Optical biometer

Abstract

The invention provides an optical biometer. The optical biometer comprises a light source module, a light splitting module, a reference arm, a sensing arm and a sensing module, the light source module is used for emitting incident light. The light splitting module is arranged corresponding to the light source module and is used for splitting incident light into reference light and sensing light. The reference arm is arranged corresponding to the light splitting module and used for generating first reflected light according to the reference light. The sensing arm is arranged corresponding to the light splitting module and is used for emitting the sensing light to the eyes and receiving the second reflected light from the eyes. The sensing module is used for generating a sensing result according to the first reflected light and the second reflected light. In the first mode, the sensing light is emitted to a first position of the eye. In the second mode, the sensing light is emitted to a second position of the eye. The incident light emitted by the light source module is partially annular light, and the sensing result comprises a partially annular image related to the eye.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to biometrics, and more particularly to an optical biometric device. Background Art

[0002] like Figure 1 As shown, a general optical coherence tomography (OCT) biometer 1 includes a light source module LS, a spectroscopic module SP, a reference arm RA, a sensing arm SA and a sensing module SE. The incident light LIN emitted by the light source module LS is split into a reference light L1 and a sensing light L2 by the spectroscopic module SP and then transmitted to the reference arm RA and the sensing arm SA respectively. The reference arm RA is used to reflect the reference light L1 to generate a first reflected light R1. The sensing arm SA is used to project the sensing light L2 to the eye EYE and receive the second reflected light R2 from the eye EYE. The sensing module SE is used to receive the first reflected light R1 and the second reflected light R2 respectively and generate sensing results according to the first reflected light R1 and the second reflected light R2, and obtain the relative positions of various interfaces of the eye after analysis, such as the relative positions of the retina and the cornea.

[0003] like Figure 2A As shown, the light source type of the conventional light source module LS may be a complete ring light source CRL arranged in front of the camera lens CM, which may emit a complete ring light to the eye EYE, so that the camera lens CM receives the reflected light from the eye EYE and takes a picture as shown in FIG. Figure 2B The complete ring image IM1 is shown.

[0004] When the conventional optical coherence interferometer biometer 1 measures interfaces at different depths in the eye EYE, if the optical paths of the sensing arms SA are all equal, the reference arm RA needs to have a larger optical path modulation range to simultaneously cover the different optical paths required by the anterior chamber and fundus of the eye EYE, and the reference arm RA also needs to be able to quickly switch between different optical paths. However, the design of the reference arm RA used in the conventional optical coherence interferometer biometer 1 cannot meet the above requirements and needs further improvement. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention proposes an optical biometer to solve the above problems encountered in the prior art.

[0006] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, an optical biometer is provided. In this embodiment, the optical biometer includes a light source module, a spectroscopic module, a reference arm, a sensing arm and a sensing module. The light source module is used to emit incident light. The spectroscopic module is arranged corresponding to the light source module, and is used to divide the incident light into reference light and sensing light. The reference arm is arranged corresponding to the spectroscopic module, and is used to generate a first reflected light according to the reference light. The sensing arm is arranged corresponding to the spectroscopic module, and is used to emit the sensing light to the eye and receive the second reflected light from the eye. In a first mode, the sensing light is emitted to a first position of the eye and in a second mode, the sensing light is emitted to a second position of the eye. The sensing module is used to receive the first reflected light and the second reflected light respectively and generate a sensing result according to the first reflected light and the second reflected light. The incident light emitted by the light source module is a partial annular light and the sensing result includes a partial annular image related to the eye.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first position of the eye is the retina and the first mode is the retina mode.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second location of the eye is the cornea and the second mode is the cornea mode.

[0009] In one embodiment, the reference arm includes a movable module. When the movable module moves, the optical path of the first reflected light generated when the reference light is emitted to the movable module and reflected by the movable module changes accordingly.

[0010] In one embodiment, the light splitting module is replaced by a switchable module.

[0011] In one embodiment, the light source module includes a partial annular light source disposed in front of the camera lens.

[0012] In one embodiment, the light source module includes a plurality of first light emitting units and a plurality of second light emitting units. The plurality of first light emitting units are coupled to the annular light plate to emit partial annular light. The plurality of second light emitting units are arranged in the outer area and shared with other functional optical modules, and the light emitted by the second light emitting units is reflected to an equivalent position by a mirror.

[0013] In one embodiment, the light source module includes an annular light source, a lens module, an annular reflective surface and a conical reflector. The conical reflector is disposed on the annular reflective surface and the lens module is disposed between the annular light source and the conical reflector. The annular light source emits an annular light which passes through the lens module and is reflected by the conical reflector to emit incident light.

[0014] In one embodiment, the optical biometer is an optical coherence tomography (OCT) biometer and operates in the spectral domain.

[0015] In one embodiment, the reference arm includes a movable reflector, a fixed reflector, and a baffle. When the baffle operates in a first state, the reference light is only projected onto the fixed reflector; when the baffle operates in a second state, the reference light is only projected onto the movable reflector; when the baffle operates in a third state, the reference light is simultaneously projected onto the fixed reflector and the movable reflector.

[0016] In one embodiment, in the first state, the baffle moves to a first position corresponding to the movable reflector; in the second state, the baffle moves to a second position corresponding to the fixed reflector; in the third state, the baffle moves to a third position different from the first position and the second position.

[0017] Compared to the prior art, the optical biometer proposed in the present invention can accurately measure interfaces at different depths in the eye and can provide a larger optical path modulation range and can quickly switch between different optical paths at the same time.

[0018] The advantages and spirit of the present invention may be further understood through the following specific embodiments and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings of the present invention are described as follows:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a general optical coherence tomography (OCT) biometer.

[0021] Figure 2A and Figure 2B They are schematic diagrams of a light source module in the prior art being a complete annular light source arranged in front of a camera lens and a complete annular image captured by the camera lens.

[0022] Figure 3A and Figure 3B They are schematic diagrams of a light source module in a preferred embodiment of the present invention being a partial annular light source disposed in front of a camera lens and a partial annular image captured by the camera lens.

[0023] Figure 4 The front view and side view of the partial ring-shaped light source in front of the camera lens.

[0024] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a light source module in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a reference arm in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C They are schematic diagrams showing that a baffle of a reference arm in another embodiment of the present invention operates in a first state to a third state.

[0027] Description of main component symbols:

[0028] 1…Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Biometer

[0029] LS…Light source module

[0030] SP…Spectral Module

[0031] RA…Reference Arm

[0032] SA…Sensor Arm

[0033] SE…Sensor Module

[0034] LIN…Incident Light

[0035] L1…reference light

[0036] L2…Sensing light

[0037] RA…Reference Arm

[0038] SA…Sensor Arm

[0039] EYE…Eyes

[0040] R1…First reflected light

[0041] R2…Second reflected light

[0042] CM...Camera Lens

[0043] CRL…Complete Ring Light Source

[0044] IM1…Full ring image

[0045] PRL…Partial Ring Light Source

[0046] IM2…Partial annular image

[0047] RB…Ring light board

[0048] OA…Outer area

[0049] LU1…First light emitting unit

[0050] LU2…Second light unit

[0051] LEN…Lens module

[0052] COR...Conical Reflector

[0053] RRS…Ring Reflecting Surface

[0054] FR…Fixed reflector

[0055] MR…Movable Mirror

[0056] MS…Mechanical shutter

[0057] COL…Collimator

[0058] BA...Baffle DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Elements / components using the same or similar reference numerals in the drawings and embodiments are intended to represent the same or similar parts.

[0060] One embodiment of the present invention is an optical biometer. In this embodiment, the optical biometer may be an optical coherence tomography (OCT) biometer and may operate in the spectral domain, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] Please also refer to Figure 1 The optical coherence tomography (OCT) biometer 1 of the present invention also includes a light source module LS, a spectroscopic module SP, a reference arm RA, a sensing arm SA and a sensing module SE. The incident light LIN emitted by the light source module LS is split into a reference light L1 and a sensing light L2 by the spectroscopic module SP and then transmitted to the reference arm RA and the sensing arm SA respectively. The reference arm RA is used to reflect the reference light L1 to generate a first reflected light R1. The sensing arm SA is used to project the sensing light L2 to the eye EYE and receive the second reflected light R2 from the eye EYE. The sensing module SE is used to receive the first reflected light R1 and the second reflected light R2 respectively and generate a sensing result according to the first reflected light R1 and the second reflected light R2, and obtain the relative positions of each interface of the eye after analysis.

[0062] It should be noted that in the first mode, the sensing light L2 is projected to the first position of the eye EYE and in the second mode, the sensing light L2 is projected to the second position of the eye EYE. The incident light LIN emitted by the light source module LS is a partial annular light and the sensing result includes a partial annular image related to the eye EYE. In fact, the first position of the eye EYE can be the retina and the first mode is the retina mode, the second position of the eye EYE is the cornea and the second mode is the cornea mode, but it is not limited to this.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , Figure 3A and Figure 3B The light source module is a schematic diagram of a partial annular light source arranged in front of the camera lens and a partial annular image taken by the camera lens. Figure 2A In the embodiment of the present invention, a complete annular light source CRL is used in front of the camera lens CM to emit a complete annular light to the eye EYE. Figure 3AIn the embodiment, a partial annular light source PRL is used in front of the camera lens CM to emit a partial annular light to the eye EYE. Therefore, the present invention can receive the reflected light of the eye EYE through the camera lens CM to obtain a partial annular image IM2 (such as Figure 3B ), which is obviously different from the conventional camera lens CM receiving the reflected light of the eye EYE and obtaining a complete annular image IM1 related to the eye EYE (as shown in FIG. Figure 2B shown).

[0064] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 The front view and side view of the partial ring light source in front of the camera lens. Figure 4 As shown, the light source module LS includes a plurality of first light-emitting units LU1 and a plurality of second light-emitting units LU2. The plurality of first light-emitting units LU1 are coupled to the annular light board RB to emit partial annular light. The plurality of second light-emitting units LU2 are arranged in the outer area OA and can be shared with other functional optical modules, and their light can be reflected to an equivalent position through a mirror. In fact, the actual placement position of the plurality of second light-emitting units LU2 can also be designed to be behind the annular light board RB or after multiple reflections, depending on how they are shared with other functional optical modules.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a light source module in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, the light source module LS includes an annular light source CRL, a lens module LEN, an annular reflective surface RRS and a conical reflector COR. The conical reflector COR is disposed on the annular reflective surface RRS and the lens module LEN is disposed between the annular light source CRL and the conical reflector COR. The annular light emitted by the annular light source CRL passes through the lens module LEN and is reflected by the conical reflector COR disposed on the annular reflective surface RRS to emit incident light LIN.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a reference arm in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, the reference arm RA includes a collimator COL, a beam splitter module SP, a mechanical shutter MS, a movable reflector MR and a fixed reflector FR. In the second mode (cornea mode), when the movable reflector MR moves, the optical path of the first reflected light R1 generated by the reference light L1 incident on the movable reflector MR and reflected by the movable reflector MR will also change accordingly. In practical applications, Figure 6 The optical splitter module SP in the embodiment can be replaced by a switchable module.

[0067] Please refer to FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C , FIG. 7A to FIG. 7CThey are schematic diagrams showing that a baffle of a reference arm in another embodiment of the present invention operates in a first state to a third state.

[0068] In this embodiment, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) biometer operates in the spectrum domain, and its reference arm RA includes a movable mirror MR, a fixed mirror FR, a spectroscopic module SP, and a baffle BA. The baffle BA can be respectively operated in FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C The first state to the third state shown.

[0069] like Fig. 7A As shown, when the baffle BA operates in the first state, the baffle BA moves to the first position corresponding to the movable reflector MR and the light splitting module SP. At this time, the baffle BA can block the reference light L1 emitted by the light splitting module SP to the movable reflector MR, so that the reference light L1 can only be emitted to the fixed reflector FR. In fact, after proper design, the first state of the baffle BA can be used to search for corneal signals. Under normal working conditions, the corneal signals can be located in the front 1 / 4~1 / 3 area of ​​the scanning line.

[0070] like Figure 7B As shown, when the baffle BA operates in the second state, the baffle BA moves to the second position corresponding to the fixed reflector FR and the spectroscopic module SP. At this time, the baffle BA can block the reference light L1 emitted by the spectroscopic module SP to the fixed reflector FR, so that the reference light L1 can only be emitted to the movable reflector MR. In fact, after appropriate design, the second state of the baffle BA can be used to search for signals of other interfaces to be measured, such as the front / back surface signals of the lens or the retina signals. After finding the signals of other interfaces to be measured during the search process, the movable reflector allows the signals of other interfaces to be measured to be located in the rear 1 / 2~2 / 3 area of ​​the scan line.

