JP6392408B2 - Ophthalmic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ophthalmologic apparatus.

  In recent years, OCT that forms an image representing the surface form or internal form of an object to be measured using a light beam from a laser light source or the like has attracted attention. Since OCT has no invasiveness to the human body like X-ray CT, it is expected to be applied particularly in the medical field and the biological field. For example, in the field of ophthalmology, an apparatus for forming an image of the fundus oculi or cornea has been put into practical use.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus using a technique called Fourier domain OCT (Fourier Domain OCT) or frequency domain OCT (Frequency Domain OCT). This device irradiates a measured object with a beam of low coherence light, superimposes the reflected light and reference light to generate interference light, obtains the spectral intensity distribution of the interference light, and performs Fourier transform. By applying this, the form of the object to be measured in the depth direction (z direction) is imaged. Further, this apparatus includes a galvanometer mirror that scans a light beam (measurement light) in one direction (x direction) orthogonal to the z direction, thereby forming an image of a desired measurement target region of the object to be measured. It has become. An image formed by this apparatus is a two-dimensional cross-sectional image in the depth direction (z direction) along the scanning direction (x direction) of the light beam. In addition, the method using a spectroscope like the apparatus described in patent document 1 is also called a spectral domain.

  In Patent Document 2, a plurality of horizontal two-dimensional cross-sectional images are formed by scanning (scanning) the measurement light in the horizontal direction (x direction) and the vertical direction (y direction), and based on the plurality of cross-sectional images. A technique for acquiring and imaging three-dimensional cross-sectional information of a measurement range is disclosed. As this three-dimensional imaging, for example, a method of displaying a plurality of cross-sectional images side by side in a vertical direction (called stack data) or rendering a volume data (voxel data) based on the stack data to produce a three-dimensional image There is a method of forming.

  Patent Documents 3 and 4 disclose other types of OCT apparatuses. In Patent Document 3, the wavelength of light irradiated to a measured object is scanned (wavelength sweep), and interference intensity obtained by superimposing reflected light of each wavelength and reference light is detected to detect spectral intensity distribution. And an OCT apparatus for imaging the form of an object to be measured by performing Fourier transform on the obtained image. Such an OCT apparatus is called a swept source type. The swept source type is a kind of Fourier domain type.

  In Patent Document 4, the traveling direction of light is obtained by irradiating the object to be measured with light having a predetermined beam diameter, and analyzing the component of interference light obtained by superimposing the reflected light and the reference light. An OCT apparatus for forming an image of an object to be measured in a cross-section orthogonal to is described. Such an OCT apparatus is called a full-field type or an en-face type.

  Patent Document 5 discloses a configuration in which OCT is applied to the ophthalmic field. Prior to the application of OCT, a fundus camera, a slit lamp, an SLO (Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope), and the like were used as devices for observing the eye to be examined (for example, Patent Document 6, Patent Document 7, and Patent Document). 8). A fundus camera is a device that shoots the fundus by illuminating the subject's eye with illumination light and receiving the fundus reflection light. A slit lamp is a device that acquires an image of a cross-section of the cornea by cutting off a light section of the cornea using slit light. The SLO is an apparatus that images the fundus surface by scanning the fundus with laser light and detecting the reflected light with a highly sensitive element such as a photomultiplier tube.

  An apparatus using OCT has an advantage over a fundus camera or the like in that a high-definition image can be acquired, and further, a cross-sectional image or a three-dimensional image can be acquired.

  As described above, an apparatus using OCT can be applied to observation of various parts of an eye to be examined, and can acquire high-definition images, and thus has been applied to various ophthalmic diseases. For example, an apparatus that provides a diagnostic material for macular disease or glaucoma by combining an OCT apparatus and a subjective visual acuity test apparatus is known (see Patent Document 9).

JP 11-325849 A JP 2002-139421 A JP 2007-24677 A JP 2006-153838 A JP 2008-73099 A JP-A-9-276232 JP 2008-259544 A JP 2009-11811 A Special table 2011-515194 gazette

  Depending on the type of ophthalmic disease, it is desirable to check the medical condition frequently. For example, in age-related macular degeneration, drug administration is performed according to the medical condition, so it is preferable to manage the medication timing while frequently checking the medical condition. In view of the fact that the drug is relatively expensive, it is also desirable from the patient's point of view to manage the necessary minimum dosage at an appropriate timing.

