Ocular imaging system

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of eye imaging system.The eye imaging system includes optical combiner, detection module and display module being arranged in the side of user's eye, detection module includes illumination light source, first light transmission component and image collection device, first light transmission component is used to transmit the light of illumination light source exit to user's eye, and the light reflected by user's eye is transmitted to image collection device by first light transmission component;Display module is electrically connected with image collection device, and display module is used to receive and display the image of image collection device, and display module further includes second light transmission component, and the image of display module is transmitted to optical combiner by second light transmission component.The utility model solves the problem that eye imaging system in the prior art cannot simultaneously consider the functions of eye image collection and display.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical technology, and more specifically, to an eye imaging system. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, ocular imaging systems are typically designed to accurately capture and analyze images of fundus tissue, which is crucial for the early diagnosis and monitoring of eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. However, these systems are often functionally limited, primarily focusing on acquiring high-quality images while lacking integrated user interaction or entertainment features, such as virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) experiences. For example, a current near-eye imaging system, while providing a certain level of image quality when capturing fundus images, requires the patient to maintain relative fixation of their head and eyes during the examination to ensure accuracy and clarity, which somewhat limits the user experience.

[0003] On the other hand, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have developed rapidly in recent years. They enhance user experience by creating immersive digital environments and are widely used in various fields such as gaming, education, and healthcare. In the medical field, VR and AR technologies are used for surgical simulation, rehabilitation training, and psychotherapy, but there is still a gap in their integration with ocular imaging systems. Specifically, existing ocular imaging systems and virtual reality display systems are usually independent, each using different devices. This separate setup not only increases the complexity and cost of the equipment, but more importantly, it cannot provide real-time display functionality, entertainment, or psychological comfort during eye examinations. Especially when examining children or anxious patients, the lack of sufficient distraction may lead to patient resistance during the examination, thus affecting the accuracy and validity of the results.

[0004] In other words, existing eye imaging systems have the problem of not being able to simultaneously perform the functions of collecting and displaying eye images. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide an eye imaging system that solves the problem that existing eye imaging systems cannot simultaneously perform the functions of eye image collection and display.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an eye imaging system, including an optical combiner, a detection module, and a display module disposed on one side of the user's eye. The detection module includes an illumination source, a first light transmission component, and an image collection device. The first light transmission component transmits light emitted from the illumination source to the user's eye, and the light reflected from the user's eye is transmitted to the image collection device via the first light transmission component. The display module is electrically connected to the image collection device and is used to receive and display images from the image collection device. The display module also includes a second light transmission component, through which the images from the display module are transmitted to the optical combiner.

[0007] Furthermore, the display module also includes a display layer for emitting light of different colors or different divergence angles. The display layer is connected to the side surface of the optical combiner facing the user's eyes, or the display layer is connected to the side surface of the optical combiner away from the user's eyes.

[0008] Furthermore, the display module also includes a waveguide structure, which is connected to the display layer. The image from the display module is transmitted to the waveguide structure via a second optical transmission component and then enters the display layer.

[0009] Furthermore, the display module includes a display, and the second light transmission component includes a first lens group for imaging the content displayed on the display.

[0010] Furthermore, the first optical transmission component includes a beam splitter located on the side of the optical combiner away from the user's eye. The beam splitter is used to reflect light emitted from the illumination source to the user's eye and transmit the light reflected from the user's eye to the image collection device.

[0011] Furthermore, the first optical transmission component also includes at least one reflector, which includes a first reflector located between the illumination source and the beam splitter and a second reflector located between the beam splitter and the image collecting device.

[0012] Furthermore, the first optical transmission component also includes at least one lens group, which includes a second lens group and a third lens group located between the illumination source and the beam splitter, and a fourth lens group located between the beam splitter and the image collecting device, the fourth lens group being movably arranged along its optical axis.

[0013] Furthermore, the eye imaging system also includes a spectacle lens, which is located between the user's eye and the optical combiner, or on the side of the optical combiner away from the user's eye.

[0014] Furthermore, the eye imaging system also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the image acquisition device and the display module. The controller is used to process images from the image acquisition device and transmit them to the display module.

[0015] Furthermore, the optical combiner consists of one or more waveguide layers, or it consists of one or more waveguide layers and holographic or diffractive elements.

[0016] Furthermore, the lighting source includes one of infrared light sources, visible light sources, and wavelength-tunable monochromatic light sources.

[0017] By applying the technical solution of this utility model, the light emitted from the illumination source is transmitted to the user's eye through the first light transmission component, thereby illuminating the user's eye. The light reflected from the user's eye is transmitted to the image collection device through the first light transmission component, thereby capturing an image of the user's eye and recording relevant data and images for subsequent analysis or diagnosis of the user's eye condition. The display module receives and displays the image from the image collection device, and then transmits it to the optical combiner through the second light transmission component for display, thereby realizing virtual reality display. This allows the user to observe virtual reality images during the detection process, enabling the eye imaging system of this application to simultaneously perform eye image collection and virtual reality display functions. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an eye imaging system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0021] 10. Controller; 30. First body; 31. Display; 32. First lens group; 50. User's eye; 51. Eyeglass lens; 52. Optical combiner; 53. Display layer; 54. Waveguide structure; 100. Second body; 101. Illumination source; 102. Third lens group; 103. First reflector; 104. Second lens group; 105. Beam splitter; 106. Fourth lens group; 107. Second reflector; 108. Image acquisition device. Detailed Implementation

[0022] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0024] In this utility model, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom" are generally used in relation to the direction shown in the accompanying drawings, or in relation to the vertical, perpendicular, or gravitational direction of the component itself; similarly, for ease of understanding and description, "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself, but the above directional terms are not used to limit this utility model.

[0025] To address the problem that existing eye imaging systems cannot simultaneously perform the functions of eye image collection and display, this invention provides an eye imaging system.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the eye imaging system includes an optical combiner 52 disposed on one side of the user's eye 50, a detection module, and a display module. The detection module includes an illumination source 101, a first light transmission component, and an image collection device 108. The first light transmission component is used to transmit the light emitted from the illumination source 101 to the user's eye 50, and the light reflected from the user's eye 50 is transmitted to the image collection device 108 via the first light transmission component. The display module is electrically connected to the image collection device 108 and is used to receive and display the image from the image collection device 108. The display module also includes a second light transmission component, and the image from the display module is transmitted to the optical combiner 52 via the second light transmission component.

[0027] Light emitted from the illumination source 101 is transmitted to the user's eye 50 via the first light transmission component, illuminating the user's eye 50. Light reflected from the user's eye 50 is transmitted via the first light transmission component to the image collection device 108, thereby capturing an image of the user's eye 50 and recording relevant data and images for subsequent analysis or diagnosis of the user's eye condition. The display module receives and displays the image from the image collection device 108, and then transmits it to the optical combiner 52 via the second light transmission component for display, achieving virtual reality display. This allows the user to observe virtual reality images during the detection process, enabling the eye imaging system of this application to simultaneously perform eye image collection and virtual reality display functions.

[0028] It should be noted that the optical combiner 52 is an optical element whose main function is to fuse virtual images with the real-world field of view, allowing the user to see both virtual images and real-world scenes simultaneously. The optical combiner 52 consists of one or more waveguide layers, or it can be composed of one or more waveguide layers and holographic or diffractive elements. By rationally planning the specific structure of the optical combiner 52, it is beneficial to ensure that it can guide the beam of virtual image generated by the display 31 to the user's eyes while allowing ambient light to pass through, so that the user can perceive their surrounding environment while observing virtual content.

[0029] In the eye imaging system disclosed in this utility model, the optical combiner 52 plays a further role: it not only realizes the display function of virtual reality, but also accurately guides the light from the illumination source 101 to the user's eye 50, and guides the light reflected from the user's eye 50 to the detection system for fundus imaging. This design requires the optical combiner 52 to have high transparency, low scattering, low absorption, and good optical performance to ensure the quality of the virtual image and the fundus image. Typically, the optical combiner 52 can be a single-layer or multi-layer waveguide, or a combination of waveguide and holographic or diffractive elements, to meet different design requirements and performance standards.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the display module also includes a display layer 53, which is connected to the surface of the optical combiner 52 facing the user's eye 50, or the surface of the optical combiner 52 away from the user's eye 50. The image from the display module is transmitted to the display layer 53 via a second light transmission component, enabling virtual reality display. During virtual reality display on the display layer 53, the optical combiner 52 prevents light from the display layer 53 from entering the eye imaging system, while allowing light from the illumination source 101 to enter the user's eye 50, and allowing reflected light from the user's eye 50 to enter the detection module.

