Providing depth coverage for ophthalmic systems

Abstract

In some embodiments, an ophthalmic system for tracking and imaging a patient's eyes includes a tracking camera, a stereo camera, and a computer. The tracking camera tracks patient features. The stereo camera system is configured to generate left and right image data of the eyes and patient features to produce a stereo image of the eyes and patient features. The computer generates a depth overlay representing the patient features at a z-position relative to the z-axis of the system coordinate system. This depth overlay includes a left depth overlay and a right depth overlay. The computer inserts the left depth overlay into the left image data and inserts the right depth overlay into the right image data to produce a stereo image of the eyes, wherein the depth overlay represents the patient features at the z-position.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to ophthalmic systems, and more specifically to providing depth coverage for images displayed by ophthalmic systems. Background Technology

[0002] In ophthalmic laser surgery, the eye must be at the correct distance from the laser system for proper treatment. The surgical system focuses the laser beam at a specific location on the eye to treat it. If the eye is not at the proper distance, the laser beam may not treat the eye effectively or could even damage it. According to some techniques, distance can be checked using laser diodes that produce reflections on the eye. When the eye is at the correct distance, the reflections form a specific pattern on the eye. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some embodiments, an ophthalmic system for tracking and imaging a patient's eyes includes a tracking camera, a stereo camera, and a computer. The tracking camera tracks patient features. The stereo camera system is configured to generate left and right image data of the eyes and patient features to produce a stereo image of the eyes and patient features. The computer generates a depth overlay representing the patient features at a z-position relative to the z-axis of the system coordinate system. This depth overlay includes a left depth overlay and a right depth overlay. The computer inserts the left depth overlay into the left image data and inserts the right depth overlay into the right image data to produce a stereo image of the eyes, wherein the depth overlay represents the patient features at the z-position.

[0004] The embodiments may exclude the following features or may include one, some, or all of the following features:

[0005] The computer determines the z-position of the depth coverage based on a reference plane that serves as the treatment or diagnostic plane.

[0006] The computer determines the z-position of depth coverage based on the distance of the patient's features from the reference plane.

[0007] The patient's defining feature is the pupil of their eye. The computer determines the z-position of depth coverage based on the depth of the anterior chamber of the eye.

[0008] The computer determines the z-position of depth coverage based on the dimensions of the eye, which include the length of the following: anterior chamber depth, axial length, limbal diameter, or rotation center.

[0009] The computer generates a real-time overlay representing the patient features shown in the stereoscopic image, and inserts the real-time overlay into the left and right image data to produce a stereoscopic image of the eye, wherein the real-time overlay represents the patient features at the z-position shown in the stereoscopic image.

[0010] The computer generates a real-time overlay representing the patient features shown in the stereoscopic image. The real-time overlay includes a left real-time overlay and a right real-time overlay. The computer inserts the left real-time overlay into the left image data and the right real-time overlay into the right image data to produce a stereoscopic image of the eye, wherein the real-time overlay represents the patient features at the z-position shown in the stereoscopic image. The computer can detect whether the real-time overlay is aligned with the depth overlay and provides notification of such alignment. The computer can modify one or more graphic features of the real-time overlay in response to detecting alignment and / or in response to detecting that the real-time overlay has moved closer to alignment with the depth overlay.

[0011] The computer performs image processing to identify patient features shown in a stereoscopic image of the eyes and calculates adjustments to the relative distance between the eyes and the system to align the patient features with depth coverage. The computer can: provide a description of the adjustment to the user; detect whether the adjustment to align the patient features with depth coverage has been performed and provide the user with a notification that the patient features have been aligned with depth coverage; or perform the adjustment to align the patient features with depth coverage automatically.

[0012] Computer: Performs image processing to identify patient features shown in a stereoscopic image of the eye; detects whether patient features are not aligned with depth coverage; and provides notification that the eye is not at the z-position.

[0013] The system further includes a display device that presents a stereoscopic image to a viewer by presenting left image data to the viewer's left eye and right image data to the viewer's right eye. The display device can be an eyepiece that presents left image data to its left eyepiece and right image data to its right eyepiece. The display device can be a head-mounted device that presents left image data to its left screen and right image data to its right screen. The display device can be a monitor that presents left image data polarized for the viewer's left eye and right image data polarized for the viewer's right eye. The display device can also be a monitor that presents left image data angled for the viewer's left eye and right image data angled for the viewer's right eye.

[0014] The patient's distinguishing feature is the pupil of the eye, and the depth of the coverage is essentially the same as the size of the pupil.

[0015] The patient's characteristic feature is the limbus of the eye, and the depth of coverage is substantially the same as the size of the limbus.

[0016] The patient's distinctive feature is the size of the eyeball, and the depth of coverage is essentially the same as the size of the eyeball.

[0017] The computer detects whether patient features are aligned with depth coverage and provides a notification that patient features are aligned with depth coverage.

[0018] The computer detects whether patient features are aligned with the depth coverage, and changes one or more graphical features of the depth coverage in response to detecting that patient features are aligned with the depth coverage.

[0019] The computer detects whether patient features have moved closer to alignment with the depth cover, and in response to detecting that patient features have moved closer to alignment with the depth cover, changes one or more graphical features of the depth cover.

[0020] In some embodiments, a method for tracking and imaging a patient's eyes includes: tracking patient features; generating left and right image data of the eyes and patient features to produce a stereoscopic image of the eyes and patient features; and generating a depth overlay by a computer representing the patient features at a z-position relative to the z-axis of the system coordinate system. The depth overlay includes a left depth overlay and a right depth overlay. The method includes having a computer insert the left depth overlay into the left image data and insert the right depth overlay into the right image data to produce a stereoscopic image of the eyes, wherein the depth overlay represents the patient features at the z-position.

[0021] The embodiments may exclude the following features or may include one, some, or all of the following features:

[0022] The patient's defining feature is the pupil of their eye. The computer determines the z-position of depth coverage based on the depth of the anterior chamber of the eye.

[0023] The method further includes: generating a real-time overlay representing patient features shown in a stereoscopic image; and inserting the real-time overlay into left and right image data to produce a stereoscopic image of the eye, wherein the real-time overlay represents patient features at the z-position shown in the stereoscopic image. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 Examples of ophthalmic systems for tracking and imaging a patient's eye, according to certain embodiments, are shown;

[0025] Figure 2 An example of calculating the z-position of depth coverage according to certain embodiments is shown;

[0026] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Examples of depth overlay and real-time overlay in three-dimensional (3D) images of an eye, according to certain embodiments, are shown;

[0027] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Examples of deep coverage and real-time coverage according to certain embodiments are shown;

[0028] Figures 5A to 5C Examples of depth coverage and real-time coverage of the pupil of an eye according to certain embodiments are shown;

[0029] Figures 6A to 6C Examples of depth coverage and real-time coverage of the limbus of the eye according to certain embodiments are shown;

[0030] Figures 7A to 7C Examples of depth coverage of the eyeball according to certain embodiments are shown; and

[0031] Figure 8 It is shown that, according to certain embodiments, it can be made by Figure 1 This is an example of a system-executed method for providing depth coverage for 3D images. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Example embodiments of the disclosed devices, systems, and methods are now illustrated in detail with reference to the specification and accompanying drawings. The specification and drawings are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit the claims to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings and disclosed in the specification. Although the drawings represent possible embodiments, they are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be simplified, exaggerated, removed, or partially cut out to better illustrate the embodiments.

[0033] Known technologies for monitoring the distance between a patient's eye and the laser surgery system have problems. Laser diodes that create a specific pattern on the eye interfere with the surgeon's view of the eye. Therefore, the diodes are typically deactivated after the eye has been aligned, making height control difficult during surgery.

[0034] Some embodiments of the systems described herein provide a graphical overlay on a real-time image of the eye, indicating the appropriate distance of the eye from the system. In the example system, a tracking camera tracks the eye, and a stereo camera system generates a real-time stereoscopic image of the eye. A computer-generated overlay, indicating the distance the eye should be at when properly aligned with the system, is inserted into the stereoscopic image of the eye. In some cases, surgeons can use the overlay as a guide to align the eye. In other cases, the system can align the eye automatically.

[0035] Figure 1 An example of an ophthalmic system 10 for tracking and imaging a patient's eye, according to certain embodiments, is shown. In the example, system 10 includes a tracking camera 20, a stereo camera system 22 (having stereo cameras 22a and 22b) coupled as shown, a computer 24, a display device 26, and a laser device 28. Computer 24 includes a processor 30, an interface (IF) 32, and a memory 34 coupled as shown. Memory 34 stores applications such as a three-dimensional (3D) imaging application 40 (which generates an overlay 42) and a tracking application 44.

[0036] For ease of explanation, although the following example xyz coordinate system is used to describe the embodiment, this xyz coordinate system can be considered as the coordinate system of system 10, but any suitable coordinate system can be used. In the example, the z-axis is aligned with the optical axis of the tracking camera 20, and the xy plane is orthogonal to the z-axis. The tracking camera 20 and the stereo camera system 22 can each have their own sub-coordinate system, which can be transformed to the common coordinate system of system 10. Additionally, the position of an object can refer to the object's location and / or orientation.

[0037] As an example, tracking camera 20 tracks patient features (e.g., pupils) in the xy-plane. Stereo camera 22 generates left and right image data that can produce a three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic image of the eye showing the patient features. Computer 24 generates a depth overlay 42 that represents the z-position (and xy-position) of the patient features when the eye is at a target distance (i.e., an appropriate distance from the system for, for example, a surgical or diagnostic procedure). The user can align the eye by checking if the actual features in the live image coincide with the features in overlay 42. Depth overlay 42 includes a left depth overlay and a right depth overlay. Computer 24 inserts the left depth overlay into the left image data and the right depth overlay into the right image data to produce a stereoscopic image of the eye, where the depth overlay represents the target z-position of the patient features.

[0038] Tracking camera 20 tracks patient features (e.g., pupils) and provides the xy-position of the features to computer 24. Tracking camera 20 can be any suitable camera, such as an infrared or visible light camera operating at any suitable refresh rate (e.g., 100 to 250, 250 to 500, 500 to 1000, or greater than 1000 Hz). Tracking camera 20 can be located in any suitable position, for example, coaxial with the patient's eye, such that the optical axis of camera 20 is aligned with the axis of the patient's eye (e.g., optical or visual). Any suitable patient features can be tracked, such as pupils, limbus, iris, eye contour, eyeball, upper / lower eyelids, eyebrows, nose, or other eye or facial features.

[0039] Stereo camera system 22 generates image data to produce real-time 3D images. Stereo camera system 22 includes lenses, each with a separate image sensor, which allows system 22 to simulate human binocular vision and capture 3D images in stereoscopic photography. In the example, cameras 22a and 22b are arranged off-axis to produce 3D images. The distance between the sensors is known, so the depth of objects in the 3D image can be determined.

[0040] Computer 24 sends instructions to components of system 10 (e.g., tracking camera 20, stereo camera system 22, display device 26, and / or laser device 28) to generate a 3D image of the patient's eyes and provide an overlay of the image. In some embodiments, computer 24 uses 3D imaging application 40 to generate a depth overlay 42 that indicates the z-position of the patient's features when the eyes are at a specific distance from the system, and inserts the overlay 42 into the 3D image. The user can use the overlay to align the eyes in the z-direction.

[0041] In some embodiments, the 3D imaging application 40 generates a real-time overlay representing the actual location of patient features. In one embodiment, the application 40 detects features in right and left image data. The application 40 overlays a left real-time overlay onto the features in the left image data and a right real-time overlay onto the features in the right image data to produce a real-time stereoscopic image of the eye, wherein the real-time overlay is overlaid onto the features.

