WO2021130782A1

WO2021130782A1 - Device and system for binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy for producing real time erect retinal images

Info

Publication number: WO2021130782A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/051062
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raju Sampangi; Hemalatha BANGALORE CHIKKA HANUMANTHAPPA
Original assignee: Raju Sampangi; Bangalore Chikka Hanumanthappa Hemalatha
Priority date: 2019-12-26
Filing date: 2020-12-28
Publication date: 2021-07-01

Abstract

The present invention provides a digital device and system implementing binocular indirect ophthalmology for producing real-time, three dimensional, re-inverted erect images of the retina inside an eye. The digital device may include at least one camera sensor with appropriate optical arrangement to create side by side images, or may comprise at least 2 camera sensors separated by appropriate distance and placed close to an illumination beam. The two camera sensors are paired together using a synchronisation processor to produce out real time side by side images/live video. The output from the camera sensors is programmed such that the image is re-inverted and reversed to produce an erect image. Additionally, the output image signals from the camera sensors may be split into two using a beam splitter, for outputting to a head mounted display unit wore [RS4] by an examiner, while also simultaneously outputting to a remotely located display unit.

Description

“DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR BINOCULAR INDIRECT OPHTHALMOSCOPY FOR

PRODUCING REAL TIME ERECT RETINAL IMAGES”

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. More particularly, the present invention relates to device and system for binocular real time erect retinal examination using digital cameras and head mounted display.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[002] Binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy is an established method for e amination of the retina of the patient. It uses a light source and an arrangement of mirrors so that the illumination axis and the viewing axis are very close to each other. Light is used to illuminate the retina through a condensing lens and the virtual inverted, laterally reversed image formed is seen by the examiner. [003] Many technologies have been developed for binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy for producing real time images to for making the process easier and quicker for an examiner. However, present technologies fail to disclose or teach a lot of aspects in binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, as described below in few of them.

[004] A prior art document patent numbered US10078226B2 discloses an ophthalmoscope that includes an illumination assembly having a light source disposed along an illumination axis and an imaging assembly configured for delivering an image to an imaging device. Each of the imaging and illumination assemblies are disposed in an instrument housing, the ophthalmoscope being configured for attachment to an electronic imaging device and in which the imaging assembly produces a field of view of about 40 degrees to permit more comprehensive eye examinations to be reliably conducted. In at least one version, a portable electronic device, such as a smart device, can be coupled to the instrument or configured to wirelessly receive images therefrom. However, this prior art refers to an adapter designed to be used along with a smart phone, such as an Iphone mobile camera for imaging the retina. The device is hand held, and hence involves the Examiner to use his hands, and restricts the Examiner from being hand-free. Further, the device should be used close to the patient’s eye to image the retina. Additionally, the device is unable to produce three dimensional images since the device uses the smart phone camera which are two dimensional. [005] Another prior art document numbered US7784940B2 discloses an eye viewing device for viewing a structure of an eye such as a retina. The eye viewing device can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an eye viewing device can be adapted to facilitate both visual viewing of an eye structure and electronic image capture. However, the document refers to use of an optical arrangement for simultaneous viewing and electronic capture of images and the image formed is communicated to the PC or a small monitor. The device produces two dimensional imaging only.

[006] Another prior art document numbered US9215977B2 discloses a device for examining an eye of a subject including a camera detachably mounted on a camera mounting unit. The camera includes an illuminating source, which generates illuminating radiation for irradiating the eye thereby enabling the camera to generate a plurality of images of the eye. The device also includes a first lens assembly detachably mounted on an adjustable lens holder and selected to focus the illuminating radiation towards the eye as well as focusing radiation reflected from the eye towards an entrance pupil of the camera. An extendible support arm supports the camera and the adjustable lens holder at a first distance between the camera and the first lens assembly. Subsequent to adjusting the first distance to correspond to a diopter value of the selected first lens assembly, the illuminating source irradiates the eye and subsequent thereto the camera generates the plurality of images of the eye. However, the device is an adjustable adapter to hold the mobile imaging device and lens to capture the image. It fails to disclose real-time three-dimensional imaging.