[0031] Specifically, the display layer 53 can emit light of different colors or with different divergence angles. Emitting different colors of light can simulate the colors of various light sources in nature, such as sunlight, moonlight, and lamplight, thereby creating richer and more realistic lighting effects in the virtual environment and enhancing the user's immersion. Different divergence angles of light can reduce the focusing burden on the user's eyes, making virtual images more natural and reducing eye fatigue and discomfort that may result from prolonged use of virtual reality devices. Adjusting the divergence angle can adapt to the user's needs when observing virtual content at different distances and angles, providing the best visual effect. In the medical field, especially for ophthalmological diseases, the color and divergence angle of the light in the display layer 53 can be adjusted to provide personalized assessments of the eye's response to specific patients or under specific conditions. For example, changing the light color can be used to detect the retina's sensitivity to different wavelengths of light.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the display module also includes a waveguide structure 54, which is connected to the display layer 53. The image from the display module is transmitted to the waveguide structure 54 via a second optical transmission component and then enters the display layer 53. This configuration allows the waveguide structure 54 to deflect and diffract the received light, enabling it to be displayed on the display layer 53 and thus be observable by the human eye. The waveguide structure 54 and the display layer 53 are tightly connected, forming an integrated optical system. The image generated by the display module is accurately transmitted to the waveguide structure 54 via the second optical transmission component. The waveguide structure 54 has a precise optical path designed inside, utilizing the principle of total internal reflection and diffraction grating technology to deflect and diffract the received light. This process ensures that the light undergoes multiple reflections within the waveguide, ultimately guiding it precisely to the display layer 53. The display layer 53, as a platform for optical information conversion, transforms the optical signals transmitted from the waveguide structure 54 into an image recognizable by the human eye. This layer typically employs microstructures or specific materials, such as a waveguide-based display screen or holographic display technology. It can effectively process the diffracted light transmitted in the waveguide structure 54, and by adjusting the amplitude, phase, and polarization characteristics of the light, it converts the light signal into a clear image, which is then further transmitted to the human eye through the eyeglass lens 51 to realize the presentation of virtual reality images.

[0033] By organically integrating the second optical transmission component with the waveguide structure 54 and the display layer 53, this application achieves a high degree of controllability and flexibility in the optical transmission process. This not only improves the efficiency of image transmission and reduces light loss, but also ensures the comfort of the human eye when viewing virtual images while maintaining high image clarity. This design overcomes the problems of image distortion and uneven brightness caused by direct or scattered light transmission paths in traditional display technologies. Especially when combined with a fundus imaging system, it ensures that the quality of fundus imaging is not affected while providing a virtual reality experience, thereby significantly improving the user experience while ensuring the accuracy of medical testing.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the display module includes a display 31 for displaying images. The second light transmission component includes a first lens group 32, located on the light-emitting side of the display 31, for imaging the content displayed on the display 31. In an optional embodiment of this application, the eye imaging system further includes a first body 30, with the display 31 and the first lens group 32 disposed within the first body 30. The eye imaging system also includes a controller 10, electrically connected to the image collecting device 108 and the display 31 of the display module. The controller 10 is used to process images from the image collecting device 108 and transmit them to the display 31 of the display module. Specifically, the controller 10 may be electrically connected to the image collecting device 108 and the first body 30. This configuration allows the light reflected from the user's eye 50 to be collected by the image collection device 108, and then processed by the controller 10 for image sharpening and image stitching. After processing, the collected human eye image or other virtual reality content can be displayed on the display 31 inside the first body 30. The light emitted from the display 31 passes through the first lens group 32 in front, reaches the waveguide structure 54, enters the display layer 53, and then reaches the user's eye 50 through the optical combiner 52.

[0035] In an optional embodiment of this application, the display 31 may specifically be a display screen.

[0036] Specifically, the first lens group 32 includes one or more optical lenses. A well-planned composition of the first lens group 32 facilitates precise focusing and propagation of the virtual image. The selection and configuration of the first lens group 32 directly affects the quality of the display effect, including image sharpness, color reproduction, and visual comfort. Optical lenses can be spherical lenses, aspherical lenses, biconvex lenses, biconcave lenses, plano-convex lenses, plano-concave lenses, etc., each with its specific focusing properties and distortion characteristics. By selecting appropriate lens types and considering the optical requirements of the display system, such as focal length, field of view, and optical power, the focusing effect of the image can be optimized, aberrations reduced, and a clearer, more natural virtual reality image provided.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the eye imaging system also includes a second body 100, in which the detection module is disposed. In practical applications, the first body 30 and the second body 100 can be electrically connected via the controller 10.

