US4824238A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Comparator for optic disc analysis and method of use thereof
Assignee: SPAETH GEORGE L DR 15 LAUGHLIN LA CHESTNUT HILL PA
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Filing: 1987-05-27
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Granted: 1989-04-25
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Expires: 2007-05-27
Abstract
Abstract A method is provided of comparing eye fundus slides for analysis. This method includes using an archival slide for a reference, preparing a current eye fundus slide and comparison with the reference and using a two-projector system for superimposing the image of the current eye fundus slide on the image of the reference.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert L. Feldman
- 👤 George L. Spaeth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 08:35
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B3/00; A61B3/10; A61B3/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of comparing eye fundus slides for analysis thereof comprising the steps of: a. retrieving an archival eye fundus slide for use as a reference; b. using an adjustably mounted first projector, projecting the image of the reference along a given first pathway; c. preparing a current eye fundus slide for comparison with the reference; d. using an adjustably mounted second projector, projecting the image of said current eye fundus slide along a given second pathway; e. superimposing the image of the current eye fundus slide on the image of the reference by the substeps of:
Claim 2
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of comparing eye fundus slides for analysis thereof comprising the steps of: a. retrieving an archival eye fundus slide for use as a reference; b. using an adjustably mounted first projector, projecting the image of the reference along a given first pathway; c. preparing a current eye fundus slide for comparison with the reference; d. using an adjustably mounted second projector, projecting the image of said current eye fundus slide along a given second pathway; e. superimposing the image of the current eye fundus slide on the image of the reference by the substeps of:
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
75 words
optically merging said first and said second projection pathways into a resultant common projection pathway; 2. adjusting said first and said second projector until the outlines of the respective eye fundus images thereof are substantially coincident; and, 3. viewing the superimposed image of the current eye fundus slide on the reference; f. differentiating the current eye fundus structure from the reference structure; and, g. visually analyzing changes with respect to time of optic disc conditions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
75 words
optically merging said first and said second projection pathways into a resultant common projection pathway; 2. adjusting said first and said second projector until the outlines of the respective eye fundus images thereof are substantially coincident; and, 3. viewing the superimposed image of the current eye fundus slide on the reference; f. differentiating the current eye fundus structure from the reference structure; and, g. visually analyzing changes with respect to time of optic disc conditions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as described in claim 2 wherein the step of adjusting the respective images further includes the vertical adjustment of one of said projectors and the horizontal adjustment of one of said projections.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as described in claim 2 wherein the step of adjusting further includes operating a zoom lens on each projector to enlarge and reduce the size of the projected images.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as described in claim 1 wherein said step of differentiating includes the inserting of a filter in one of the projection pathways whereby, upon insertion thereof, said respective filter eye fundus image is differentiated from the other eye fundus image.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as described in claim 1 wherein said step of differentiating includes alternately removing from and inserting into the superimposed image one of said eye fundus images in a predetermined time sequence.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as described in claim 1 further including the step of optically aligning the longitudinal axis of the first projector to be coplanar with the longitudinal axis of the second projection.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as described in claim 1 further including the step of adjusting the mounting of the first projector until the first projection pathway is at a 90° angle with the second projection pathway.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-04-24 | 1992-10-24 | 1993-04-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-04-24 | 1996-10-24 | 1997-04-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-04-24 | 2000-10-24 | 2001-04-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |