Apparatus, projector device and method for projecting a light beam onto the retina of the human eye

Abstract

The present invention relates to a projector apparatus (1) for projecting a light beam (100) onto a retina (114) of a human eye (110), the projector apparatus (1) including a projector (2) for projecting the light beam (100) from outside the human eye (110) through a pupil (111) of the eye (110), the projector (2) being configured such that an exit pupil diameter (102) of the light beam (100) is smaller than a pupil diameter (112) of the eye, a corresponding method, and an apparatus (40) including the projector apparatus (1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a projector device for projecting a light beam onto the retina of the human eye, a corresponding method, and an apparatus for projecting a light beam onto the retina of the human eye including such a projector device. [Background technology]

[0002] Retinal dysfunction, particularly caused by degenerative retinal diseases, is a major cause of visual impairment or blindness.

[0003] It is known to modify the retinal region by utilizing retinal implants, i.e. retinal prostheses, in order to at least partially restore visual function in a patient. In this regard, several different types of retinal implants based on different operating principles are known.

[0004] Retinal implants have in common that they are typically placed on or under the retina of a patient's eye, thereby essentially replacing damaged cells such as photoreceptors. In this regard, information about the visual scene is captured by a camera and transmitted to an electrode array implanted in the retina.

[0005] Among common retinal implants, implants that include skin-penetrating wires are known. These wires have the risk of infection, scarring, and leakage. Therefore, more recent implants use various wireless technologies, for example, by delivering power and visual information via an inductive coil. Furthermore, it is known to deliver power inductively and visual information optically through the pupil, or to deliver both visual information and power optically.

[0006] A particularly useful type of wireless information transfer to a retinal implant is based on projecting a stimulating pattern of infrared light onto the eye: when the direction of gaze is such that a part of the implant is illuminated by a part of the pattern, the implant converts that part of the signal into an electrical current and stimulates the retina accordingly.

[0007] The retinal implant is an array of stimulating electrodes or pixels, each containing one or more photodiodes that capture light delivered by the visual processor and convert it into a stimulating electrical current.

[0008] Several implant arrays can be placed in the subretinal space, typically in or near the foveal region.

[0009] It is known to use a projector device, such as augmented reality goggles, to project light or a light beam into a human eye. The projector of the projector device projects a light beam into the human eye, but the light beam is much wider than the human pupil. This light beam is intentionally designed to be wider than the human pupil to allow for imprecision in the placement of the projector with respect to the human eye while still allowing for a portion of the light beam to be perceived, and also to allow for some eye movement. That is, since the pupil size can vary greatly, only a portion of the light beam that should be transmitted is directed through the pupil into the eye and toward the retina with an unknown irradiance.

[0010] In fact, retinal implants based on infrared light projection require a certain irradiance to function properly, and therefore regular augmented reality goggles are unsuitable for use with such designed retinal implants.

[0011] The aforementioned projector device can also be used in optogenetics applications to modify or improve target retinal regions of the eye, such as reactivating the light sensitivity of target regions of the retina. Optogenetics refers to the combination of genetics and optics to control well-defined events within specific cells of living tissue. Optogenetics involves (i) genetically modifying target cells to make them sensitive to light by expressing an exogenous photoreactive protein in the cell membrane, and (ii) providing an illumination device capable of providing light to the photoreactive protein. Activation of the exogenous photoreactive protein in the cell membrane requires a specific irradiance of light.

[0012] Since the light beam reaching the retina contains unknown irradiance, it is difficult to adjust the irradiance to an appropriate level, and therefore, the irradiance may be too high or too low, resulting in damage to the target area or insufficient effect on the target area. Summary of the Invention

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved projector apparatus for projecting a light beam onto the retina of a human eye, and to provide a corresponding method for projecting a light beam onto the retina of a human eye.

[0014] According to a first aspect, a projector apparatus for projecting a light beam onto the retina or retinal region of a human eye, more particularly onto an altered retinal region, is proposed, said apparatus comprising a projector for projecting the light beam from outside the human eye through the pupil. The projector apparatus is further configured such that an exit pupil diameter of the light beam is set smaller than the diameter of the pupil. According to a preferred embodiment, the projector apparatus is configured such that there is only one light beam and such single exit pupil diameter of the light beam is set smaller than the diameter of the pupil.

[0015] According to the present invention, a retinal region of a human eye that has been modified to restore light-sensitive behavior by implantation of a retinal prosthesis or by optogenetic modification is also referred to as a "modified retinal region".

[0016] By configuring the projector device such that the exit pupil diameter of the light beam is set smaller than the pupil diameter, the entire light beam can always pass through the pupil and enter the eye for a suitable range of pupil sizes and gaze directions. Therefore, the modified retinal area (e.g., retinal implant) can be irradiated with a light beam at a predetermined or (pre)specified irradiance, since it can be ensured that no radiation power is lost in the iris of the human eye. Furthermore, brightness variations on the retina, i.e., on the modified retinal area, e.g., on the retinal implant, can be eliminated.

[0017] According to another preferred embodiment, the projector is configured so that the exit pupil diameter is 3 mm or less, preferably 2 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm or less, particularly preferably 0.5 mm or less, and particularly preferably the exit pupil diameter is set to 1 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.5 mm or 0.25 mm.

[0018] Since the diameter of a human pupil is usually larger than 3 mm, usually between 3 mm and 8 mm, by setting the exit pupil diameter to 3 mm or less, it can be achieved that the entire light beam enters through the pupil under nominal conditions, and therefore there is no illumination variation on the retina due to power loss in the blocked part of the light beam.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, the projector apparatus may comprise a sensor unit for monitoring the diameter of the pupil onto which the light beam is projected and / or for monitoring the ambient light intensity, the sensor unit preferably comprising a camera and / or a photodetector, and the projector comprises an adjustment unit for adjusting the exit pupil diameter based on the monitored values ​​of the pupil diameter and / or the ambient light intensity, thereby ensuring that the exit pupil of the light beam is always adjusted or set to be equal to or smaller than the current pupil diameter so that substantially the entire light beam can enter the eye and reach the retina, more particularly the modified retinal area or retinal implant.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the projector may adjust the irradiance of the output beam based on monitored values ​​of pupil diameter and / or ambient light intensity.