[0071] like Figure 7C As shown, when the baffle BA operates in the third state, the baffle BA moves to the third position, and the third position is different from the first position and the second position. Since the baffle BA at this time is not located at the first position corresponding to between the movable reflector MR and the spectrometer module SP, and is not located at the second position corresponding to between the fixed reflector FR and the spectrometer module SP, that is, the baffle BA at this time does not block the reference light L1 emitted by the spectrometer module SP to the movable reflector MR and the fixed reflector FR. Therefore, the reference light L1 can be emitted to the fixed reflector FR and the movable reflector MR at the same time.

[0072] In fact, in the third state of the baffle BA, since the cornea signal and the other interface signal to be measured (such as the retinal signal) are respectively located in the front area and the middle and rear areas of the scanning line, the two will not interfere with each other. Therefore, the reference light L1 can be transmitted to the fixed reflector FR and the movable reflector MR at the same time, and the two interface signals to be measured can be measured at the same time and the distance between the two interfaces to be measured can be accurately measured.

[0073] It should be noted that FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C The advantage of the operation mode is that there will be no time difference between the distances between the two interfaces to be measured, thus effectively improving the measurement accuracy.

[0074] Compared to the prior art, the optical biometer proposed in the present invention can accurately measure interfaces at different depths in the eye and can provide a larger optical path modulation range and can quickly switch between different optical paths at the same time.

[0075] The above embodiments are only used to facilitate the explanation of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, various simple deformations and modifications made by those skilled in the art according to the scope of the patent application and the invention description of the present invention should still be included in the scope of protection required by the patent application documents.

Claims

1. An optical biometer, characterized in that: include: A light source module, used to emit an incident light; a light splitting module, disposed corresponding to the light source module, for splitting the incident light into a reference light and a sensing light; A reference arm, disposed corresponding to the light splitting module, for generating a first reflected light according to the reference light; a sensing arm, disposed corresponding to the light splitting module, for irradiating the sensing light to an eye and receiving a second reflected light from the eye, wherein in a first mode, the sensing light is irradiated to a first position of the eye and in a second mode, the sensing light is irradiated to a second position of the eye; as well as a sensing module, for receiving the first reflected light and the second reflected light respectively and generating a sensing result according to the first reflected light and the second reflected light; The incident light emitted by the light source module is a partial annular light and the sensing result includes a partial annular image related to the eye.

2. The optical biometer according to claim 1, wherein: The first location of the eye is the retina and the first mode is a retinal mode.

3. The optical biometer according to claim 1, wherein: The second location of the eye is the cornea and the second mode is a cornea mode.

4. The optical biometer according to claim 1, wherein: The reference arm includes a movable module. When the movable module moves, the optical path of the first reflected light generated by the reference light incident on the movable module and reflected by the movable module changes accordingly.

5. The optical biometer according to claim 1, wherein: The light splitting module is replaced by a switchable module.

6. The optical biometer according to claim 1, wherein: The light source module comprises a partial annular light source arranged in front of the camera lens.

7. The optical biometer according to claim 1, wherein: The light source module includes: A plurality of first light emitting units are coupled to an annular light plate to emit the partial annular light; and A plurality of second light-emitting units are arranged in an outer area and shared with other functional optical modules, and the light emitted by the second light-emitting units is reflected to an equivalent position through a mirror.

8. The optical biometer according to claim 1, wherein: The light source module includes an annular light source, a lens module, an annular reflection surface and a conical reflector. The conical reflector is arranged on the annular reflection surface and the lens module is arranged between the annular light source and the conical reflector. The annular light source emits annular light which passes through the lens module and is reflected by the conical reflector to emit the incident light.

9. The optical biometer according to claim 1, wherein: The optical biometer is an optical coherence tomography biometer and operates in the spectral domain.

10. The optical biometer according to claim 9, wherein: The reference arm includes a movable reflector, a fixed reflector and a baffle; when the baffle operates in a first state, the reference light is only irradiated to the fixed reflector; when the baffle operates in a second state, the reference light is only irradiated to the movable reflector; when the baffle operates in a third state, the reference light is simultaneously irradiated to the fixed reflector and the movable reflector.

11. The optical biometer according to claim 10, wherein: In the first state, the baffle moves to a first position corresponding to the movable reflector; in the second state, the baffle moves to a second position corresponding to the fixed reflector; in the third state, the baffle moves to a third position different from the first position and the second position.

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