[0042] The depth overlay 42 can be designed to indicate any suitable distance from the system. In some cases, when the eye is in the optimal z-position for a treatment procedure (such as a laser surgery procedure), the overlay 42 can indicate the z-position of a patient feature (such as an eye feature). In other cases, when the eye is in the optimal z-position for a diagnostic procedure (such as an imaging procedure), the overlay 42 can indicate the z-position of a feature. The depth overlay 42 can represent any suitable patient feature, such as the pupil, iris, sclera, or other facial or eye features.

[0043] Display device 26 presents left and right image data to the viewer's left and right eyes, respectively, to create a stereoscopic image for the viewer. Examples include eyepieces, head-mounted devices, and displays or monitors. In some embodiments, display device 26 includes eyepieces that present left image data in a left eyepiece and right image data in a right eyepiece to create a stereoscopic image. In some embodiments, display device 26 includes a head-mounted device that presents left image data on a left screen and right image data on a right screen. In some embodiments, display device 26 includes a 3D screen that directs left image data to the left eye and right image data to the right eye by, for example, polarization or angle. For example, left image data may have polarization through the left lens of the viewer's 3D glasses, and right image data may have polarization through the right lens of the 3D glasses. As another example, left image data may be directed at an angle pointing towards the viewer's left eye, and right image data may be directed at an angle pointing towards the right eye.

[0044] Figure 2 Example 50 illustrates the calculation of the z-position of a depth coverage according to certain embodiments. Computer 24 calculates the z-position based on what the depth coverage is designed to represent and / or the type of patient characteristic. The depth coverage may be designed to represent a target position of a patient characteristic (e.g., pupil 54) relative to a reference plane (e.g., a surgical treatment plane or diagnostic plane). The distance between the target position and the reference plane can be determined based on eye measurements, such as patient groups (e.g., a group of patients with similar conditions, such as similar age, similar sex, similar eye size, similar prognosis, similar eye prescriptions, etc., or any combination thereof) and / or actual measurements of the patient's eyes.

[0045] In Example 50, the depth coverage is designed to show the z-position of the pupil 54 when the eye is aligned in the z-direction with respect to a reference plane, which is the treatment plane 52 for laser surgical procedures on the corneal surface. The eye feature is the pupil 54 defined by the iris located in the iris plane 53. The distance between the eye feature and the reference plane can be determined, for example, by the anterior chamber depth (ACD). Therefore, the pupil 54 should appear in the depth coverage at a distance from the treatment plane 52 beyond the ACD, posterior to the eye. In other examples, the distance can be determined based on other ocular biometry, such as the axial length of the eye, the limbal diameter, and / or the center of rotation.

[0046] Return to reference Figure 1Computer 24 can perform additional functions to assist in aligning the eyes. In some embodiments, computer 24 identifies actual patient features in a real-time stereoscopic image of the eyes and determines the z-position of the actual features. For example, the actual z-position can be calculated using the distance between the sensors of stereoscopic camera 22. Based on the difference between the actual z-position and the z-position of the feature given by the overlay, computer 24 can then calculate an adjustment to align the actual feature with the overlay.

[0047] In some embodiments, computer 24 may provide a description of the adjustment to the user. The notification can take any suitable form, such as a message or graphic element instructing the patient's eyes to move a specific distance and / or in a specific direction. (Reference) Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example of such a notification is described. Computer 24 can detect whether an adjustment has been performed to align patient features with depth coverage, and then provide a notification of patient feature alignment. In some embodiments, computer 24 can perform the adjustment automatically.

[0048] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Examples of depth overlay 56 and real-time overlay 58 in a 3D image of an eye (which may be collectively referred to as overlay) according to certain embodiments are shown. In some embodiments, system 10 presents depth overlay 56 indicating the target location of eye features. Eye features may be aligned with depth overlay 56 to align the eye. In other embodiments, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, system 10 also presents a real-time overlay 58 indicating the actual location of eye features. The real-time overlay 58 facilitates the alignment of eye features with depth overlay 56 to align the eyes.

