US5125730A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Portable dynamic fundus instrument
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1990-06-29
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Granted: 1992-06-30
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Expires: 2010-06-29
Abstract
Abstract A portable diagnostic image analysis instrument for retinal funduscopy in which an eye fundus image is optically processed by a lens system (24) to a CCD device (32) which produces recordable and viewable output data and is simultaneously viewable on an electronic view finder 36. The fundus image is processed to develop a representation of the vessel or vessels from the output data.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerald R. Taylor
- 👤 Richard T. Meehan
- 👤 Norwood R. Hunter
- 👤 Michael P. Caputo
- 👤 C. Robert Gibson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 08:12
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B3/00; A61B3/10; A61B3/12; A61B3/1241
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
201 words
A method for evaluating a vessel in an eye for diameter, length and tortusity by sue of a portable eye diagnostic instrument comprising the steps of: a) illuminating the fundus of an eye with a low level light, b) optically colluminating the image of the fundus to a charge coupling means for developing dynamically occurring data of a fundus image as a function of time, said data including horizontal and vertical picture elements of brightness; c) converting the data to a real time visual view using a view finder means coupled to said charge coupling means for real time visual viewing of the fundus image of the eye; d) recording the data as a function of time; e) isolating a segment of vessel in an image of the fundus; f) establishing center points at a number of locations along said segment; g) determining maximum slope angles 90° locations in predefined areas at each of said locations for establishing edges of the segment of vessel; h) establishing a curvature for the edge surfaces of the segment of vessel utilizing the maximum slope angels; and i) establishing a curved center line of the segment of vessel between the curvature for the edge surfaces.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
201 words
A method for evaluating a vessel in an eye for diameter, length and tortusity by sue of a portable eye diagnostic instrument comprising the steps of: a) illuminating the fundus of an eye with a low level light, b) optically colluminating the image of the fundus to a charge coupling means for developing dynamically occurring data of a fundus image as a function of time, said data including horizontal and vertical picture elements of brightness; c) converting the data to a real time visual view using a view finder means coupled to said charge coupling means for real time visual viewing of the fundus image of the eye; d) recording the data as a function of time; e) isolating a segment of vessel in an image of the fundus; f) establishing center points at a number of locations along said segment; g) determining maximum slope angles 90° locations in predefined areas at each of said locations for establishing edges of the segment of vessel; h) establishing a curvature for the edge surfaces of the segment of vessel utilizing the maximum slope angels; and i) establishing a curved center line of the segment of vessel between the curvature for the edge surfaces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 and further including the step of separately displaying the data on a video screen for independent viewing of the fundus image of the eye.
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) | 1995-06-30 | 1995-12-30 | 1996-06-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-06-30 | 1999-12-30 | 2000-06-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-06-30 | 2003-12-30 | 2004-06-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |