Patent Description:
Reference is made to the documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>which have been cited as exemplary of the background state of the art.

There is provided as system in accordance with claim <NUM> and a method in accordance with claim <NUM>. Further optional features are provided in the dependent claims.

Disclosed herein is a system, in accordance with claim <NUM>, for visually enhancing an original image of an eye. The system includes a visualization module configured to obtain the original image, the visualization module including a photosensor. A controller is in communication with the visualization module. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. Execution of the instructions causes the controller to convert an output of the visualization module to a first pixel cloud in a first color space.

The controller is configured to map the first pixel cloud to a second pixel cloud in a second color space. The method includes identifying at least one selected zone ("at least one" omitted henceforth) in the second pixel cloud. The selected zone is the portion of the eye for which visual enhancement is desired. The controller is configured to move the selected zone from an original location to a modified location in the second color space. The modified location is a mirror image of the original location along a respective axis in the second color space. The second pixel cloud is updated in the second color space to obtain a modified second pixel cloud. The modified second pixel cloud is then transformed into a third pixel cloud in the first color space. An enhanced image is formed based in part on the modified second pixel cloud, the enhanced image providing selective visual enhancement in the at least one selected zone.

The first color space may be an RGB color space. The second color space is a CIELAB color space (Lab) having a first axis (L) representing a lightness factor, a second axis (a) representing a green to red continuum and a third axis (b) representing a blue to yellow continuum. The controller may be adapted to continuously update the original image in real-time via a data structure having a plurality of data repositories. Each of the plurality of data repositories respectively has a first list representing an original pixel color in the first color space and a second list representing an enhanced pixel color in the first color space.

In one example, the photosensor includes a plurality of sensors and converting the output from the visualization module is based in part on a respective spectral sensitivity of the plurality of sensors in the photosensor. The second color space may include a plurality of axes. The modified location may be a translation of the original location along at least one of plurality of axes in the second color space. The modified location may be a mirror image of the original location along a respective axis in the second color space. another example, the original image exhibits a first color cast induced by an input illuminant and the controller is adapted to apply a chromatic adaption transformation to convert the first color cast to a second color cast such that the enhanced image exhibits the second color cast.

In some embodiments, the selected zone corresponds to one or more blood vessels in the eye, the original image of the eye being taken during an air-fluid exchange. The enhanced image of the eye is adapted to compensate for loss of contrast in the one or more blood vessels during the air-fluid exchange. In some embodiments, the selected zone corresponds to a region of the eye that is relatively pale, the enhanced image of the eye providing a virtual dye by digitally staining the region with a predetermined color. In some embodiments, the selected zone corresponds to particles that are suspended in the eye and become relatively pale over time, the enhanced image of the eye providing a virtual dye by digitally staining the particles with a predetermined color.

The eye may be exposed to a dye for selective uptake, the at least one selected zone corresponding to a stain of the dye absorbed by a region of the eye. The enhanced image of the eye provides color intensification in the selected zone. The dye is partially absorbed at a first time and fully absorbed at a second time, the second time being greater than the first time. The original image of the eye may be enhanced at the first time to minimize exposure of the dye to the eye. The original image may be obtained during peeling of an epiretinal membrane in the eye. The dye may be indocyanine green. The dye is fully absorbed at a second time and begins fading at a third time, the third time being greater than the second time. The original image of the eye may be enhanced at the third time to extend a useful duration of the dye. In some embodiment, the original image is obtained during cataract surgery and the dye is absorbed by a capsular membrane of the eye, the enhanced image providing enhanced visualization of the capsular membrane.

A method, in accordance with claim <NUM>, is disclosed for visually enhancing an original image of an eye in a system having a visualization module and a controller with a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory. The method includes converting an output of the visualization module to a first pixel cloud in a first color space, via the controller, and mapping the first pixel cloud to a second pixel cloud in a second color space. The method includes identifying at least one selected zone in the second pixel cloud, via the controller, the selected zone being a portion of the eye for which visual enhancement is desired. The selected zone is moved from an original location to a modified location in the second color space, via the controller the modified location being a mirror image of the original location along a respective axis in the second color space. The method includes updating the second pixel cloud in the second color space to obtain a modified second pixel cloud, via the controller, and transforming the modified second pixel cloud in the second color space to a third pixel cloud in the first color space. An enhanced image of the eye is formed based in part on the third pixel cloud, the enhanced image providing selective visual enhancement in the at least one selected zone.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the disclosure when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components, <FIG> schematically illustrates a system <NUM> for providing enhanced visualization of an eye <NUM>. The system <NUM> may be implemented in a visualization module <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes a controller C having at least one processor P and at least one memory M (or non-transitory, tangible computer readable storage medium) on which instructions may be recorded for executing a method <NUM>, shown in and described below with respect to <FIG>. The memory M can store controller-executable instruction sets, and the processor P can execute the controller-executable instruction sets stored in the memory M.