[0038] Specifically, the first optical transmission component includes a beam splitter 105, located on the side of the optical combiner 52 furthest from the user's eye 50. The beam splitter 105 reflects light emitted from the illumination source 101 to the user's eye 50 and transmits the light reflected from the user's eye 50 to the image collecting device 108. The beam splitter 105 can precisely reflect the light beam from the illumination source 101 to the user's fundus, ensuring uniformity and intensity of illumination, thereby improving the clarity of fundus imaging and facilitating subsequent medical analysis. The beam splitter 105 also enables bidirectional optical path control. On one hand, it reflects the illumination light to the user's eye 50; on the other hand, it transmits the light reflected back from the user's eye 50 to the image collecting device 108, effectively separating the illumination path and the imaging path, avoiding optical path interference, and ensuring image purity and reliability. This design allows the system to provide high-quality virtual reality display without affecting fundus imaging, achieving a seamless integration of virtual reality and medical testing, enhancing user experience and the flexibility of medical applications. Furthermore, placing the beam splitter 105 on the side of the optical combiner 52 away from the user's eye 50 makes the overall structure of the device more compact. In an optional embodiment of this application, the beam splitter 105 may specifically be a dichroic mirror or a beam-splitting prism.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the first optical transmission component also includes at least one reflector, which includes a first reflector 103 located between the illumination source 101 and the beam splitter 105, and a second reflector 107 located between the beam splitter 105 and the image collecting device 108. By adding reflectors, the optical path can be folded, optimizing the optical path design and making the system structure more compact, which is convenient for application in mobile devices, portable medical devices, and other fields.

[0040] Specifically, the first light transmission component further includes at least one lens group, comprising a second lens group 104 and a third lens group 102 located between the illumination source 101 and the beam splitter 105, and a fourth lens group 106 located between the beam splitter 105 and the image collecting device 108. The fourth lens group 106 is movably arranged along its optical axis. Specifically, the second lens group 104 is located between the beam splitter 105 and the first reflecting mirror 103, the third lens group 102 is located between the first reflecting mirror 103 and the illumination source 101, and the fourth lens group 106 is located between the beam splitter 105 and the second reflecting mirror 107. By setting the fourth lens group 106 to move back and forth, in conjunction with the overall movement of the second body 100, imaging of the user's fundus or ocular surface can be achieved, thereby realizing image collection and diagnosis of the user's fundus and ocular surface.

[0041] In an optional embodiment of this application, the second lens group 104 includes one or more optical lenses. The third lens group 102 includes one or more optical lenses. By properly configuring the second lens group 104 and the third lens group 102, it is beneficial to ensure the stability of illumination light transmission and to ensure that the illumination light is uniformly irradiated onto the user's eye 50. The fourth lens group 106 includes one or more optical lenses. By properly configuring the fourth lens group 106, it is beneficial to ensure the stability of imaging light transmission and to obtain clear and detailed images of the fundus or ocular surface.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the eye imaging system also includes a spectacle lens 51, which is located between the user's eye 50 and the optical combiner 52, or on the side of the optical combiner 52 away from the user's eye 50. The spectacle lens 51 is used to converge light so that the human eye can see the content displayed on the optical combiner 52.

[0043] Specifically, the illumination source 101 includes one of an infrared light source, a visible light source, and a wavelength-adjustable monochromatic light source. The infrared light source can penetrate the surface of the eye, reducing reflection and making it suitable for imaging deep structures of the fundus; the visible light source is helpful for surface and superficial detection; and the wavelength-adjustable monochromatic light source can precisely select the optimal wavelength based on the light absorption characteristics of different tissues, improving the accuracy of lesion identification. This allows the illumination source 101 of this application to not only meet the diverse needs of eye examination, improving the safety, comfort, and imaging quality of the examination, but also lay a solid foundation for the system's technical compatibility and future development.

[0044] The optical path of the eye imaging system of this application will be described in detail below.

