Data glasses and method for checking a function of an eye using data glasses

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and data glasses (102) for checking a function of an eye (104), wherein the data glasses (102) comprise at least one light source (112), a holographic optical element and a controller, wherein the light source (112) is designed to generate a light beam (120) for generating a projection of at least one digital image for checking the function of the eye (104), wherein the data glasses (102) are designed to scan, using the light beam (120), virtual pixels (122) of the projection of the at least one digital image in the holographic optical element of the data glasses (102), which virtual pixels radiate the light beam (120) onto in each case a respective pixel of the projection (126) of the at least one digital image on the retina (118), wherein the controller (114) is designed to specify the at least one digital image and to actuate the light source (112) to scan the virtual pixels (122) of the projection of the at least one digital image.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Data glasses and method for checking the function of an eye using data glasses

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The invention relates to data glasses and a method for checking the function of an eye using data glasses.

[0006] Disclosure of the invention

[0007] The data glasses and the method according to the independent claims enable new functions in the field of eye health.

[0008] The method for checking the function of an eye with data glasses provides that at least one digital image is provided for checking the function of the eye, wherein a light beam for projecting the at least one digital image onto the retina of the eye is generated with the data glasses, wherein virtual pixels of the projection of the at least one digital image in a holographic optical element of the data glasses are scanned with the light beam, each of which emits the light beam onto a pixel of the projection of the at least one digital image on the retina. The data glasses are suitable for daily wear. The method thus enables vision tests without a visit to an ophthalmologist. Such vision tests do not have to achieve the diagnostic quality of an examination by an ophthalmologist. It is sufficient if they give the wearer of the data glasses an indication to consult a doctor for a more precise diagnosis.

[0009] The process enables functions such as scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. For example, the projection pixels are generated on the retina with identical or essentially identical illuminance.

[0010] For example, the at least one digital image is provided with a background environment for checking the function of the eye.

[0011] For example, at least one digital image is provided with a background removal to test the function of the eye. The background removal can be used to test whether a subject perceives the focus-free image from the data glasses as sharp or not. This makes it possible to identify myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), as these are strongly related to the focusing capabilities of the eye lens.

[0012] For example, at least two digital images with different background distances are projected onto the retina one after the other to test the function of the eye. The different background distances can be used to test how a subject perceives the focus-free image from the data glasses, particularly under different accommodation states (focus states of the eye lens).

[0013] For example, at least two digital images with differing line patterns are projected onto the retina one after the other to test the eye's function. The line patterns differ in their spatial frequency. This allows retinal resolution to be determined. For example, the ability to discriminate between line patterns is tested.

[0014] For example, a location in the eye's field of vision is specified, with at least one digital image being projected at the specified location in the field of vision. Head movements have no influence on the position of a stimulus in the field of vision as long as the glasses sit firmly on the subject's nose. Eye-tracking functions in the smart glasses also determine the eye position. This ensures that the stimulus is displayed exactly at the desired location in the subject's field of vision during a vision test with smart glasses, much better than, for example, a test with an eye chart or an external display.

[0015] For example, at least two digital images with different fields are projected onto the retina one after the other to test the function of the eye, with at least one field comprising a mixed field of more than one color and at least one field comprising a single-color field. This makes it possible to determine color vision deficiency.

[0016] For example, the data glasses comprise a first light source for generating light of a first color, a second light source for generating light of a second color, and a third light source for generating light of a third color, with the colors differing from one another. The mixed field is generated by the first light source and the second light source. This enables anomaloscopy with two color fields that the subject is to set to the same color.

[0017] The comparison field is generated, for example, using the third light source. It can be provided to generate the comparison field using a thermal light source and a bandpass filter of the data glasses and / or using the third light source.

[0018] The data glasses for checking the function of the eye comprise at least one light source, a holographic optical element and a controller, wherein the light source is designed to generate a light beam for generating a projection of at least one digital image for checking the function of the eye, wherein the data glasses are designed to use the light beam to scan virtual pixels of the projection of the at least one digital image in the holographic optical element of the data glasses, which pixels each emit the light beam onto a pixel of the projection of the at least one digital image on the retina, wherein the controller is designed to specify the at least one digital image and to control the light source for scanning the virtual pixels of the projection of the at least one digital image.For example, the data glasses are designed to carry out the method, in particular, the controller is designed to control the data glasses according to the method. Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the following description and the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0019] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of data glasses for checking the function of an eye,

[0020] Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing steps of a method for checking the function of the eye,

[0021] Fig. 3 a first digital image for verification,

[0022] Fig. 4 a second digital image for verification,

[0023] Fig. 5 a third digital image for verification,

[0024] Fig. 6 two laser spectra for generating a mixed field,

[0025] Fig. 7 a spectrum of a thermal light source for generating a

[0026] comparison field,

[0027] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of LCD / LED beam paths,

[0028] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a collimated single beam.

[0029] Figure 1 schematically shows a data glasses 102 for checking the function of an eye 104 and the eye 104.

[0030] The data glasses 102 comprise a temple 106 and a frame 108. In the

[0031] A holographic optical element 110 is arranged in the frame 108.

[0032] For example, the data glasses 102 comprise a lens that supports the frame 108, wherein the holographic optical element 110 is arranged in the lens.

[0033] In the example, the temple 106 carries the frame 108. A user of the data glasses 102 wears the data glasses 102 in the example on his ears and nose.

[0034] In the example, a light source 112 and a control 114 are arranged on the bracket 106.

[0035] The eye 104 includes a cornea and a lens, which are shown together as lens 116 in Figure 1. The eye 104 includes a retina 118.

[0036] The controller 114 is designed to specify a digital image for generating a projection of the digital image onto the retina 118. It can be provided that the controller 114 comprises an interface for a test subject. It can be provided that the controller 114 is designed to control the light source 112 to display various digital images to the test subject for selection. It can be provided that the interface is designed to detect an input from the test subject with which the test subject selects the digital image that is projected onto the retina 118. It can be provided that the interface is designed to detect an input from the test subject with which the test subject starts projecting the digital image onto the retina 118.

[0037] It can be provided that the interface is designed to capture an input from the subject, with which the subject selects a result of the functional test using the digital image projected onto the retina 118. It can be provided that the interface is designed to capture an input from the subject, with which the subject enters the result.

[0038] It may be provided that the controller 114 is designed to control the light source 112 to display a selection of results to the test subject.

[0039] It can be provided that the controller 114 is configured to wait for an input from the test subject, with which the test subject selects the result from the selection of results. It can be provided that the controller 114 is configured to select the result from the selection when the input with which the test subject selects the result from the selection is recognized.

[0040] It may be provided that the controller 114 is designed to determine another digital image to continue the test or to select it from the selection of images depending on the result that the test subject enters for the digital image.

[0041] The light source 112 is configured to provide a light beam 120 for generating the projection of the digital image on the retina 118. The light source 112 is configured to scan virtual pixels 122 in the holographic optical element with the light beam 120. The controller 114 is configured to control the light source 112 to scan the digital image specified by the controller 114.

[0042] The light source 112 may be rotatable for scanning in two dimensions. The light source 112 may include a mirror illuminated with the light beam 120, which mirror is rotatable for scanning in two dimensions.

[0043] The virtual pixels 122 are arranged and configured such that the light beam 120 from the respective virtual pixel 122 emits light 124 to generate a pixel 126 of the projection of the digital image on the retina 118.

[0044] The light source 112 comprises, for example, a laser diode for generating a laser beam, wherein the light beam 120 comprises the laser beam.

[0045] The light source 112 comprises, for example, a first light source for generating light of a first color, a second light source for generating light of a second color, and a third light source for generating light of a third color. The colors differ from one another in the example. For example, the first light source is a first laser diode. For example, the second light source is a second laser diode. For example, the third light source is a third laser diode.

[0046] It can be provided that the data glasses 102 comprise a thermal light source (not shown in Figure 1) and a bandpass filter (not shown in Figure 1). The thermal light source is designed to illuminate the retina 118 with light. The bandpass filter is designed to filter light from the thermal light source before illuminating the retina 118.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a flowchart with steps of a method for testing eye function. In this example, the controller 114 is configured to control the light source 112 according to the method.

[0048] The method is carried out, for example, with the data glasses 102 while a test subject wears the data glasses 102 on his or her ears and nose as intended. The method comprises a step 202.

[0049] In step 202, a digital image is provided to check the function of the eye.

[0050] The digital image is provided, for example, with a content or a background environment and / or with a background removal for checking the function of the eye 104.

[0051] The method includes a step 204.

[0052] In step 204, the light beam 120 is generated to project the digital image onto the retina 118. The light beam 120 scans the virtual pixels 122 in the holographic optical element 110 of the data glasses 102. The virtual pixels 122 each emit light 124 of the light beam 120 onto a pixel 126 of the projection of the digital image onto the retina 118.

[0053] The method includes a step 206.

[0054] In step 206, a reaction of the subject is recorded.

[0055] It may be provided that the test subject is shown a selection of results.

[0056] It may be provided that an input from the test subject is waited for, with which the test subject selects the result from the selection of results, whereby the result is selected from the selection when the input is recognized, with which the test subject selects the result from the selection.

[0057] Then a step 208 is executed.

[0058] In step 208, either a result of the verification is determined, or it is determined that the verification process continues.

[0059] The result of the test is determined based on the digital image and the result entered by the test subject. If the evaluation of the results of the projection of several digital images entered by the test subject is required to determine the result of the test, a check is carried out to determine whether the necessary evaluations are available. The procedure is continued, for example, if not all required evaluations are available. The result of the test is determined, for example, based on the required evaluations, if they are available.

[0060] To continue, step 202 is executed, for example, for another digital image.

[0061] The method may provide that at least two digital images with different background distances are projected one after the other onto the retina 118 to check the function of the eye 104.

[0062] The procedure can be designed as a game. The data glasses can be integrated into a game that performs the eye test.

[0063] Depending on the result the subject enters for the digital image, another digital image may be designated for continuation of the review or selected from the selection of images.

[0064] It may be provided that, for example, in step 202, an input from the subject is waited for before the digital image is projected onto the retina 118, wherein the digital image is projected onto the retina 118 when the input is recognized.

[0065] It may be provided that, for example, in step 202, the test subject is shown a selection of digital images.

[0066] It may be provided that, for example, in step 202, an input from the subject is waited for, with which the subject selects the digital image that is projected onto the retina 118, wherein the digital image is selected from the selection when the input is recognized, with which the subject selects the digital image from the selection.

[0067] The selection includes, for example, digital images for testing various eye functions. The following describes the contents of the digital images for specific vision tests that can be performed using the data glasses and the procedure.

[0068] Determination of retinal resolving power:

[0069] Figure 3 shows a first digital image 302 for checking the distinguishability of lines and areas to determine retinal resolution. The first digital image 302 includes vertically parallel lines at a first spatial frequency.

[0070] Figure 4 shows a second digital image 402 for testing the distinguishability of lines and areas to determine retinal resolution. The second digital image 402 includes vertically parallel lines at a second spatial frequency. The second spatial frequency is greater than the first spatial frequency.

[0071] Figure 5 shows a third digital image 502 for checking the distinguishability of lines and areas to determine the retinal resolution. The third digital image 502 comprises an area

[0072] For example, the procedure involves showing the subject either a solid surface or a periodic line pattern with a specific spatial frequency. If the subject's input indicates that the subject correctly distinguishes the surface and the lines, the spatial frequency of the lines is increased until no distinction is possible.

[0073] For example, the subject's retinal resolution is calculated from the spatial frequency of the last distinguishable line pattern.

[0074] Anomaloscopy:

[0075] An anomaloscope displays two color fields that the subject is supposed to set to the same color. A first color field shows, for example, a spectral mixture, i.e., a mixed field, e.g., red and green. Figure 6 shows a spectral profile 602 of a red laser diode and a spectral profile 604 of a green laser diode plotted against wavelength as examples of the light sources used to generate the mixed field.

[0076] A second color field shows a single spectral stimulus, ie a comparison field, e.g. orange.

[0077] Depending on the sensitivity of the color receptors in the eye, the red and green components that a test subject sets for color equality in the mixed field vary. For example, a test subject with red-blindness (protanomaly) will set a higher red component than someone with normal vision, as this is the only way the two color fields appear the same to them.

[0078] The mixed field is generated, for example, by the first light source and the second light source. The comparison field is generated, for example, by the third light source or by the thermal light source with the bandpass filter.

[0079] Figure 7 shows a spectral profile 702 of an exemplary thermal light source over wavelength as an example of the light sources for generating the comparison field.

[0080] The two color fields are projected onto the retina 118, for example, one after the other or next to each other. The two color fields are projected onto the retina 118, for example, simultaneously or temporally overlapping, spatially next to each other.

[0081] In the procedure, for example, the two color fields are displayed, whereby an input from the test subject to change the color components is recorded and, depending on this, two color fields are displayed with the change defined by the input.

[0082] The result of the examination is, for example, an indication of a deviation of the defined change in the color components from the color components of a person with normal vision. In the method, the pixels of the projection 126 are preferably generated with identical or essentially identical illuminance on the retina 118.

[0083] In Figure 8, LCD / LED ray paths from a virtual image pixel 800 in divergent light, e.g. of a computer monitor, through a pupil 802 and the lens 116 to the retina 118 of the eye are shown schematically.

[0084] The lens 116 bends and focuses the diverging light rays. For sharp vision, the lens 116 must be shaped so that all light rays from a pixel converge at exactly one point on the retina 118. If this is not the case, light rays from different pixels overlap at the same locations on the retina 118, and the overall image consisting of all the pixels becomes blurred.

[0085] The lens 116 is designed to focus the rays of divergent light onto a pixel of the projection 126. This means that the sharpness of the pixel of the projection 126 depends on the ability of the lens 116 to project the rays of divergent light onto the pixel of the projection 126 on the retina 118, and not in front of or behind it.

[0086] A portion of the divergent rays 804 strike the retina 118 through the pupil 802. A portion of the divergent rays 806 are prevented from striking the retina 118 by the pupil 802. This means that the illuminance of the pixel of the projection 126 varies depending on the opening of the pupil 802.

[0087] In the case of divergent light sources, the pupil 802 in the eye 104 acts as a diaphragm and controls the luminous flux or illuminance, ie the luminous flux per area on the retina 118.

[0088] Since pupil diameter varies between people and is influenced by many factors—not only brightness but also, for example, fatigue, medication, and emotional state—it is difficult to keep retinal illuminance constant and to examine retinal function in isolation with a divergent display. Figure 9 schematically shows a ray path from a virtual image pixel 900 with a collimated single beam 902, e.g., from data glasses 102, through the pupil 802 and the lens 116 to the retina 118 of the eye.

[0089] The collimated single beam 902 creates the pixel of the projection 126 independent of the ability of the lens 116 to focus the rays of divergent light onto the retina 118.

[0090] In the data glasses 102, the image information for each pixel in the example is contained in a single light beam. This light beam can still be diffracted. However, if the diameter of the light beam is neglected, it becomes clear that the lens 116 no longer needs to combine different light beams from a single pixel. The overall image consisting of all pixels on the retina 118 is sharp, even if the retina 118 is no longer in the focal plane of the lens 116, as is the case, for example, with nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).

[0091] This effect allows retinal function to be examined in a much more isolated manner from corneal and lens aberrations than is possible with LCD or LED displays. The 102 data glasses offer high resolution in the central image area. This is particularly useful for the early detection of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is associated with a loss of retinal function and vision in the central visual area (macula).

[0092] An illuminance of the pixel of the projection 126 is independent of the opening of the pupil 802 because of the single collimated single beam 902 entering through the pupil 802, as long as the collimated single beam 902 radiates uncut through the pupil 802.

[0093] The image from the data glasses 102 always produces the same retinal illuminance. The retinal luminous flux is independent of the pupil 802 as long as the pupil 802 does not obscure the laser beam. As soon as the pupil 802 obscures the laser beam, the projection of pixel 126 in this image area is no longer visible. The image from the data glasses 102 is therefore either projected onto the retina 118 with a constant illuminance or obscured. No brightness regulation takes place through the pupil 802.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for checking the function of an eye using data glasses (102), characterized in that at least one digital image is provided (202) for checking the function of the eye (104), wherein a light beam (120) for projecting the at least one digital image onto the retina (118) of the eye (104) is generated using the data glasses (102), wherein the light beam (120) is used to scan (204) virtual pixels (122) of the projection of the at least one digital image in a holographic optical element of the data glasses (102), which pixels each emit the light beam onto a pixel of the projection of the at least one digital image on the retina (118).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pixels of the projection (126) are generated (204) with identical illuminance or with substantially identical illuminance on the retina (118).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one digital image is provided (202) with a background environment for checking the function of the eye (104).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one digital image is provided (202) with a background removal for checking the function of the eye (104).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two digital images with different background distances are projected (204) one after the other onto the retina (118) to check the function of the eye (104).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two digital images with different Line patterns are projected (204) one after the other onto the retina (118) to check the function of the eye (104), whereby the line patterns differ in a spatial frequency of the lines.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a location in a field of view of the eye (104) is specified, wherein the at least one digital image is projected at the specified location in the field of view (204).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two digital images with a different field are projected (204) next to one another or one after the other onto the retina (118) to check the function of the eye (104), wherein at least one field comprises a mixed field of more than one color and at least one field comprises a single-color field.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the data glasses (102) comprise a first light source for generating light of a first color, a second light source for generating light of a second color, a third light source for generating light of a third color, wherein the colors differ from one another, wherein the mixed field is generated with the first light source and the second light source.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the comparison field is generated with the third light source.

11. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the comparison field is generated with a thermal light source and a bandpass filter of the data glasses (102) and / or with the third light source.

12. Data glasses (102) for checking the function of an eye (104), characterized in that the data glasses (102) comprise at least one light source (112), a holographic optical element and a controller, wherein the light source (112) is designed to generate a light beam (120) for generating a projection of at least one digital image for checking the function of the eye (104), wherein the data glasses (102) are designed to generate virtual pixels with the light beam (120) (122) of the projection of the at least one digital image in the holographic optical element of the data glasses (102), which each radiate the light beam (120) onto a pixel of the projection (126) of the at least one digital image on the retina (118), wherein the controller (114) is designed to predetermine the at least one digital image and to control the light source (112) for scanning the virtual pixels (122) of the projection of the at least one digital image.

13. Data glasses (102) according to claim 12, characterized in that the data glasses (102) are designed to carry out the method according to one of claims 2 to 11, in particular wherein the controller (114) is designed to control the data glasses (102) according to the method according to one of claims 2 to 11.

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