[0021] According to a further preferred exemplary embodiment, the adjustment unit may include a preferably replaceable diopter correction wedge.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment, the projector is configured as follows. The exit pupil distance of the light beam emitted by the projector is adjustable in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm, preferably 10 mm to 30 mm, and / or Preferably, the exit pupil plane defined by the exit pupil of the light beam is aligned with the exit pupil plane defined by the pupil, and / or Preferably, the maximum distance between the exit pupil plane and the pupil plane is ±5 mm, preferably ±3 mm, more preferably ±2 mm, even more preferably ±1 mm, particularly preferably 0.5 mm.

[0023] This can ensure that when the projector apparatus is correctly positioned in front of the human eye, the exit pupil distance can be adjusted to the eye relief, i.e. the distance between the projector and the eye, in particular the plane defined by the pupil. Preferably, the adjustment of the exit pupil distance is performed by an adjustment unit of the projector apparatus or by the projector itself.

[0024] In particular, according to another preferred embodiment, when both the exit pupil diameter and the exit pupil distance of the light beam are adjusted to the eye pupil diameter and the eye relief, respectively, it is possible to ensure that the diameter of the light beam at the exit pupil plane is smaller than the exit pupil diameter, which in turn can achieve that the entire light beam entering the eye always reaches the retina, more particularly the modified retinal region and potentially the retinal implant.

[0025] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the projector apparatus is configured to control the irradiance of the light beam, which may ensure that the retina, and more particularly the modified retinal region, in particular the retinal implant, is always illuminated with the correct irradiance.

[0026] According to another preferred embodiment, the projector apparatus comprises an alignment device for aligning the central axis of the light beam with the center of the pupil, and preferably the maximum deviation between the central axis of the light beam and the center of the pupil is less than or equal to 1 mm, thus avoiding power loss at the iris due to misalignment of the light beam with respect to the pupil.

[0027] Preferably, the alignment device is configured to align a central axis of the light beam with a visual axis, the visual axis being defined as the axis passing through the center of the pupil and the center of the eye implant, and preferably the maximum deviation between the central axis of the light beam and the visual axis is less than or equal to 1°. Thus, the alignment device makes it possible to avoid power losses due to misalignment of the light beam relative to the pupil in the iris, in particular in the retina, more particularly in modified retinal regions, in particular in the retinal implant.

[0028] In other words, at the same time, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the exit pupil diameter of the light beam is set smaller than the pupil diameter of the eye, as described above, the exit pupil plane defined by the exit pupil of the light beam is aligned with the pupil plane defined by the pupil, as described above, and the central axis of the light beam is aligned with the center of the pupil, preferably with the visual axis, thereby ensuring that the entire light beam enters the pupil and reaches the retina, more particularly the modified retinal region, in particular the retinal implant. Thus, according to this exemplary embodiment, the irradiance on the retina, more particularly the modified retinal region, in particular the retinal implant, can always be known and / or can be predetermined.

[0029] According to another preferred embodiment, the alignment device is motorized and dynamic, coupled to the eye observation module, preferably an eye position sensor, and aligns the projection direction with the eye direction. In that embodiment, the eye observation module, which may be an eye tracking device that monitors the eye position and angle, provides the alignment requirements to the alignment device, which then automatically adjusts the position and angle of the projection beam, for example with a micromirror or a piezoelectric micromotor, to ensure correct alignment automatically and regularly. In other words, the alignment device may include a motorized unit configured to align the projection direction with the eye direction as monitored by the eye observation module, preferably an eye tracking device, and the eye observation module is preferably embedded in the projection device.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the projector apparatus includes a fixing part for fixing the projector apparatus to a frame, preferably an eyeglass frame, and the alignment device is configured such that the position and / or orientation of the projector can be adjusted relative to the fixing part, so that alignment of the light beam with respect to the pupil can be easily achieved by adjusting the position of the projector relative to the fixing part.

[0031] In order to provide said adjustability, according to a further preferred embodiment the alignment device is formed so that the projector can be moved in a number of directions of movement relative to the fixed part, particularly preferably in five directions of movement.

[0032] Preferably, the alignment device is configured so that at least one of the directions of movement is longitudinal, preferably two directions of movement are longitudinal, particularly preferably three directions of movement are longitudinal.

[0033] In this regard, preferably each longitudinal direction is oriented substantially perpendicular to at least one other longitudinal direction, and preferably each longitudinal direction is oriented perpendicular to all other longitudinal directions.

[0034] According to preferred embodiments, it has been shown that said adjustment can be achieved in a particularly beneficial way when one direction of movement corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the human head, and / or one direction of movement corresponds to the transverse axis of the human head, and / or one direction of movement corresponds to the sagittal axis of the human head.

[0035] Therefore, if a movement direction corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the human head and another movement direction corresponds to the lateral axis of the human head, the direction of the light beam can be adjusted so that the central axis of the light beam is projected onto the center of the pupil.

[0036] Furthermore, if the direction of movement corresponds to the sagittal axis of the human head, the eye relief, i.e. the distance between the projector or the eye-facing surface of the projector and the pupil, can be adjusted.

[0037] According to another preferred embodiment, the alignment device is formed such that at least one of the directions of movement is rotational, preferably two of the directions of movement are rotational, thereby making it possible to compensate for misalignment of the light beam relative to the axis defined by the pupil and the retina, more particularly the modified retinal region, in particular the retinal implant.

[0038] Thereby, preferably one rotation direction is oriented to allow adjustment of the pantoscopic angle of the projector relative to the eye and / or one rotation direction is oriented to allow adjustment of the wrap angle of the projector relative to the eye.

[0039] According to yet another preferred embodiment the alignment device comprises at least one kinematic pair, preferably a plurality of kinematic pairs, preferably at least one kinematic pair is a prismatic joint, and / or preferably at least one kinematic pair is a rotary joint, and / or the alignment device comprises at least one locking unit, preferably a locking screw, for locking, adjusting and / or aligning at least one direction of movement of the projector and / or the light beam relative to a fixed part, and / or a human pupil can be provided in a robust and simple manner.

[0040] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the projector apparatus further comprises a camera for capturing a pattern of interest in front of the projector apparatus, the content of the light beam being based on the captured pattern of interest, preferably with a major axis of the camera aligned with a major axis of the light beam, preferably arranged concentrically, and preferably with the camera and projector arranged linearly on opposite sides of the apparatus.

[0041] This may ensure that a person wearing the projector apparatus can see exactly what is directly in front of them when looking straight ahead, which may make it easier for a person to focus on a point of interest and also orient in space.

[0042] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the projector device comprises a micromirror array, preferably a digital micromirror device known per se, and the light beam is based on patterning of light, preferably light emitted by lasers, laser diodes and / or LEDs, preferably an LED matrix, directed onto the micromirror array. In other words, each micromirror of the micromirror array reflects a part of the incident light beam, thereby generating a reflected, patterned outgoing light beam.

[0043] Preferably, light, preferably light including wavelengths in the near infrared field, is directed to a total internal reflection (TIR) ​​prism, the light then strikes the active area of ​​a micromirror array where the micromirrors select which portions of the micromirror array disk are reflected towards the eye to create a pattern, the patterned light again passes through the TIR prism, and the patterned light exits the projector through a final lens.

[0044] Preferably, the light beam is based on incoherent light so that diffraction effects or interference patterns can be neglected.

[0045] According to another preferred embodiment, the light beam is based on coherent light, whereby the micromirror array can induce a diffraction or interference pattern in the light beam.

[0046] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the projection device is configured such that the angle of incidence of the coherent light and the pitch of the micromirrors of the micromirror array are configured such that the distance between the intensity maxima of adjacent diffraction orders of the output beam, preferably the two strongest diffraction orders, is 7 mm or more, preferably 8 mm or more, more preferably 10 mm or more. This ensures that only one intensity maximum is incident on a pupil with a diameter of typically 3-7 mm. Therefore, the irradiance of the internal implant can be reliably determined (in advance).

[0047] Alternatively, the projector device is configured such that the angle of incidence of the coherent light and the pitch of the micromirrors of the micromirror array are such that most of the power of the light beam falls into the first diffraction order. Preferably, 70% to 95%, more preferably 80% to 95%, and even more preferably 90% of the light is directed into the first diffraction order. Therefore, other orders can be negligible in terms of power output, and therefore it is not important whether these orders also enter the pupil. This is because they do not significantly affect the irradiance of the retina, more specifically, the modified retinal region, and specifically, the retinal implant.

[0048] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the projector device includes a preferably detachable ocular observation module (preferably the ocular observation module and the light beam have coincident optical axes) for observing at least a portion of the retina, preferably a portion of the retina targeted by the light beam (e.g., the modified retinal region, in particular the retinal implant) and / or for observing the pupil, wherein, when a patient is wearing a device including a projector device according to one of the embodiments, the ocular observation module can be attached to the projector device for adjusting, aligning and / or centering the light beam projected by the projector device with the patient's pupil and retina, more particularly the modified retinal region, in particular the patient's retinal implant. Preferably, the adjustment of the light beam is performed by trained medical staff. After the adjustment, the ocular observation module is no longer needed and can be removed. Additionally or alternatively, the ocular observation module can be used for observing the pupil and / or for observing the pattern projected on the retina.

[0049] According to another preferred embodiment, the eye observation module is adapted to observe a retinal implant implanted in the retina, thereby allowing further adjustment of the light beam projected by the projector device with respect to the retinal implant.

[0050] Preferably, the projector apparatus further comprises a distance sensor for determining the eye relief, i.e. the distance between the projector apparatus and the pupil.

[0051] According to another preferred embodiment, the projector apparatus is adapted to transmit one or more test patterns that can be used to adjust the alignment of the beam emitted by the projector apparatus with the pupil and / or the retinal implant.

[0052] According to another aspect, an apparatus for projecting a light beam onto a human eye is proposed, said apparatus comprising a frame and a projector apparatus according to any of the previous embodiments, said projector apparatus being fixed to said frame, preferably by its fixing part.

[0053] The effects and advantages described with respect to the projector device can similarly be achieved by a device for projecting a light beam into the human eye.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the frame is a spectacle frame, and / or the frame comprises a headband, and / or the frame comprises a heading, and / or the frame comprises ear stops.

[0055] According to another preferred embodiment, the device includes a lens held by a frame, and preferably the lens is positioned in the frame so as to cover the eye when the device is worn. The lens is preferably shaded, preferably tinted. The provision of the shaded lens allows the pupil diameter to naturally expand, as less ambient light enters the pupil. This may therefore facilitate alignment of the central axis with the center or visual axis.

[0056] According to another preferred embodiment, the frame is adapted to allow at least some of said alignment, and preferably the frame includes hinges arranged between the front frame and the temples of the frame, the hinges allowing the temples to pivot relative to the front frame.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, a displaceable ear pad may be arranged on at least one temple, which can be displaced along the temple.

[0058] Preferably, one or more adjustable nose pads are provided to support the front frame against the patient's nose.

[0059] The aforementioned parts allow the frame to be adjusted to the patient's individual head shape before supporting at least the adjustment of the light beam relative to the pupil. In particular, the ear pads can be moved forward and backward on the temples relative to each other to adjust the wrap angle of the frame and therefore the front of the projector.

[0060] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is proposed a method for projecting an image onto the retina of a human eye, more particularly onto a modified retinal region, in particular onto a retinal implant, or a method for operating a projector apparatus as described herein for projecting an image, said method comprising projecting a light beam from outside the human eye towards the pupil, wherein the exit pupil diameter of said light beam is set to be smaller than the pupil diameter.

[0061] The effects and advantages described with respect to the projector apparatus can be achieved with the method as well.

[0062] According to another preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the step of aligning a central axis of the light beam with the center of the pupil, preferably wherein the maximum deviation between the central axis of the light beam and the center of the pupil is less than or equal to 1 mm, preferably wherein the central axis of the light beam is aligned with the visual axis defined as the axis passing through the center of the pupil and the center of the ocular implant, preferably wherein the maximum deviation between the central axis of the light beam and the visual axis is less than or equal to 1°.

[0063] According to another more preferred embodiment, the exit pupil diameter is set to 3 mm or less, preferably 2 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm or less, particularly preferably 0.5 mm or less, and particularly preferably the exit pupil diameter is set to 1 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.25 mm.

[0064] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the exit pupil plane defined by the exit pupil of the light beam is aligned with the pupil plane defined by the pupil, preferably with a maximum distance between the exit pupil plane and the pupil plane of ±5 mm, preferably ±3 mm, more preferably ±2, even more preferably ±1, and particularly preferably 0.5 mm.

[0065] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the exit pupil distance of the light beam is adjustable in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm, preferably 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0066] According to another preferred embodiment, the exit pupil distance is adjusted to the distance between the projector and the pupil.

[0067] According to another preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the step of monitoring a pupil diameter of the eye onto which the light beam is projected and / or monitoring ambient light intensity, and adjusting the exit pupil diameter based on the monitored values ​​of the pupil diameter and / or ambient light intensity.

[0068] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the light beam is based on patterning of coherent light, preferably light emitted by a laser, laser diode, directed onto a micromirror array, wherein the angle of incidence of the coherent light and the pitch of the micromirrors are configured such that the distance between the intensity maxima of adjacent diffraction orders, preferably the two strongest diffraction orders, of the output beam is 7 mm or more, preferably 8 mm or more, more preferably 10 mm or more.

[0069] Alternatively, the light beam can be based on the patterning of incoherent light, preferably light emitted by an LED, to substantially avoid interference effects.

[0070] The present disclosure will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, which is described in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0071] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of a projector apparatus for projecting a light beam onto the retina of a human eye according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] 10 is a schematic side view of a projector device for projecting a light beam onto the retina of a human eye according to a second embodiment; FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a schematic side view of a projector apparatus in which the light beams are misaligned. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of a projector apparatus in which the light beams are misaligned. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a schematic side view of a projector apparatus for projecting a light beam onto the retina of a human eye, according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a schematic side view of a projector apparatus for projecting a light beam onto the retina of a human eye, according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic side view of an apparatus for projecting a light beam onto the retina of a human eye, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a human head with a projector device positioned in front of the eye for projecting a light beam onto the retina of the human eye. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the human head of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of the human head of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a human head fitted with the device according to FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of the head of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a micromirror array according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of the micromirror array according to FIG. 11 with tilted micromirrors. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of a micromirror array according to another preferred embodiment.

[0072] Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are designated by like reference numerals and may not be described repeatedly to avoid redundancy.

[0073] 1 is a schematic side view of a projector apparatus 1 for projecting a light beam 100 onto a retina 114 of a human eye 110 according to a first embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the light beam 100 comprises wavelengths in the near infrared field (NIR).

[0074] The projector device 1 includes a projector 2 for projecting a light beam 100 from outside a human eye 110 through a pupil 111 of the eye 110. The projector 2 is configured such that an exit pupil diameter 102 of the exit pupil 101 of the light beam 100 is set smaller than a pupil diameter 112 of the eye.

[0075] It is thereby ensured that substantially all of the energy of the light beam 100 passes through the pupil 111 and enters the eye 110. Thus, the retinal implant 30 implanted in the retina 114 is illuminated with substantially the full irradiance of the light beam 100. In other words, the irradiance of the retinal implant 30 is known. Furthermore, variations in irradiance on the retinal implant 30 can be avoided. Therefore, by controlling the irradiance of the light beam 100 with the projector apparatus 1, the irradiance at the target area of ​​the retina is known and can be controlled. Therefore, proper operation of the retinal implant 30 and / or proper functioning of the optogenetics application can be ensured.

[0076] The irradiance on the retinal implant 30 is important to the function of the retinal implant 30 .

[0077] To ensure that the entire light beam 100, which has an exit pupil diameter 102 set smaller than the pupil 111, enters the pupil 111, the central axis 107 of the light beam 100 is aligned with the center 116 of the pupil 111. In this regard, a maximum deviation between the central axis 107 and the center 116 of 1 mm or less has been shown to provide adequate accuracy.

[0078] Furthermore, an exit pupil plane 104 defined by the exit pupil 101 of the light beam 100 is aligned with an exit pupil plane 113 defined by the pupil 111. This may ensure that the diameter of the light beam 100 at the exit pupil plane 113 is smaller than the pupil diameter 112. To do so, an exit pupil distance 103 extending between the projector exit plane 108 and the exit pupil plane 104 is adjusted to the distance between the projector 108 and the pupil 111, i.e., the eye relief.

[0079] It has been shown that proper alignment is achieved when the alignment of the exit pupil plane 104 to the pupil plane 113 is within a tolerance with a maximum distance of ±5 mm, preferably ±3 mm, more preferably ±2, even more preferably ±1, and especially preferably 0.5 mm.

[0080] Said alignment of central axis 107 and center 116, and exit pupil plane 104 and pupil plane 113 is effected by an alignment device (not shown in FIG. 1) of projector apparatus 1, which will be described in detail below.

[0081] Setting the exit pupil diameter 102 smaller than the pupil diameter 112 can be achieved by setting the exit pupil diameter 102 to a constant value smaller than the estimated minimum pupil diameter 112. When the exit pupil diameter 102 is set to a value equal to or smaller than 3 mm, preferably equal to or smaller than 2 mm, more preferably equal to or smaller than 1 mm, and particularly preferably equal to or smaller than 0.5 mm, it can be ensured that the pupil diameter 112 is always larger than the exit pupil diameter 102. Advantageous values ​​for the exit pupil diameter 102 are 1 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.25 mm.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, the projector 2 may include an adjustment unit (not shown) for adjusting the exit pupil diameter 102 based on monitored values ​​of the pupil diameter and / or the ambient light intensity surrounding the projector apparatus 1.

[0083] In this regard, the projector apparatus 1 may include a sensor unit configured to monitor the pupil diameter 112. The adjustment unit may therefore set the exit pupil diameter 102 to be smaller than the measured pupil diameter 112. In this regard, it has proven advantageous if the sensor unit includes a camera for monitoring the pupil 111.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit can be configured to monitor ambient light intensity. Since the pupil diameter 112 is substantially dependent on the ambient light intensity, in other words, the pupil diameter 112 is a function of the ambient light intensity, the sensor unit can determine the pupil diameter 112 based on the measured light intensity, for example, by comparing the measured light intensity value with values ​​stored in a look-up table. In this regard, it has been shown to be advantageous if the sensor unit includes a photodetector.

