Digital eyepiece system including proximity sensor

Abstract

A digital eyepiece system includes a housing, an eyepiece with a lens assembly. A display screen, a proximity sensor and a processor. The lens assembly includes a front lens through which a user of the digital eyepiece system observes an object. The display screen is positioned within the housing cavity. The proximity sensor is connected to the housing, detects when a user is within a predetermined gap distance of the front lens, and outputs an electronic sensor signal when the user is outside of the predetermined gap distance (i.e., not detected). The processor is configured to adjust an output state of the display screen via a display control signal in response to the electronic sensor signal.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 582,614, filed September 14, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Background Technology

[0002] This disclosure relates to automated systems and methods for preventing image "burn-in" on displays of ophthalmic visualization systems equipped with digital eyepieces.

[0003] Microscopes equipped with digital and hybrid cameras can acquire magnified digital pixel images of the target object. The acquired images are typically displayed via a monitor or screen. For example, in a three-dimensional (3D) ophthalmic “head-up” visualization system, one or more such screens are located in the operating room for easy access by clinicians and attending physicians. In this exemplary use case, the screen displays a magnified view of the patient's ocular anatomy in real time. Clinicians and staff then view the displayed images by wearing special polarized glasses, allowing viewers to experience a 3D viewing effect.

[0004] The medical displays used in the aforementioned operating rooms are typically configured as organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screens. As understood in the art, each component pixel of an OLED screen emits light independently, rather than relying on a common backlight. Due to this and other technical characteristics of OLED displays, medical displays tend to be brighter and produce sharper images than other LED-driven displays. However, OLED screens and other LED-based medical displays are still susceptible to the aforementioned burn-in phenomenon, in which prolonged display of static images and light source use / aging can lead to permanent image retention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This document discloses systems and methods for preventing "burn-in" of medical displays contained within the housing of a digital eyepiece device. The digital eyepiece includes one or more eyepieces. Each eyepiece has a front lens through which a clinician or other user of the microscope observes a target object (e.g., a patient's eye in a representative ophthalmic surgical scenario). The digital eyepiece can optionally be configured as a digital binocular with two such eyepieces. Each corresponding front lens of the digital eyepiece is positioned relative to the medical display (e.g., an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen), wherein each display is entirely contained within the housing of the aforementioned digital eyepiece.

[0006] As part of the burn-in solution disclosed herein, a proximity sensor is attached to the housing of the digital eyepiece. In one or more embodiments, the proximity sensor may be attached to the outer surface of the housing or located within a cavity defined by the housing. The latter configuration provides additional protection against interference from objects in the operating room (such as surgical drapes and other external obstructions). The proximity sensor itself is configured to detect when the user is within a predetermined exit pupil distance (“gap distance”) of the eyepiece(s) front lenses, for example, in a possible implementation, this distance is approximately 25 to 30 millimeters (mm). When the user is not within this gap distance, the displays(s) are automatically dimmed or turned off by the associated processor.

[0007] Specifically, one aspect of this disclosure includes a digital eyepiece system having the aforementioned housing defining a housing cavity. A lens assembly, including a front lens, is positioned within the housing cavity through which a clinician, support staff, or other user of the digital eyepiece system observes a target object, such as the intraocular anatomy of a patient's eye. A digital display screen is positioned within the housing cavity. In this exemplary configuration, the aforementioned proximity sensor is connected to the housing and configured to detect the user when the user is within a predetermined gap distance of the front lens. The same proximity sensor also outputs an electronic control signal indicating that the user is within the predetermined gap distance. A processor, serving as part of the digital eyepiece system, is configured to change the output state of the display screen in response to the electronic control signal, for example, by dimming the display screen or turning it off / on as needed.

[0008] This document also discloses a method for controlling a digital eyepiece system having an eyepiece, a lens assembly positioned within the eyepiece, and a display screen connected to a housing. Possible implementations of the method include: using a proximity sensor connected to the housing to detect when a user of the digital eyepiece system is not within a predetermined gap distance of the front lens of the eyepiece, through which the user observes a target. The method further includes transmitting an electronic sensor signal to a processor, the electronic sensor signal indicating that the user is not within the predetermined gap distance. Then, in response to the electronic sensor signal, the processor changes the output state of the display screen.

