OPHTHALMOSCOPE USING NATURAL PUPIL DILAMINATION

Abstract

Device which includes: a power source; a light source (152) comprising an infrared light source and a light source for visible light, wherein the light source (152) is functionally connected to the power source; an image sensor (162) positioned along a first axis, wherein the light source (152) is arranged either in series or coaxially relative to the image sensor (162); a lens (160) positioned in series along the first axis between the light source (152) and the image sensor (162), with respect to the image sensor (162); and a housing unit comprising a first chamber and a second chamber functionally connected to the power source and to the light source (152), the image sensor (162), or the lens (160), or any combination thereof, and further comprising an opening with an eyepiece for protection against extraneous light, the opening being adjacent to the light source (152) opposite the lens (160) and positioned in a row with respect to the lens (160) along the first axis; and a control unit (12) comprising a processor (16) and a physical storage unit (40) which stores program instructions (42) executable by the processor (16), wherein the program instructions (42) comprise instructions to: by supplying the light source for visible light with current from the power source during a period for emitting (624) visible light, emitting at least two visible light rays successively, wherein the at least two visible light rays have a first visible light ray with a first energy and a second visible light ray with a second energy greater than the first energy; by means of the image sensor (162) to detect a reaction time of pupil constriction in the eye in response to the emission of at least two visible light rays in the first chamber, the second chamber or both chambers (728); to generate a delta report (732) containing data indicating a difference between the measured pupillary constriction response time and an expected pupillary constriction response time; and to output the delta report through an I / O unit (22) (736).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to medical diagnostic units and methods, and in particular to units and methods used in ophthalmoscopy.

[0002] A medical examination of a patient's eyes typically includes an ophthalmoscopic examination, a test performed by a healthcare professional, such as an ophthalmologist or a medical laboratory technician, to examine and observe the fundus (back of the eye). During a typical ophthalmoscopic examination, the healthcare professional uses a chemical agent to dilate the patient's pupil. Complete pupil dilation increases the field of view (FOV), the opening through which the fundus can be viewed, imaged, and examined.Due to this enlarged field of vision, the medical professional is able to examine the anatomical structures inside the eye by visual observation in white light and using various units and imaging techniques, which, according to the current state of the art, would likely yield no or only minimally useful results if the pupils were not fully dilated.

[0003] Pupil dilation is typically induced chemically using eye drops administered by a trained and qualified healthcare professional. After administering the eye drops, the healthcare professional and the patient must wait more than ten minutes for the pupils to fully and sufficiently dilate. The dilated pupils then remain dilated for several hours.

[0004] US Patent 2009 / 0174865A1 discloses a method for examining a person's pupil to determine whether the pupillary reflex resembles a canonical pupillary reflex. The method includes the steps of stimulating the pupil with a stimulus source. The method further includes the steps of using a pupillometer to monitor the pupillary constriction response over a period of time, wherein the step of monitoring the pupillary constriction response begins substantially simultaneously with or immediately after a time 0 and continues for a duration y, and using the pupillometer to collect a plurality of data points, each data point corresponding to a diameter of the pupil at a specific time within the duration y.The procedure further includes the step of generating a pupil data profile by compiling the data points and determining whether one or more conditions are met, wherein the one or more conditions include: (a) there are more than two data points representing the same pupil diameter at three or more separate time points during duration y; (b) there is a first phase of the pupillary reflex response, wherein the first phase is characterized by a period of non-constriction immediately after time 0, and the first phase has a duration of less than approximately 100 ms or more than approximately 1000 ms; (c) if two data points representing the same pupil diameter at two separate time points y1 and y2 during duration y, then the time interval between y1 and y2 is . Y2The pupil dilation time is less than approximately 100 ms, or the pupil diameter increases before constricting during the initial phase of the pupillary reflex. The presence of either of these conditions indicates that the pupillary reflex does not resemble a canonical reflex.

[0005] US Patent 2009 / 0213329A1 discloses approaches for evaluating a patient's pupillary responses. An illustrative method includes alternately exposing the patient's first and second eyes to light stimulation at successive intervals, the light stimulation being provided by at least one light source controlled by at least one computing device; simultaneously acquiring image data of the first and second eyes with at least one imaging device controlled by the at least one computing device during exposure; and using the at least one computing device to: determine a center point of the first eye within the image data of the first eye and a center point of the second eye within the image data of the second eye;Retrieving image data of the first half of the first eye with an edge defined by a line of pixels intersecting the specified center point of the first eye; retrieving image data of the second half of the second eye, wherein the second half of the second eye is opposite the first half of the first eye and has a border defined by a line of pixels intersecting the specified center point of the second eye; generating a composite image containing the image data of the first half of the first eye and the image data of the second half of the second eye; and providing the composite image for evaluation.

[0006] US Patent 2012 / 0008091A1 discloses an approach for evaluating a patient's pupillary responses. The approach involves exposing one of the patient's eyes to flashes of light with different patterns while simultaneously recording the pupillary responses of both eyes to the flashes. At least some of the patterns can be configured to stimulate or not stimulate the macular region of the patient's eye. The solution can also involve reducing one or more non-visual stimuli to which the patient is exposed while the pupillary responses are being elicited and recorded. SUMMARY

[0007] Embodiments of the invention generally relate to ophthalmological units and methods for their operation and application. In the summary description of embodiments of the invention, references are made to the first, second, and third exemplary devices for clarity. It should be obvious to a person skilled in the art that ophthalmological units can be configured in different ways. Therefore, embodiments of the invention are not to be understood as limiting them to the specific arrangements that are summarized below.

[0008] A first exemplary device according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a power source, a light source, an image sensor, a lens, and a housing unit. The light source includes an infrared light source and a visible light source, and the light source is functionally connected to the power source. The image sensor is positioned along a first axis close to the light source, and the light source is arranged either in line with the light source or coaxially with it. The lens is positioned between the light source and the image sensor along the first axis in line with the image sensor. The housing unit can contain the power source, the light source, the image sensor, or the lens, or any combination thereof, and further comprises an opening with an eyepiece for protection against extraneous light.The aperture is located near the light source opposite the lens and is aligned with the lens along the first axis.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first exemplary device further comprises a control unit with a processor and a physical memory unit for storing program instructions executable by the processor. By executing the program instructions, the ophthalmic unit operates as follows: The infrared light source emits infrared light towards the aperture for a specified period by supplying the infrared light source with current from the power source. The image sensor receives a reflection of the infrared light. By analyzing the received reflection of the infrared light, the image sensor detects an image of the eye. By analyzing the detected image of the eye, the image sensor measures the pupil dilation of the eye. The processor determines that the pupil has dilated by a first amount that is greater than or equal to a predetermined dilation measurement value.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the first exemplary device is caused to operate as follows by executing the program instructions. The visible light source emits at least two visible light beams successively during a visible light emission period by supplying the visible light source with current from the power source. The at least two visible light beams comprise a first visible light beam with a first energy and a second visible light beam with a second energy that is greater than the first energy.

[0011] According to one embodiment, in the first exemplary device, the period for emitting visible light is longer than zero and shorter than or equal to 200 milliseconds. According to another embodiment, each of the at least two visible light beams is emitted for an equal fraction of the visible light emission period.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first exemplary device comprises an input / output (I / O) unit, and by executing the program instructions, the device is further caused to operate as follows. The image sensor detects the pupillary constriction response time of the eye in response to the emission of at least two visible light beams. The processor generates a delta report with data indicating the difference between the measured pupillary constriction response time and an expected pupillary constriction response time. The delta report is output by the I / O unit.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the first exemplary device has an input / output (I / O) unit, and by executing the program instructions, the device is further caused to operate as follows. The infrared light source emits an infrared light beam. The image sensor receives a reflection of each of the at least two infrared light beams. The I / O unit outputs one or more images of the received reflection of each of the at least two infrared light beams.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the first exemplary device, the image sensor is located coaxially to the light source, and the device further comprises a mirror arranged along the first axis in line with the image sensor and the lens, and along a second axis in line with the light source. The first axis is perpendicular to the second axis.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second exemplary device comprises a housing unit. The housing unit contains a first chamber and a second chamber, which are functionally connected to one or more power sources. Both the first and second chambers contain a light source and an image sensor, a lens, and an aperture. The light source comprises an infrared light source and a visible light source. The light source is functionally connected to a power source. The image sensor is arranged along a first axis close to the light source. The light source is arranged either in line with the light source or coaxially with it. The lens is arranged along the first axis between the light source and the image sensor, in line with the image sensor. The aperture has an eyepiece to protect against extraneous light.The aperture is located near the light source opposite the lens and is aligned with the lens along the first axis.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second exemplary device comprises at least one control unit with a processor and a physical storage unit for storing program instructions executable by the processor. Execution of the program instructions causes the second exemplary device to operate as follows: Corresponding infrared light sources in the first chamber and the second chamber emit infrared light toward the opening for a period of time by supplying the infrared light source with current from the power source. Corresponding image sensors in the first chamber and the second chamber receive a reflection of the infrared light. Corresponding image sensors in the first chamber and the second chamber detect an image of an eye by analyzing the received reflection of the infrared light.Corresponding image sensors in the first and second chambers measure the pupil dilation of the eye by analyzing the detected image. The processor determines for each chamber that the pupil has dilated by an initial amount greater than or equal to a predefined dilation measurement value.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second exemplary device is caused to operate as follows by executing its program instructions. One or both visible light sources of the first chamber or the second chamber, respectively, emit at least two visible light beams successively in a chamber during a period of time for emitting visible light by supplying the visible light source with current from the power source. The at least two light beams comprise a first visible light beam with a first energy and a second visible light beam with a second energy that is greater than the first energy.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the period for emitting visible light in the second exemplary device is longer than zero and shorter than or equal to 200 milliseconds. According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the at least two visible light beams is emitted during an equal fraction of the period for emitting visible light.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second exemplary device further comprises an input / output (I / O) unit. By executing the program instructions of the second exemplary device, it is caused to operate as follows: The image sensor detects the pupillary constriction response time to the emission of at least two visible light beams in the first chamber, the second chamber, or both chambers. A delta report is generated. The delta report contains data indicating the difference between the measured pupillary constriction response time and an expected pupillary constriction response time. The delta report is output by the I / O unit.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second exemplary device further comprises an input / output (I / O) unit, and by executing the program instructions, the second exemplary device is caused to operate as follows. The image sensor of the first chamber detects the pupillary constriction response time of the eye positioned at the opening of the first chamber in response to the emission of at least two visible light beams in the first chamber. The emission of the at least two visible light beams occurs during the visible light emission period exclusively for the first chamber. A delta report is generated. The delta report contains data indicating a difference between the measured pupillary constriction response time of the eye in the first chamber and the measured pupillary constriction response time of the eye in the second chamber. The delta report is output by the I / O unit.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit in the second exemplary device further comprises an input / output (I / O) unit, and by executing the instructions of the second exemplary device, it is caused to operate as follows. Corresponding infrared light sources in the first chamber and the second chamber emit an infrared light beam. Corresponding image sensors in the first chamber and the second chamber receive a reflection from each of the at least two infrared light beams. The I / O unit outputs one or more images of the received reflection of each of the at least two infrared light beams in the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, a third exemplary device comprises a pair of light-emitting units, an aperture or a pair of apertures, a pair of image sensors, and a pair of lenses. The pair of light-emitting units is configured to emit light onto a pair of target eyes. The light includes infrared light and visible light. The aperture or the pair of apertures is configured to be coupled to the pair of target eyes to prevent extraneous light from outside the device from reaching the pair of target eyes. The pair of image sensors serves to receive the light reflected from the pair of target eyes. The pair of lenses serves to focus the light reflected from the pair of target eyes onto the pair of image sensors.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the third exemplary device further includes a control unit for irradiating the pair of target eyes with a plurality of successively increasingly energetic light beams within a period of time.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, an exemplary method for examining a pair of target eyes of a patient using an exemplary apparatus comprises the following steps. In the method, the pair of target eyes is covered with a pair of eyepieces of the apparatus to shield against extraneous light. Covering includes bringing the pair of eyepieces into contact with the patient's face. The method includes monitoring the pupil dilation of the pair of target eyes while the pair of eyepieces is in contact with the patient's face, and furthermore, emitting infrared light onto the pair of target eyes by a pair of light sources of the apparatus based on this monitoring. The method also includes detecting infrared light reflected in response to the emission of infrared light by the pair of target eyes using a pair of image sensors of the apparatus.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the exemplary method, the monitoring step includes detecting whether the pupils of the pair of target eyes have reached their maximum possible dilation.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the exemplary method further comprises the step of selectively emitting at least two visible light beams, each from one of the light sources, onto the pair of target eyes during a period of time for emitting visible light by supplying the light source with current from a power source. The at least two light beams comprise a first visible light beam with a first energy and a second visible light beam with a second energy that is greater than the first energy.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the exemplary method also includes receiving images of the first eye and the second eye. Furthermore, the method includes measuring the pupillary constriction reaction time in the first eye relative to the pupillary constriction in the second eye of the target pair, based on the received images. The method also includes generating a delta report containing data indicating the difference between the measured pupillary constriction reaction times in the first eye and the second eye. The method also includes outputting the difference message via an I / O unit of the device.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the exemplary method the period for emitting visible light is longer than zero and shorter than or equal to 200 milliseconds.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the exemplary method, emitting at least one light beam for each individual spectral color of visible light selectively through one of the light sources onto a first eye in the pair of target eyes successively comprises an emission with the lowest possible energy up to the highest possible energy.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the exemplary method the pupil dilation is less than 100% at least during a portion of the period for emitting visible light. Brief description of the different drawing views

[0031] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 a diagram of an environment 100 for medical diagnostics with a user 110 and an ophthalmological unit 150 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2. An excerpt from the diagram of the environment 100 for medical diagnostics of Fig. 1 is, which contains selected components arranged in a series of at least one chamber of the ophthalmic unit 150 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3. An excerpt from the diagram of the environment 100 for medical diagnostics of Fig. 1 is, which contains coaxially arranged selected components of at least one chamber of the ophthalmic unit 150 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4. An excerpt of the diagram of a two-chamber arrangement of the environment 100 for medical diagnostics according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is, which contains selected components of the ophthalmological unit 150 arranged in series according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5. An excerpt of the diagram of a two-chamber arrangement of the environment 100 for medical diagnostics according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 is, which contains coaxially arranged selected components of the ophthalmic unit 150 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6A a flowchart of a procedure for applying the ophthalmological unit according to the Fig. 1 to 3 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6B a flowchart of a procedure for applying the ophthalmological unit according to the Fig. 1 to 3 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6C a flowchart of a procedure for applying the ophthalmic unit according to the Fig. 1 to 3 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7A a flowchart of a procedure for applying the ophthalmological unit according to the Fig. 1 and 4 to 5 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7B a flowchart of a procedure for applying the ophthalmological unit according to the Fig. 1 and 4 to 5 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7C a flowchart of a procedure for applying the ophthalmic unit according to the Fig. 1 and 4 to 5 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7D a flowchart of a procedure for applying the ophthalmic unit according to the Fig. 1 and 4 to 5 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 8 is a block diagram of a cloud computing node (data processing unit) that is integrated into the ophthalmological unit according to the Fig. 1 to 5 may be included or functionally connected to them in order to facilitate the procedures of Fig. 6A to C and 7A to D according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 9 is a block diagram of a cloud computing environment, showing the cloud computing nodes according to Fig. 8 according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 10. A block diagram of the functional layers of the cloud computing environment according to Fig. 9 according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Current ophthalmological equipment and procedures have several significant medical and practical drawbacks. The fact is that patients and healthcare professionals must live with the disadvantages of these practices, and it is known that millions of people worldwide simply cannot access proper treatment. This is primarily because there is no known alternative to foregoing the examination altogether or performing other tests that provide only limited benefit and incomplete results.

[0033] For embodiments of the invention, at least four categories of problems in this field can be mentioned: (1) triggering pupil dilation, (2) parallel examination, (3) synchronicity and (4) mobility and scalability.

[0034] Induction of pupil dilation. Chemically induced pupil dilation is uncomfortable for the patient for an extended period. The patient's eyes remain dilated longer than necessary for the ophthalmological examination. While the pupils are dilated, the patient may experience blurred vision and suffer from stinging pain, increased intraocular pressure, redness, inflammation, and light sensitivity. The patient may even have to wear cumbersome protective goggles to shield their eyes from daylight.

[0035] In practice, chemically induced pupil dilation is associated with inconveniences for both the patient and the healthcare professional. The procedure restricts the patient's activities after the examination (for example, the patient cannot drive or read). Therefore, the patient must take a day off work or reschedule an appointment by a few hours (making their schedule inflexible). The healthcare professional and their practice may be affected, as they prefer to schedule appointments throughout the day rather than just in the afternoon. Furthermore, only qualified healthcare professionals are authorized to administer mydriatics (pupil-dilating eye drops). This geographically limits access to locations where trained healthcare professionals are physically present and available to administer the mydriatic.Furthermore, the patient's pupils take more than ten minutes to fully dilate, forcing healthcare professionals to administer the dilating agent significantly earlier than the examination can begin. This prolongs the appointment for both the healthcare professional and the patient, preventing the healthcare professional from giving the patient sufficient attention and examining as many patients. While the pupils dilate, the patient receives no care, and the healthcare professional provides no support; both simply wait. During the examination, the examination room must remain dark to allow the patient to adjust to the increased sensitivity to visible light. Working and moving around in a dark room is difficult for both the patient and the healthcare professional.

[0036] Furthermore, current examination procedures require full pupil dilation, and quantitative diagnosis of ocular behavior during constriction cannot be performed if the pupil is less than 100% dilated. This is because the primary purpose of these procedures and units is to examine the fundus (back of the eye). Full pupil dilation is considered ideal for fundus examination because it provides the largest field of view. With an imaging unit capturing an image of the fundus of any size, the area of ​​interest in the image may be larger the more dilated the pupils are.

[0037] Parallel examination. Current ophthalmoscopic procedures, including multispectral imaging, measure eye behavior and pupillary dilation and constriction sequentially. For example, current multispectral imaging tools are used to examine only one eye at a time. Simultaneous examination of both eyes of a patient is not performed because its advantages are neither recognized nor acknowledged according to the current state of the art. In fact, setting up a unit to perform simultaneous examinations is considered a disadvantage according to the current state of the art because it would require doubling the examination infrastructure. The cost argument alone is sufficient to prevent simultaneous examination of both eyes using such units, as no advantages are seen in doing so according to the current state of the art.

[0038] Synchronicity. Current ophthalmological examination units do not use visible light rays acting asymmetrically or asynchronously on a patient's eyes.

[0039] Asynchronous pupillary constriction in one eye in response to stimulation of the other eye with visible light can indicate various disorders in the first eye, the second eye, or both eyes, or in other parts of the optical system involved in the simultaneous pupillary dilation and constriction response. When the first eye, with a dilated pupil, is stimulated with a visible light beam, the pupil will constrict. In a healthy individual, constriction of the first eye in response to the stimulus results in simultaneous pupillary constriction in the second eye, even if the second eye is not directly stimulated. Pronounced cases of asynchronous pupillary constriction can be qualitatively detected through visual examination, but require specially trained medical professionals, often an ophthalmologist, to identify them.A weak but significant lack of synchronicity, however, cannot be detected by visual examination. This severely limits patient treatment, as early detection becomes impossible. If the diagnosis is ultimately made through manual examination, more serious symptoms, more severe complications, and fewer available treatment options will result. It is to be expected that any treatment option will be less effective than if the condition had been diagnosed earlier.

[0040] Furthermore, even when manually observing asynchronous pupillary constriction, a specially trained medical professional is only a qualitative assessment. Humans are not capable of quantitatively evaluating temporally asynchronous pupillary constriction (e.g., in milliseconds).

[0041] Mobility and scalability. While advances are regularly made in ophthalmology, the limitations outlined above regarding the current state of the art in ophthalmic examination procedures and units mean that these procedures cannot easily be performed and applied outside of a stationary medical setting. Aside from the controversial examination techniques, a patient must travel to an ophthalmologist's office for such an examination. Logistically, this means that even patients with more affluent means often have to wait months for an appointment with a reputable specialist. For most people on earth, regular visits to an ophthalmologist are a luxury. It is clear that the current model of ophthalmic care is neither mobile nor scalable.

[0042] Accordingly, there is a considerable unrecognized and unmet need to overcome these and other limitations according to the prior art. Some embodiments of the invention can provide solutions for one or more of these requirements.

[0043] In general, embodiments of the invention provide ophthalmological examination units and methods for their operation and use. With some of these ophthalmological units, pupil dilation can be triggered naturally, and both eyes can be examined simultaneously but asynchronously if necessary. However, it is clear to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the invention need not necessarily include elements that satisfy every one of these considerations, nor do they necessarily have to meet all of these requirements to overcome the threshold of novelty and obviousness. The invention is defined by the claims.

[0044] An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a portable unit, for example, protective goggles or a mask, or a mounted unit attached to the floor or table, or a mobile examination unit, which comes into contact with a patient's face by covering one or both of the patient's eyes, and optionally a structure surrounding the face to trigger natural pupil dilation. Using a combination of an infrared light source and a visible light source, and employing various configurations and methods for emitting light beams from these light sources, embodiments of the invention utilize image sensors to detect the condition of the patient's eyes and their responses to stimuli in order to detect abnormalities and diagnose diseases.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ophthalmological unit is configured to exchange data with a cloud-based software service to provide medical diagnoses and medical recommendations, particularly in geographical environments where conventional ophthalmological facilities, units and procedures are only available to a limited extent.

[0046] According to this embodiment, in which the unit is portable (e.g., protective goggles or a portable mask), the unit can be deployed in homes, remote locations, and even outdoors where ophthalmic care is difficult to provide or not readily available. Patient care and the service area are significantly improved.

[0047] Embodiments of the invention will now be discussed in conjunction with the figures. The figures illustrate exemplary and alternative embodiments of the invention, which are not to be understood as limitations. Before discussing each figure in detail, a general overview of some of the figures will be given. This general overview will inform those skilled in the art about the problems according to the prior art, how to recognize and apply the specific solutions provided by the invention, and the results that can be achieved.

[0048] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates, as an overview, a general examination environment with a user (also referred to as a patient) and an exemplary ophthalmic unit. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates how the ophthalmic unit can be shaped (by means of one or more openings) to make contact with the patient and cover the patient's eyes, preventing external light rays (i.e., light rays emitted from a light source outside the ophthalmic unit) from reaching the patient's eye. This mechanism shields the eyes and triggers natural pupil dilation without the need for mydriatics. The in Fig. The ophthalmic unit shown can have at least one or at least two chambers. In the two-chamber configuration, each chamber accommodates one eye to be examined.

[0049] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates exemplary arrangements of the various internal components of a single chamber of the ophthalmic unit of Fig. 1. That is, each chamber of the ophthalmological unit can accommodate any of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 provided arrangement.

[0050] The Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the exemplary two-chamber arrangements of the ophthalmological unit of Fig. 1. In each chamber of the two-chamber arrangement of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 could be one of the ones in the Fig. 2 and Fig. The three provided individual chambers are used. These arrangements can be mixed and adapted to each other in the two-chamber configuration.

[0051] The Fig. Sections 6A to C and 7A to D are flowcharts of exemplary procedures performed by the ophthalmological unit of Fig. Use 1.

[0052] Fig. Figure 8 shows an example cloud computing node (data processing unit) that performs various data processing functions and operations of the ophthalmological unit of Fig. 1 executes and coordinates. In the data processing unit of Fig. 8. This can be a control chip (or any other suitable unit) that is functionally connected to the ophthalmic unit. For example, it can be a data processing chip that is housed within a chamber of the ophthalmic unit or functionally connected to it. Alternatively, the data processing unit can be integrated into individual components of the ophthalmic unit. For example, the data processing unit (including, for example, its processor) can be identical to or a component of one or more image sensors of the ophthalmic unit.

[0053] The Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 illustrates aspects of a cloud computing environment and its functional layers for providing medical diagnostic and analytical services. The ophthalmological unit of Fig. 1. The device can be connected to the cloud environment to transfer captured images and enable the cloud service to perform image analysis, medical diagnostic analysis, or any other type of analysis that may be required. Alternatively, some or all of these functions can be performed locally in the ophthalmology unit, and the results can be transferred to the cloud service.

[0054] Following this general overview of the figures, embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with direct reference to the figures.

[0055] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram of a medical diagnostic environment 100 with a user (also referred to as a "patient") and an ophthalmic unit 150 according to one embodiment of the invention. The medical diagnostic environment 100 can be, for example, an outdoor space or an indoor space such as a room in a hospital or outpatient clinic, or any other geographical area where the user 110 is located. It is clear to those skilled in the art that features of at least some embodiments of the invention make it possible to set up the ophthalmic unit 150 in temporary operating rooms or even in a patient's home.