[0085] It may be particularly comfortable for a person wearing the projector apparatus 1 if the eye relief between the projector 2, and therefore the projector exit surface 108, and the pupil 111 is arranged at a distance of 5 to 50 mm, preferably 10 to 30 mm. Therefore, the projector 2 is optionally configured such that the exit pupil distance 103 of the light beam 100 emitted by the projector 2 is adjustable, preferably by an adjustment unit, in the range of 5 to 50 mm, preferably 10 to 30 mm.

[0086] The alignment device 4 is optionally configured to align the central axis 107 of the light beam 100 with the visual axis defined as the axis passing through the center 116 of the pupil and the center of the implant in the eye 110, and preferably the maximum deviation between the central axis 107 of the light beam 100 and the visual axis is less than or equal to 1°.

[0087] 2 is a schematic side view of a projector apparatus 1 for projecting a light beam 100 onto the retina of a human eye 110 according to a second embodiment. This embodiment substantially corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Again, the output beam diameter 109 disclosed herein, which corresponds to the exit pupil diameter 102 at the pupil, is set to be smaller than the pupil diameter 112. Thus, substantially all of the light energy of the light beam 100 reaches the retinal implant 30. That is, again, the radiation exposure at the retinal implant 30 is known and can be controlled by the projector apparatus 1.

[0088] 3A and 3B are schematic side views of the projector device 1 according to FIG. 1, in which the light beams 100 are misaligned.

[0089] From these figures it can be seen that the alignment of the light beam, ie the exit pupil 101, with respect to the pupil 111 is very important.

[0090] 3A, the exit pupil plane 104 is misaligned with respect to the pupil plane 113 by a distance 105 that is greater than the tolerance. Thus, the light beam 100 is specifically blocked by the iris 115, even though the exit pupil diameter 102 is set to be smaller than the pupil diameter 112.

[0091] 3B, the central axis 107 of the light beam 100 is misaligned with respect to the center 116 of the pupil 112 by a deviation 106 that is greater than the maximum deviation 106. It can also be seen that it is partially blocked by the iris 115.

[0092] Therefore, only when the alignment is performed with respect to Figure 1, i.e. when the exit pupil distance 103 is correctly set or adjusted and the main axis 3 of the projector 2 corresponding to the central axis 107 of the light beam 100 is correctly set or adjusted, can it be ensured that all light beams 100 having an exit pupil diameter 102 smaller than the exit pupil diameter 102 enter the eye 110.

[0093] 4A is a schematic perspective side view of a projector apparatus 1 for projecting a light beam onto the retina of a human eye according to another embodiment. The projector apparatus 1 substantially corresponds to the projector apparatus 1 described with reference to FIG. 1. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, in this exemplary embodiment, the projector apparatus 1 includes a camera 6 for capturing a pattern of interest in front of the projector apparatus 1. The captured pattern of interest captured by the camera 6 provides the basis for the content of the light beam 100 that is projected onto the human eye 110 and the retinal implant 30.

[0094] Furthermore, the projector apparatus 1 includes an optional, preferably removable, eye observation module 8 for observing at least a portion of the retina 114 and / or iris 115, preferably the portion of the retina 114 targeted by the light beam 100. Preferably, content captured by the eye observation module is directed to a video screen (not shown), which is preferably aligned with the light beam 100 and the implant 30. As the iris 115 is observed, the alignment of the output beam to the pupil 111 can be observed to monitor whether further adjustments need to be made.

[0095] Thereby, the eye observation module 8 is preferably configured to monitor the beam 100 projected onto the retina 114 and the retina 30 at the back of the eye 110 and to display it on a video screen.

[0096] In a further preferred embodiment, the eye observation module 8 comprises an optical path which can be combined with the optical path of the projection, for example via a dielectric mirror and / or a beam splitter, to allow direct visualization of the beam projected onto the eye observation camera 6. Preferably, the camera 6 is located on one of the sides of the module and is optically connected to the optical path of the projection, i.e. the output beam 22, preferably via a lens and / or a mirror and / or a beam splitter.

[0097] A simple alignment of the pupil 111 with the light beam 100 can be achieved and / or controlled when adjusting the projector apparatus 1 relative to the light beam 100, i.e., the human eye 110. Furthermore, this can be useful for training a patient wearing the projector apparatus 1.

[0098] 4B shows a schematic perspective side view of a projector apparatus 1 for projecting a light beam onto the retina of a human eye according to another embodiment, which substantially corresponds to the projector apparatus shown in FIG. 4A, with the eye observation module 8 being arranged at a different location in the projector apparatus 1.

[0099] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of an apparatus 40 for projecting a light beam onto the retina of a human eye, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0100] The device 40 includes a frame 50, which in this embodiment is in the form of an eyeglass frame 50.

[0101] The apparatus 40 further includes a projector apparatus 1 that substantially corresponds to the projector apparatus 1 described with reference to FIGS.

[0102] The projector apparatus 1 is attached to the frame 50 via the fixing part 5. As described above, the projector apparatus 1 includes the alignment device 4. The alignment device 4 allows adjustment of the position and orientation of the projector 2 relative to the fixing part 5, i.e., the frame 50, and the eyes of the patient wearing the apparatus 40.

[0103] The alignment device 4 is formed so that the projector 2 can move in five movement directions 10 and 11 relative to the fixed part 5 .

[0104] The three directions of movement are longitudinal directions 10, 10', 10", and optionally each longitudinal direction is oriented substantially perpendicular to the other longitudinal directions.

[0105] In this exemplary embodiment, as will be described in more detail with respect to Figures 6-8, the first longitudinal movement direction 10 corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the human head, the second longitudinal movement direction 10'' corresponds to the transverse axis of the human head, and the third longitudinal movement direction 10' corresponds to the sagittal axis of the human head.

[0106] The remaining two directions of movement are rotational directions 11 and 11'.

[0107] In this exemplary embodiment, as described in more detail with respect to Figures 6 to 8, the first rotation direction 11' is oriented so that the pantoscopic angle of the projector 2 relative to the eye 110 can be adjusted, and the second rotation direction 11 is oriented so that the wrap angle of the projector 2 relative to the eye 110 can be adjusted.

[0108] To provide the directions of movement 10, 10', 10'', 11 and 11', the alignment device 5 comprises a number of kinematic pairs which are shown in general form, since kinematic pairs are known per se.

[0109] The longitudinal directions of movement 10, 10', 10" are provided by prismatic joints. In particular, one of the prismatic joints is arranged adjacent to the fixed part 5. This prismatic joint provides linear movement in the longitudinal direction of movement 10. A second prismatic joint is arranged adjacent to the first prismatic joint and provides movement along the longitudinal direction of movement 10'. Adjacent to that is arranged a first rotary joint which provides rotation in the rotation direction 11. Further prismatic joints are provided to allow movement in the longitudinal direction of movement 10". Further rotary joints are provided to provide rotation in the rotation direction 11'.

[0110] Furthermore, the alignment device 5 comprises a plurality of locking units (not shown), each of which is assigned to a respective kinematic pair for locking or releasing the movement in a respective direction of movement. The locking units are known per se and can be implemented, for example, in the form of locking screws or surfaces with a high coefficient of friction.

[0111] 5, the main axis 7 of the camera 6 is aligned with the main axis 3 of the projector 2 and is aligned with the central axis 107 of the light beam 100. According to this exemplary embodiment, the main axes 3 and 7 are arranged concentrically. In other words, the camera 6 and the projector 2 are arranged linearly on opposite sides of the projector device 2.

[0112] Additionally, device 40 includes lens 60 held by frame 50. Lens 60 in this embodiment is shaded, here tinted. Providing tinted lens 60 reduces ambient light entering pupil 111, naturally increasing pupil diameter 112. Therefore, aligning central axis 107 with center 106 or visual axis may be easier.

[0113] FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a human head 15 with a projector device 1 placed in front of the eye 110 for projecting a light beam onto the retina of the human eye.

[0114] The projector apparatus 1 corresponds to the projector apparatus 1 described with reference to Figures 1 and 5. For better visibility, the projector apparatus 1 is shown in a reduced scale and the device 40 is omitted.

[0115] It can be seen that the longitudinal movement direction 10" is oriented substantially parallel to the transverse axis 13 of the human head 15. Thus, transverse or lateral adjustment of the projector 2 and of the light beam 100 relative to the human eye 110 can be performed.

[0116] The longitudinal movement direction 10 corresponds to the longitudinal axis 12 of the human head 15. The longitudinal direction 10 therefore allows the projector 2 to move up and down relative to the eye 100.

[0117] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the human head 15 of Figure 6. It can be seen that the longitudinal movement direction 10' essentially corresponds to the sagittal axis 14. Thus, by means of the longitudinal movement direction 10' the eye relief can be adjusted to correspond to the exit pupil distance 103.

[0118] Furthermore, via the rotation direction 11' (see FIG. 5) the pantoscopic angle 16 of the projector 2, ie the light beam 100 relative to the human eye 110, ie the pupil 111, can be adjusted.

[0119] Figure 8 is a schematic top view of the human head 15 of Figure 6. As can be further seen in this figure, the rotation direction 11 (see Figure 5) allows the wrap angle 17 of the projector 2, i.e. the light beam 100, to be adjusted relative to the human eye 110, i.e. the pupil 111.

[0120] That is, the five directions of movement 10, 10', 10'', 11 and 11' allow the light beam 100 to be centered and aligned with respect to the center and eye relief of the pupil 111 so that the exit pupil plane is aligned with the pupil plane.

[0121] As a result, the light beam 100 enters the eye 110 in its entirety and is aligned so that it is directed towards the retinal implant 30 .

[0122] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a human head 15 wearing the device 40 according to FIG. 5 . The device 40 according to this exemplary embodiment further optionally includes hinges 56 arranged between the front frame 55 and the temples 53 of the frame 50. The hinges 56 allow the temples 53 to pivot relative to the front frame 55. Furthermore, displaceable ear pads 52 are arranged on each temple 53, which can be displaced in a displacement direction 520. Adjustable nose pads 54 are provided to support the front frame 55 on the patient's nose. The aforementioned parts 52, 54, and 56 allow the frame 50 to be adjusted to the patient's individual head shape before adjusting the projector 2, i.e., before aligning the light beam 100 with the patient's pupils 111 as described above. In particular, the ear pads 52 can be moved forward and backward relative to each other on the temples 53 to adjust the wrap angle 17 of the front frame 55, i.e., of the projector device 1.

[0123] Similar to hinge 56, there may be additional hinges at the location of hinge 56 to adjust the angle of temple 53 relative to front frame 55 for potential adjustment of wrap angle 17. Alternatively, hinge 56 may be arranged to provide pivotal movement of temple 53 relative to front frame 55 about at least two pivot axes.

[0124] 10 is a schematic top view of the head 15 of FIG. 9. In this view, optional counterweights 51 and 51' are shown. The counterweight 51 is located on the side of the frame 50 opposite to the side on which the projector apparatus 1 is located, so as to balance the lateral weight distribution of the apparatus 40. Furthermore, the optional counterweight 51' contributes to a balanced distribution along the sagittal axis 14, which can increase the wearing comfort of the apparatus 40.

[0125] 11 and 12 show schematic side views of a micromirror array 20 that may be part of the projector apparatus 1 according to a preferred exemplary embodiment.

[0126] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a micromirror array 20, in which a light beam 100 is based on the patterning of coherent incident light 21, in this exemplary embodiment NIR light illuminated by a laser diode, directed onto the micromirror array 20.

[0127] Due to the pitch 23 of the micromirrors 27, several diffraction orders emerge from the micromirror array 20, corresponding to constructively interfering light beams at respective intensity maxima 26, 26', 26" of the reflected output beam 22. The majority of the energy is distributed in the zeroth order intensity maximum 26. Thus, the angle of incidence 24 is equal to the angle of emergence 25. Here, substantially all of the light energy of the light beam 100 is distributed only in the zeroth order intensity maximum 26.

[0128] 12 is a schematic side view of a micromirror array 20 with tilted micromirrors 27. Due to the tilt of the micromirrors 27, the light energy of the coherent light 51 is distributed differently at different orders of intensity maxima 26, 26′, 26″, such that, for example, second-order maximum 26′ receives the majority of the energy.

[0129] If the angle of incidence 24 is made slightly smaller, the energy will be distributed between the first and second orders 26' and 26". Thus, by adjusting the angle of incidence 24, the energy of the incident coherent light 21 can be distributed into one or two output beams 22.