[007] Therefore, there is a need for a device and a system for binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy which can produce real time three dimensional re-inverted erect retinal images, which preferably can be processed/viewed/analyzed remotely in real time also. Most of the methods available for capturing the image of the retina use the principle of monocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. Use of binocular ophthalmoscopy to capture 3-dimensional image is what this invention tries address.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[008] Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to invent and develop a device, an apparatus or a system that completely digitalizes the indirect ophthalmoscopy examination by producing real time images from an optical device, such as a camera or a lens, on to a head mounted display, and rather a handheld display device. Hence, such device may make the Examiner hands free operational. [009] It is also an objective of the present invention to provide for a real time digitally re-inverted erect images to Examiner of the retinal examination.

[0010] It is a further an objective of the present invention is to provide simultaneous viewing of video or images through the indirect ophthalmoscopes by the Examiner and also captured through camera(s). This may be done by providing a beam splitter or another optical arrangement independent of the Examiner view. The Examiner views the area of interest using the optical elements/arrangement indirectly while the video is captured using of a beam [RSI] splitter. Hence, the device may provide real time imaging to the Examiner.

[0011] It is further an objective of the present invention to provide simultaneous capture by at least two 2 camera sensors or a single sensor with appropriate optical arrangement to produce images in three dimensions.

[0012] It is yet another objective of the present invention to produce side by side images for the Examiner to view. Since the Examiner is viewing the side by side images which are images from the cameras in real-time using a head mounted display, the images/ video can be appropriately focused to visualize the object/area of interest. Hence, the images recorded will be of good quality. [0013] In the present invention, the camera sensors can be custom made/ chosen such that they have high light sensitivity and high dynamic range. This may reduce the brightness of light required for the examination and hence may be comfortable for the patient.

[0014] It is also an objective of the present invention to live stream the examination to experts or other Examiners, who are available remotely, over the Internet or any other wireless communication link, to remote location for real time view, simultaneous view or feedback or re examination of the area of interest or pathology. This would help in early diagnoses and appropriate timely treatment. The video output through the beam splitter device (HDMI/USB) can be connected to the computer/ Mobile phone with internet and any live streaming software. The data transferred over the internet can be viewed at remote location on 3D compatible viewing device.

[0015] The present invention provides a device and a system which is compact and portable and can be carried to remote areas in a hand held carrying case/ small suitcase. This would be beneficial for examination and documentation of findings in premature infants/kids to rule out retinopathy of prematurity which otherwise requires large and costly equipment. [0016] It is also an objective of the present invention to include augmented reality software interface into the device and the system for futuristic use for patient data entry, record keeping, archival and retrieval.

[0017] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment for a device and a system to examine an eye of a patient, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIGs. 2 (a) and 2 (b) illustrate an exemplary layout of the present digital device.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear elevation view of the digital device.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates the arrangement of the optical elements for generation of 3D (side by side format) signals when using a single camera sensor.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates the optical arrangement for generation of retinal images in 3D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present description describes the subject matter of the invention for patenting with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of the present description. The principles described herein may be embodied in many different forms.

[0024] Illustrative embodiments of the invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0025] The invention provides a binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy device and/or system for producing real time erect retinal images, said device comprising: at least one digital optical device or images sensor(102) to create side by side images/live videos ; an image processing unit (106) connected to the optical device for to process the raw images/live videos to process the raw images from the optical device or image sensor and deliver to an output; a synchronization electronic device (104) interconnected to image processing unit (106) for performing to synchronize the images from the output of the optical device or image sensor so that the images captured by the optical device are in synchronized ; a beam or signal splitting device (108) connected to synchronization electronic device for to spilt the synchronized images into required number of outputs for a head mounted display unit and/or live view on monitor and/or recording device; LED light output with adjustable size/focus/ brightness; the head mounted display unit (110) comprising one or more eye display for both or each eye and connected to the beam or signal splitting device (108); and optionally one or more remotely located display units (112) for recording or live stream display of the display images.

[0026] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the synchronization device (104) which is a part of the images processing unit (106) and the output from the digital optical device or image sensor (102) is synchronized using the synchronizing device (104) and then fed to be processed using the image processing unit (106); the digital optical device (102) or image sensor or the processing unit (106) may include a communication interface for communicating with one more remotely located display units over a communication link for sending real time images/output to the remotely located display units; and the digital optical device may include at least two camera sensors separated by an at a distance in the range of 5 to 30 mm preferably 10 to 20mm most preferably 12 -18 mm and placed close to an illumination beam and paired together using the synchronisation electronic device and a processor to give out real time side by side images/live video; and the device, implementing binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, digitizes the indirect ophthalmoscopy examination by producing and providing real time images from the optical device or image sensor, on to the head mounted display unit.

[0027] Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a device and/or system wherein optics of the camera are chosen appropriately to capture the object/area of interest at the distance between the range 30cms to 120cms, preferably in the range of 40 to 1 lOcms and more preferable 50 to 80cm.

[0028] Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a device and/or system wherein the digital optical device or image sensor (102a, 102b) paired together using the synchronization electronic device (104) and processor to give out real time side by side erect images/live video. Further, the digital optical device may comprise either 2 camera sensors (102a) or a single camera sensor with appropriate optical arrangement to create side by side images. [0029] One more embodiment of the present invention relates to a device and/or system wherein two or more cameras (102b) which are placed at variable distance in range of 30 to 80 mm; preferably 50 to 75 mm and more preferable 55 to 65 mm for providing real time imaging of the surrounding/other areas of interest.

[0030] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a device and/or system which is compact, portable and can be carried to remote areas in a hand held carrying case/ small suitcase. [0031] Yet another embodiment of the present invention the device wherein the device implementing binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, digitizes the indirect ophthalmoscopy examination by producing and providing real time images from the digital optical device or image sensor, on to the head mounted display unit. Further, the device/system utilizing the combination of the digital optical device, with synchronizers and processors, produces digitally re-inverted erect images of the object that are imaged through the optical device (102a) are used for visualizing the retina of eyes. Further, the device wherein the device is able to provide three-dimensional real time images of the object/area of interest in the head mounted display unit through near eye LED/OLED or similar displays.

[0032] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a device/system wherein the signal splitter may split the live image/video output into two stream, one output may be used to visualize the e amination in real time using the head mounted display unit which allows the Examiner to see real time three-dimensional retinal images, while the other output may be sent to the recording unit.

[0033] One addition embodiment of the present invention provides a device/system wherein a digital device (202) may be wearable at head of the Examiner and said device includes a head band (204); a power input interface for camera sensors and near eye display units (206); a unit (208) for generation of condensed spot beam of light; a light output (210); a digital unit (212) that includes the digital optical device (102) (with the camera sensors 214) with the synchronization device (104) and the image processing unit (106) and also include the light output (210); the digital unit (212); also includes two near eye display unit.

[0034] The invention also relates to a system for examining an eye of a patient using binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy comprising at least one digital optical device (102a, 102b) which is connected and communicates with an image processing unit (106) and a synchronization device (104); the said digital optical device (102a, 102b) are a set of twin camera units independent of each other (102a and 102b are independent of each other) (102a) contains two camera sensors paired together using synchronization electronic device (104), similarly (102b) also contains two camera sensors which set apart at a distance of 55 to 80 mm and are paired together using the synchronization device (104) and the processing unit (106) to create real time side by side erect images/live video of the object; the lenses in the optical device are chosen appropriately to image the area of interest; the image/video signal output from the digital output device (102) is processed by the and/or the processing unit (106) and synchronized by the synchronization device (104), the erect image/video signal output is further split into at least two by the signal splitter (108); first output from the signal splitter (108) is sent to the head mounted display unit (110), whereas the other output from the signal splitter (108) may be sent to one or more display output devices for recording in a recording devices/live stream display (112).