Referring to <FIG>, the visualization module <NUM> is adapted to generate an original image <NUM> of the eye <NUM>. As described below, the system <NUM> (via execution of the method <NUM>) enables visual enhancement of selected areas, referred to herein as a selected zone Z, without affecting or degrading contrast in the remainder of the original image <NUM>. In other words, the system <NUM> enables amplification of intensity in the selected zone Z in a way which does not alter the other colors present in the original image <NUM>. The visual enhancement is tunable to match the enhancement needs for a variety of clinical scenarios. The system <NUM> improves visualization of structural features and pathologies for retinal, corneal, cataract and other ophthalmic surgeries. The system <NUM> may be implemented as part of a diagnostic imaging system and/or an ophthalmic surgical system.

Referring to <FIG>, the original image <NUM> is multidimensional and may be divided into a plurality of pixels <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the visualization module <NUM> may employ a photosensor <NUM>, which is an electromagnetic sensor that captures light and converts it to an electrical signal. The electrical signal may be converted to digital data by an image processor <NUM> and/or the controller C. In one example, the photosensor <NUM> is a camera. Other examples of photosensors include, but are not limited to, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors or charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors.

The original image <NUM> may be a captured still image or a real-time image. "Real-time" as used herein generally refers to the updating of information at the same rate as data is received. More specifically, "real-time" means that the image data is acquired, processed, and transmitted from the photosensor at a high enough data rate and a low enough delay that when the data is displayed, objects move smoothly without user-noticeable judder or latency. Typically, this occurs when new images are acquired, processed, and transmitted at a rate of at least about <NUM> frames per second (fps) and displayed at about <NUM> fps and when the combined processing of the video signal has no more than about <NUM>/<NUM>th second of delay.

Referring to <FIG>, the visualization module <NUM> may include a stereomicroscope <NUM> which directs a plurality of optical views of the eye <NUM> onto the photosensor <NUM>. The controller C may be configured to process the output from the visualization module <NUM> for eventual broadcasting on a display <NUM>. The output may be transmitted as a real-time high-resolution video signal for recording or presented for display and viewing. When the output from the visualization module <NUM> includes multiple views of the eye <NUM>, the display <NUM> may be made three-dimensional such that depth of field is presented to the ophthalmic surgeon. The display <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a high-definition television, an ultra-high-definition television, smart-eyewear, projectors, one or more computer screens, laptop computers, tablet computers and may include a touchscreen.

Examples of systems for digital microscopy that utilize a display <NUM> for visualization during ophthalmic surgery include Alcon Laboratories NGENUITY® 3D Visualization System (Alcon Inc. , Fribourg, Switzerland), a module for Digitally Assisted Vitreoretinal Surgery (DAVS). The NGENUITY® 3D Visualization System includes a High Dynamic Range (HDR) camera that is a 3D stereoscopic, high-definition digital video camera configured to provide magnified stereoscopic images of objects during micro-surgery. The HDR camera functions as an addition to the surgical microscope during surgery and is used to display original images or images from recordings.

Referring now to <FIG>, a flow chart is shown of an example implementation or method <NUM> of the system <NUM>. It is understood that the method <NUM> need not be applied in the specific order recited herein and some blocks may be omitted. The memory M can store controller-executable instruction sets, and the processor P can execute the controller-executable instruction sets stored in the memory M.

Per block <NUM> of <FIG>, the controller C is configured to convert the output of the visualization module <NUM> (e.g., the photosensor) to a first pixel cloud <NUM> in the first color space <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The first color space <NUM> may be an RGB color space, which uses combinations of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) to produce a plurality of colors. Some RGB color spaces used for digital cameras include Standard RGB (sRGB) and Adobe RGB.