[0130] Furthermore, if the micromirror 27 is tilted in two dimensions, the energy of the incident light 21 can be split into four output beams 22 .

[0131] In this regard, the angle of incidence 24 of the coherent incident light 21 and the pitch 23 of the micromirrors 27 of the micromirror array 20 are configured such that the distance between the intensity maxima 26, 26', 26" of adjacent diffraction orders of the output beam 22, i.e., the two strongest diffraction orders, is 7 mm or more, preferably 8 mm or more, and more preferably 10 mm or more.

[0132] Alternatively or additionally, the angle of incidence 24 of the coherent incident light 21 and the pitch 23 of the micromirrors 27 of the micromirror array 20 are adapted in accordance with this embodiment such that the majority of the power of the output beam 22 is directed towards the first diffraction order of the intensity maximum 26. Preferably, 80% to 95%, more preferably 90%, of the light power is directed towards this diffraction order.

[0133] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of a micromirror array 20 that may be part of a projector device 1 according to another preferred exemplary embodiment, in which a light beam 100 is based on the patterning of incoherent incident light 21 directed onto the micromirror array 20, in this exemplary embodiment, NIR light illuminated by an LED.

[0134] It can be seen that due to the incoherence of the light beam 100, the output beam 22 is based solely on the reflection of the incident light 21 and patterning according to the structure of the micromirror array 20. Virtually no diffraction occurs.

[0135] It is apparent to those skilled in the art that these embodiments and items merely describe examples of multiple possibilities. Therefore, the embodiments shown herein should not be understood to form limitations on these features and configurations. Any possible combination and configuration of the described features can be selected according to the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1. Projector equipment 2 Projectors 3 main axis 4 Alignment device 5 Fixed part 6. Camera 7 Spindle 8 Eye Observation Module 10 Longitudinal movement direction 11 Rotation direction 12 Longitudinal axis 13 Horizontal axis 14 sagittal axis 15 head 16 Pantoscopic angle 17 Wrap angle 20 Micromirror Array 21 Incident light 22 output beam 23 pitches 24 Angle of incidence 25 Output angle 26 Maximum Intensity 27 Micromirror 30 Retinal Implant 40 Apparatus for projecting a light beam onto the human eye 50 frames 51 Counterweight 52 ear pads 520 Displacement direction 53 Temple 54 Nose pad 55 front frame 56 Hinge 56 Pivot movement direction 60 lenses 100 Light Beams 101 Exit pupil 102 Exit pupil diameter 103 Exit pupil distance 104 Exit pupil plane 105 distance 106 deviation 107 Central axis of light beam 108 Projector exit surface 109 Output beam diameter 110 eyes 111 Pupil 112 Pupil diameter 113 Pupil plane 114 Retina 115 Iris 116 Center of the pupil

Claims

1. A projector device (1) for projecting a light beam (100) onto a retina (114) of a human eye (110), comprising: a projector (2) for projecting the light beam (100) from outside the human eye (110) through a pupil (111) of the eye (110); the projector (2) is configured such that the exit pupil diameter (102) of the light beam (100) is set smaller than the pupil diameter (112) of the eye; an alignment device (4) for aligning a central axis (107) of the light beam (100) with the center (116) of the pupil (111); The projector (2) is configured so that the exit pupil diameter (102) is set to 2 mm or less; an exit pupil plane (104) defined by an exit pupil (101) of said light beam (100) is aligned with an exit pupil plane (113) defined by said pupil (111); A projector device (1) characterized by:

2. 2. The projector device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the projector (2) is configured so that the exit pupil diameter (102) is set to 1 mm or less.

3. 3. The projector device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the projector (2) is configured so that the exit pupil diameter (102) is set to 0.5 mm or less.

4. 3. The projector device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a sensor unit for monitoring the pupil diameter (112) of the eye (110) onto which the light beam (100) is projected and / or for monitoring ambient light intensity.

5. 5. The projector device (1) of claim 4, wherein the sensor unit includes a camera and / or a photodetector, and the projector includes an adjustment unit for adjusting the exit pupil diameter (102) based on the monitored value of the pupil diameter (112) and / or the ambient light intensity.

6. A projector device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A projector device (1) in which the projector (2) is configured such that the exit pupil distance (103) of the light beam (100) emitted by the projector (2) is adjustable in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm.

7. 7. The projector device (1) according to claim 6, The projector (2) is configured so that the exit pupil distance (103) of the light beam (100) emitted by the projector (2) is adjustable within a range of 10 mm to 30 mm.

8. 7. The projector device (1) according to claim 6, A projector device (1) in which the maximum distance (105) between the exit pupil plane (104) and the pupil plane (113) is ±2 mm.

9. Projector device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, configured to control the irradiance of the light beam (100).

10. 10. Projector device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum deviation (106) between the central axis (107) of the light beam and the center of the pupil is less than or equal to 1 mm.

11. 11. A projector apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the alignment device (4) is configured to align the central axis (107) of the light beam (100) with a visual axis defined as the axis passing through the center (116) of the pupil and the center of an implant in the eye (110).

12. 12. Projector device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the maximum deviation between the central axis (107) of the light beam (100) and the viewing axis is less than or equal to 1[deg.].

13. A projector device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 11, further comprising a fixing part (5) for fixing the projector device (1) to a frame (50), wherein the alignment device (5) is configured so that the position and / or orientation of the projector (2) can be adjusted relative to the fixing part (5).

14. The projector device (1) according to any of claims 13 to 19, further comprising a fixing part (5) for fixing the projector device (1) to an eyeglass frame.

15. 14. Projector device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the alignment device (4) is formed so that the projector (2) can move relative to the fixed part (5) in a plurality of movement directions.

16. 16. Projector device (1) according to claim 15, wherein the alignment device (4) is formed so that the projector (2) can move relative to the fixed part (5) in five directions of movement.

17. 16. Projector device (1) according to claim 15, wherein the alignment device (4) is formed such that at least one of the directions of movement is longitudinal.

18. Projector device (1) according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the alignment device (4) is formed such that one of the directions of movement is a direction of rotation.

19. 19. Projector device (1) according to claim 18, wherein the alignment device (4) is formed such that the two directions of movement are rotational directions.