[0056] Referring again to Fig. 1. According to one embodiment of the invention, the ophthalmic unit 150 can be a wearable protective goggle, a device mounted on the floor or table, or otherwise configured to be brought into contact with the patient's face in order to take images of the patient's eyes. The ophthalmic unit 150 comprises one or more chambers and has one or more openings on a side 180 facing the patient. The patient-facing side 180 of the ophthalmic unit 150 is equipped with one or more components for shielding against extraneous light. According to one embodiment, the extraneous light shield component can include a padded or rubber strip that is adapted to or attached to the edge of the patient-facing side 180.The patient-facing side 180 and / or the extraneous light shielding components can be curved or otherwise shaped to conform to the patient's face. The patient-facing side 180 or the extraneous light shielding components can be shaped to fit the face such that, when the patient's face is placed against the patient-facing side 180, the extraneous light shielding components completely or substantially completely protect the patient's eyes from extraneous light. According to one embodiment, the patient-facing side 180 can have two openings, each with an eyepiece attached to it. These eyepieces can resemble protective goggles or eyepieces used in microscopes, compact cameras, ski goggles, and virtual reality headsets.Such eyepieces can be shaped to fit the eye socket or an area on the patient's head. Any technique known to the art can be used to achieve the desired effect, i.e., to completely or substantially protect the patient's eyes from extraneous light. "Substantially protect" means that no extraneous light rays reach the patient's eye(s) to prevent the pupil from constricting by more than a threshold factor. The threshold factor can be user-defined, preset, or adjustable (e.g., by a technician or an ophthalmologist).

[0057] According to embodiments in which the ophthalmic unit 150 is a mobile, portable unit, a fastening device can be attached to the opening 180 or another part of the ophthalmic unit 150 to secure the device to the patient's head. This arrangement can be particularly ideal in embodiments of the invention in which the ophthalmic unit 150 has a low profile and low weight. This arrangement can be set up easily and inexpensively in temporary operating rooms or outdoors.

[0058] By closing off a patient's eyes, the pupils can dilate naturally. This natural process of triggering pupil dilation eliminates the need to administer mydriatics and avoids their negative side effects and disadvantages. For example, using the Ophthalmological Unit 150, maximum natural dilation can be induced without darkening the environment. This makes it possible to use the Ophthalmological Unit in well-lit rooms or outdoors. Furthermore, the natural pupil dilation can be triggered by the patient themselves or by another person, and the patient does not need to rely on a medical professional or travel to a medical facility.Healthcare providers or medical professionals can provide remote or automated diagnostic services to patients, especially if they live in remote or underserved areas or have little or no direct access to healthcare facilities or medical professionals.

[0059] The ophthalmic unit 150 can be functionally combined with a (not shown) control unit with a processor or other components in conjunction with Fig. The ophthalmic unit 150 can be connected to the components described in section 8. The ophthalmic unit 150 can accommodate the control unit. The control unit or the ophthalmic unit can also include one or more input / output (I / O) units for exchanging data with one or more users (including the patient or healthcare professional) or other systems. For example, the I / O units can include a digital display, a wireless transmitter and receiver (for example, a Bluetooth component), a power cable, a data recording unit, a storage unit (for example, an SD memory card), or any other I / O unit known in the art. According to one embodiment, the ophthalmic unit 150 can exchange data with a medical cloud environment to provide medical services in the form of software analysis. These embodiments are described in conjunction with the Fig. 8 to 10 discussed in detail.

[0060] Users, such as a patient or healthcare professional, can operate the Ophthalmic Unit 150 using a mechanism known in the art, including, but not limited to, a control panel functionally connected to the Ophthalmic Unit 150 (e.g., attached to a surface of the device) or a software application (e.g., a mobile application). Additionally, the Ophthalmic Unit 150 can be remotely controlled via a cloud-based service provider. The controls can be used to start, pause, stop, repeat, or otherwise control the unit's functions.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ophthalmic unit 150 has dimensions of 125 mm (W) x 200 mm (L) x 110 mm (H), with the patient-facing side being 200 mm long (although the eyepiece or respective fitting for the eye / orbit may be smaller or larger). Various surfaces may be curved or otherwise shaped to meet technical and aesthetic requirements. These dimensions are only examples.

[0062] Fig. 2 is a partial view of the medical diagnostic environment 100 of Fig. 1, comprising at least one chamber of the ophthalmic unit 150 arranged in a series according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0063] The at least one chamber of the ophthalmic unit 150 can be a component of a larger housing unit. For better illustration of embodiments of the invention, the housing unit and the at least one chamber are shown in Fig. 2 not explicitly shown. The at least one chamber contains a power source, a light source 152, an image sensor 162, and a lens 160. This arrangement is for illustrative purposes only, and other arrangements are possible. For example, the power source need not be located within the at least one chamber or within the housing unit. Furthermore, it is described that various components are located within the at least one chamber; however, it is clear to those skilled in the art that these components can be positioned differently to achieve the same results.

[0064] The power source can be any energy source known in technology, such as a battery pack, a power cable that can be plugged into a wall socket, or any other power source that generates sufficient electrical current to operate the light source 152 and the image sensor 162. The term power source generally refers to any component in the ophthalmic unit that generates current and is functionally connected to electrical loads. The power source or other components of the unit can be controlled by a control unit to supply current to the light source 152 or to one or more of the individual emitters within the light source 152.

[0065] The light source 152 can be an array of one or more light-emitting units emitting infrared light, visible light, or both. For example, the light source 152 can include one or more light sources for emitting visible light and one or more infrared light sources. Each of these light sources can be a light-emitting diode (LED). For example, the LEDs for visible light could each be 1.5 x 1.6 mm RGB LEDs. The LEDs can be positioned in one or more arrays mounted on a substrate. The LEDs can be positioned such that the substrate blocks prevent light rays from propagating in an undesired direction. For example, the LEDs can be positioned in a row such that the substrate faces the side of the image sensor 160 on the unit housing, thus preventing light rays from being emitted directly toward the image sensor.Otherwise, these light rays could interfere with light rays reflected from the patient's eye. If necessary, LEDs can be provided to emit infrared and visible light at different wavelengths, frequencies, or photon energies.

[0066] The light source 152 according to embodiments of the invention can emit infrared light rays and visible light rays during different time periods, overlapping time periods, or one and the same time period. According to some embodiments in which the light source 152 emits visible light rays, it emits at least two visible light rays with increasing energy intensity. The energy intensity can be a function of the wavelength, frequency, or photon energy of the visible light rays. For example, a green LED can emit a light beam with a wavelength of approximately 495 to 570 nm, an energy of approximately 526 to 6 THz, and a photon energy of 2.17 to 2.50 eV. The property of increasing (or rising) the energy intensity is equivalent to the process of increasing the photon energy or the process of decreasing (falling or lowering) the wavelength.The property of decreasing (or diminishing) energy intensity is equivalent to the process of decreasing (increasing or enlarging) wavelength.

[0067] In contrast to the prior art, the selectability of the light source 152 and its structure and arrangement, as described above, enable various novel processes, including: extensive magnification of the fundus's field of view during visible light emission (leading to an expansion of the captured fundus images); and simultaneous imaging with visible and infrared light. This latter advantage not only saves time but also allows for the simultaneous examination of the pupillary reflex to diagnose diseases indicated by observations of the pupillary reflex.

[0068] These novel processes are based on at least the following principle: The stepwise emission of visible light rays with increasing energy intensities causes a controlled and gradual constriction of the pupil. The degree of pupil constriction typically depends on the energy intensity of the visible light rays; the higher the energy of the light ray, the stronger and more pronounced the pupillary constriction. One goal of some ophthalmoscopic techniques is to obtain images of the fundus at various wavelengths of visible and infrared light with the largest possible field of view (through the pupil opening). However, since the pupil constricts in visible light, existing methods provide only inadequate images (i.e., the internal structures of the fundus are not captured as well as possible).For example, if the eye is first illuminated with green light, the pupil reacts with maximum constriction, thereby restricting the field of view available for imaging the fundus using infrared light. Because the pupil constricts so extremely, it also becomes impossible to measure minute changes in the expected constriction pattern in the range between minimum and maximum constriction (or maximum and minimum dilation).

[0069] Therefore, according to some embodiments of the invention, the emission of visible light rays and infrared light rays by the light source 152 can occur simultaneously. That is, while the infrared light rays strike the eye (and while reflections of the infrared light ray are recorded by the image sensor 16), the same occurs with the visible light rays. In this way, the ophthalmoscopic unit 150 can simultaneously image structures of the fundus and measure pupillary reflexes. Since the emission of visible light occurs gradually and with increasing energy intensity, the effect of visible light on the pupillary reflex is also minimized at every moment during the imaging using infrared light.For example, if a visible light beam with high energy (and not in steps) were used instead, the pupil would constrict unnecessarily, thereby reducing the opening through which images of the internal structures and surfaces of the fundus could be taken using infrared light.

[0070] Furthermore, the light source 152 is according to Fig. 2 functionally connected to the power source to selectively power one or more individual LEDs as needed. In the embodiment shown, the light source 152 is positioned in a row along a first axis that runs horizontally along the x-axis of the device, with respect to the user-facing side of the device and with respect to the other components described below. Alternatively, the light source 152 can be positioned coaxially with respect to the image sensor 162 (this alternative arrangement is shown in Fig. (as shown in Figure 3). According to one embodiment, the light source 152 can generally emit an infrared light beam with a wavelength of approximately 900 nm and a series of visible light beams with wavelengths of approximately 548 nm, 586 nm, 610 nm and 660 nm.