The output may be converted based on the spectral intensity and properties of a plurality of sensors <NUM> in the photosensor <NUM>. The photosensor <NUM> of <FIG> includes a plurality of sensors <NUM> that are sensitive to different parts of the spectrum, for example, one sensor is particularly sensitive to the color blue, another sensor is particularly sensitive to the color green and another sensor is particularly sensitive to the color red. Referring to <FIG>, a set of traces <NUM> are shown, with spectral intensity I on the vertical axis and wavelength W on the horizontal axis. Traces <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> represent the spectral sensitivity graphs for the plurality of sensors <NUM> for red, green and blue colors, respectively. Traces <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> represent the standard RGB spectral sensitivity profiles used to convert output from a generic camera into red, green and blue colors respectively. Because color conversion is based on the respective spectral properties (represented by traces <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>) of the plurality of sensors <NUM>, the color conversion is more tractable and stable.

Per block <NUM> of <FIG>, the controller C is configured to map or convert the first pixel cloud <NUM> in the first color space <NUM> to a second pixel cloud <NUM> in a second color space <NUM> (see <FIG>). The first pixel cloud <NUM> is re-arranged into the second color space <NUM> (as a second pixel cloud <NUM>) according to the individual colors (i.e. 3D coordinates) in the first color space <NUM>. In one example, the second color space <NUM> is a CIELAB color space, referred to herein as Lab color space <NUM> and shown in <FIG>. In other words, the second pixel cloud <NUM> is the respective pixels <NUM> in the original image <NUM> re-arranged according to their L, a, b values. Changing the color perception of the original image <NUM> is done quantitatively in the second color space <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the Lab color space <NUM> has a first axis <NUM> (L) representing a lightness factor, between a first end <NUM> (white) and a second end <NUM> (black). The Lab color space <NUM> has a second axis <NUM> (a) representing a green to red continuum, with green in a negative direction (at end <NUM>) and red in a positive direction (at end <NUM>). The Lab color space <NUM> has a third axis <NUM> (b) representing a blue to yellow continuum, with blue in a negative direction (at end <NUM>) and yellow in a positive direction (at end <NUM>). The second color space <NUM> may also be the CIE XYZ color space created by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) in <NUM>.

Per block <NUM> of <FIG> and referring to <FIG>, the controller C is configured to select or identify at least one selected zone Z ("at least one" omitted henceforth) in the second color space <NUM>. The selected zone Z is a group of pixels or a subset of pixels that are selected based on their location or coordinates (L, a, b values) in the second color space <NUM> (e.g. Lab color space <NUM>) and targeted for enhancement. The selection may be based on the individual L, a, b values, or a combination of values. For example, if a region of interest in the eye E has been exposed to a green dye, the selected zone Z would be the selected subset of pixels that are bright greenish pixels (e.g., using criteria such as L being greater than <NUM> and a being within a range from negative infinity to <NUM>). For example, here the a value may increase according to the formula: [(a - a<NUM>)*Gain factor + a<NUM>], where a<NUM> is the initial a value of the selected zone Z (such as <NUM> for example, as listed above). If a region of interest in the eye E has been exposed to a blue dye, the selected zone Z would be the subset of pixels that are bluish pixels. For example, here the b value may increase by a factor (gain).

Once selected, the location of the selected zone Z in the second color space <NUM> (e.g., Lab color space <NUM>) is altered in order to intensify the color of the selected zone Z (by moving to a deeper shade in the second color space <NUM>) or add contrast (by moving to a contrasting shade in the second color space <NUM>). Referring now to <FIG>, the selected zone Z is shown in the Lab color space <NUM> at an original location <NUM>, in a two-dimensional view. As noted above, the Lab color space <NUM> has a second axis <NUM> (a) representing a green to red continuum, and a third axis <NUM> (b) representing a blue to yellow continuum. As shown by arrows A1 and A2 in <FIG>, the selected zone Z may be moved or translated along the second axis <NUM> (a) and/or third axis <NUM> (b) to a modified location L1 or a modified location L2, in order to intensify the color of the selected zone Z. The arrows A1 and A2 need not be parallel to the second axis <NUM> (a) and third axis <NUM> (b). Alternatively, the modified location L2 may be obtained by rotating the original location <NUM> along one of the second axis <NUM> (a) and third axis <NUM> (b). The modified location L2 may be a mirror image of the original location <NUM> relative to one of the respective axes in the second color space <NUM>.

Block <NUM> further includes updating L, a, b values of the selected subset of pixels in the selected zone Z with the modified location to obtain a modified second pixel cloud <NUM> in the second color space <NUM> (see <FIG>). Updates may be made to any of the L, a, or b values of the selected zone Z. The system <NUM> may employ parameterized formulas to alter the location of the selected zone Z.

Per block <NUM> of <FIG>, the controller C is configured to convert the modified second pixel cloud <NUM> in the second color space <NUM> into a third pixel cloud <NUM> in the first color space <NUM>. The third pixel cloud <NUM> is used to form an enhanced image of the eye <NUM>. A few clinical scenarios applying the system <NUM> are described below, with reference to <FIG>. While the system <NUM> in each of the cases follows the general implementation described above, each example may have a specific rendition to match the enhancement needs for the corresponding clinical scenario.

A schematic illustration of an enhanced image <NUM> of an eye E is shown in <FIG>. During vitro-retinal surgery, air may be injected into the eye E to remove intraocular fluid from the posterior segment of the eye <NUM>. Intraocular pressure is maintained during this air-fluid exchange for various reasons, such as for example, temporarily holding the retina in place. During this air-fluid exchange, there is a loss of contrast in the blood vessels <NUM>. By selecting the selected zone Z1 as the subset of pixels matching the reddish shade of one or more blood vessels <NUM> in the eye E, the red color of the blood vessels <NUM> is intensified, compensating for the loss of contrast during the air-fluid exchange.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the selected zone Z2 (shaded in <FIG>) corresponds to a region <NUM> of the eye E that is naturally relatively pale, including but not limited to, shades of white, ivory and cream. In other embodiments, the selected zone Z2 corresponds to particles <NUM> that are suspended into the eye E and become pale or white over time. The method <NUM> may be employed to digitally stain the selected zone Z2 with a predetermined color, thereby providing a "virtual" dye in the enhanced image <NUM>. Thus, the enhanced image <NUM> provides selective intensification in the selected zone Z2, without affecting contrast in a remainder of the original image <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The system <NUM> of <FIG> may be employed to provide targeted color enhancement in real-time, via a data structure <NUM> having a plurality of data repositories <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, each data repository <NUM> has a first list <NUM> representing the original pixel color in the first color space <NUM> and a second list <NUM> representing the enhanced pixel color in the first color space <NUM>. Each data repository <NUM> represents a respective pixel <NUM> of the plurality of pixels <NUM>. The first list <NUM> may be a set of pixel color (original RGB triplets) sampled from an RGB 3D cube at evenly spaced grid points. The first list <NUM> may be used to index the original pixel color. The second list <NUM> is the set of updated or enhanced pixel RGB color (modified RGB triplets), populated after enhancement per block <NUM>. The color enhancement for each of the plurality of pixels <NUM> may be pre-computed and encoded in the data structure <NUM>. In other words, the enhanced pixel color may be respectively stored in the second list <NUM> of each data repository <NUM>. The controller C may be adapted to use the data structure <NUM> to continuously update the original image <NUM> in real-time.

The system <NUM> of <FIG> may be employed to provide dye labeling intensification during an ophthalmic procedure. Various dyes, such as indocyanine green, Brilliant Blue dye or Trypan Blue dye, are used to enhance visualization during an ophthalmic procedure. For each dye that is being used, the controller C is configured to identify the location in the second color space <NUM> of that particular dye color and amplify the intensity in a way which does not alter the other colors present in the surgical scene.

Additionally, the system <NUM> of <FIG> may be employed to minimize the use of dye and reduce waiting time for staining. Some dyes may bring unpleasant side effects or be toxic to certain cells. Thus, surgeons may not want to leave the dye in the eye any longer than necessary to get the desired effect on color and membrane stiffening. <FIG> shows an example trace <NUM> of dye concentration (in a region of the eye <NUM>) for an example dye. The vertical axis Y shows percentage saturation of the dye and the horizontal axis shows exposure time t. The dye is partially absorbed at a first time T1, fully absorbed at a second time T2 (saturation time) and begins fading or losing concentration at a third time T3. In order to minimize exposure of the dye to the eye <NUM>, the original image <NUM> at the first time T1 is enhanced (via execution of the method <NUM>), without having to wait for the deeper color of the stain at the second time T2.