[0035] The present invention discloses a digital device and a system for examining an eye of a patient (including humans and animals) using binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. The digital device, implementing binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, digitizes the indirect ophthalmoscopy examination by producing and providing real time images from an optical device or a sensor, such as a camera, a mirror, or any other optical lens, on to a head mounted display unit. The digital device utilizing the combination of the optical lenses, with synchronizers and processors, produces digital re-inverted erect images of the retina of an eye. Further, the digital device is able to provide three-dimensional real-time images of the retina via the head mounted display unit. Furthermore, the digital optical device or image sensor (102) or the processing unit (106) include augmented reality (AR) interface to produce AR output for futuristic use for patient [RS3] data entry, record keeping, archival and retrieval.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the digital device may comprise a digital optical device further including at least two camera sensors separated by a variable distance of 10 - 20 mm and placed close to an illumination beam. In an embodiment, the camera sensors are high definition/ 4k.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the digital optical device may comprise a single camera sensor with an optical arrangement as shown in Fig. 4 to create side by side images.

[0038] Optics of the camera, in the present invention, is chosen appropriately to capture an object of interest at a distance, for example, within a range of 40cms to lOOcms. If two camera sensors are used the camera sensors are paired together using a synchronisation electronic device and a processor to give out real time side by side images/live video.

[0039] Further, the output from the digital optical device is programmed such that the image is digitally re-inverted and reversed to produce an erect image. Furthermore, the device/system of the present invention may also include a beam splitting device or any other separate arrangement independent of the Examiner view for re-directing images/video of the retina to one or more display devices, such as including and not limited to a remote display screen, like monitor, computer, TV and the like, or a head mounted display unit, such as a head mounted VR display, or a remotely located device for live streaming.

[0040] The beam splitter may split the live image/video output into two, one output may be used to visualise the examination in real time using head mounted display unit which allows the Examiner to see three-dimensional retinal images, while the other output may be sent to a recording unit.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment for a device and a system to examine an eye of a patient, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The term “patient” includes human and animals. The system (100) includes a digital device that further comprises a digital optical device (102), an image processing unit (106) and a beam or signal splitting device 108. Further, the system (100) also includes a head mounted display unit (110) and one or more remotely located display units (112). In an embodiment, the digital device also comprises a synchronization device (104) connected to the processing unit (106). In another embodiment, the synchronization device (104) is a part of the processing unit (106). The raw output from the digital optical device (102) is synchronized using the synchronizing device (104) and then fed to be processed using the image processing unit (106), which further can be programmed using a processor such that the image is an erect output i.e. digitally processed and corrected image orientation, producing an erect image.

[0042] The digital optical device (102) may further comprise at least one camera sensor, as described above, with appropriate optical arrangement of lenses and mirrors to create side by side images.

[0043] In another embodiment, the digital optical device (102) may comprise at least two camera sensors separated by 10-20 mm distance and placed close to an illumination beam. The output from the digital optical device (102) is processed using the synchronization device (104) and the image processing unit (106), which further can be programmed such that the image is digitally re inverted and reversed to produce an erect image. When two camera sensors are used, each camera sensor produces one image which is digitally stitched together by the synchronization device (104). [0044] The digital optical device such as camera(s) (102a, 102b) is connected and communicates with the synchronization device (104) and the image processing unit (106). One set of twin camera sensors(102a) are paired together using synchronisation electronic device (104) and the processing unit (106) to give out real time side by side images/live video of the retina. Two more cameras (102b) which are placed at variable distance of 50 to 75 mm are provided which provides real time imaging of the surrounding. The imaging produced by this twin synchronised cameras (102b) can be used to do stereoscopic/ 3D extra-ocular examination of the eye. The raw outputs from both the digital optical devices (102) are synchronized using the synchronization device (104). Thereafter, the synchronized output is fed to the image processing unit (106). The image processing unit is so programmed using the processing means that the image can digitally re-inverted, reversed and an erect image at the click of a button.