[0009] The visualization system described below includes a Type-C interface, an ophthalmic microscope connected to the Type-C interface, and a digital eyepiece system. In an exemplary configuration, the digital eyepiece system includes a housing and an eyepiece having a lens assembly, the housing being connected to the microscope and defining a housing cavity therein. The lens assembly includes a front lens through which the user of the digital eyepiece system observes a target object. An OLED display is positioned within the housing cavity along an optical axis extending between the OLED display and the front lens.

[0010] Additionally, one or more infrared (IR) proximity sensors may be attached to the housing (e.g., its outer surface) and configured to detect the user when the user is within a predetermined gap distance of the front lens, and to output an electronic sensor signal when the user is not positioned within the predetermined gap distance. The processor is configured to change the output state of the OLED display in response to the electronic sensor signal, including turning off the OLED display after a calibration time limit has been reached when the user is not within the predetermined gap distance.

[0011] The above-described features and advantages, as well as other possible features and advantages, of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 An exemplary ophthalmic operating room is illustrated, which has a three-dimensional (3D) visualization system equipped with digital eyepieces, wherein these digital eyepieces include displays and proximity sensors configured according to this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a representative digital eyepiece assembly with a proximity sensor, according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the use of... Figure 2 An exemplary lens assembly used with the digital eyepiece, wherein one lens is removed and a proximity sensor is positioned inside the digital eyepiece.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a side view illustration of the digital eyepiece and the patient's eye, depicting the relative positions of the proximity sensor and the display screen in a possible implementation.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a flowchart describing a method for controlling a digital eyepiece to prevent image burn-in, according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0017] The solutions disclosed herein may be modified or presented in alternative forms. Representative embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below. However, the inventive step of this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Referring to the accompanying drawings, where the same reference numerals refer to the same parts, and from Figure 1Initially, the visualization system 10 according to this disclosure includes a C-type interface 12, an ophthalmic microscope 14 connected to the C-type interface 12, and a digital eyepiece system 16 connected to the microscope 14, for example, via a hinged bracket 18. Figure 1 The digital eyepiece system 16 shown is illustrated according to a non-limiting exemplary configuration, and other possible embodiments may be used within the scope of this disclosure. The digital camera 20 may be connected to the microscope 14 and configured as, for example, a charge-coupled device (CCD), complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), electron-multiplying CCD (EMCCD), or other suitable digital image sensor configured to output high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) image data to the digital eyepiece system 16 for viewing by the user 22. In a representative use case, the user 22 may include a surgeon or other clinician / attending physician working in an ophthalmic operating room.

[0019] The digital eyepiece system 16 envisioned herein includes a housing 24 attached to the distal end of a support 18. The housing 24 may be constructed of a lightweight yet sufficiently robust and cleanable material (such as aluminum or molded plastic), and defines a housing cavity 240 within the housing. See below for reference. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As described, one or more digital displays 25 are positioned within the housing cavity 240 as an integral component of the digital eyepiece system 16. Such displays 25 are prone to image burn-in as described above, such as long-term image retention, discoloration, fading, and / or ghosting.

[0020] Therefore, to reduce or prevent burn-in, the digital eyepiece system 16 is equipped with a proximity sensor 28, such as one or more infrared (IR) proximity sensors, for example, a pair of IR sensors with an operating wavelength range of approximately 780 nm to 1000 nm or other suitable construction. Each proximity sensor 28 outputs an electronic sensor signal (CC) to the processor (P) 30 of the visualization system 10. S This notifies the processor 30 when the user 22 is within the predetermined exit pupil distance or gap distance of the digital eyepiece system 16. The processor 30 outputs electronic control signals (CC) to the display(s)(D)25. O ) to respond to electronic sensor signals (CC) S ( ), to adjust its working status, as described below.

[0021] As part of this construction, processor 30 may include, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), electronic circuitry, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, etc. Processor 30 may be part of the system controller (not shown) of visualization system 10 and / or digital eyepiece system 16, wherein wired or wireless communication is performed between proximity sensor 28, processor 30, and display screen 25 via suitable transmission lines. Therefore, according to method 100 (examples of which are referred to below) Figure 5 (As described herein), the status adjustment of the (multiple) displays 25 can be performed seamlessly without interaction with the user 22. The user 22 can also turn the digital eyepiece system 16 on or off as needed, for example, using a hard switch, a soft switch, voice commands, or other inputs besides the automated status adjustment solution provided herein.