[0071] The image sensor 162 can be any image source known in the art, capable of detecting, among other things, reflections of visible and infrared light. According to one embodiment, it is an electronic monochromatic CMOS sensor with an image area of ​​3.9 x 2.5 mm, capable of capturing 120 individual images per second with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. The image sensor 162 can be positioned along the first axis, i.e., the x-axis, close to the light source 152. The light source 152 can be arranged in a row ( Fig. 2) or coaxial ( Fig. 3) be positioned in relation to it.

[0072] The lens 160 is positioned between the light source 152 and the image sensor 160, along the first axis, i.e., the x-axis, in a row relative to the image sensor 160. According to one embodiment, the lens 160 can be a lens with a focal length of 3.5 mm and eight individual lenses with an anti-reflective coating. When the light source 152 emits (visible or infrared) light rays, the light rays are reflected within the device and illuminate the patient's eyes. The reflected light rays pass through the lens 160 and are focused onto the image sensor 160, which can then capture an image of the patient's eyes illuminated with visible or infrared light.

[0073] The first chamber contains a (not shown) housing unit which may include one or more of the components listed above, i.e. a power source, a light source, a lens or any combination thereof, and which further includes an aperture with an eyepiece to protect against extraneous light, the aperture being positioned along the first axis near the light source opposite the lens and in line with the lens.

[0074] Fig. 3 is a partial diagram of the medical-diagnostic environment 100 of Fig. 1, which contains selected components of at least one chamber of the ophthalmic unit 150, which are arranged coaxially according to one embodiment of the invention. Identically designated elements of the at least one chamber are those associated with Fig. 2 described are similar except for the fact that the in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 also includes a mirror 156. In this arrangement, the mirror 156 is positioned in a line with respect to the image sensor 162, the lens 160, and the opening on the patient-facing side of the device. The light source 152 is positioned below the mirror 156 along a second axis, i.e., the y-axis. This arrangement is referred to as coaxial. According to one embodiment, the mirror 156 is a 25 mm (5 x 5 mm) surface mirror positioned at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the light source 152. When the light source 152 is energized, it emits light rays that strike the mirror and are deflected toward the opening of the device on the patient-facing side. The light rays strike the patient's eye(s) 112 and are reflected back by them.

[0075] Fig. Figure 4 is a partial diagram of a two-chamber arrangement of the medical-diagnostic environment 100 of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, which contains selected components of the ophthalmic unit 150, arranged in a series according to one embodiment of the invention. The components in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The two components shown and labeled are arranged in two adjacent chambers, each with an opening on the patient-facing side of the ophthalmic unit 150. The two adjacent chambers can also be referred to as a first chamber and a second chamber.

[0076] Through the in Fig. The two-chamber arrangement shown in Figure 4 can trigger pupil dilation in both eyes of the patient, i.e., patient 110, simultaneously, and the arrangement further allows for asynchronous and separate emission of light rays to the patient's eyes. For example, visible light rays from light source 152 can be directed to a first eye without directing visible light rays to a second eye.

[0077] The in Fig. The ophthalmic unit 150 shown in section 4 can be used in conjunction with Fig. The ophthalmological unit 150 can be operated in the manner described in section 8 to carry out one or more methods according to embodiments of the invention. More precisely, the control unit (or other components) of the ophthalmological unit 150 can include a processor and a physical storage unit for storing program instructions executable by the processor.

[0078] Fig. Figure 5 is a partial diagram of a two-chamber arrangement of the medical-diagnostic environment 100 of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, which contains selected components of the ophthalmic unit 150, arranged coaxially according to one embodiment of the invention. The coaxial arrangement represents an alternative to the arrangement described in Fig. The row arrangement shown in the 4 is represented. Fig. 1 and Fig. The two components shown and labeled are arranged in two adjacent chambers, each with an opening on the patient-facing side of the ophthalmic unit 150. The two adjacent chambers can also be referred to as a first chamber and a second chamber.

[0079] The in Fig. The two-chamber arrangement shown in Figure 5 allows simultaneous pupil dilation in both eyes of the patient, i.e., user 110, and furthermore, asynchronous and separate emission of light beams to the patient's eyes. For example, visible light beams from the light source 152 can be directed to one eye without also directing visible light beams to a second eye.

[0080] The in Fig. The ophthalmic unit 150 shown in section 5 can be used in conjunction with Fig. The ophthalmological unit 150 can be operated and controlled in the manner described in section 8 to carry out one or more methods according to embodiments of the invention. More precisely, the control unit (or other components) of the ophthalmological unit 150 can include a processor and a physical storage unit for storing program instructions executable by the processor.

[0081] With general reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The ophthalmic unit 150 may contain a pair of light-emitting units (light sources 152) that serve to emit a beam of light onto a pair of target eyes (of the user). The beam of light may be infrared light or visible light. The ophthalmic unit contains an aperture or a pair of apertures 180 ( Fig. 1) which are coupled to the pair of aiming eyes to prevent extraneous light from outside the device from reaching the pair of aiming eyes. A pair of image sensors 162 serves to capture light reflected from the pair of aiming eyes. A pair of lenses 160 serves to focus light reflected from the pair of aiming eyes onto the pair of image sensors 162. A control unit serves to gradually illuminate the pair of aiming eyes with a plurality of increasingly higher-energy light beams over a period of time.

[0082] The following will now refer to the Fig. Sections 6A to C and 7A to D refer to exemplary procedures for operating various components of the ophthalmic unit 150 (the ophthalmic unit 150 and its components are used in conjunction with the Fig. 1 to 5 described). This includes procedures for operating a single-chamber arrangement and a two-chamber arrangement.

[0083] Fig. Figure 6A is a flowchart of a method 500 for applying an ophthalmological unit according to an embodiment of the invention. The method can be, for example, carried out by the steps described in the Fig. The procedures shown in 2 to 3 of the ophthalmic unit 150 are carried out by executing program instructions of the procedure by the processor of the control unit of the ophthalmic unit 150. The procedure 600 can be performed by operating a first chamber ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) of the two chambers of the (in the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. The steps of method 600 (as shown in Figure 5) can be performed in the ophthalmic unit 150 without necessarily operating a second chamber simultaneously or in the same manner. Although the steps of method 600 are listed in a specific order, they can be performed in any order suitable for the desired application. Therefore, the specified order should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the invention to the specified order.

[0084] The method 600 is now described according to an embodiment of the invention with reference to the Fig. Operations 1 to 3 and 6A are carried out by a processor of the ophthalmic unit 150, which executes program instructions stored in a physical memory unit of the ophthalmic unit 150. The execution of various program instructions enables the operation of the different components of the ophthalmic unit 150.

[0085] Before performing the procedure 600, an opening 180 of the ophthalmic unit 150 is brought into contact with the user 110, i.e., a patient, such that the opening completely or substantially covers at least the patient's eye(s) and / or eye socket(s). This process triggers the patient's natural response to darkness, causing the patient's pupils to dilate naturally. Complete natural dilation typically occurs within a few minutes, which is significantly faster than with chemically induced pupil dilation.

[0086] The procedure 600 can be started manually (e.g. by pressing a button) or automatically (by detecting darkness at the opening 180 or by another sensor technology that detects that the patient is coming into contact with the opening 180).

[0087] For example, the image sensor 162 can monitor the amount of light reflected within the ophthalmic unit 150. The ophthalmic unit 150 can start the procedure 600 if the illumination conditions detected by the image sensor 162 match a start criterion.

[0088] At a point after startup, the processor of the ophthalmic unit 150 causes the power source to supply power to the infrared light source (in one embodiment, this is a component of a single light source unit or a separate light source) of the light source 152. Once the infrared light source is supplied with power, it emits (step 604) infrared light for a period of time in the direction of the aperture 180 (to strike the patient's eye) (in one embodiment, this lasts 30 seconds). The infrared light rays emitted during this period strike the patient's eye and illuminate the eye and the fundus (with infrared light). The infrared light rays are then reflected back into the ophthalmic unit 150.

[0089] The image sensor 162 receives the reflected infrared light (step 608). According to one embodiment, the reflected infrared light rays are collimated by the mirror 160 to improve image quality before being received by the image sensor 162. The image sensor 162 stores the reflected infrared light as a sequence of images and / or as a video sequence.