  In the past, to achieve such desirable management, patients had to visit frequently. On the other hand, diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma require long-term management. However, it is clear that continuing frequent visits for a long period of time is a great burden on patients.

  As one method for solving this problem, it is conceivable to confirm a medical condition (that is, OCT measurement) at home or the like (generally a place other than a medical institution). However, in order to perform inspection using the OCT apparatus, various settings need to be executed. Such settings include the setting of the imaging region (optic nerve head, macular, etc.), scan pattern setting, focus position (measurement depth) setting, diopter correction according to the eyesight of the eye to be examined, and the object to be examined is the left eye Or right eye and selection of analysis processing (fundus thickness analysis, drusen analysis, etc.).

  Conventionally, in order to properly set an OCT apparatus, it has been necessary to receive training and explanation about the apparatus and gain some experience. Therefore, it is difficult for those who do not have such knowledge and experience (including those who have little knowledge and experience) to appropriately perform inspection using the OCT apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an ophthalmologic apparatus that can be easily inspected even by a person who does not have knowledge or experience regarding the apparatus. It is in.

An ophthalmologic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an optical system for inspecting an eye to be inspected, a processing unit that generates inspection data indicating a state of the eye to be inspected by processing a result of the inspection, the optical system, and the processing A storage unit that stores setting information indicating the setting content of a predetermined item relating to the unit, and an inspection performed before the setting information is changed or discarded, based on the setting content indicated in the setting information A control unit that controls the optical system and the processing unit, and the storage unit stores in advance normal personal authentication information related to a normal subject permitted to perform an examination using the device, computer via an input unit for inputting a personal identification information to the control unit, and the personal authentication information and the normal personal authentication information and match determination is made whether the authentication processing unit input by the input unit, a communication line Have a communication unit capable of communicating with data, the storage unit, for each of the subject of two or more normal, and stored in association with the setting information and the normal personal authentication information, the authentication The processing unit determines whether regular personal authentication information that matches the personal authentication information input by the input unit is stored in the storage unit, and the regular personal authentication information that matches the input personal authentication information is stored. When it is determined that the control unit performs control of the optical system and the processing unit based on setting information associated with the regular personal authentication information, the authentication processing unit and the personal authentication information When it is determined that the personal identification information does not match, the control unit prohibits the operation of the optical system and the processing unit and transmits the first predetermined information to the computer. When the communication unit receives the second predetermined information transmitted from the computer that has received the first predetermined information, the control unit cancels the prohibition of the operation. It is characterized by doing .

  According to the present invention, even a person who does not have knowledge or experience with respect to the apparatus can easily perform the inspection.

It is a schematic diagram showing an example of composition of an ophthalmology photographing instrument concerning an embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of composition of an ophthalmology photographing instrument concerning an embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the operation example of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the operation example of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus which concerns on embodiment.

  An example of an embodiment of an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to the present invention forms a cross-sectional image of the fundus using OCT. In this specification, images acquired by OCT may be collectively referred to as OCT images. In addition, a measurement operation for forming an OCT image may be referred to as OCT measurement. In addition, it is possible to use suitably the description content of the literature described in this specification as the content of the following embodiment.

  In the following embodiment, the case where the spectral domain type OCT is applied will be described in detail. However, the configuration according to the present invention can also be applied to an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus using another type of OCT. The apparatus according to the embodiment may have an imaging function other than OCT. As an example of this additional imaging function, there is a function of acquiring a front image of the anterior segment and / or the fundus (see, for example, Patent Document 5).

[Constitution]
A configuration of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an optical unit 10, a computer 100, and a user interface (UI) 200.

  The optical unit 10, the computer 100, and the user interface 200 may be provided integrally (that is, in a single housing). Alternatively, these may be distributed in two or more housings. In that case, a part of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus may be provided in another apparatus. For example, part or all of the computer 100 can be provided in a personal computer or a mobile terminal (tablet computer, mobile phone, smartphone, etc.). Further, part or all of the user interface 200 can be provided in a personal computer, a portable terminal, a television receiver, a smart television, or the like.

[Optical unit 10]
The optical unit 10 includes an optical system for performing OCT measurement and a mechanism for driving a predetermined optical element. The optical system divides the light from the light source 11 into measurement light and reference light, causes the return light of the measurement light from the subject eye E to interfere with the reference light, and detects the interference light. This optical system has the same configuration as a conventional spectral domain type OCT apparatus. That is, this optical system divides low-coherence light (broadband light) into reference light and measurement light, and generates interference light by causing the measurement light passing through the eye E to interfere with the reference light passing through the reference light path. , Configured to detect a spectral component of the interference light. The detection result (detection signal) of the spectral component is sent to the computer 100.

  When the swept source type OCT is applied, a wavelength swept light source is provided instead of the low coherence light source, and an optical member for spectrally decomposing the interference light is not provided. In general, for the configuration of the optical unit 10, a known technique corresponding to the type of OCT can be arbitrarily applied.

  The light source 11 outputs broadband low-coherence light. The low-coherence light includes, for example, a near-infrared wavelength band (about 800 nm to 900 nm) and has a temporal coherence length of about several tens of micrometers. Note that near-infrared light having a wavelength band that cannot be visually recognized by the human eye, for example, a center wavelength of about 1040 to 1060 nm, may be used as the low-coherence light.

  The light source 11 includes a light output device such as a super luminescent diode (SLD), an LED, or an SOA (Semiconductor Optical Amplifier).

  The low coherence light output from the light source 11 is converted into a parallel light flux by the collimator lens 12 and guided to the beam splitter 13. The beam splitter 13 is, for example, a half mirror that reflects a predetermined ratio of light and transmits the remaining light. The beam splitter 13 splits this parallel light beam into measurement light and reference light.

  The measurement light is light irradiated to the eye E (also called signal light). An optical element group that forms an optical path (measurement optical path) of measurement light is called a measurement arm (also called a sample arm or the like). The reference light is light serving as a reference for extracting information included in the return light of the measurement light as an interference signal. The optical element group that forms the optical path of the reference light (reference optical path) is called a reference arm.

  One end of the reference optical path is a beam splitter 13, and the other end is a reference mirror 14. The reference light composed of the component transmitted through the beam splitter 13 is reflected by the reference mirror 14 and returns to the beam splitter 13.

  The reference mirror 14 is moved in the traveling direction of the reference light by the reference mirror driving unit 14A shown in FIG. Thereby, the length of the reference optical path is changed. The reference mirror driving unit 14A functions to relatively change the length of the measurement light path and the length of the reference light path, thereby changing the depth at which the interference intensity between the measurement light and the reference light is maximized. The reference mirror 14 and the reference mirror driving unit 14A are an example of a maximum interference depth changing unit. The reference mirror drive unit 14A is an example of a third drive unit.

  In this embodiment, a configuration for changing the length of the reference optical path is applied. However, instead of this configuration or in addition to this configuration, a configuration for changing the length of the measurement optical path can be provided. The change in the length of the measurement optical path is realized by, for example, a corner cube that reflects incident measurement light in a direction opposite to the incident direction, and a mechanism for moving the corner cube in the incident direction and the reflection direction. The

  The measurement light composed of the component reflected by the beam splitter 13 is deflected by a fixed mirror 15 inclined with respect to the measurement optical path and guided to the scanner 16. The scanner 16 is a two-axis optical scanner, for example. That is, the scanner 16 has a configuration capable of deflecting the measurement light two-dimensionally. The scanner 16 is, for example, a mirror scanner including two mirrors that can be deflected in directions orthogonal to each other. This mirror scanner is configured as, for example, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems). As another example, the scanner 16 can be configured by using one mirror scanner and a rotary prism.

  The measurement light output from the scanner 16 is collimated light deflected two-dimensionally. The measurement light is focused by the relay lens 17 and is imaged in the air on a plane (fundus conjugate plane) Pc conjugate with the fundus oculi Ef. Further, the measurement light is again focused by the objective lens 19 having a function as a focusing lens and enters the eye E to be examined. The optical element (dichroic mirror 18) disposed on the fundus conjugate plane Pc will be described later. Further, when a diopter correction lens 27 described later is disposed in the measurement optical path, the measurement light passes through the objective lens 19 and is refracted by the diopter correction lens 27 to enter the eye E.

  The objective lens 19 and the lens barrel portion 19A are moved along the measurement optical path by the lens barrel drive portion 19B shown in FIG. The objective lens 19 and the lens barrel portion 19A are moved in the optical axis direction according to the refractive power of the eye E to be examined. Thereby, the fundus conjugate surface Pc is arranged at a position conjugate with the fundus Ef. As a result, the measurement light is projected onto the fundus oculi Ef as spot light. The objective lens 19 and the lens barrel drive unit 19B are an example of a focus position changing unit for changing the focus position of the measurement light with respect to the eye E. The lens barrel drive unit 19B is an example of a first drive unit that moves the objective lens 19 (focusing lens). A configuration in which a focusing lens is provided separately from the objective lens 19 can also be applied.

  The diopter correction lens 27 changes the focus position of the measurement light with respect to the eye E similarly to the focusing lens. For example, in order to deal with an eye to be examined having an extreme refractive power, such as an intensity myopic eye. It is an optical element arranged in the measurement optical path. The diopter correction lens 27 is inserted / retreated with respect to the measurement optical path by the lens driving unit 27A shown in FIG. The diopter correction lens 27 and the lens driving unit 27A are an example of a focus position changing unit for changing the focus position of the measurement light with respect to the eye E. The lens driving unit 27 </ b> A is an example of a second driving unit that moves the diopter correction lens 27.

  The in-focus position changing unit includes a plurality of diopter correction lenses having different powers, and a second drive unit that selectively places any one of these diopter correction lenses in the measurement optical path. May be. Further, for example, an optical element having a variable refractive power such as an Alvarez lens can be used as the diopter correction lens. Such an optical element for diopter correction is disposed, for example, at a position between the objective lens 19 and the eye E to be examined.

  The measurement light applied to the fundus oculi Ef is scattered (including reflection) at various depth positions of the fundus oculi Ef. Backscattered light (returned light) of measurement light from the fundus oculi Ef travels in the opposite direction on the same path as the forward path and is guided to the beam splitter 13.

  The beam splitter 13 causes the return light of the measurement light to interfere with the reference light that has passed through the reference light path. At this time, only the component of the return light that has passed through a distance substantially equal to the length of the reference optical path, that is, the backscattered light from the range within the coherent distance with respect to the length of the reference optical path, substantially interferes with the reference light. . The interference light generated via the beam splitter 13 is guided to the spectrometer 20. The interference light incident on the spectroscope 20 is split (spectrally decomposed) by the diffraction grating 21 and irradiated onto the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 23 via the lens 22. Although the diffraction grating 21 shown in FIG. 1 is a transmission type, other types of spectroscopic elements such as a reflection type diffraction grating may be used.

  The CCD image sensor 23 is, for example, a line sensor or an area sensor, and detects each spectral component of the split interference light and converts it into electric charges. The CCD image sensor 23 accumulates this electric charge, generates a detection signal, and sends it to the computer 100.

  As described above, the dichroic mirror 18 is tilted at a position corresponding to the fundus conjugate plane Pc of the measurement optical path. The dichroic mirror 18 is configured to transmit measurement light in the near infrared band and reflect light in the visible band.

  A flat panel display (FPD) 25 and a lens 26 are provided on the optical path branched from the measurement optical path via the dichroic mirror 18. The flat panel display 25 displays information under the control of the control unit 110. As information displayed on the flat panel display 25, there are various visual targets presented to the eye E to be examined. Examples of such a target include a target for a subjective eye test (Landolt ring, etc.), a fixation target for fixing the eye E to be examined, and the like.

  The flat panel display 25 is disposed at a position conjugate with the fundus conjugate plane Pc via the lens 26 (and thus a position conjugate with the fundus Ef). As the flat panel display 25, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display (OELD) is used.

  Visible light output from the flat panel display 25 is reflected to the dichroic mirror 18 via the lens 26. Further, the visible light enters the eye E through the objective lens 19 and reaches the fundus oculi Ef. Thereby, an image (for example, a visual target image) based on the visible light is projected onto the fundus oculi Ef.