[0022] refer to Figure 2 The digital eyepiece system 16 may include a pair of eyepieces 32L and 32R, wherein L and R respectively refer to... Figure 1 The left and right eyes of user 22 are shown. In other configurations, the digital eyepiece system 16 may alternatively include a single eyepiece 32L or 32R, wherein, Figure 2 The digital binoculars 33 are a representative example. Figure 2 The housing 24 is generally rectangular, and therefore has a length (L), height (H), and depth (D) defining the housing volume 240. A lens assembly 34 for attaching eyepieces 32L and 32R is positioned within the housing cavity 240. The lens assembly 34 includes a front lens 35 (see [link to image]). Figure 4 User 22 observes the target object through the front lens, for example, when using visualization system 10 in an ophthalmic operating room. Figure 1 The patient's eye (not shown) is positioned on the optical axis of the microscope 14. In one or more embodiments, the front lens 35 may be configured as a complex lens with multiple elements, a single lens, or a Fresnel lens. The front lens 35 may be made of a variety of materials suitable for the application, including but not limited to glass or plastic, injection-molded plastic, etc. As understood in the art, the front lens 35 may be movable for diopter adjustment, magnification, or for other reasons.

[0023] When the digital eyepiece system 16 is configured as the digital binoculars 33 as shown in the figure... Figure 1 User 22 will observe the target object using both eyes; that is, the surgeon's left and right eyes will respectively observe the target object through... Figure 4The corresponding front lens 35 enables three-dimensional (3D) observation. That is, unlike 3D visualization systems that project 3D images or videos of a target onto one or more displays or monitors and require the user 22 to wear special polarized 3D glasses to correctly observe the displayed image, this method allows the user 22 to observe directly through the eyepieces 32L and 32R in an ergonomic manner without wearing such glasses, thus avoiding disorientation or dizziness that may occur in sensitive users 22. Similarly, the digital eyepiece system 16 allows the user 22 to freely perceive the surrounding environment, such as locating surgical instruments or interacting with operating room staff.

[0024] As described above, the outer surface 36 of the housing 24 is arranged to form a generally rectangular shape, with its lateral edges 38 extending between the rear surface 40 and the front surface 42. As used herein, "front" refers to a specific structure or surface near the user 22. Therefore, the eyepieces 32L and 32R extend from the front surface 42 of the housing 24 towards... Figure 1 The user 22 is extended. In this particular embodiment, eyepieces 32L and 32R (collectively referred to as eyepieces 32) may be equipped with a focusing dial 44 mounted on a circular base 31, allowing the user 22 to adjust the focus or other parameters. Figure 4 The front lens 35 is located inside or behind the corresponding eyepieces 32L and 32R.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, proximity sensor 28 is connected to the front surface 42 of housing 24, adjacent to eyepieces 32L and 32R, and in this example, located midway between eyepieces 32L and 32R. Alternative internal arrangements of proximity sensor 28 will be referenced below. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The description includes a proximity sensor 28 alternatively positioned within the housing cavity 240, adjacent to the display screen 25. Figure 2 The arrangement is sufficient for use in an unobstructed operating environment. However, the presence of obstacles (such as surgical drapes) may potentially impede the proximity sensor 28, and therefore the position of the proximity sensor 28 may vary depending on the intended application and end use.

[0026] Brief Reference Figure 3 The illustration shows a structure with sidewall 41. Figure 3 For clarity, the internal portion 160 of the digital eyepiece system 16 has had the housing 24 and left eyepiece 32L removed. As part of the digital eyepiece system 16, the display 25 is positioned within the housing cavity 240 (see [reference]). Figure 2 ), adjacent to display screen 25. Therefore, emitting an infrared beam or other sensing beam toward user 22 may include emitting an infrared beam through front lens 35 (see Figure 4In the illustrated configuration, proximity sensor 28 is connected to housing 24 at any location within the defined optical region ZZ (i.e., the observation range of proximity sensor 28). For simplicity, the optical region ZZ is... Figure 3 The shape is circular, but it can be another or more shapes depending on the specific construction of the proximity sensor 28 and the internal part 160.