[0090] The image sensor 162 measures (step 616) the pupil dilation in the eye by analyzing the detected image of the eye. Measuring pupil dilation involves measuring the pupil diameter in the eye at one predetermined time; and measuring the pupil diameter at another time. The two measured pupil diameters are compared. If the pupil diameter of the first measurement is smaller than the pupil diameter of the second measurement, the pupil has dilated. If the pupil diameter of the second measurement is smaller than the pupil diameter of the first measurement, the pupil has constricted.

[0091] The processor of the ophthalmic unit 150 determines (step 620) whether the pupil has dilated (if at all) by an initial amount greater than a predefined dilation measurement value or has remained constant. This can be done by repeatedly illuminating the patient's eye for a specific duration (e.g., 30 seconds), with the processor monitoring the output value of the image sensor 162 to determine the degree of pupil dilation. During monitoring, the processor checks whether the pupil dilation has reached a desired value (e.g., full dilation or another degree of dilation).

[0092] The specified pupil dilation measurement can be an absolute or a relative value, with the most suitable value being chosen for each individual patient. For example, the size of a fully dilated pupil can vary from one patient (or patient group) to another. The same applies to human pupils compared to animal pupils. Therefore, a single universal value for full pupil dilation is unlikely to be ideal. To allow a user to define a specific dilation measurement value, the Ophthalmological Unit 150 can continuously illuminate the eye until the desired pupil dilation value is detected for the patient in question.

[0093] Light source 152 can emit at least two visible light beams sequentially during a period of time by exciting the visible light source with the power source. The at least two visible light beams consist of a first visible light beam with a first energy and a second visible light beam with a second energy greater than the first. For example, a red LED can be switched on first, since red light has a relatively long wavelength, a relatively low frequency, and a relatively low photon energy. The one or more additional LEDs of a different color, for example, orange, yellow, green, etc., are switched on sequentially in descending order of wavelength and increasing order of frequency and photon energy.

[0094] The described process for emitting visible light (step 624) utilizes the pupillary reflex, whereby the pupil constricts in response to visible light radiation. Visible light rays fall on the target eye and trigger a pupillary constriction reflex.

[0095] According to one embodiment of the invention, the period for emitting visible light (step 624) is longer than zero and shorter than or equal to 200 milliseconds.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the at least two visible light rays is emitted during an equal proportion of the period for emitting visible light (step 624).

[0097] Fig. 6B is a flowchart of additional steps of procedure 600 ( Fig. 6A) for the application of an ophthalmological unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0098] Referring to the Fig. 1 to 3 and 6A and 6B, the image sensor 162 now detects (step 628) a pupillary constriction response time in the eye in response to the emission of at least two visible light rays. Detection of the pupillary constriction response time can be achieved by capturing images (or video sequences) of the eye (reflections of visible light radiation) with the image sensor 162 and analyzing the images to detect pupil size changes. According to one embodiment, the detection can be performed using the algorithm provided in Table 1 above: Illustrative Programming Code for Processing Image / Video Data Captured by Image Sensor 162.

[0099] Based on the detection (step 628), the processor generates a delta report containing data indicating the difference between the measured pupillary constriction response time and an expected pupillary constriction response time. The expected pupillary constriction response time can be a predefined value, such as a statistically measured response time in a population sample of healthy individuals. The delta report can, for example, display the expected pupillary constriction response time, the measured pupillary constriction response time, and a measure of the deviation between the two. A larger-than-normal difference can be highlighted to indicate a possible underlying condition.

[0100] The I / O unit of ophthalmic unit 150 can output the delta report (636). Any known output method (including visual and audible) can be used for output, and in particular, displaying the delta report on a screen and transmitting the delta report to a unit (for example, a mobile phone or a cloud service).

[0101] Fig. 6C is a flowchart of further steps in procedure 600 ( Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B) for the application of an ophthalmological unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0102] Referring to the Fig. 1 to 3, 6A, 6B and 6C according to an embodiment of the invention, the infrared light source now emits (640) an infrared light beam (according to an embodiment, this can be at least two infrared light beams with different energy).

[0103] The image sensor 162 receives (644) a reflection of each of the at least two infrared light beams, and the I / O unit outputs one or more images of the received reflection of each of the at least two infrared light beams (648).

[0104] When referring generally to the Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C, it should be clear to the specialist that the ophthalmic unit 150 ( Fig. 1) By performing the described steps and executing corresponding program instructions, the system is able to acquire internal fundus images using infrared light and images of the pupillary reflex using visible light (determined by the difference between an expected pupillary constriction response and a measured pupillary constriction response) in a single-chamber setup. The Ophthalmological Unit 150 can perform these steps in the same time period, in overlapping time periods, or in different time periods. This versatility is not available in the prior art.

[0105] Fig. Figure 7A is a flowchart of a method 700 for using an ophthalmic unit according to an embodiment of the invention. The method can be, for example, carried out by the steps described in the Fig. The ophthalmic unit 150 shown in Figures 4 to 5 can be operated by executing program instructions of the procedure by the processor of the control unit of the ophthalmic unit 150. The procedure 700 can be used to operate a two-chamber arrangement of the ophthalmic unit 150 (see the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) are carried out. Although the steps of method 700 are listed in a specific order, they can be performed in a different order suitable for the particular case. Therefore, the specified order should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the invention to the specified order.

[0106] With reference to the Fig. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method 700 can now be carried out by a processor of the ophthalmic unit 150, which executes program instructions stored in a physical memory unit of the ophthalmic unit 150. By executing different program instructions, the various components of the ophthalmic unit 150 can be actuated either in the first chamber or in the second chamber or in both chambers. Each chamber can be controlled in the same way as the other chamber or in a different way.

[0107] Before performing the procedure 700, the opening 180 of the ophthalmic unit 150 is brought into contact with the user 110, i.e., a patient, in such a way that the opening covers the patient's eye(s) and / or eye socket(s). This process triggers the patient's natural response to darkness, causing the patient's pupils to dilate naturally. Complete natural dilation typically occurs within a few minutes, which is significantly faster than chemically induced pupil dilation.

[0108] The corresponding infrared light sources (of the light sources 152) of the first chamber and the second chamber emit infrared light in the direction of the opening for a period of time (step 704) by supplying the infrared light source with current from the power source. Alternatively, the infrared light source of only one chamber is supplied with current.

[0109] The corresponding image sensors 162 of the first chamber and the second chamber receive (step 708) a reflection of the infrared light. Alternatively, if only the infrared light source of one chamber is powered, only the corresponding image sensor 162 receives the reflection.

[0110] Corresponding image sensors 162 of the first chamber and the second chamber detect (step 712) an image of an eye (i.e., the eye targeted in each chamber) by analyzing the received reflection of the infrared light.

[0111] Corresponding image sensors 162 of the first chamber and the second chamber measure (step 716) the pupil dilation in the eye (i.e., of the eye targeted in each chamber) by analyzing the detected image of the eye.

[0112] The processor (or multiple processors) determine (step 720) for both the first chamber and the second chamber (assuming both chambers are used) that the pupil (of the targeted eye) is dilated by a first amount greater than or equal to a predetermined dilation measurement value.

[0113] One or both visible light sources, one in the first chamber and one in the second chamber respectively, emit (step 724) two visible light beams sequentially into one chamber during a visible light emission period when the visible light source is powered. The two or more light beams comprise a first visible light beam with a first energy and a second visible light beam with a second energy greater than the first energy. Selective emission of light into only one chamber can be used to test the pupillary reflex by determining whether the unexposed eye constricts in the same manner and to the same extent as the exposed eye, as would be expected in a healthy patient. If both eyes were exposed simultaneously and in the same manner, it would not be possible to detect whether the patient's pupillary reflex is asynchronous.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the period for emitting visible light (step 724) is longer than zero and shorter than or equal to 200 milliseconds. According to another embodiment, each of the two visible light beams is emitted during an equal fraction of the period for emitting visible light (step 724).

[0115] Fig. 7B is a schedule of further steps in procedure 700 ( Fig. 7A) for the application of an ophthalmological unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0116] With reference to the Fig. 1, 4 to 5 and 7A and 7B according to an embodiment of the invention, the image sensor 162 (of the first chamber, the second chamber or both chambers) now detects (728) a reaction time of the pupil constriction in the eye in response to the emission of the at least two visible light rays in the first chamber, the second chamber or both chambers.

[0117] The processor generates (step 732) a delta report containing data that shows a difference between the measured pupil constriction response time and an expected pupil constriction response time.

[0118] The delta report is output by the I / O unit (step 736).