[0045] The processed output from the processing unit (106) may be then customized to needs with regard to quality, resolution and orientation. In an embodiment, the processed output from the processing unit (106) may be customized for generating three-dimensional (Side by side video output / top bottom type / interleaved / alternating right left images) compatible signal, that can be reproduced on the head mounted display unit (110) for a real time view. The processing unit (106) simultaneously synchronizes the digital output from the camera sensor(s) (102) into producing real time three dimensional images, that can be sent to display units, such as the head mounted display unit (110) and other remote display units (112), such as including and not limited to monitor, TV, computer, laptop, other portable display screens such as of mobile phones, smart phones, I-pads etc.

[0046] After the image/video signal output from the digital output device (102) is processed and synchronized by the synchronization device (104) and/or the processing unit (106), the image/video signal output is further split into two by the beam splitter (108). One output from the beam splitter (108) is sent to the head mounted display unit (110) wore [RS2] by the Examiner, whereas the other output from the beam splitter (108) may be sent to one or more display output devices. By including this arrangement in the present system (100), the Examiner is capable of performing the examination by viewing real time, three dimensional, re-inverted erect images/video via the head mounted display unit (110) he/she is wearing, while the same real time, three dimensional, re-inverted erect images/video can be simultaneously live-streamed, or recorded at a remote display device (112) with the help of High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)/ Universal Serial Bus (USB) outout/WIFI/ which connected to computer/mobile having streaming software connected to video relayed live through internet/high speed mpbile data transfer and video received at the remote location for viewing on 3D compatible viewing devices. Therefore, the Examiner can view the output projected on to the head mounted display unit (110) from the camera sensor(s) (102), and simultaneously perform e amination of the area of interest, while the output is also recorded or live streamed at remote locations.

[0047] In an embodiment, the optical device (102) or the processing unit (106) may include a communication interface for communicating with one more remotely located display units over a communication link for sending real time images/output to the remotely located display units. The communication link may be wired or wireless communication link. The wired link may include and is not limited to Ethernet, LAN and the like. The wireless link may include and is not limited to WLAN, Internet, WAN, Bluetooth or any other short range wireless communication link, and the like. The output from the digital optical device (102) may be communicated over the communication link remotely located display units, such as units (112), for remotely located experts or examiners to simultaneously view the images/video in real time.

[0048] In another embodiment, the digital optical device (102) or the processing unit (106) may include augmented reality (AR) interface to produce AR output for futuristic use for patient [RS3] data entry, record keeping, archival and retrieval.

[0049] LIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of the digital device that is included in the digital system (100) (of Ligure 1), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The digital device may be wearable at head of an Examiner. The front elevation view (200) of the digital device (202) shows the digital device (202) includes a head band (204); a power input interface for camera sensors and near eye display units (206); a unit (208) for generation of condensed spot beam of light; a light output (210); a digital unit (212) that includes the digital optical device (102) (with the camera sensors 214) with the synchronization device (104) and the image processing unit (106) and also include the light output (210). The digital unit (212) also includes two near eye displays. The light beam in the digital optical device (102) may be LED. [0050] Further, the digital device (202) includes a digital output interface (216) for transmitting three dimensional camera output data (images or video) from the digital unit (212) for real time view, such as recording or external display. Therefore, the images/video captured and processed in the digital unit (212) is outputted/transmitted through the output interface (216) to the head mounted display unit (110) or the remote devices (112) for three dimensional real time view. [0051] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear elevation view of the digital device (202) that is included in the digital system (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The rear view (300) of the digital device (202) shows two near eye display units that are near to the eyes of the Examiner. The two near eye display units are right near eye display unit (302) and left near eye display unit (304).

