axis. The method may include setting an off-axis angle by pointing an off-axis camera along an off-axis, wherein the off-axis intersects the paraxial axis at an intersection, and the off-axis angle is an acute angle formed by the intersection of the paraxial axis and the off-axis. The method may include placing a paraxial illuminator at a paraxial position, wherein the paraxial illuminator is operable to emit visible light and / or infrared light toward the intersection. The method may include placing the off-axis illuminator at an off-axis position relative to the paraxial camera and the paraxial illuminator. Placing the off-axis illuminator may be accomplished such that by being placed at the off-axis position, the off-axis illuminator is operable to: emit light along an off-axis incident path toward the intersection. The vertex of the eye reflects light emitted by the off-axis illuminator when placed at the intersection, thereby forming an off-axis reflection having a center, and the off-axis is substantially centered within the off-axis reflection.

[0026] The method may have the following additional steps and features, which may further be combined with each other in any possible combination unless clearly mutually exclusive:

[0027] The method may include enclosing the para-axial camera within the para-axial illuminator.

[0028] The method may include enclosing the off-axis camera within the off-axis illuminator.

[0029] The method may include setting an allowable error margin. The error margin may include a first value corresponding to a distance from the quasi-axis to a center of the quasi-axis reflection. The error margin may include a second value corresponding to a distance from the off-axis to a center of the off-axis reflection.

[0030] The above system can be operated to perform the above method or can be obtained by the above method. The above method can be used with the above system or obtain the above system. In addition, the above methods can be used together to obtain and operate an ophthalmic device. The above disclosure further includes an ophthalmic device or a system for aligning an ophthalmic device according to the above method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which depict various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an ophthalmic system having multiple cameras and illuminators in an aligned position relative to an eye.

[0033] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a quasi-axial image captured by a quasi-axial camera of an ophthalmic system.

[0034] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A Schematic diagram of an off-axis image captured by an off-axis camera of an ophthalmic system.

[0035] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an ophthalmic system with a paraxial camera and an illuminator when the camera is not in an aligned position.

[0036] Figure 2B Yes Figure 2A A schematic diagram of a quasi-axial image of an eye captured by a quasi-axial camera that is not in an aligned position is depicted.

[0037] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of an ophthalmic system having a paraxial camera and an illuminator when the paraxial camera is in an aligned position.

[0038] Figure 2D Yes Figure 2C A schematic diagram of a para-axial image captured by a para-axial camera in an aligned position is depicted.

[0039] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of an ophthalmic system having a paraxial camera, an off-axis camera, and an off-axis illuminator in a misaligned position relative to an eye.

[0040] Figure 3B Yes Figure 3A Schematic diagram of an off-axis image captured by an off-axis camera that is shown in a misaligned position relative to the eye.

[0041] Figure 3C is a schematic diagram of an ophthalmic system with a paraxial camera, an off-axis camera, and an off-axis illuminator in an aligned position relative to an eye.

[0042] Figure 3D Yes Figure 3C Schematic diagram of an off-axis image captured by an off-axis camera shown in an aligned position relative to the eye.

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an ophthalmic system where a camera is surrounded by an illuminator.

[0044] Figure 5A is a schematic front view of an ophthalmic system.

[0045] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Schematic rear view of an ophthalmic system with a screen and control interface.

[0046] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a portion of an ophthalmic system having a control interface and a motor.

[0047] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a portion of an ophthalmic system having a processor and a motor.

[0048] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method of arranging components of a system for aligning an ophthalmic device with an eye.

[0049] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method for aligning a device with an eye. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In the following description, details are set forth by way of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter. However, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary rather than exhaustive of all possible embodiments, and further, unless clearly mutually exclusive, the constituent features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with each other, even if each combination is not explicitly described.

[0051] As will be described in further detail, the inventors of the present disclosure have developed methods and systems for use in diagnostic applications and eye surgery. The ophthalmic systems and methods disclosed herein can be used to improve alignment with the eye. Better alignment allows for more accurate diagnosis and surgical procedures.

[0052] The systems and methods for alignment disclosed herein can be fast, cost-effective, and simple to implement. These systems and methods can produce information that is very easy to interpret to the user. For example, the user may only need to adjust the system to focus the bright reflections within one or two images (an off-axis image and a quasi-axis image). Focusing the reflections will position the system at a defined x, y, and z position relative to the cornea of ​​the eye. These methods and systems allow accurate alignment to be obtained even when the cornea changes in shape and size because these methods and systems can rely only on reflections from the vertex.

[0053] For reference purposes, some of the figures and descriptions in this disclosure include an xyz orientation. The names of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are arbitrary and can be rearranged. The axes marked as surrounding points in a circle indicate a three-dimensional system, which can be imagined as extending from the page along a normal. In Figures 1 to 2, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are arbitrary and can be rearranged. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the y-axis is perpendicular to the collimator axis. Adjusting or moving the position of an ophthalmic device or system refers to moving at least a portion of the device or system.

[0054] The systems and methods disclosed herein can be used to align any number of ophthalmic devices. For example, these systems and methods can be used to align any ophthalmic diagnostic device (such as a keratometer), any ophthalmic surgical device (such as a laser, a lens), or any other ophthalmic device.

[0055] Figure 1A An ophthalmic system 117 having multiple cameras and an illuminator is depicted in an alignment position. A paraxial camera 100 is directed toward an eye 102 of a patient along a paraxial axis 101. The paraxial axis may be perpendicular to a portion of the eye 102 used to determine the alignment position. For example, the paraxial axis 101 may be perpendicular to the vertex 116 of the cornea, or the paraxial axis 101 may pass through and be parallel to the center of the pupil. An off-axis camera 103 is directed toward the eye 102 along an off-axis 104. The intersection between the paraxial axis 101 and the off-axis 104 forms an off-axis angle γ. The off-axis angle γ may be an acute angle (between 0° and 90°, more particularly between 15° and 75°, such as Figure 1A In some embodiments, the off-axis angle γ is 45 degrees. Figure 1A shown.

[0056] The quasi-axial camera 100 and the off-axis camera 103 may record images continuously or may capture images at predetermined or user-input intervals. Figure 1AIn the embodiment of FIG. 1 , only two cameras (quasi-axial camera 100 and off-axis camera 103) are shown, but additional cameras may be used. In particular, additional off-axis cameras may be used at the same off-axis angle or at different off-axis angles. Off-axis camera 103 is shown as being positioned at a distance from quasi-axial camera 100 in the x-direction, but off-axis camera 103 may also be positioned at the same x-position as quasi-axial camera 100 and may also be separated from quasi-axial camera 100 by a distance, for example in the y-direction.

[0057] The quasi-axis illuminator 107 surrounds and encloses the quasi-axis camera 100. The quasi-axis illuminator 107 may include a fixation lamp, a single or multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or other lighting technology (such as a projection or conventional bulb), or a combination thereof. The quasi-axis illuminator 107 (although shown as a circle) may take a variety of shapes with an easily defined center, such as a square, a diamond, or other regular polygon, or an oval, or a pattern of dots arranged in such a shape. The quasi-axis camera 100 is pointed through the quasi-axis illuminator 107 along the quasi-axis 101. Although in the depicted embodiment, the quasi-axis camera 100 is positioned behind the quasi-axis illuminator 107 in the y direction, the quasi-axis camera 100 may be positioned at the same y position as the quasi-axis illuminator 107, or in front of the quasi-axis illuminator 107. In addition, the quasi-axis illuminator 107 does not have to surround the quasi-axis camera 100. The quasi-axial illuminator 107 may be in the shape of a single point, for example by using one LED, or in the shape of two intersecting lines or other shapes. The size and shape of the quasi-axial illuminator 107 may be independent of the shape and size of the cornea.

[0058] The off-axis illuminator 108 is positioned away from the off-axis camera 103. The off-axis illuminator 108 and the off-axis camera 103 can be placed at the same or different distances from the quasi-axis camera 100. The off-axis illuminator 108 can include a fixation lamp, a single or multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or other lighting technology (such as a projection or conventional bulb), or a combination thereof. The off-axis illuminator 108 (although shown as a point) can take a variety of shapes that can take an easily defined center, such as a square, a diamond, or other regular polygon, or an oval, or a pattern of points arranged in such a shape. The off-axis illuminator 108 can surround the off-axis camera 103. The off-axis illuminator 108 can be placed at a distance equal to the off-axis camera 103 from the quasi-axis 101.

[0059] The ophthalmic system 117 or a portion thereof may be aligned in the x-direction and the y-direction as follows. The quasi-axial illuminator 107 may emit light that is incident on the eye 102. The light that is incident on the eye 102 may be reflected to form a quasi-axial reflection 112 having a center. The quasi-axial reflection 112 may reach the quasi-axial camera 100 and the off-axis camera 103. The quasi-axial camera 100 and the off-axis camera 103 may capture images of the light reflected from the eye 102. The quasi-axial camera 100 may be pointed along the quasi-axis 101. The off-axis camera 103 may be pointed along the off-axis 104. These images may contain image data, including digital values ​​or analog values ​​representing the images. A user or a computer may use these images to determine whether the ophthalmic system 117 or a portion thereof is aligned with the eye 102. When the quasi-axis 101 is orthogonal to the center of the quasi-axial reflection 112, the ophthalmic system 117 or a portion thereof is aligned in the x-direction and the y-direction.