[0119] Fig. 7C is a flowchart of further steps in procedure 700 ( Fig. 7A) for the application of an ophthalmological unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0120] With reference to the Fig. 1, 4 to 5 and 7A, 7B and 7C according to one embodiment of the invention, the image sensor 162 of the first chamber now detects (step 740) a reaction time of the pupil constriction in the eye positioned at the opening of the first chamber in response to the emission of the at least two visible light beams in the first chamber. The emission (in step 740) of the at least two visible light beams sequentially takes place during the period for the emission of visible light exclusively in the first chamber (or exclusively in the second chamber).

[0121] The processor generates (step 744) a delta report containing data showing a difference between the measured pupillary constriction response time of the eye in the first chamber and the measured pupillary constriction response time of the eye in the second chamber.

[0122] The delta report is output by the I / O unit (step 748).

[0123] Fig. 7D is a flowchart of further steps in procedure 700 ( Fig. 7A) for the application of an ophthalmological unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0124] With reference to the Fig. According to one embodiment of the invention, in step 752, corresponding infrared light sources 152 of the first chamber and the second chamber emit an infrared light beam (according to one embodiment, this can be at least two infrared light beams, each with a different frequency). Alternatively, the infrared light source 152 emits at least two infrared light beams from only one chamber. Alternatively, regardless of whether one or two chambers are used, only one infrared light beam is emitted.

[0125] The corresponding image sensors 162 of the first chamber and the second chamber receive (step 756) a reflection of each of the at least two infrared light beams.

[0126] One or more images of the received reflection of each of the at least two infrared light beams in the first chamber and the second chamber are output by the I / O unit (step 760).

[0127] When referring generally to the Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B, Fig. 7C and Fig. 7D should make it clear to the professional that the ophthalmic unit 150 ( Fig. 1) By executing appropriate program instructions, it is able to acquire internal views of the fundus using infrared light and images of the pupillary reflex using visible light in a dual-chamber setup (determined by the difference between an expected pupillary constriction response and a measured pupillary constriction response). The Ophthalmological Unit 150 can perform these steps in the same time period, in overlapping time periods, or in different time periods. This versatility is not available in the prior art.

[0128] With reference to the Fig. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method described in 1 to 5 can be carried out by a processor of the ophthalmic unit 150, which executes program instructions stored in a physical memory unit of the ophthalmic unit 150. By executing different program instructions, the various components of the ophthalmic unit 150 can be actuated either in the first chamber, the second chamber, or both chambers. Each chamber can be controlled in the same or a different way than the other chamber.

[0129] The target eyes are covered with one or a pair of eyepieces from the ophthalmic unit 150 to protect them from extraneous light. Covering involves positioning the pair of eyepieces in contact with the patient's face to protect them from extraneous light.

[0130] The ophthalmic unit 150 monitors the pupil dilation of the pair of target eyes during a period of time while the pair of eyepieces is in contact with the patient's face to protect against extraneous light. According to one embodiment, monitoring includes detecting whether the maximum possible dilation of the pupils of the pair of target eyes has been reached. According to some embodiments, the execution of further steps of the procedure may depend on whether the maximum possible dilation of the pupils has been detected.

[0131] A pair of light sources 152 of the ophthalmic unit 150 emits infrared light onto the pair of target eyes based on monitoring.

[0132] A pair of image sensors 162 of the ophthalmic unit 150 detects infrared light that was reflected by the pair of target eyes in response to the emission of infrared light by the pair of light sources 152.

[0133] According to one embodiment, one of the light sources 152 emits at least two visible light beams successively and selectively onto a first eye of the pair of target eyes during a period for emitting visible light by supplying the light source with current from a power source. The at least two light beams comprise a first visible light beam with a first energy and a second visible light beam with a second energy that is greater than the first energy.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises capturing images of the first eye and the second eye and measuring the pupillary constriction reaction time in the first eye in comparison to the pupillary constriction in the second eye of the target pair, based on the captured images. The method generates a delta report containing data indicating any difference between the measured pupillary constriction reaction times in the first eye and the second eye. The delta report is output by an I / O unit of the device.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the period for emitting visible light is longer than zero and shorter than or equal to 200 milliseconds.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the emission further comprises selective emission of at least one light beam for each individual color of the visible spectrum successively from lowest energy to highest energy.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the pupil dilation is less than 100% at least during part of the period for emitting visible light.

[0138] With general reference to embodiments of the invention, aspects of the invention may include processes that are partially executed in a cloud computing network. For example, aspects of the invention may be provided as or by means of a cloud computing service.

[0139] It should be clarified from the outset that while this disclosure contains a detailed description of cloud computing, the implementation of the teachings presented herein is not limited to a cloud computing environment. Instead, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented together with any type of data processing environment, now known or subsequently invented.

[0140] Cloud computing is a service delivery model that enables seamless, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing power, main memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management overhead or interaction with a service provider. This cloud model can include at least five properties, at least three service models, and at least four implementation models.

[0141] The properties are as follows: On-Demand Self-Service: A cloud user can unilaterally and automatically provide data processing functions such as server time and network storage as needed, without requiring human interaction with the service provider.

[0142] Broad Network Access: Functions are available over a network, accessed through standard mechanisms that support use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

[0143] Resource pooling: The provider's data processing resources are pooled to serve multiple users using a multi-tenant model, with various physical and virtual resources being dynamically allocated and reassigned as needed. There is a perceived location independence, as the user generally has no control over or knowledge of the exact location of the provided resources, but may be able to define a location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or data center).

[0144] Rapid Elasticity: Features can be deployed quickly and elastically for rapid horizontal scaling (scale out), in some cases automatically, and released quickly for rapid scale-in. To the user, the available features often appear unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any time.

[0145] Measured Service: Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource usage by employing a measurement function at a certain level of abstraction appropriate for the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource consumption can be monitored, controlled, and reported, creating transparency for both the provider and the user of the service.

[0146] The service models are as follows: Software as a Service (SaaS): The functionality provided to the user consists of using the provider's applications running in a cloud infrastructure. These applications are accessible from various client devices via a thin-client interface, such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email). The user does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, which includes the network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application functions, with the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings.

[0147] Platform as a Service (PaaS): The function provided to the user is to deploy applications created or obtained by the user, using programming languages ​​and tools supported by the provider, within the cloud infrastructure. The user does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, which includes networks, servers, operating systems, and storage, but has control over the deployed applications and potentially over configurations of the application hosting environment.

[0148] Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): The functionality provided to the user consists of supplying processing, storage, networking, and other basic data processing resources, enabling the user to deploy and run any software, including operating systems and applications. The user does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and potentially limited control over selected network components (e.g., host firewalls).

[0149] The following are the deployment models: Private Cloud: The cloud infrastructure is operated solely for one organization.

[0150] It can be managed by the organization or a third party and can be located on the organization's own premises or on someone else's premises.

[0151] Community Cloud: This cloud infrastructure is shared by multiple organizations and supports a specific user community with shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policies, and regulatory compliance considerations). It can be managed by the organizations themselves or a third party and can be located on-premises or external premises.

[0152] Public Cloud: The cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an organization that sells cloud services.

[0153] Hybrid Cloud: The cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community or public) that remain separate entities but are connected by a standardized or proprietary technology that enables data and application portability (e.g. cloud audience distribution for load balancing between clouds).

[0154] A cloud computing environment is service-oriented, focusing on statelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing lies an infrastructure that comprises a network of interconnected nodes.

[0155] With reference to Fig. Figure 9 depicts the illustrative cloud computing environment 50. As shown, the cloud computing environment 50 has one or more cloud computing nodes 10 (each of which, as in conjunction with Fig. 8) with which local data processing units used by cloud users, such as the electronic assistant (PDA, personal digital assistant) or mobile phone 54A, the desktop computer 54B, the laptop computer 54C, and / or the automotive computer system 54N, can exchange data. The nodes 10 can exchange data with each other. They can be grouped physically or virtually into one or more networks, such as private, community, public, or hybrid clouds (not shown), as described above, or into a combination thereof. This enables the cloud computing environment 50 to offer infrastructure, platforms, and / or software as a service, for which a cloud user does not need to maintain resources on a local data processing unit. It should be noted that the types of in Fig. The data processing units 54A to N shown in Figure 1 are intended to be illustrative only, and the data processing nodes 10 and the cloud computing environment 50 can exchange data with any type of computer unit via any type of network and / or any type of network-accessible connection (e.g., using a web browser).

[0156] With reference to Fig. 10 shows a set of functional abstraction layers that are used by the cloud computing environment 50 ( Fig. 9) will be provided. It should be clear from the outset that the in Fig. The components, layers, and functions shown in Figure 10 are intended for illustrative purposes only, and embodiments of the invention are not limited to them. As shown, the following layers and corresponding functions are provided:

[0157] A hardware and software layer 60 contains hardware and software components. Examples of hardware components include: mainframe computers 61; servers based on the RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture 62; servers 63; blade servers 64; storage units 65; and networks and network components 66. In some embodiments, software components include network application server software 67 and database software 68.