[0052] Therefore, the present invention provides the digital device (202) included and implementing the digital system (100), where the digital device (202) comprises the digital output device (102), the synchronization device (104) and the processing unit (106). The digital device (202) may further include the signal splitting device (108). The digital output device (102) may comprise one or more camera sensors, may be including combination of lenses or mirrors, and the raw optical output from the digital output device (102) is fed to the synchronization device (104) for synchronizing the optical output. After being synchronized, the optical output is fed to the processing unit (106) for being processed and programmed to produce digitally re-inverted erect images. The re-inverted erect images can be reproduced for real time view using the beam splitting device (108), and the output from the beam splitting device (108) is simultaneously fed to multiple display units, such as head mounted display unit (110) and remote display screens (112) for three dimensional real time live stream of the optical images/video simultaneously captured by the digital optical device (102).

FIG. 4 illustrates the the arrangement of the optical elements for generation of 3D (side by side format) signals when using a single camera sensor preferred arrangement of the plurality of optical elements having at least one in-built Focusing lenses (401a; 401b); reflecting mirror/prism (402); reflecting mirror (403a and 403b) and camera sensor (404), which are being arranged/implemented/constructed as standard optical instrument. The said plurality of optical elements are arranged in a particular fashion. Fig. 4 illustrates how the various preferred components are arranged as per the present invention. The development of adapter for commercial 2D camera, the adapter creates the images on the camera sensor which are in a format when displayed on the 3D monitors/ viewing devices gives 3D images/video in real time. Hence, the time lag of the real time imaging to the processing power of the camera only, which is very negligible. Further, the most systems use twin cameras/ two camera sensors, then use a processor to synchronize the images and then display and leading to time lag to view the image/video. The present invention uses one commercial 2D camera and the image is generated using the above arrangement with 3D adapter to generate images on the camera which are in 3D compatible format with minimum, negligible or no time lag.

[0053] Figure 5 shows the optical arrangement for generation of retinal images in 3D. A high powered (+15D to +60D) condensing lens is interposed between the eye being examined and the light from the LED on the device. The real inverted image produced is captured by the closely placed twin camera sensors (102a) which is processed through the image processing and synchronization devices. The video signal from left camera sensor is delivered to the left near eye display and signal from right sensor is displayed on the right near eye display. The images are re inverted digitally during signal processing. This arrangement produces the 3-D depth perception for the E aminer as this is a stereo pair of images/video and the image or video is erect as it is digitally re-inverted.

[0054] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods, devices, and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods, devices, and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

ADVANTAGES: The apparatus/system of the present invention is for completely digitalise the indirect ophthalmoscopy examination by providing the real time images from the camera on to the head mounted display. The prior art ophthalmoscopes only provide inverted image of the retinal examination. However, the present invention provides a real time reinverted / erect digital image to the Examiner. Although there are video indirect ophthalmoscopes the viewing by the Examiner and the camera are independent. The Examiner views the area of interest using the optical elements of the indirect while the video is captured use of a beam splitter or a separate arrangement independent of the Examiner view. The Examiner cannot view the output projected on to the TV from the camera and simultaneously perform the examination. The images so captured are 2 dimensional. The present device/system would give real time imaging to the Examiner. The present device/system simultaneous captures the images using 2 camera sensors / single sensor with appropriate optical arrangement to produce images in 3 dimensions which has not been developed in any prior art indirect ophthalmoscope. Since the Examiner is viewing the side by side image images from the cameras in real-time using the head mounted display images/ video can be appropriately focussed to visualise the object of interest hence the images recorded will be of good quality. The Cameras can be chosen with good sensitivity, this would reduce the brightness of light required for the examination and hence would be comfortable for the patient. If needed, there is a possibility to livestream the examination to experts over the internet to remote location for real time view simultaneous view, feedback, re-examination of the area of interest or pathology. This feature would help in early diagnoses and appropriate timely treatment. The present device/system is compact and can be carried to remote areas in a hand held carrying case/ small suitcase. Further, the present invention assists in examination and documentation of findings in premature infants/kids to rule out retinopathy of prematurity which otherwise requires large and costly equipment. In the present invention enables possibility to add the augmented reality interface into this system for futuristic use for patient data entry, record keeping, archival and retrieval.