[0027] Now for reference Figure 4 , Figures 1 to 3 The proximity sensor 28 is configured to be in Figure 1 The proximity sensor 28 detects the user 22 when the user 22 is within a predetermined gap distance (AA) of the front lens 35. In a possible implementation, the gap distance (AA) is approximately 25 mm to 30 mm. However, the gap distance (AA) is application-specific and may be greater than or less than 25 mm to 30 mm in other embodiments. The proximity sensor 28 outputs an electronic sensor signal (CC). S The electronic sensor signal indicates the proximity of an object (in this case, user 22) within the field of view of proximity sensor 28. When proximity sensor 28 detects that user 22 is not within the gap distance (i.e., user 22 has not actively passed by), the proximity sensor signals the object. Figure 2 When observing through eyepieces 32L and 32R, the electronic sensor signal (CC) S The value of ) will change. The processor 30 outputs electronic control signals (CC) to the display(s) 25. E Electronic control signals (CC) respond to this change. E The processor 30 is configured to indicate that the user 22 is (or is not) within a predetermined gap distance (AA). As described above, the processor 30 is configured to respond to an electronic control signal (CC). E The value of ) changes the output state of the display screen 25, such as by temporarily dimming or turning off the display screen 25 to prevent screen burn-in.

[0028] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated configuration, display screen 25 is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen 250, which is positioned within the housing cavity 240 along an optical axis extending between display screen 25 and front lens 35. Other embodiments of display screen 25 can be used within the scope of this disclosure; OLED is merely one possible configuration prone to the burn-in problem described above. In one or more embodiments, an optional focusing lens 46 may be positioned near proximity sensor 28 to help focus the sensing beam 50 from proximity sensor 28. However, when proximity sensor 28 is properly positioned, for example when placed... Figure 3When within the optical region ZZ, other embodiments may not require the use of focusing lens 46. As indicated by projection line 60, images on each display screen 25 are projected toward user 22, and these images are guided toward user 22 as projected images 70 via front lens 35. Therefore, user 22 can observe directly via digital eyepiece system 16 without using 3D glasses.

[0029] refer to Figure 5 For clarity, a method 100 for controlling a digital eyepiece system 16, having a lens assembly and connected to a discrete process segment or block, is described in terms of process segments or blocks. Figure 1 The housing 24 has (multiple) displays 25. When the user 22 performs 3D visualization using the digital eyepiece system 16, the components of method 100 can be executed by the processor 30.

[0030] Starting from box B102, method 100 begins Figure 1 The visualization system 10 is initialized. The patient is positioned below the microscope 14, and the user 22 activates the various components of the visualization system 10, including the microscope 14, the digital camera 20, and the digital eyepiece system 16. Then, method 100 proceeds to frame B104.

[0031] Block B104 of method 100 may include manually or automatically positioning the digital eyepiece system 16 to facilitate user 22 using the already initialized... Figure 1 The user 22 can observe the data through a visualization system 10. For example, during eye surgery, the user 22 can... Figure 2 The user 22 carefully observes through eyepieces 32R and 32L to view a magnified image through the front lens 35. The user 22 performs this operation while carrying out other surgical tasks, and therefore, the user 22 can periodically use the digital eyepiece system 16 while performing such tasks. As the surgery progresses, method 100 proceeds to frame B106.

[0032] Figure 5 Box B106 includes via Figures 1 to 4 The proximity sensor 28 detects the proximity of the user 22 relative to the digital eyepiece system 16. Therefore, box B106 determines when the user 22 is at the front lens 35 of the lens assembly. Figure 4 Within a predetermined gap distance (AA) of the proximity sensor 28, user 22 observes the target object (in this example, the ocular anatomy of the patient's eye (not shown)) through the front lens. Depending on the configuration of the proximity sensor 28, box B106 may include […]. Figure 4 The sensor beam 50 is directed towards the user 22 directly or through the intermediate focusing lens 46 (in different embodiments). The output of the proximity sensor 28 (i.e., the electronic sensor signal (CC)) SThe signal could be a voltage signal, the value of which indicates the distance between user 22 and proximity sensor 28. Detecting when user 22 of digital eyepiece system 16 is within a predetermined gap distance (AA) of front lens 35 may include emitting an infrared beam to user 22 via proximity sensor 28 when proximity sensor 28 is configured as an infrared sensor.

[0033] The proximity sensor 28 may include a pair of proximity sensors 28, such that the digital eyepiece system 16 is configured as a set of digital binoculars as described above. In this case, the lens assembly will include a pair of lens assemblies, and the display 25 will include a pair of displays 25. Thus, in such an embodiment, the pair of proximity sensors 28 is used to complete the detection of when the user 22 is within a predetermined gap distance (AA) of the front lens 35. When the proximity sensor 28 performs its proximity sensing function, method 100 proceeds to block B108.