[0158] The virtualization layer 70 provides an abstraction layer from which the following examples of virtual entities can be provided: virtual servers 71, virtual storage 72, virtual networks 73, including virtual private networks, virtual applications and operating systems 74; and virtual clients 75.

[0159] In one example, the administration layer 80 can provide the functions described below. Resource provisioning 81 provides the dynamic procurement of data processing resources and other resources used to perform tasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and pricing 82 provides cost tracking for the use of resources within the cloud computing environment and billing for the consumption of these resources. In one example, these resources might include application software licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloud users and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources. A user portal 83 provides users and system administrators with access to the cloud computing environment.Service scope management (84) provides the allocation and management of cloud computing resources so that the required service objectives are met. Service level agreement (SLA) planning and fulfillment (85) provides the advance planning and procurement of cloud computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipated, in accordance with an SLA.

[0160] A workload layer 90 provides examples of the functionality for which the cloud computing environment can be used. Examples of workloads and functions that can be provided by this layer include: mapping and navigation 91; software development and lifecycle management 92; delivery of training in virtual classrooms 93; data analytics processing 94; transaction processing 95; and deployment and connectivity functionality 96 for secure deployment across locations.

[0161] The present invention may be a system, a method, and / or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or media) on which computer-readable program instructions are stored to induce a processor to execute aspects of the present invention. The computer-readable storage medium may be a physical unit capable of retaining and storing instructions for use by a system to execute instructions. The computer-readable storage medium may, for example, be an electronic storage unit, a magnetic storage unit, an optical storage unit, an electromagnetic storage unit, a semiconductor storage unit, or any suitable combination thereof, without limitation.A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes the following: a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact storage disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a DVD (digital versatile disc), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically coded unit such as punched cards or raised structures in a groove on which instructions are stored, and any suitable combination thereof.A computer-readable storage medium shall not be considered, in the use herein, as volatile signals in themselves, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., light pulses passing through an optical fiber cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

[0162] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to individual data processing units or, via a network such as the internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network, to an external computer or external storage device. The network may include copper transmission cables, fiber optic transmission lines, wireless transmission, routing computers, firewalls, switching units, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each data processing unit receives computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards them for storage on a computer-readable storage medium within the respective data processing unit.

[0163] Computer-readable program instructions for executing the steps of the present invention can be assembly instructions, ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, C++, etc., as well as conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C or similar languages. The computer-readable program instructions can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server.In the latter case, the remotely located computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be established with an external computer (for example, via the internet using an internet service provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuits, including, for example, programmable logic circuits, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs), can execute the computer-readable program instructions by using state information from the computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuits to perform aspects of the present invention.

[0164] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams or diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It is pointed out that each block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams or diagrams, as well as combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams or diagrams, can be executed by means of computer-readable program instructions.

[0165] These computer-readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a specialized computer, or another programmable data processing device to create a machine, such that the instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate a means of implementing the functions / steps specified in the block(s) of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams or charts.These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored on a computer-readable storage medium capable of controlling a computer, programmable data processing device, and / or other units to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium on which instructions are stored has a manufactured product, including instructions that implement aspects of the function / step specified in the block(s) of the flowchart and / or block diagrams or charts.

[0166] The computer-readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other unit to cause the execution of a series of process steps on the computer or other programmable device or other unit in order to generate a process executed on a computer, such that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable device, or other unit implement the functions / steps specified in the block(s) of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams or charts.

[0167] The flowcharts and block diagrams or charts in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this context, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams or charts can represent a module, segment, or part of instructions that includes one or more executable instructions for performing the specific logical function(s). In some alternative embodiments, the functions specified in the block may occur in a different order than shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may in reality be executed essentially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order depending on the corresponding functionality.It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams or charts and / or flowcharts, as well as combinations of blocks in the block diagrams or charts and / or flowcharts, can be implemented by special hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or execute combinations of special hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

[1] Device comprising: a power source; a light source (152) comprising an infrared light source and a light source for visible light, wherein the light source (152) is functionally connected to the power source; an image sensor (162) positioned along a first axis, wherein the light source (152) is arranged either in series or coaxially relative to the image sensor (162); a lens (160) positioned in series along the first axis between the light source (152) and the image sensor (162), with respect to the image sensor (162); and a housing unit comprising a first chamber and a second chamber functionally connected to the power source and to the light source (152), the image sensor (162), or the lens (160), or any combination thereof, and further comprising an opening with an eyepiece for protection against extraneous light, the opening being adjacent to the light source (152) opposite the lens (160) and positioned in a row with respect to the lens (160) along the first axis; and a control unit (12) comprising a processor (16) and a physical storage unit (40) which stores program instructions (42) executable by the processor (16), wherein the program instructions (42) comprise instructions to: by supplying the light source for visible light with current from the power source during a period for emitting (624) visible light, emitting at least two visible light rays successively, wherein the at least two visible light rays have a first visible light ray with a first energy and a second visible light ray with a second energy greater than the first energy; by means of the image sensor (162) to detect a reaction time of pupil constriction in the eye in response to the emission of at least two visible light rays in the first chamber, the second chamber or both chambers (728); to generate a delta report (732) containing data indicating a difference between the measured pupillary constriction response time and an expected pupillary constriction response time; and to output the delta report through an I / O unit (22) (736). [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the program instructions (42) further include instructions to: by supplying the infrared light source with current from the power source through the infrared light source for a period of time to emit infrared light in the direction of the opening (604); to receive a reflection of infrared light through the image sensor (162) (608); by means of the image sensor (162) to detect an image of an eye (112) by analyzing the received reflection of the infrared light (612); to measure pupil dilation in the eye (112) by analyzing the detected image of the eye (112) using the image sensor (162) (616); and by the processor (16) to determine (620) that the pupil is dilated by a first amount more than or equal to a predetermined dilation measurement. [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein the period for emitting visible light is longer than zero and shorter than or equal to 200 milliseconds. [4] Device according to claim 3, wherein each of the at least two visible light beams is emitted during an equal proportion of the period for emitting visible light. [5] Device according to claim 2, further comprising an input / output (I / O) unit (22), and wherein the instructions further comprise instructions to: to emit an infrared light beam through the infrared light source; to receive a reflection of the infrared light beam through the image sensor (162); and to output one or more images of the received reflection of the infrared light beam through the I / O unit (22). [6] Device according to claim 1, wherein the image sensor (162) is arranged coaxially with respect to the light source (152) and the device further comprises: a mirror (156) arranged in a row along the first axis with respect to the image sensor (162) and the lens (160) and along a second axis with respect to the light source (152), the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis. [7] Method for examining a pair of target eyes of a patient (110) using a device, the method comprising: Covering the pair of target eyes with an eyepiece or a pair of eyepieces of the device to shield against extraneous light, wherein covering includes positioning the pair of eyepieces to shield against extraneous light in contact with the patient's face (110); Monitoring the pupil dilation of the pair of target eyes over a period of time, while the eyepieces are in contact with the patient's face (110) to protect against extraneous light; Emitting infrared light through a pair of light sources (152) of the device onto the pair of target eyes based on monitoring; Detect, by means of a pair of image sensors (162) of the device, the infrared light, which was reflected by the pair of target eyes in response to the emission of infrared light by the pair of light sources (152); Receiving images of a first eye (112) of the pair of target eyes and a second eye (112) of the pair of target eyes; Measuring the reaction time of the pupillary constriction in the first eye (112) in comparison with the pupillary constriction in the second eye (112) based on the received images; Generating a delta report containing data indicating a difference between the measured pupillary constriction response times in the first eye (112) and the second eye (112); and Output of the delta report by an I / O unit (22) of the device; the procedure further features: Selective emission of at least two visible light rays successively during a period of time for emitting visible light from one of the light sources (152) onto the first eye (112) by supplying the light source (152) with current from a power source, wherein the at least two light rays have a first visible light ray with a first energy and a second visible light ray with a second energy which is greater than the first energy. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the monitoring comprises: Detect whether the pupils of the pair of target eyes have dilated to the greatest extent possible. [9] Method according to claim 7, wherein the period for emitting visible light is longer than zero and shorter than or equal to 200 milliseconds. [10] The method of claim 7, wherein the emitting further comprises: Selective emission of at least one light beam for each different color of the visible spectrum by one of the light sources (152) onto the first eye (112), gradually increasing from lowest energy to highest energy. [11] Method according to claim 7, wherein the pupil dilation is less than 100% at least during a portion of the period for emitting visible light.

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