Claims

I/We Claim:

1. A binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy device for producing completely digitalizes real time erect retinal images, said device comprising: at least one digital optical device or images sensor (102) to create side by side images/live videos; an image processing unit (106) connected to the optical device (102) for to process the raw images/live videos to process the raw images from the optical device or image sensor (102) and deliver to an output; a synchronization electronic device (104) interconnected to image processing unit (106) for performing to synchronize the images from the output of the optical device or image sensor so that the images captured by the optical device (102) are in synchronized; a beam or signal splitting device (108) connected to synchronization electronic device (104) for to spilt the synchronized images into required number of outputs for a head mounted display unit (110) and/or live view on monitor and/or recording device (112);

LED light output (115) with adjustable size/focus/ brightness; the head mounted display unit (110) comprising one or more eye display for both or each eye and connected to the beam or signal splitting device (108); and optionally one or more remotely located display units (112) for recording or live stream display of the display images.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the synchronization device (104) is a part of the images processing unit (106) and the output from the digital optical device or image sensor (102) is synchronized using the synchronizing device (104) and then fed to be processed using the image processing unit (106); the digital optical device (102) or image sensor or the processing unit (106) may include a communication interface for communicating with one more remotely located display units over a communication link for sending real time images/output to the remotely located display units; the digital optical device may include at least two camera sensors separated by an at a distance in the range of 5 to 30 mm preferably 10 to 20mm most preferably 12 -18 mm and placed close to an illumination beam and paired together using the synchronisation electronic device and a processor to give out real time side by side images/live video; real time, three dimensional, re-inverted erect images/video can be simultane streamed, or recorded at a remote display device (112) with the help of High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)/ Universal Serial Bus (USB) outout/WIFI/ which connected to computer/mobile having streaming software connected to video relayed live through internet/high speed mpbile data transfer and video received at the remote location for viewing on 3D compatible viewing devices; and the device, implementing binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, digitizes the indirect ophthalmoscopy examination by producing and providing real time images from the optical device or image sensor, on to the head mounted display unit.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein optics of the camera are chosen appropriately to capture the object/area of interest at the distance between the range 30cms to 120cms, preferably in the range of 40 to 1 lOcms, and more preferable 50 to 80cm.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the digital optical device or image sensor (102a, 102b) paired together using the synchronization electronic device (104) and processor to give out real time side by side erect images/live video.

5. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the digital optical device may comprise either 2 camera sensors (102a) or a single camera sensor with appropriate optical arrangement to create side by side images.

6. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-5 wherein the arrangement of the optical elements for generation of 3D (side by side format) signals by using a single camera sensor using plurality of optical elements having at least one in-built Focusing lens (401a; 401b); reflecting mirror/prism (402), reflecting mirrors (403a and 403b) and camera sensor (404), which are being arranged/implemented/constructed as standard optical instmment/device.

7. The device as claimed in claims 5-6, wherein two or more cameras (102b) which are placed at variable distance in range of 30 to 80 mm; preferably 50 to 75 mm; and more preferable 55 mm to 65mm for providing real time imaging of the surrounding/other areas of interest.

8. The device as claimed in the any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dig device (102) or the processing unit (106) include augmented reality (AR) interface to produce AR output for futuristic use for patient [RS3] data entry, record keeping, archival and retrieval.

9. The device as claimed in the any one of the preceding claims wherein the device implementing binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, digitizes the indirect ophthalmoscopy examination by producing and providing real time images from the digital optical device or image sensor on to the head mounted display unit.