20. 18. The projector device (1) of claim 15, wherein one rotation direction is oriented so that a pantoscopic angle (16) of the projector (2) relative to the eye (110) can be adjusted, and / or one rotation direction is oriented so that a wrap angle (17) of the projector (2) relative to the eye (110) can be adjusted.

21. The alignment device (4) includes at least one kinematic pair, Projector apparatus (1) according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the alignment device comprises at least one locking unit for locking at least one direction of movement.

22. 22. Projector apparatus (1) according to claim 21, wherein the alignment device (4) comprises a plurality of kinematic pairs.

23. 22. Projector apparatus (1) according to claim 21, wherein at least one kinematic pair is a prismatic joint.

24. 22. Projector apparatus (1) according to claim 21, wherein said alignment device comprises at least one locking screw.

25. 19. The projector device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the alignment device (4) comprises an electric unit configured to align the projection direction with the direction of an eye monitored by an eye observation module (8).

26. 19. Projector apparatus (1) according to any of claims 10 to 18, wherein the alignment device (4) comprises a motorized unit configured to align the projection direction with the direction of the eye monitored by an eye tracking device.

27. a camera (6) for capturing a pattern of interest in front of the projector device (1), wherein the content of the light beam (100) is based on the captured pattern of interest; 27. Projector device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main axis (7) of the camera (6) is arranged concentrically with the main axis (3) of the light beam (100).

28. 28. Projector device (1) according to claim 27, wherein the camera (6) and the projector (2) are arranged in a line on opposite sides of the projector device (1).

29. 15. The projector device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the projector device (1) includes a micromirror array (20), and the light beam (100) is based on patterning of incident light (21) directed onto the micromirror array (20).

30. 30. The projector device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the projector device (1) includes a micromirror device and the light beam (100) is based on patterning of incident light (21) emitted by a laser, a laser diode, and / or an LED.

31. 30. The projector apparatus (1) of claim 29, wherein the angle of incidence (24) of the coherent light (21) and the pitch (23) of the micromirrors (27) of the micromirror array (20) are configured such that the distance in the exit pupil plane (104) between intensity maxima of adjacent diffraction orders (26, 26', 26") of the output beam (22) is 7 mm or greater.

32. 30. The projector device (1) of claim 29, wherein the angle of incidence (24) of the coherent light (21) and the pitch (23) of the micromirrors (27) of the micromirror array (20) are configured such that the distance at the exit pupil plane (104) between the intensity maxima of the two strongest diffraction orders of the output beam (22) is 7 mm or more.

33. 33. A projector device (1) according to any one of claims 31 to 32, wherein the angle of incidence (24) of the coherent light (21) and the pitch (23) of the micromirror array (20) are configured such that a majority of the power of the output beam (22) is directed towards first order diffraction (26).

34. 34. Projector apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an eye observation module (8) for observing at least a part of the retina (114).

35. 35. Projector device (1) according to any of claims 25 and 34, wherein the eye observation module (8) and the light beam (100) have coincident optical axes.

36. 36. Projector apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a shaded lens (60).

37. 37. Projector apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a tinted lens (60).

38. 1. A device (40) for projecting a light beam into a human eye, comprising: A frame (50), 38. A projector device (40) according to claim 1 or 37, wherein the projector device (1) is fixed to the frame (50).

39. 39. The device (40) of claim 38, wherein the frame (50) is an eyeglass frame, and / or the frame comprises a headband, and / or the frame comprises a head ring, and / or the frame comprises ear stops.

40. 10. A method for operating a projector device (1) for projecting an image onto a retina (114) of a human eye (110) according to claim 1, comprising: projecting a light beam (100) from outside the human eye (110) towards the pupil (111) of the eye; an exit pupil diameter (102) of the light beam (100) is set smaller than a pupil diameter (112) of the eye (110); an alignment device (4) for aligning a central axis (107) of the light beam (100) with the center (116) of the pupil (111); The projector (2) is configured so that the exit pupil diameter (102) is set to 2 mm or less; A method, characterized in that an exit pupil plane (104) defined by an exit pupil (101) of said light beam (100) is aligned with an exit pupil plane (113) defined by said pupil (111).

41. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising aligning a central axis (107) of the light beam (100) with a center (116) of the pupil (111).

42. 42. The method according to any of claims 40 to 41, wherein the central axis (107) of the light beam (100) is aligned with a visual axis defined as the axis passing through the center (116) of the pupil and the center of an implant in the eye (110).

43. 43. The method of any of claims 40 and 42, wherein the exit pupil diameter (102) is 3 mm or less.

44. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the exit pupil diameter (102) is less than or equal to 2 mm and the exit pupil diameter (102) is set to 1 mm.

45. 44. A method according to any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein an exit pupil plane (104) defined by an exit pupil (101) of the light beam (100) is aligned with a pupil plane (113) defined by the pupil (111).

46. 46. ​​The method of claim 45, wherein the maximum distance (105) between the exit pupil plane (104) and the pupil plane (113) is ±3 mm.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein the exit pupil distance (103) of the light beam (100) is between 5 mm and 50 mm.

48. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the exit pupil distance (103) is adjusted to the distance between the projector (2) and the exit pupil (111).

49. monitoring the ocular pupil diameter (112) of the eye (110) onto which the light beam (100) is projected; and / or monitoring ambient light intensity; and 48. The method of any of claims 41 to 47, further comprising adjusting an exit pupil diameter (102) based on the eye pupil diameter (112) and / or the monitored value of the ambient light intensity.

50. 50. A method according to any one of claims 40 to 49, wherein the light beam (100) is based on patterning of coherent light (21), and the angle of incidence (24) of the coherent light and the pitch (23) of the micromirrors (27) are such that the distance at the exit pupil plane between the intensity maxima of adjacent diffraction orders of the output beam (22) is 7 mm or more.

51. 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the light beam (100) is based on patterning of coherent light (21) emitted by a laser and / or a laser diode directed onto a micromirror array (20).

52. 50. A method according to any one of claims 41 to 49, wherein the light beam (100) is based on patterning of coherent light (21), and the angle of incidence (24) of the coherent light (21) and the pitch (23) of the micromirror array (20) are configured so that a majority of the power of the output beam (22) is directed towards first order diffraction (26).

53. 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the light beam (100) is based on patterning of coherent light (21) emitted by a laser and / or a laser diode directed onto a micromirror array (20).

Images