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Automated fundus imaging systemAutomated fundus imaging system description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070273831, Automated fundus imaging system. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a divisional of commonly assigned application U.S. Ser. No. 11/196,824, entitled "AUTOMATED FUNDUS IMAGING SYSTEM", filed on Aug. 3, 2005 in the names of Liang et al, and which is assigned to the assignee of this application. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention generally relates to electronic imaging apparatus for fundus imaging and more particularly relates to an improved fundus imaging apparatus for automated imaging without operator intervention. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Fundus camera imaging is acknowledged to be an important diagnostic tool for detection of various conditions affecting the eye, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Various embodiments of fundus imaging apparatus are disclosed, for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,713,047 (Kohayakawa); 5,943,116 (Zeimer); 5,572,266 (Ohtsuka); 4,838,680 (Nunokawa); 6,546,198 (Ohtsuka); and 6,636,696 (Saito). [0004] While conventional fundus imaging apparatus require manual operation, there has been considerable effort expended toward automating specific functions of these imaging apparatus. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,358 (Cornsweet et al.) discloses an automated sequence that is executed for pupil alignment and focusing. U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,466 (Humphrey) discloses an automated focus mechanism for a fundus imaging apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 6,733,129 (Masaki) discloses an automatic alignment sequence using a feedback loop with a light beam projected onto the cornea, a sensor for sensing reflected light, and a series of motors for effecting alignment adjustment. U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,726 (Tanassi et al.) discloses a multi-function optical imaging apparatus with a number of automation features in various subsystems. U.S. Pat. No. 6,830,336 (Fransen) discloses automation of the sequencing of images for a patient, in order to obtain a complete series of fundus images once the patient is properly positioned and suitable focus has been achieved. [0005] While these patents attest to continuous improvements in fundus camera design, there are still significant hurdles to widespread acceptance and usability of these devices. Among disadvantages noted with current apparatus are relative complexity of operation. This remains the case even with improvements that automate focus and alignment operations, as noted above. [0006] A number of fundus imaging apparatus are designed for the more limited function of diabetic retinopathy screening. These devices are intended to be used by relatively unskilled operators who receive minimal training. For example, these lower cost fundus imaging apparatus are intended to be installed at a personal care physician (PCP) office or in medical test lab collection facility, rather than at a specialist's facility. The intent is to have these apparatus operated by a clerical staff of medical technicians at the PCP office of other site, to obtain images for first-level screening. In order to provide simple operation, these fundus imaging apparatus are designed with an operator interface that provides controls for operation, with operator feedback as well as automated response to events such as patient head and eye movement. [0007] While recent designs appear to offer better usability and performance of these systems, however, there remains considerable room for improvement. One inherent problem relates to the operator learning curve. While a number of these systems offer ease of operation, they still require some amount of practice. An operator working with a fundus imaging apparatus can achieve some facility after working continuously with such a system for an hour or so, particularly under trained guidance. However, only a small percentage of patients in the PCP environment will require this type of screening. Operating this equipment once or twice a day may not give an operator enough practice to achieve a level of mastery of the apparatus. Moreover, problems of staff scheduling and turnover may make it impractical for a facility to have only a single staff member trained to use this apparatus. Thus, even though newer fundus imaging apparatus may be easier to operate, there are inherent barriers to taking advantage of easier operation. In order to be economical, classroom or individual training is impractical. Instead, operator training must be delivered in electronic form, such as by CD or over the Internet, or by means of a manual or quick-reference guide. Even using on-screen prompts, it would be very difficult to provide effective interactive operator assistance during imaging. [0008] There is a need for an improved fundus imaging apparatus that is essentially operable without operator intervention. This would make it possible, for example, to have an imaging system that is automated or is even operable by patients themselves, with minimal setup instruction from PCP staff members. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] Briefly, according to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for obtaining a retinal image from an eye, comprises: [0010] a) a control logic processor for executing a sequence of operations for obtaining the image; [0011] b) a visual target for orienting the eye of a patient when the target viewed by the patient; [0012] c) an indicator element for providing a signal that indicates that the patient is in position for imaging; [0013] d) a cornea focus detection section for providing an indication of cornea focus, in cooperation with the control logic processor; [0014] e) an alignment actuator for aligning the optical path of the apparatus according to a signal obtained from the cornea focus detection section; [0015] f) a retina focus detection section for detecting retina focus in cooperation with the control logic processor; [0016] g) a focusing actuator controlled by instructions from the control logic processor according to a signal obtained from the retina focus detection section; and [0017] h) an image capture light source energized by the control logic processor for illuminating the retina for image capture. [0018] It is a feature of the present invention that it provides an automated apparatus that does not require operator intervention for normal operation. [0019] It is an advantage of the present invention that it can allow the patient to have an enhanced sense of control over the imaging process, without requiring operational expertise or training of the patient. [0020] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described an illustrative embodiment of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0021] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter of the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a fundus imaging apparatus; [0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing subsystem components of the imaging apparatus of the present invention; [0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the overall arrangement of illumination apparatus components within a conventional fundus imaging apparatus; [0025] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a ring-slit diaphragm used in a conventional fundus imaging apparatus; [0026] FIG. 5 is a plan view representation of the ring of illumination applied to the pupil of a patient in a conventional apparatus; [0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a fundus imaging apparatus in one embodiment; Continue reading about Automated fundus imaging system... Full patent description for Automated fundus imaging system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Automated fundus imaging system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Automated fundus imaging system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Ophthalmologic image taking apparatus Next Patent Application: Method of treating the human eye with a wavefront sensor-based ophthalmic instrument Industry Class: Optics: eye examining, vision testing and correcting ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Automated fundus imaging system patent info. 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