[0049] The overlay can be a graphic element with any suitable graphic features, such as any suitable shape, size, color, or line pattern (e.g., solid lines, dashed lines, short dashes, or dotted lines). In some embodiments, the overlay can be a size and / or shape similar to the size and / or shape of the features of the eye represented by the overlay (“eye features”), for example, the pupil or iris overlay can be circular or elliptical, or the eyeball overlay can be spherical. In embodiments, the size and / or shape of the overlay can be determined based on the size and / or shape of average eye features (e.g., average eye features of a patient group). In other embodiments, the size and / or shape of the eyeball depth overlay 56 and / or the real-time overlay can be determined based on measurements of the patient’s eye. In some embodiments, the overlay can include elements indicating geometric details of the features, such as marker(s) indicating the center and / or boundary of the pupil or iris. In some embodiments, the overlay can be a color that contrasts with the real-time image; for example, if the real-time image is black and white, the overlay can be a primary color. In some embodiments, overlays 56 and / or 58 are represented as augmented reality graphic elements on the real-time image of the eye.

[0050] Depth overlay 56 and real-time overlay 58 can be visually distinguished from each other in any suitable way. In the example, overlays 56 and 58 are graphically distinguished by size; for example, overlay 58 is slightly larger than overlay 56. When depth overlay 56 and real-time overlay 58 are concentric, the eyes are aligned. However, overlays 56 and 58 can be graphically distinguished by any suitable graphical features, such as shape, size, color, or line pattern.

[0051] System 10 can provide notification of eye alignment. The notification may be an audio, visual, tactile, and / or other sensory cue. Based on the proximity of the alignment, the cue may increase or decrease (e.g., intensity, rate, or volume). In some embodiments, when the eyes are aligned, system 10 may cause visual changes in real-time overlay 58 and / or depth overlay 56, such as altering the graphic features of real-time overlay 58 and / or depth overlay 56. For example, real-time overlay 58 may change color in response to alignment with depth overlay 56, such as changing the color to match the color of depth overlay 56. As another example, real-time overlay 58 may change its line pattern in response to alignment with depth overlay 56, such as changing the line pattern to match the line pattern of depth overlay 56. It should be understood that any other visual changes may be applied to either or both of overlays 56 and / or 58 to visually convey correct eye alignment.

[0052] In some embodiments, additional cues may indicate when the eyes are aligned. For example, an audio tone may be played when the eyes are aligned. As another example, the user may experience vibration or other tactile feedback when the eyes are aligned. As a further example, an audio tone or beep sequence may be played at varying speeds based on the alignment proximity of the real-time overlay 58 with the depth overlay 56.

[0053] Figure 3A It is a frontal view of depth overlay 56 and real-time overlay 58 in the xy plane of the eye feature plane (e.g., the iris plane). Figure 3B This is a perspective view of depth overlay 56 and live overlay 58. In this example, depth overlay 56 represents the target position of the pupil (located at iris plane 61) relative to a reference plane (treatment plane 60 in this example). The z-axis 65 passes through the centers 67a and 67b of planes 60 and 61, respectively. In this view, live overlay 58 is concentrically aligned with depth overlay 56 at iris plane 61, indicating proper eye alignment. In this example, the reference plane (i.e., treatment plane 60) is in front of depth overlay 56 and live overlay 58. In other examples, different reference planes can be selected, such as the lens plane behind depth overlay 56 and live overlay 58.

[0054] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Examples 55 (55a and 55b, respectively) show depth coverage 56 and real-time coverage 58 according to certain embodiments. Figure 4A Example 55a is shown with overlays 56 and 58, which indicate that the eye is misaligned in the xy plane and then aligned in the xy plane. In the example, depth overlay 56 not superimposed on live overlay 58 indicates that the eye is not aligned with the depth overlay, and depth overlay 56 superimposed on live overlay 58 indicates that the eye is aligned with the depth overlay.

[0055] Figure 4B Example 55b is shown with overlays 56 and 58 that instruct the eye to align in the xy direction but not in the z direction, and then in the xyz direction. In the example, depth overlay 56 lies in the plane between the treatment plane 60 and the iris plane 61, indicating that the eye is not at the target z position. When depth overlay 56 is in the iris plane 61, the eye is at the target z position.