[0045] refer to Figure 1As shown, the light emitted from the illumination source 101 is transmitted sequentially through the third lens group 102, the first reflector 103, and the second lens group 104 to the beam splitter 105. The beam splitter 105 reflects the light and transmits it through the display layer 53 and the optical combiner 52 to the spectacle lens 51, finally reaching the user's eye 50. After the shooting position is determined, the illumination source 101 emits visible light or near-infrared light to capture the fundus. The visible light beam reflected from the human eye's retina passes sequentially through the spectacle lens 51, the optical combiner 52, and the display layer 53, and is transmitted to the beam splitter 105. The beam splitter 105 transmits the light, which is further transmitted through the fourth lens group 106 and the second reflector 107 to the image collection device 108, thereby realizing the acquisition of the human eye's fundus image. After acquiring images of the fundus of the human eye, the controller 10 performs image sharpening and image stitching processing. The processed images are then displayed on a monitor 31 within the first housing 30, showing the acquired eye images or other virtual reality content. Light emitted from the monitor 31 passes through the first lens group 32, reaches the waveguide structure 54, enters the display layer 53, passes through the optical combiner 52, connects to the spectacle lens 51, and reaches the human eye. This allows the user's eye 50 to receive the illumination beam emitted from the detection module. Imaging records relevant data and images of the human eye, and the controller 10 transmits the results to the first housing 30. The eye image displayed on the monitor 31 is observed by the user through the waveguide structure 54 and the display layer 53. This eye imaging system combines virtual reality display and fundus imaging functions, allowing the patient to observe virtual reality images during the imaging process.

[0046] Obviously, the embodiments described above are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0047] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0048] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0049] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An eye imaging system, characterized in that, This includes an optical combiner (52) positioned on one side of the user's eye (50), a detection module, and a display module. The detection module includes an illumination source (101), a first light transmission component, and an image collection device (108). The first light transmission component is used to transmit the light emitted from the illumination source (101) to the user's eye (50), and the light reflected from the user's eye (50) is transmitted to the image collection device (108) via the first light transmission component. The display module is electrically connected to the image collection device (108). The display module is used to receive and display the image from the image collection device (108). The display module also includes a second optical transmission component. The image from the display module is transmitted to the optical combiner (52) through the second optical transmission component.

2. The eye imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display module further includes a display layer (53) for emitting light of different colors or different divergence angles. The display layer (53) is connected to the surface of the optical combiner (52) facing the user's eye (50), or the display layer (53) is connected to the surface of the optical combiner (52) away from the user's eye (50).

3. The eye imaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The display module further includes a waveguide structure (54), which is connected to the display layer (53). The image of the display module is transmitted to the waveguide structure (54) through the second optical transmission component and then enters the display layer (53).

4. The eye imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display module includes a display (31), and the second light transmission component includes a first lens group (32), which is used to image the content displayed on the display (31).

5. The eye imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first optical transmission component includes a beam splitter (105) located on the side of the optical combiner (52) away from the user's eye (50). The beam splitter (105) is used to reflect the light emitted from the illumination source (101) to the user's eye (50) and transmit the light reflected from the user's eye (50) to the image collecting device (108).

6. The eye imaging system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first optical transmission component further includes at least one reflector, the at least one reflector including a first reflector (103) located between the illumination source (101) and the beam splitter (105) and a second reflector (107) located between the beam splitter (105) and the image collecting device (108).

7. The eye imaging system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first optical transmission component further includes at least one set of lenses, the at least one set of lenses including a second lens group (104) and a third lens group (102) located between the illumination source (101) and the beam splitter (105) and a fourth lens group (106) located between the beam splitter (105) and the image collecting device (108), the fourth lens group (106) being movably arranged along its optical axis.

8. The eye imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The eye imaging system also includes a spectacle lens (51) located between the user's eye (50) and the optical combiner (52), or located on the side of the optical combiner (52) away from the user's eye (50).

9. The eye imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The eye imaging system also includes a controller (10), which is electrically connected to the image collection device (108) and the display module. The controller (10) is used to process the images from the image collection device (108) and transmit them to the display module.

10. The eye imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The optical combiner (52) is composed of one waveguide layer or multiple waveguide layers, or the optical combiner (52) is composed of one waveguide layer or multiple waveguide layers and holographic elements or diffractive elements.

11. The eye imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The lighting source (101) includes one of an infrared light source, a visible light source, and a wavelength-adjustable monochromatic light source.

Images