Intelligent patient interface for ophthalmic instruments

Abstract

An ophthalmic examination system comprising a headrest with a detection element, and an ophthalmic instrument (OI) having a microprocessor and a sensor in communication with the microprocessor. The sensor is configured to detect the presence of the detection element, and the headrest is configured for coupling to the OI.

We claim: 
     
       1. A headrest for use with an ophthalmic instrument, the headrest comprising:
 an ophthalmic instrument connector;   a rotation ring connected to the ophthalmic instrument connector, the rotation ring comprising at least one receptacle that receives a detection element, wherein the detection element comprises a radio frequency transmitter; and   an eyecup connected to the rotation ring.   
     
     
       2. The headrest of  claim 1 , wherein the ophthalmic instrument connector comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end comprising a substantially semicircular lip that is configured to mate with a substantially semicircular slot of an ophthalmic instrument. 
     
     
       3. The headrest of  claim 2 , wherein the proximal end of the ophthalmic instrument connector comprises a mechanical stop that stops the rotation of the rotation ring. 
     
     
       4. The headrest of  claim 1 , wherein the rotation ring comprises an alignment slot that mates with an alignment lip on the eyecup. 
     
     
       5. The headrest of  claim 1 , wherein the eyecup comprises a neck portion and a cup portion distal the neck portion, the neck portion comprising a ring that connects to the rotation ring, and the cup portion comprising a flexible cup having an apex that aligns with a temporal side of an eye socket. 
     
     
       6. The headrest of  claim 1 , wherein the eyecup is rotationally locked to the rotation ring and the rotation ring is rotatably coupled to the ophthalmic instrument and can be revolved around the ophthalmic instrument connector such that the eyecup rotates with the rotation ring. 
     
     
       7. A headrest for use with a handheld pupilometer, the headrest comprising:
 a connector with a central aperture and an attachment slot and connection lip formed integrally with the connector, said attachment slot and connection lip configured for connecting the headrest to the handheld pupilometer;   one or more arms projecting directly from the connector;   one or more face pads at the end of the one or more arms, said one or more face pads formed integrally with said one or more arms respectively; and   a detection element, wherein the detection element comprises a radiofrequency element, wherein the radiofrequency element comprises a radiofrequency transmitter capable of communicating with a radiofrequency receiver in the handheld pupilometer.