[0034] At box B108, Figure 1 and Figure 4 The processor 30 processes electronic sensor signals (CC) S ), and with Figure 4 The distance is compared to a predetermined or calibrated gap distance (AA) (e.g., 25 mm to 30 mm or another suitable value or range). When the proximity sensor 28 detects that the user 22 is within the calibrated gap distance, method 100 proceeds to block B110. Conversely, when the user 22 remains within the calibrated gap distance, method 100 returns to block B104.

[0035] At box B110, processor 30 may start a timer in response to determining at box B108 that user 22 has moved beyond the calibrated gap distance (AA) of proximity sensor 28. Box B110 may be implemented to provide a suitable delay to allow user 22 to temporarily move just beyond the range of proximity sensor 28, for example, when user 22 reaches for surgical instruments or briefly leaves the area. Figure 2 When using eyepieces 32L and 32R to communicate with the attending physician, method 100 proceeds to frame B112.

[0036] Box B112 includes determining whether the elapsed time value from the timer in box B110 has reached the calibration time limit (T). CAL1 For example, 5 to 10 seconds or another application-appropriate amount of time. When the timer has not yet reached the calibration limit, method 100 continues to box B114, and alternatively, after the calibration limit has elapsed, the method continues to box B116.

[0037] Box B114 includes a timer that continues to run from box B110. The timer continues toward the first calibration time limit (T). CAL1When counting upwards, method 100 returns to box B112.

[0038] Figure 5 Box B116 includes a module for transmitting electronic sensor signals (CC) to processor 30. S ), of which the electronic sensor signal (CC) S This indicates that user 22 is outside a predetermined gap distance (AA). This is in response to an electronic sensor signal (CC). S Method 100 may include changing the output state of the displays(s) 25 via processor 30. For example, processor 30 may adjust... Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The brightness level of the (multiple) displays 25 (e.g., OLED screens as described above). For example, after the first calibration timeout in box B112, processor 30 can dim the (multiple) displays 25. Then, method 100 proceeds to box B118.

[0039] At box B118, the processor can then determine whether the elapsed time value from the timer in box B110 has reached the second calibration time limit (T). CAL2 For example, 10 to 15 seconds or another appropriate amount of time for the application. Method 100 continues to box B119 before the second calibration time limit has been reached, and alternatively, the method continues to box B120 after the second calibration time limit has elapsed.

[0040] At box B119, the timer continues counting. When this occurs, method 100 proceeds to box B118.

[0041] When the timer started at box B110 reaches the second calibration time limit (T) CAL2 When the processor reaches box B120, the processor 30 adjusts... Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 One or more settings of the (multiple) displays 25. For example, due to the first calibration time limit (T CAL1 After dimming the multiple displays 25 at frame B116, the processor 30 can turn off the multiple displays 25 at frame B120. Although the multiple displays 25 could also be turned off immediately when the user 22 moves out of the proximity of the front lens 35 of the digital eyepiece system 16, using two or possibly more timeouts would allow for a more gradual control response, which would reduce interference with the user 22.

[0042] The features of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings or the various embodiments mentioned in this specification are not necessarily to be construed as independent of each other. It is possible that each feature described in a given embodiment may be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments to produce other embodiments not described in words or by reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the various features illustrated and described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other drawings to obtain embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of illustrated features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, for a particular application or implementation, various combinations and modifications of these features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure may be desired.

[0044] In the following description, certain terms may be used for illustrative purposes only and are therefore not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to directions referenced in the accompanying drawings. Terms such as “front,” “rear,” “before,” “after,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” and “side” describe the orientation and / or position of a part or element within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference, which will become clear by referring to the text describing the part or element under discussion and the associated drawings. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used to describe individual parts. Such terms may include the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings.

[0045] Accordingly, such other embodiments fall within the scope of the appended claims. The detailed description and drawings are supportive and descriptive of this disclosure, but the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. While various methods for implementing the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A digital eyeglass system, comprising: a housing defining a housing cavity; a lens assembly positioned within the housing cavity, the lens assembly including an ocular having a front lens through which a user of the digital eyeglass system views an object; a display screen positioned within the housing cavity; a proximity sensor connected to the housing, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to detect when the user is within a predetermined gap distance of the front lens and is configured to output an electronic sensor signal indicating that the user is outside the predetermined gap distance; and a processor configured to adjust an output state of the display screen via a display control signal in response to the electronic sensor signal. the digital eyeglass system is configured as a digital binocular, wherein the ocular includes a pair of oculars, the lens assembly includes a pair of lens assemblies within the pair of oculars, and the display screen includes a pair of display screens.