[0056] Figures 5A to 5CExamples of depth overlay 56 and real-time overlay 58 of the pupil of an eye according to certain embodiments are shown. Depth overlay 56 indicates the target position of the pupil, and real-time overlay 58 indicates the actual position of the pupil. In the example, overlays 56 and 58 are substantially the same shape as the pupil and are graphically distinguishable from each other in size (overlay 58 is slightly larger than overlay 56) and line pattern. Additionally or alternatively, overlays 56 and 58 may be distinguished from each other by color. Figure 5A The image shows the eye behind the treatment plane when the depth of coverage is 56 in front of the pupil. Figure 5B The image shows the eye anterior to the treatment plane with a depth of 56 covering the area behind the pupil. Figure 5C This shows that the eyes are correctly aligned in the z-direction.

[0057] Figures 6A to 6C Examples of depth overlay 56 and real-time overlay 58 of the limbus of the eye according to certain embodiments are shown. Depth overlay 56 indicates the target location of the limbus, and real-time overlay 58 indicates the actual location of the limbus. In the example, overlays 56 and 58 are substantially the same shape as the limbus and are graphically distinguishable from each other in size (overlay 58 is slightly larger than overlay 56) and line pattern. Figure 6A The image shows the eye behind the treatment plane when the depth of coverage is 56 in front of the limbus. Figure 6B The image shows the eye anterior to the treatment plane when the depth of coverage is 56 behind the limbus. Figure 6C This shows that the eyes are correctly aligned in the z-direction.

[0058] Figures 7A to 7C An example of depth coverage 56 for the eyeball 70 of an eye according to certain embodiments is shown. Depth coverage 56 indicates the target location of the eyeball using one or more lines depicting the eyeball (e.g., one or more longitudinal lines and / or one or more latitude lines). In some embodiments, instead of using coverage of the pupil or limbus to align the eye, coverage of the eyeball itself can be used to facilitate alignment. In these and other embodiments, depth coverage 56 may indicate the target location of the eyeball 70. Although not shown in the figures, system 10 may also display a real-time coverage 58 indicating the actual location of the eyeball. The real-time coverage may have one or more lines depicting the eyeball (e.g., one or more longitudinal lines and / or one or more latitude lines).

[0059] The depth coverage 56 and / or real-time coverage of the eyeball can have any suitable appearance. In some embodiments, the size and / or shape of the depth coverage 56 and / or real-time coverage of the eyeball can be determined based on the size and / or shape of the average eyeball (e.g., the average eyeball of a patient group). In other embodiments, the size and / or shape of the depth coverage 56 and / or real-time coverage of the eyeball can be determined based on measurements of the patient's eye.

[0060] Figure 7A The image shows the eye behind the treatment plane when the depth of coverage is 56 in front of the eyeball. Figure 7B The image shows the eye anterior to the treatment plane when the depth of coverage is 56 behind the limbus. Figure 7C This shows that the eyes are correctly aligned in the z-direction.

[0061] Figure 8 It is shown that, according to certain embodiments, it can be made by Figure 1 This is an example of a method performed by system 10 to provide depth coverage for a 3D image. The method begins at step 110, in which tracking camera 20 tracks patient features in the xy plane of the coordinate system of system 10. At step 112, stereo camera system 22 provides a stereo image showing the patient features. Camera system 22 may generate left and right image data that produce the stereo image.

[0062] Computer 24 generates a depth overlay 56 at step 114 and a real-time overlay 58 at step 116. The z-position of the patient feature in the depth overlay can be determined based on a reference plane (e.g., a treatment plane or a diagnostic plane) and can indicate the distance between the patient feature and the reference plane. At step 120, computer 24 inserts the depth overlay 56 and the real-time overlay 58 into the stereoscopic image. For example, computer 24 inserts the left depth overlay into the left image data and the right depth overlay into the right image data to produce a stereoscopic image of the eye with depth overlay. Computer 24 also inserts the real-time overlay into the left and right image data to produce a stereoscopic image of the eye, wherein the real-time overlay represents the actual patient feature.