10. The device as claimed in the any one of the preceding claims wherein the device utilizing the combination of the digital optical device, with synchronizers and processors, produces digitally re-inverted erect images of the object that are imaged through the optical device (102a) are used for visualizing the retina of eyes.

11. The device as claimed in the any one of the preceding claims wherein the device is able to provide three-dimensional real-time images of the object/area of interest in the head mounted display unit through near eye LED/OLED or similar displays.

12. The device as claimed in the any one of the preceding claims wherein the beam or signal splitter may split the live image/video output into two stream, one output may be used to visualise the examination in real time using the head mounted display unit which allows the Examiner to see real time three-dimensional retinal images, while the other output may be sent to the recording unit.

13. The device as claimed in in the any one of the preceding claims wherein a digital device (202) may be wearable at head of the Examiner and said device includes a head band (204); a power input interface for camera sensors and near eye display units (206); a unit (208) for generation of condensed spot beam of light; a light output (210); a digital unit (212) that includes the digital optical device (102) (with the camera sensors 214) with the synchronization device (104) and the image processing unit (106) and also include the light output (210); the digital unit (212); also includes two near eye display unit.

14. The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims which is compact, pc can be carried to remote areas in a hand held carrying case/ small suitcase.

15. A system for examining an eye of a patient using binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy comprising at least one digital optical device (102a, 102b) which is connected and communicates with an image processing unit (106) and a synchronization device (104); The said digital optical device (102a, 102b) are a set of twin camera units independent of each other (102a and 102b are independent of each other) 102a contains two camera sensors paired together using synchronisation electronic device (104), similarly 102b also contains two camera sensors which set apart at a distance of 55 to 80 mm and are paired together using the synchronisation device (104) and the processing unit (106) to create real time side by side erect images/live video of the object; the lenses in the optical device are chosen appropriately to image the area of interest; the image/video signal output from the digital output device (102) is processed by the and/or the processing unit (106) and synchronized by the synchronization device (104), the erect image/video signal output is further split into at least two by the signal splitter (108); first output from the signal splitter 108 is sent to the head mounted display unit (110), whereas the other output from the signal splitter 108 may be sent to one or more display output devices for recording in a recording devices/live stream display (112).

16. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the digital optical device (102b) having a variable distance of in range of 30 to 80mm; preferably 50 to 75mm and more preferable 40 to 60mm between the sensors and provide real time images of the surrounding.

17. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the digital optical device (102) or the processing unit (106) include augmented reality (AR) interface to produce AR output for futuristic use for patient [RS3] data entry, record keeping, archival and retrieval.

18. The system as claimed in anyone claims 15-17 wherein the head mounted display unit displays the three-dimensional real-time images/video of the object.

19. The system as claimed in any one of claims 15-18 wherein the digital optical device may comprise a single camera sensor with appropriate optical arrangement to create side by side image.

20. The system as claimed in any one of claims 15-19 wherein the light beam in the digital optical device 102 may be LED.

21. The system as claimed in any one of claims 15-20 wherein the device, implementing binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, digitizes the indirect ophthalmoscopy examination by producing and providing real time images from an optical device or a sensor, on to a head mounted display unit.

22. The system as claimed in any one of claims 15-21 wherein the device is able to provide three-dimensional real-time images of the object in the head mounted display unit.

23. The system as claimed in any one of claims 15-22 wherein the signal splitter may split the live image/video output into two stream, one output may be used to visualise the examination in real time using head mounted display unit which allows the examiner to see real time three-dimensional retinal images, while the other output may be sent to a recording unit.

24. The system as claimed in the any one of claims 15-23 wherein a digital device (202) may be wearable at head of the Examiner and said device includes a head band (204); a power input interface for camera sensors and near eye display units (206); a unit (208) for generation of condensed spot beam of light; a light output (210); a digital unit (212) that includes the digital optical device (102) (with the camera sensors 214) with the synchronization device (104) and the image processing unit (106) and also include the light output (210); the digital unit (212); also includes two near eye display unit.