[0060] The ophthalmic system 117 or a portion thereof may be aligned in the z-direction as follows. The off-axis illuminator 108 may emit light that travels along an off-axis incident path 118 so that the light is incident on the eye 102. The light incident along the off-axis incident path 118 may be reflected at the eye 102 along an off-axis reflection path 119 to form an off-axis reflection 113 having a center. Figure 1A , the center of the vertex 116 of the eye 102 is located in the off-axis reflection path 119. The off-axis reflection 113 can reach the quasi-axis camera 100 and the off-axis camera 103. The quasi-axis camera 100 and the off-axis camera 103 can capture images of light reflected from the eye 102. The quasi-axis camera 100 can be pointed along the quasi-axis 101. The off-axis camera 103 can be pointed along the off-axis 104. These images can contain image data, including digital values ​​or analog values ​​representing the images. A user or a processor can use these images to determine whether the ophthalmic system 117 or a portion thereof is aligned with the eye 102. When the off-axis 104 is orthogonal to the center of the off-axis reflection 113, as shown in the figure, the ophthalmic system 117 or a portion thereof is aligned in the z direction. The off-axis camera 103 can be placed so that the off-axis 104 is orthogonal to the center of the off-axis reflection 113.

[0061] Figure 1B Depicted being Figure 1AA quasi-axial image 110 is received by a quasi-axial camera 100 in an ophthalmic system 117 shown. The quasi-axial image 110 may be represented by electronic image data including digital values ​​or analog values. The quasi-axial image 110 may be displayed on a grid 111. The quasi-axial image 110 may depict the quasi-axial illuminator 107 being reflected 112 by the quasi-axis of the eye 102. In the image captured at this position of the ophthalmic system 117, the quasi-axial camera 100 is in an aligned position because the quasi-axial reflection 112 is at the center of the quasi-axial image 110. The quasi-axis 101 is orthogonal to the center of the vertex 116 of the eye 102 and the center of the quasi-axial reflection 112. The quasi-axial reflection 112 is also at the center of the grid 111. The quasi-axial image 110 may be sent to a processor, displayed on a screen, or both. A user or a processor may determine whether the quasi-axial camera 100 is centered based on the quasi-axial image 110. Although in Figure 1B In the quasi-axial image 110, the quasi-axial reflection 112 is precisely centered in the quasi-axial image 110, but the error margin can also be set so that the quasi-axial camera 100 is in the aligned position even when it is not perfectly centered. The off-axis reflection 113 from the patient's eye 102 of the off-axis illuminator 108 is also captured in the quasi-axial image 110. The user or processor can also gather information about the relative position of all or part of the ophthalmic system 117 based on the position of the off-axis reflection 113 in the quasi-axial image 110.

[0062] Figure 1C Depicted being Figure 1A The off-axis image 114 is received by the off-axis camera 103 in the ophthalmic system 117. The off-axis image 114 can be represented by electronic image data including digital values ​​or analog values. The off-axis image 114 can be displayed on a grid 115. The off-axis image 114 can depict the off-axis reflection 113 of the eye 102 by the off-axis illuminator 108. The off-axis camera 103 is in an aligned position, as shown by the position of the off-axis reflection 113 in the center of the off-axis image 114. The off-axis 104 is orthogonal to the center of the vertex 116 of the eye 102 when it is at an off-axis angle γ. The off-axis 104 is orthogonal to the center of the off-axis reflection 113. The off-axis reflection 113 is also in the center of the grid 115. The off-axis image 114 can be sent to a processor, displayed on a screen, or both. A user or a processor can determine whether the off-axis camera 103 is centered based on the off-axis image 114. Although in Figure 1C In the off-axis image 114, the off-axis reflection 113 is precisely centered in the off-axis image 114, but the error margin can also be set so that the off-axis camera 103 is still in the aligned position even when it is not perfectly centered. The quasi-axial reflection 112 of the quasi-axial illuminator 107 from the patient's eye 102 is also captured in the off-axis image 114. The user or processor can also gather information about the relative position of all or part of the ophthalmic system 117 based on the position of the quasi-axial reflection 112 in the off-axis image 114.

[0063] Figure 2A An ophthalmic system 117 is depicted with a para-axial camera 100 and a para-axial illuminator 107, when the para-axial camera 100 is not in an aligned position relative to the eye 102. The para-axial camera 100 is generally pointed toward the eye 102 along the para-axial axis 101. The para-axial axis 101 is not orthogonal to the center of the vertex 116 of the eye 102. Figure 2A , the quasi-axis 101 is not orthogonal to the quasi-axis reflection 112, so the quasi-axis camera 100 is not in the aligned position.

[0064] Figure 2B Depicts the situation when the paraxial camera 100 is not in the aligned position (eg Figure 2A 1 . The para-axial image 110 captured by the para-axial camera 100 is shown in FIG. 1 . The para-axial camera 100 is not in the aligned position because the para-axial reflection 112 is not in the center of the para-axial image 110. The para-axial reflection 112 is also not in the center of the grid 111. To reach the aligned position, the position of all or part of the ophthalmic system 117 relative to the eye 102 needs to be adjusted in at least the x-direction and the y-direction.

[0065] Figure 2C An ophthalmic system 117 is depicted with the para-axial camera 100 and the para-axial illuminator 107 , with the para-axial camera 100 in an aligned position relative to the eye 102 . Figure 2C The position of all or part of the ophthalmic system 117 in the x-direction and the y-direction is relative to Figure 2A The quasi-axis 101 is orthogonal to the center of the vertex 116 of the eye 102. Figure 2C , the quasi-axis 101 is orthogonal to the quasi-axis reflection 112, so the quasi-axis camera 100 is in an aligned position.

[0066] Figure 2D Depicts the situation when the paraxial camera 100 is in the aligned position (eg Figure 2C 1 ) is a para-axial image 110 captured by the para-axial camera 100. The para-axial camera 100 is in an aligned position because the para-axial reflection 112 is at the center of the para-axial image 110. The para-axial reflection 112 is also at the center of the grid 111.

[0067] Figure 3A An ophthalmic system 117 is depicted having a paraxial camera 100, an off-axis camera 103, and an off-axis illuminator 108. The ophthalmic system 117 is shown with the off-axis camera 103 not in an aligned position relative to the eye 102. The off-axis camera 103 is generally directed toward the eye 102 along an off-axis 104. The off-axis 104 intersects the paraxial axis 101 at an off-axis angle γ. The off-axis illuminator 108 emits light toward the eye 102. Light traveling along the off-axis incident path 118 is reflected at the eye 102 along the off-axis reflection path 119 to form an off-axis reflection 113. Figure 3A, the off-axis 104 is not orthogonal to the center of the vertex 116 of the eye 102 or the center of the off-axis reflection 113, so the off-axis camera 103 is not in the aligned position. In order to reach the aligned position, it is necessary to adjust the position of all or part of the ophthalmic system 117 relative to the eye 102 in at least the y direction.

[0068] Figure 3B Depicts the situation when the off-axis camera 103 is not in the aligned position (eg Figure 3A 14 is an off-axis image 114 captured by the off-axis camera 103. The off-axis camera 103 is not in the aligned position because the off-axis reflection 113 is not in the center of the off-axis image 114. The off-axis reflection 113 is also not in the center of the grid 115. To reach the aligned position, it is necessary to adjust the position of all or part of the ophthalmic system 117 relative to the eye 102 in at least the y-direction.

[0069] Figure 3C An ophthalmic system 117 is depicted having a paraxial camera 100, an off-axis camera 103, and an off-axis illuminator 108. The ophthalmic system 117 is shown with the off-axis camera 103 in an aligned position relative to the eye 102. The off-axis 104 is orthogonal to the center of the vertex 116 of the eye 102. Figure 3C , the off-axis 104 is orthogonal to the off-axis reflection 113, so it is in an aligned position. Since the normal 120 at the reflection point 121 is aligned with the quasi-axis 301, the ophthalmic system 117 is aligned. The reflection point 121 is determined by the light emitted from the off-axis illuminator 108. The light travels along the off-axis incident path 118 and is reflected to the off-axis reflection path 119. With respect to Figure 3A , the position of the ophthalmic device has been adjusted in the y direction.

[0070] Figure 3D Depicts the situation when the off-axis camera 103 is not in the aligned position (eg Figure 3C 1 ) shows an off-axis image 114 captured by the off-axis camera 103. The off-axis camera 103 is in the aligned position because the off-axis reflection 113 is in the center of the off-axis image 114. The off-axis reflection 113 is in the center of the grid 115.

[0071] Figure 4An ophthalmic system 117 is depicted in which a quasi-axial camera 100 is surrounded by a quasi-axial illuminator 107. The quasi-axial camera 100 is pointed along a quasi-axis 101. Whether the quasi-axial camera 100 is in front of, aligned with, or centered within the quasi-axial illuminator 107 along the y-direction, the quasi-axial illuminator 107 can always surround the quasi-axial camera 100. In addition, the shape of the quasi-axial illuminator 107 can take a variety of shapes with an easily defined center, such as a square, diamond, or other regular polygon, or an oval, or a pattern of dots arranged in such a shape. If the shape of the quasi-axial illuminator 107 does not form an outer boundary with a defined interior area, the quasi-axial illuminator can still surround the quasi-axial camera 100. For example, if the quasi-axial camera 100 is placed in series with the quasi-axial illuminator 107 formed as a row of LEDs with LEDs on one side of the camera and LEDs on the other side, the row of LEDs can surround the quasi-axial camera 100. The quasi-axial camera 100 does not have to be centered within the quasi-axial illuminator 107 in any direction.

[0072] Figure 5A 1 is a front view of an ophthalmic system 117. The ophthalmic system 117 may include an ophthalmic device 105. The ophthalmic device 105 may include a keratometer, such as Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown. Ophthalmic device 105 may include any ophthalmic diagnostic device (such as a keratometer), any eye surgical device (such as a laser, a lens), or any other ophthalmic device. Examples of a quasi-axis camera 100 pointing along a quasi-axis 101, an off-axis camera 103 pointing along an off-axis 104, a quasi-axis illuminator 107, and an off-axis illuminator 108 can be seen from the front of ophthalmic system 117.

[0073] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A 1. A rear view of the ophthalmic system 117 is shown. The ophthalmic system 117 includes a screen 518 and a control interface 519. The screen 518 is shown displaying the processed image 510, which depicts the quasi-axial reflection 112 and the off-axis reflection 113. The screen 518 can be any kind of display, such as LED, OLED, LCD, plasma, etc. The screen 518 can be a touch screen. The screen 518 does not have to be attached to the same Figure 5B and Figure 5A Any physical components shown are identical in physical structure.

[0074] Although in the depicted embodiment, the processed image 510 shows only one view, it can show multiple views - such as a view from the off-axis camera 103 in addition to the view from the paraxial camera 100. In addition, the screen 518 can display the processed image 510, which superimposes the images acquired from the multiple cameras. For example, the screen 518 can display the image captured by the paraxial camera 100 and superimpose the off-axis reflection of the light emitted by the off-axis illuminator received by the off-axis camera 103.

[0075] Screen 518 can display an augmented reality or graphic representation of the reflected illuminator light to more clearly display the reflection or better convey the position information contained therein. Screen 518 can display a graphic representation of a quasi-axis reflection, an off-axis reflection, or both. The graphic representation can depict part or all of the reflection. Screen 518 can display an image of the eye or its reflection or graphic representation. Screen 518 can display a filtered image without displaying certain data generated by one or more cameras. Screen 518 can also display a graphic representation of the eye. Screen 518 can display numerical information, such as the direction adjustment required for achieving alignment. Screen 518 can further display an indication of pass or fail based on whether the system is aligned in any or all spatial directions. A separate light indicator, sound indicator, or physical indicator can indicate a pass or fail indication.

[0076] Figure 5B Also depicted in FIG. 5 is a control interface 519. In the depicted embodiment, the control interface 519 includes a joystick, but may instead include, for example, analog buttons, graphical buttons, knobs, foot pedals, etc. The control interface 519 may have virtual components displayed on the screen 518. The control interface 519 need not be attached to a computer or a computer. Figure 5B and Figure 5A The control interface 519 may be configured to be a physical structure that is identical to any of the physical components shown in the drawings. The control interface 519 may receive input from a user (e.g., in the form of mechanical movement of a joystick or electrical input) and may generate corresponding analog or digital signals. The control interface 519 may have an internal processor or derive the generated signals to a motor or processor. Then, depending on the received signals, a motor or mechanical structure (e.g., a lever) may adjust the position of all or a portion of the ophthalmic system in one or more directions.

[0077] Figure 6 yes Figure 5A and Figure 5B6, and 607. The control interface 519 receives user input 601 and sends one or more control signals 602, 603, and 604 to one or more motors 605, 606, and 607. The user input 601 may be, for example, movement of a joystick of the control interface 519 by a user. The control interface 519 converts the user input 601 into digital or analog signals and sends corresponding control signals 602, 603, and 604 to the respective motors 605, 606, and 607.