[0063] At step 122, computer 24 calculates an adjustment between the eye and system 10 to align patient features with depth coverage. For example, computer 24 identifies patient features in a stereoscopic image and calculates an adjustment to the relative distance between the eye and system 10 for feature alignment. In some embodiments, system 10 provides a description of the adjustment to the user. In embodiments, computer 24 may detect whether an adjustment has been performed and provide a notification of feature alignment. In some embodiments, system 10 performs the adjustment automatically to align patient features.

[0064] Components of the systems and devices disclosed herein (such as control computers) may include interfaces, logic, and / or memory, any of which may include computer hardware and / or software. Interfaces can receive input to and / or send output from components and are typically used to exchange information between, for example, software, hardware, peripherals, users, and combinations thereof. A user interface is a type of interface that a user can use to communicate with a computer (e.g., send input to and / or receive output from the computer). Examples of user interfaces include displays, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), touchscreens, keyboards, mice, gesture sensors, microphones, and speakers.

[0065] Logic can perform operations on components. Logic may include one or more electronic devices that process data (e.g., execute instructions to generate outputs from inputs). Examples of such electronic devices include computers, processors, microprocessors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs)), and computer chips. Logic may include computer software that encodes instructions executable by electronic devices to perform operations. Examples of computer software include computer programs, application programs, and operating systems.

[0066] Memory can store information and may include tangible, computer-readable, and / or computer-executable storage media. Examples of memory include computer memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM)), mass storage media (e.g., hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., optical disc (CD) or digital video or universal disc (DVD)), databases, network storage devices (e.g., servers), and / or other computer-readable media. Specific embodiments may relate to memory encoded with computer software.

[0067] Although this disclosure is described based on certain embodiments, modifications to the embodiments (such as alterations, substitutions, additions, omissions, and / or other modifications) will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, modifications can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, modifications can be made to the systems and devices disclosed herein. The components of the systems and devices may be integrated or separate, or the operation of the systems and devices may be performed by more or fewer components or other components, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. As another example, modifications can be made to the methods disclosed herein. These methods may include more or fewer steps or other steps, and these steps may be performed in any suitable order, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0068] To aid the Patent Office and the reader in understanding the claims, the applicant does not intend for any claim or claim element to invoke 35 USC §112(f) unless the terms “means for…” or “steps for…” are expressly used in a particular claim. The applicant understands that the use of any other terms within the claims (e.g., “mechanism,” “module,” “device,” “unit,” “component,” “element,” “building,” “device,” “machine,” “system,” “processor,” or “controller”) refers to structures known to a person skilled in the art and is not intended to invoke 35 USC §112(f).