Furthermore, the system <NUM> may be employed to extend the useful duration of each dye injection/staining by enhancing a fading dye. For example, the original image <NUM> at the third time T3 may be enhanced to reflect the deeper stain originally occurring at the second time T2.

Referring to <FIG>, an enhanced image <NUM> of an eye E is shown. Here the selected zone Z3 (speckled in <FIG>) corresponds to an epiretinal membrane <NUM> of the eye E. The epiretinal membrane <NUM> involves growth of a membrane similar to scar tissue. Because its growth may interfere with central vision, the epiretinal membrane <NUM> is often removed in vitro-retinal surgery. As part of the peeling procedure, the ophthalmic surgeon employs an instrument <NUM> (e.g. forceps) under high magnification, to grasp and gently peel away the epiretinal membrane <NUM>. As the epiretinal membrane <NUM> is peeled away, blood vessels <NUM> become visible underneath, at the retinal surface <NUM>. The epiretinal membrane <NUM> is stained with a dye (e.g. indocyanine green) to assist visualization during this delicate operation. The selected zone Z3 (per block <NUM> of <FIG>) is selected to correspond to the stain of the dye, and selectively enhances visualization of the epiretinal membrane <NUM>, without changing the color of other features.

The system <NUM> may be employed in cataract surgery, where the natural crystalline lens of the eye <NUM> is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens. <FIG> is a schematic illustration of an enhanced image <NUM>, showing a capsular membrane <NUM> of an eye E, a surgical instrument <NUM> and blood vessels <NUM>. During cataract surgery, a dye may be applied for selective uptake by the capsular membrane <NUM>. The selected zone Z4 here is chosen to match the dye stain absorbed by the capsular membrane <NUM>. Targeted color enhancement of the capsular membrane <NUM> may be implemented in real-time by employing the data structure <NUM>. The system <NUM> may also be employed to intensify or enhance a "red reflex effect. " In cataract surgery, surgeons sometimes rely on the "red reflex effect" where the patient's pupil is back illuminated to provide greater contrast to visualize the capsular membrane and lens of the eye. In other words, light passing through the pupil is reflected back off the retina to a viewing aperture, creating a reddish glow. Here the selected zone Z is selected to correspond to the reddish glow in order to selectively enhance it.

The exact parameters used to implement the enhancement may depend on the white balance setting in the original image, due to reasons such as patient eye pathology and the use of different illuminants by the surgeon, with different color temperature and color settings. In some embodiments, after transformation to the Lab space <NUM>, pixel selection criteria is based on the L, a, b value and modification is made to the (a, b) components and/or L, i.e., only the (a, b) components or only the L component or both. For red reflex enhancement, a new brightness value (new L) may be obtained using R, G, and B combinations, according to a formula: R * weight + (G* <NUM> + B * <NUM>) * (<NUM> - weight), where weight may be between <NUM> (no change) and <NUM> (maximal enhancement of red reflex).

For blood vessel enhancement, each pixel may be updated depending on its reddishness, by enhancing red, and attenuating green (e.g., if a > <NUM>, a = a* gain1; if a < <NUM>, a = a * gain2, here gain1 can be <NUM>, and gain2 can be <NUM>). For glare reduction, the pixel intensities for L may be reduced by a factor, using a formula, e.g., new L = L* factor, and factor = <NUM> - a<NUM> * exp((L-<NUM>)/a<NUM>). Example values may be: a<NUM> = <NUM>, and a<NUM> = <NUM>, with higher values of L having greater reduction. For white dye enhancement, a measurement called color distance may be defined, which describes how the chromaticity of pixel is different from a reference (white) point, as follows: <MAT> Here x and y are normalized X and Y and the intensity of each pixel is varied based on its color distance to the white-point, using an example formula: factor = (<NUM> + a<NUM> * exp(-(color_distance /a<NUM>)<NUM>)/(<NUM> + a<NUM>). Here, for example, a<NUM> = <NUM>, and a<NUM> = <NUM>, with higher intensity reduction as the color distance of a pixel from white point becomes larger. The color distance may be calculated according to other reference chromaticity coordinates as well. Other formulas describing the intensity reduction variation according to color distance may be used.

For virtual dye, the color of each pixel may be determined as: <MAT> Here x and y are the normalized X and Y values; and x_white and y_white are the predetermined white dye color (white). Where the virtual dye is blue (x_blue, y_blue), depending on its color distance to reference, the following example formulae may be used to obtain the new coordinates: new x = factor* x_blue + (<NUM> - factor) *x; and new y = factor* y_blue + (<NUM> - factor) *y. Here, factor = a<NUM> * exp(-(color_distance / a<NUM>)<NUM>), where a<NUM> = <NUM> and a<NUM> = <NUM>.

The original image <NUM> of <FIG> may exhibit a first color cast which depends on the lighting conditions when the eye <NUM> was being imaged, i.e., the first color cast is induced by an input illuminant (e.g., D50). The characteristics of various illuminants are defined spectrally in the art. For example, illuminant series D represents natural daylight, with an adjacent number indicating the correlated color temperature (CCT) of the source, e.g., illuminant D50 has a CCT of <NUM>, and illuminant D65 has a CCT of <NUM>. Illuminant series F represents various types of fluorescent lighting, e.g., illuminant F2 represents cool white fluorescent, while illuminant F11 represents a narrow-band fluorescent. Optionally, the controller C may be adapted to employ a chromatic adaptation transformation (CAT) to change the first color cast to a second color cast induced by an output illuminant (e.g., D65) for the enhanced image. Any chromatic adaptation transformation (CAT) matrix available to those skilled in art may be employed to transform between various illuminants, including but not limited to, the Bradford, Bartleson and Sharp transformations.

The various components of the system <NUM> may be physically linked or configured to communicate via a network <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The network <NUM> may be a bi-directional bus implemented in various ways, such as for example, a serial communication bus in the form of a local area network. The local area network may include, but is not limited to, a Controller Area Network (CAN), a Controller Area Network with Flexible Data Rate (CAN-FD), Ethernet, blue tooth, WIFI and other forms of data. The network <NUM> may be a Wireless Local Area Network (LAN) which links multiple devices using a wireless distribution method, a Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) which connects several wireless LANs or a Wireless Wide Area Network (WAN) which covers large areas such as neighboring towns and cities.

The controller C of <FIG> may be an integral portion of, or a separate module operatively connected to the visualization module <NUM>. The controller C includes a computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium), including a non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that may be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media may include, for example, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), which may constitute a main memory. Such instructions may be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to a processor of a computer. Some forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, other magnetic media, a CD-ROM, DVD, other optical media, punch cards, paper tape, other physical media with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, other memory chips or cartridges, or other media from which a computer can read.

Look-up tables, databases, data repositories or other data stores described herein may include various kinds of mechanisms for storing, accessing, and retrieving various kinds of data, including a hierarchical database, a set of files in a file system, an application database in a proprietary format, a relational database management system (RDBMS), etc. Each such data store may be included within a computing device employing a computer operating system such as one of those mentioned above and may be accessed via a network in one or more of a variety of manners. A file system may be accessible from a computer operating system and may include files stored in various formats. An RDBMS may employ the Structured Query Language (SQL) in addition to a language for creating, storing, editing, and executing stored procedures, such as the PL/SQL language mentioned above.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for enhancing visualization of an original image (<NUM>) of an eye, the system comprising:
a visualization module (<NUM>) having a photosensor (<NUM>);
a controller (C) in communication with the visualization module (<NUM>) and having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded;
wherein execution of the instructions causes the controller to:
convert (<NUM>) an output of the visualization module (<NUM>) to a first pixel cloud (<NUM>) in a first color space (<NUM>);
map (<NUM>) the first pixel cloud (<NUM>) to a second pixel cloud (<NUM>) in a second color space (<NUM>);
identify (<NUM>) at least one selected zone in the second pixel cloud (<NUM>), the at least one selected zone being a portion of the eye for which visual enhancement is desired;
move the at least one selected zone (Z) from an original location (<NUM>) to a modified location (L2) in the second color space (<NUM>), the modified location being a mirror image of the original location along a respective axis in the second color space (<NUM>);
update the second pixel cloud (<NUM>) in the second color space (<NUM>) to obtain a modified second pixel cloud (<NUM>);
transform the modified second pixel cloud (<NUM>) in the second color space (<NUM>) to a third pixel cloud (<NUM>) in the first color space (<NUM>); and
form an enhanced image (<NUM>) of the eye based in part on the modified second pixel cloud (<NUM>), the enhanced image (<NUM>) providing selective visual enhancement in the at least one selected zone.