[0078] Each motor 605, 606, or 607 may receive a unique signal, or may receive and decode the same signal from the control interface 519. Next, depending on the signal received, the motor 605, 606, or 607 may adjust the position of all or a portion of the ophthalmic system 117 in one or more directions (which may be associated with the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis described above with respect to the eye 102), or in directions representing movement along two or three of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. The user may use the control interface 519 to adjust the position of all or a portion of the ophthalmic system 117 until it is in a generally aligned position relative to the eye 102. The system may have a plurality of Figure 6 Fewer or more components may be depicted, such as motors, control signals, and user inputs.

[0079] Figure 7 yes Figure 5A , Figure 5B ,and Figure 6 6, and 607. The ophthalmic system 117 may have a processor 700 as part of a control interface 519, in addition to or in lieu of the control interface. The processor 700 may receive image data 701 and send one or more instruction signals 702, 703, and 704 to one or more motors 605, 606, and 607. The image data 701 may be data obtained from a paraxial camera, an eccentric camera, both, or an additional camera. The image data 701 may include data in any image or video format. The image data may also be pre-processed at an early stage. The processor 700 receives the image data 701 and may determine based on the image data 701 whether corrective action is required by, for example, performing digital image processing.

[0080] The processor 700 may compare information contained in the image data 701 with reference content stored in the memory 708 to determine whether corrective action is required. The user input 610 may be read by the processor 700 and thereafter written to or read from the memory 708. The memory 708 and the processor 700 may communicate information via a memory signal 709.

[0081] If corrective action is required, the processor 700 may send one or more instruction signals 702, 703, and 704 to one or more motors 605, 606, and 607. One or more motors 605, 606, and 607 are actuated according to the one or more instruction signals 702, 703, and 704 generated by the processor 700. The motors 605, 606, or 607, upon actuation, may adjust the position of all or a portion of the ophthalmic system 117 in one or more directions (which may be associated with the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis described above with respect to the eye 102), or in directions representing movement along two or three of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. The motors 605, 606, and 607 may move a portion or all of the ophthalmic system, ultimately to a generally aligned position. In addition to or in lieu of relying on user input, actuation and processing may be performed automatically upon receipt of image data. Accordingly, a portion or all of the ophthalmic system may be moved based on image data received by the camera.

[0082] In addition, the error margin can be set by user input 610, can be stored in memory 708, or both. The error margin can be used to determine whether the difference between the image data and the reference image is within an acceptable range. The error margin can include one or more values ​​including an allowable distance in one or more directions.

[0083] The error margin may include all or any combination of the distances from the center and the electronic values ​​described below. For example, the error margin may include an allowed distance from the center of the quasi-axis 101 to the center of the quasi-axis reflection 112 along one or more directions (which may be associated with the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis described above with respect to the eye 102), or along directions representing distances along two or three of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. The error margin may include an allowed distance from the center of the off-axis 104 to the center of the off-axis reflection 113 along one or more directions (which may be associated with the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis described above with respect to the eye 102), or along directions representing distances along two or three of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. The error margin may include an electronic representation, such as a digital value or an analog value, corresponding to the following: an allowed distance from the center of the quasi-axis 101 to the center of the quasi-axis reflection 112 along one or more directions (which may be associated with the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis described above with respect to the eye 102), or along directions representing distances along two or three of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. The error margin may include an electronic representation, such as a digital value or an analog value, corresponding to the following: the allowed distance from the center of the off-axis 104 to the center of the off-axis reflection 113 along one or more directions (which can be associated with the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis described above with respect to the eye 102), or along directions representing distances along two or three of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. The error margin can be input via user input 610, processed by the processor 700, and stored in the memory 708. The processor 700 can use the error margin to determine whether corrective action is required. If corrective action is required, the processor 700 generates and sends one or more instruction signals 702, 703, and 704 to actuate one or more motors 605, 606, and 607 to move all or a portion of the ophthalmic system to a generally aligned position. With Figure 7 Greater or fewer components than shown may be used, such as motors, command signals, image data paths, and user inputs.

[0084] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method for arranging components of a system for aligning an ophthalmic device with an eye of a patient. The ophthalmic system may be as shown in FIG. Figure 7 The ophthalmic system 117 is described. After starting the arrangement in step 800, the method includes orienting the paraxial camera along the paraxial axis in step 801. The orientation in step 801 can set a reference for positioning other components. The orientation in step 801 can include placing or mounting the camera on the system.

[0085] The method may include setting an off-axis angle in step 802. The off-axis angle may be set with reference to a quasi-axis, wherein the off-axis angle is an acute angle formed at an intersection of the quasi-axis and the off-axis. The method may include pointing the off-axis camera along the off-axis in step 803.