Claims

1. An ophthalmic system for tracking and imaging a patient's eye, comprising: A tracking camera configured to track the patient's patient characteristics; A stereo camera system configured to generate left and right image data of the eyes and patient features to produce a stereo image of the eyes and patient features; and Computer, the computer is configured to: Generate a depth overlay representing the patient features at a z-position relative to the z-axis of the system coordinate system, the depth overlay including a left depth overlay and a right depth overlay; and The left depth overlay is inserted into the left image data and the right depth overlay is inserted into the right image data to generate a stereoscopic image of the eye, wherein the depth overlay represents the patient feature at the z-position.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to: The z-position of the depth coverage is determined based on a reference plane including a treatment plane or a diagnostic plane.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to: The z-position of the depth coverage is determined based on the distance of the patient's features from the reference plane.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The patient characteristics include the pupils of the eyes; and The computer is configured to determine the z-position of the depth coverage based on the anterior chamber depth of the eye.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to determine the z-position of the depth coverage based on the dimensions of the eye, the dimensions including lengths of the following: anterior chamber depth of the eye, axial length, limbal diameter, or rotation center.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to: Generate a real-time overlay representing the patient features shown in the stereoscopic image; and inserting the real-time overlay into the left image data and the right image data to produce a stereoscopic image of the eye, wherein, The real-time overlay represents the patient feature at the z-position shown in the stereoscopic image.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to: Generate a real-time overlay representing the patient features shown in the stereoscopic image, the real-time overlay including a left real-time overlay and a right real-time overlay; and inserting the left real-time overlay into the left image data and inserting the right real-time overlay into the right image data to produce a stereoscopic image of the eye, wherein, The real-time overlay represents the patient feature at the z-position shown in the stereoscopic image.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the computer is configured to: Detect whether the real-time coverage is aligned with the depth coverage; and Provide a notification that the real-time coverage is aligned with the depth coverage.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the computer is configured to: Detect whether the real-time coverage is aligned with the depth coverage; and In response to detecting that the real-time overlay is aligned with the depth overlay, one or more graphical features of the real-time overlay are changed.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the computer is configured to: Detect whether the real-time overlay has moved closer to align with the depth overlay; and In response to detecting that the real-time overlay has moved closer to align with the depth overlay, one or more graphical features of the real-time overlay are altered.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to: Perform image processing to identify the patient features shown in the stereoscopic image of the eye; and The system calculates and adjusts the relative distance between the eye and the system to align the patient features with the depth coverage.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the computer is configured to: Provide the user with a description of the adjustments.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the computer is configured to: Detect whether the adjustment has been performed to align the patient features with the depth coverage; and Provide a notification that the patient characteristics are aligned with the depth coverage.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the computer is configured to: The adjustment is performed automatically to align the patient features with the depth coverage.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to: Image processing is performed to identify the patient features shown in the stereoscopic image of the eye; Detect whether the patient features are not aligned with the depth coverage; and Provide notification that the eye is not at the z-position.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display device configured to present the stereoscopic image to a viewer in such a way that: Presenting the left image data to the viewer's left eye; and The right image data is presented to the viewer's right eye.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the display device includes an eyepiece, the eyepiece being configured to: The left image data is presented to the left eyepiece of the eyepiece; and The right image data is presented to the right eyepiece of the eyepiece.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the display device includes a head-mounted device, the head-mounted device being configured to: The left image data is presented to the left screen of the head-mounted device; and The right image data is presented to the right screen of the head-mounted device.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the display device includes a display, the display being configured to: Presenting the left image data polarized for the viewer's left eye; and The right image data is presented with polarization for the viewer's right eye.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the display device includes a display, the display being configured to: Presenting the left image data at an angle to the viewer's left eye; and The right image data is presented at an angle to the viewer's right eye.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein: The patient characteristics include the pupils of the eyes; and The depth coverage is substantially the same as the size of the pupil.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein: The patient characteristics include the limbus of the eye; and The depth coverage is substantially the same as the size of the limbus.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein: The patient characteristics include the eyeball of the eye; and The depth coverage is substantially the same as the size of the eyeball.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to: Detect whether the patient features are aligned with the depth coverage; and Provide a notification that the patient characteristics are aligned with the depth coverage.

25. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to: Detect whether the patient features are aligned with the depth coverage; and In response to detecting that the patient features are aligned with the depth coverage, one or more graphical features of the depth coverage are changed.

26. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to: Detect whether the patient feature has moved closer to the depth coverage alignment; and In response to detecting that the patient feature has moved closer to alignment with the depth coverage, one or more graphical features of the depth coverage are altered.

27. A method for tracking and imaging a patient's eye, comprising: Track the patient characteristics of the patients; Generate left and right image data of the eyes and the patient features to produce a stereoscopic image of the eyes and the patient features; A depth overlay representing the patient features at a z-position relative to the z-axis of the system coordinate system is generated by a computer, the depth overlay including a left depth overlay and a right depth overlay; as well as The computer inserts the left depth overlay into the left image data and the right depth overlay into the right image data to generate a stereoscopic image of the eye, wherein the depth overlay represents the patient feature at the z-position.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein: The patient characteristics include the pupils of the eyes; and The computer is configured to determine the z-position of the depth coverage based on the anterior chamber depth.

29. The method of claim 27, further comprising: Generate a real-time overlay representing the patient features shown in the stereoscopic image; as well as The real-time overlay is inserted into the left and right image data to generate a stereoscopic image of the eye, wherein the real-time overlay represents the patient feature at the z-position shown in the stereoscopic image.

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