2. The digital eyeglass system of claim 1, wherein, the display screen includes an organic light emitting diode screen, and wherein the digital eyeglass system is configured to be connected to an ophthalmic microscope.

3. The digital eyeglass system of claim 1, wherein, the proximity sensor includes an infrared sensor.

4. The digital eyeglass system of claim 1, wherein, the proximity sensor is connected to a surface of the housing and is adjacent to the ocular.

5. The digital eyeglass system of claim 1, wherein, the proximity sensor is positioned within the housing cavity and is adjacent to the display screen.

6. The digital eyeglass system of claim 1, wherein, the processor is configured to change the output state of the display screen by turning off the display screen when the user is not within the predetermined gap distance of the front lens in response to the electronic sensor signal.

7. The digital eyeglass system of claim 1, wherein, the processor is configured to change the output state of the display screen by dimming the display screen when the user is not within the predetermined gap distance of the front lens and turning off the display screen after a calibration time limit in response to the electronic sensor signal.

8. The digital eyeglass system of claim 7, wherein, 9. A method for controlling a digital eyeglass system having an ocular, a lens assembly positioned within the ocular, and a display screen connected to a housing, the method comprising: detecting, using a proximity sensor connected to the housing, when a user of the digital eyeglass system is not within a predetermined gap distance of a front lens of the ocular through which the user views an object; transmitting an electronic sensor signal to a processor, the electronic sensor signal indicating that the user is not within the predetermined gap distance; and changing, in response to the electronic sensor signal, an output state of the display screen via the processor. the proximity sensor includes a pair of proximity sensors, the digital eyeglass system is configured as a digital binocular, wherein the ocular includes a pair of oculars, the lens assembly includes a pair of lens assemblies within the pair of oculars, and the display screen includes a pair of display screens, and wherein detecting when the user is not within the predetermined gap distance of the front lens is done using the pair of proximity sensors. ​ 10. The method of claim 9, wherein, ​ 11. The method of claim 9, wherein, The display screen comprises an organic light emitting diode (OLED) screen, and wherein changing an output state of the display screen comprises changing a brightness level of the OLED screen.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein, The proximity sensor comprises an infrared sensor, and wherein detecting when the user of the digital eyepiece system is not within the predetermined gap distance of the front lens comprises emitting an infrared light beam toward the user via the infrared sensor.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The proximity sensor is positioned within the housing adjacent to the display screen, and wherein emitting the infrared light beam toward the user comprises emitting the infrared light beam through the front lens.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein, Changing an output state of the display screen in response to the electronic sensor signal comprises turning off the display screen when the user is not within the predetermined gap distance of the front lens.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, Changing an output state of the display screen in response to the electronic sensor signal comprises dimming the display screen when the user is not within the predetermined gap distance of the front lens and for a calibration time limit, and turning off the display screen after the calibration time limit is reached.

16. A visualization system comprising: an ophthalmic microscope; and a digital eyepiece system comprising: a housing connected to the microscope and defining a housing cavity therein; an eyepiece having a lens assembly comprising a front lens through which a user of the digital eyepiece system views an object; an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display screen positioned within the housing cavity along an optical axis extending between the OLED display screen and the front lens; an infrared proximity sensor connected to the housing, wherein the infrared proximity sensor is configured to detect the user when the user is within a predetermined gap distance of the front lens, and configured to output an electronic sensor signal when the user is not positioned within the predetermined gap distance; and a processor configured to change an output state of the OLED display screen in response to the electronic sensor signal, including turning off the OLED display screen after the user is not within the predetermined gap distance for a calibration time limit.

17. The visualization system of claim 16, wherein, The digital eyepiece system is configured as a digital binocular, wherein the lens assembly comprises a pair of lens assemblies, and the OLED display screen comprises a pair of OLED display screens.

18. The visualization system of claim 17, wherein, The infrared proximity sensor comprises an outer surface connected to the housing and adjacent to the front lens.

19. The visualization system of claim 17, wherein, The proximity sensor comprises a pair of infrared proximity sensors each positioned within the housing cavity and adjacent to a respective one of the OLED display screens.

20. The visualization system of claim 16, wherein, The processor is configured to change an output state of the OLED display screen in response to the electronic sensor signal by dimming the OLED display screen and turning off the display screen after dimming the OLED display screen for a calibration time limit.

Images