[0086] The method may include placing one or more illuminators at a certain position in step 806. A quasi-axis illuminator may be placed at a quasi-axis position, where the illuminator can emit light in a direction that a quasi-axis camera can capture. An off-axis illuminator may be placed at an off-axis position, where the illuminator can emit light in a direction that an off-axis camera can capture. Placing the illuminator in step 806 may include mounting the illuminator on the system. Placing the illuminator at a relative position relative to the camera. Placing the illuminator in step 806 may include enclosing the quasi-axis camera within the illuminator. Placing the illuminator in step 806 may include enclosing the off-axis camera within the illuminator.

[0087] The method may further include setting an error margin in step 807. Setting the error margin in step 807 may include adjusting a value in a memory or controlling a user input.

[0088] The method may also include ending the deployment in step 808. The method may include using a component or system described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0089] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method for aligning an ophthalmic system with an eye. The ophthalmic system may be as described with respect to FIGS. Figure 7 Describe or use Figure 8 The method aligns the ophthalmic system 117. After starting the alignment in step 901, the method may include setting the ophthalmic system in an initial position in step 902.

[0090] The method may include illuminating a first and a second portion of the eye in step 903. The first and second portions may overlap. The first and second portions may be illuminated by two different illuminators. The method may include receiving an image with one or more cameras in step 904.

[0091] The method may include determining in step 905 whether adjustment is required. The determination in step 905 may be performed manually by a user, or by a processor, or a combination of user and processor input. The determination in step 905 determines whether it is necessary to adjust the position of all or a portion of the system relative to the eye in one or more directions (which may be associated with the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis described above with respect to the eye 102) or in two or three of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. The determination in step 905 may include sending image data corresponding to one or more images to a processor and generating a command signal.

[0092] If adjustment is required, the method may include determining the amount of adjustment required in step 906. Determining the amount in step 906 may include determining the amount of adjustment to center all or a portion of the system (such as a paraxial camera) relative to the eye in the x-direction, the y-direction, and / or the z-direction. Determining the amount in step 906 may be done manually by a user, or by a processor, or a combination of user and processor inputs. Determining the amount in step 906 may include sending image data of one or more images to a processor and generating a command signal. The method may include adjusting the position of all or a portion of the system relative to the eye in step 907. The adjustment in step 907 may include actuating a motor via a command signal or a control signal, or mechanically moving all or a portion of the system.

[0093] When no more adjustment is needed, or when the on-axis camera 100 and the off-axis camera 103 are substantially centered within the error margin as described above, the method may include ending the alignment in step 908. The method may include using components or systems described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0094] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents and shall not be restricted or limited to the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. A system for aligning an ophthalmic device relative to an eye of a patient, the system comprising: a quasi-axis and an off-axis intersecting the quasi-axis at an acute off-axis angle; as well as An ophthalmic device, comprising: a quasi-axial illuminator having a shape having a defined center, a shape of a square, a rhombus, other regular polygon, or an oval, or a shape of a pattern of dots arranged in a square, a rhombus, other regular polygon, or an oval, the quasi-axial illuminator being operable to emit light that is incident on the patient's eye and reflected by the patient's eye to form a quasi-axial reflection having a defined center; a paraxial camera operable to be pointed along the paraxial axis such that the paraxial camera captures a paraxial image including reflections of the paraxial axis and generates paraxial image data representing the paraxial image including reflections of the paraxial axis; an off-axis illuminator operable to emit light along an off-axis incident path, the light being incident on the eye and reflected by the eye along an off-axis reflection path to form an off-axis reflection having a center; and an off-axis camera operable to be pointed along the off-axis such that the off-axis camera captures an off-axis image including the off-axis reflections and generates off-axis image data representative of the off-axis image including the off-axis reflections; The ophthalmic device is operable to align relative to the patient's eye when the quasi-axis is substantially orthogonal to the center of the quasi-axis reflection and the eccentric axis is substantially orthogonal to the center of the eccentric reflection, wherein the alignment uses reflection from the vertex of the cornea to allow alignment when the cornea varies in shape and size.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein: The quasi-axial illuminator surrounds the quasi-axial camera.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein: The off-axis illuminator surrounds the off-axis camera.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein: The system further includes a processor operable to receive the paraxial image data and the off-axis image data and generate a pass signal when the ophthalmic device is aligned relative to the patient's eye.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein: The off-axis angle is between 0° and 90°.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a control interface coupled to receive input from a user and to generate control signals; as well as A motor is coupled to receive the control signal and adjust the position of the ophthalmic device relative to the patient's eye.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a processor operable to receive the on-axis image data and the off-axis image data and to send a command signal; as well as A motor is coupled to receive the command signal and adjust the position of the ophthalmic device relative to the eye.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a screen connected to display a processed image, the processed image comprising at least a portion of the quasi-axial image received by the quasi-axial camera and at least a portion of the off-axis image received by the off-axis camera.

9. A method for aligning an ophthalmic device with an eye of a patient, the method comprising: placing the ophthalmic device at a position relative to the patient's eye, the position comprising an x-position, a y-position, and a z-position; illuminating a first portion of the patient's eye with a quasi-axial illuminator having a defined center, a square, a rhombus, another regular polygon, or an oval shape, or a pattern of dots arranged in a square, a rhombus, another regular polygon, or an oval shape to produce a quasi-axial reflection having a defined center; illuminating a second portion of the patient's eye with an off-axis illuminator to produce an off-axis reflection having a center; receiving a quasi-axis image including a reflection of the quasi-axis using a quasi-axis camera pointed along the quasi-axis; receiving an off-axis image including the off-axis reflection with an off-axis camera directed along the off-axis; determining whether the quasi-axis is substantially orthogonal to a center of reflection of the quasi-axis; determining whether the off-axis is substantially orthogonal to a center of the off-axis reflection; adjusting at least one of an x-position and a y-position of the ophthalmic device when the quasi-axis is not substantially orthogonal to a center of reflection of the quasi-axis; as well as The z position of the ophthalmic device is adjusted when the off-axis is not substantially orthogonal to the center of the off-axis reflection, wherein alignment uses reflection from the vertex of the cornea to allow alignment as the cornea changes in shape and size, and wherein the quasi-axis intersects the off-axis at an acute off-axis angle.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising enclosing the para-axial camera within the para-axial illuminator.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising enclosing the off-axis camera within the off-axis illuminator.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: generating quasi-axial image data representing the quasi-axial image; generating off-axis image data representing the off-axis image; sending the quasi-axial image data to a processor; sending the off-axis image data to the processor; generating a command signal by the processor; as well as Sends command signals to the motor.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising displaying a superposition of at least a portion of the on-axis image and at least a portion of the off-axis image on a screen.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: generating a quasi-axial graphical representation of at least a portion of the quasi-axial image; generating an off-axis graphical representation of at least a portion of the off-axis image; displaying at least a portion of the graphical representation of the quasi-axis on a screen; as well as At least a portion of the off-axis graphical representation is displayed on the screen.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising setting an allowable error margin, the allowable error margin comprising at least one value corresponding to a distance from the quasi-axis to a center of the quasi-axis reflection.

16. A method of arranging components of a system for aligning an ophthalmic device with an eye of a patient, the method comprising: Point the quasi-axis camera along the quasi-axis; Setting an off-axis angle by pointing an off-axis camera along an off-axis, wherein the off-axis intersects the quasi-axis at an intersection point, the off-axis angle being an acute angle formed by the intersection of the quasi-axis and the off-axis; placing a quasi-axis illuminator at the quasi-axis position, wherein the quasi-axis illuminator is shaped with a defined center, is shaped like a square, a diamond, other regular polygon, or an oval, or is shaped like a pattern of dots arranged in a square, a diamond, other regular polygon, or an oval, and is operable to emit visible light and / or infrared light toward the intersection point; and placing an off-axis illuminator at an off-axis position relative to the quasi-axis camera and the quasi-axis illuminator, wherein by being placed at the off-axis position, the off-axis illuminator is operable to: emitting light along an off-axis incidence path toward the intersection, wherein the vertex of the eye, when positioned at the intersection, reflects light emitted by the off-axis illuminator to form an off-axis reflection having a center, the off-axis being substantially centered within the off-axis reflection, wherein the ophthalmic device is operable to align relative to the patient's eye when the quasi-axis is substantially orthogonal to the center of the quasi-axis reflection and the eccentric axis is substantially orthogonal to the center of the eccentric reflection, and wherein the alignment uses reflections from the vertex of the cornea to allow alignment as the cornea varies in shape and size.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein: Placing the quasi-axis illuminator at the quasi-axis position further includes: enclosing the quasi-axis camera within the quasi-axis illuminator.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein: Placing the off-axis camera in the off-axis position relative to the quasi-axial camera and the quasi-axial illuminator further includes enclosing the off-axis camera within the off-axis illuminator.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising setting an allowable error margin, the allowable error margin comprising: a first value corresponding to a distance from the quasi-axis to a center of reflection of the quasi-axis; as well as A second value corresponding to a distance from the off-axis to a center of the off-axis reflection.

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