  In place of the dichroic mirror 18, an optical element such as a half mirror may be provided. It is also possible to provide a reflection mirror configured to be inserted / retracted with respect to the measurement optical path. When the dichroic mirror 18 and the half mirror are provided, OCT measurement and target projection can be performed simultaneously. On the other hand, when a reflecting mirror is provided, OCT measurement and target projection are executed at different timings.

  In this embodiment, a Michelson type interferometer is employed, but any type of interferometer such as a Mach-Zehnder type can be appropriately employed. Further, instead of the CCD image sensor, a light receiving element of another form, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or the like can be used.

  In this embodiment, light reflected by the beam splitter 13 is used as measurement light, and light transmitted through the beam splitter 13 is used as reference light. On the other hand, it is also possible to apply a configuration in which light reflected by the beam splitter 13 is used as reference light, and light transmitted through the beam splitter 13 is used as measurement light. In this case, the arrangement of the measurement arm and the reference arm is reversed from that in FIG.

  A member for converting the characteristics of the measurement light and / or the reference light can be provided. For example, an optical attenuator (attenuator) or a polarization adjuster (polarization controller) can be provided in the reference optical path. The optical attenuator adjusts the amount of reference light under the control of the computer 100. The optical attenuator includes, for example, a neutral density filter and a mechanism for inserting / retracting the filter with respect to the reference optical path. The polarization adjuster adjusts the polarization state of the reference light under the control of the computer 100. The polarization adjuster includes, for example, a polarizing plate disposed in the reference optical path and a mechanism for rotating the polarizing plate. These are used to adjust the interference intensity between the return light of the measurement light and the reference light.

  It is possible to provide a front image acquisition optical system for photographing the eye E and acquiring the front image. This front image is an image of the anterior segment or the fundus oculi Ef. The front image acquisition optical system forms an optical path branched from the measurement optical path, and includes, for example, an illumination optical system and a photographing optical system similar to a conventional fundus camera. The illumination optical system irradiates the eye E with illumination light composed of (near) infrared light or visible light. The photographing optical system detects the return light (reflected light) of the illumination light from the eye E. The photographing optical system has a focusing lens common to the measurement optical path and / or a focusing lens independent of the measurement optical path. In addition, the photographing optical system includes a focusing lens (such as the objective lens 19 and the diopter correction lens 27) common to the measurement optical path and / or a focusing lens independent of the measurement optical path. Another example of the front image acquisition optical system is an optical system similar to a conventional SLO.

  When a front image acquisition optical system is provided, an alignment optical system similar to a conventional fundus camera can be provided. The alignment optical system forms an optical path branched from the measurement optical path, and generates a visual target (alignment visual target) for performing alignment (alignment) of the apparatus optical system with respect to the eye E. The alignment is alignment in a direction (referred to as an xy direction) along a plane orthogonal to the measurement optical path (the optical axis of the objective lens 19). Although not shown, the alignment optical system generates two alignment light beams from a light beam output from an alignment light source (such as an LED) by a two-hole aperture. The two alignment light fluxes are guided to the measurement optical path via a beam splitter that is inclined with respect to the measurement optical path, and projected onto the cornea of the eye E to be examined. The cornea reflected light of the alignment light beam is detected by the image sensor of the front image acquisition optical system.

  When an alignment optical system is provided, auto-alignment can be performed. Specifically, the data processing unit 130 of the computer 100 analyzes the signal input from the image sensor of the front image acquisition optical system and specifies the positions of the two alignment target images. Further, the control unit 110 projects the two corneal reflection lights on the predetermined position (for example, the center position) of the light receiving surface of the image sensor based on the positions of the two specified alignment target images. The optical unit 10 is moved in the xy direction. The optical unit 10 is moved by the unit driving unit 10A.

  When a front image acquisition optical system is provided, a focus optical system similar to a conventional fundus camera can be provided. The focus optical system forms an optical path branched from the measurement optical path, and generates a visual target (split visual target) for performing focusing (focusing) on the fundus oculi Ef. Although not shown, the focus optical system generates two focusing light beams by the split target plate from the light beams output from the focusing light source (LED or the like). The two focusing light beams are guided to the measurement optical path through the reflecting member that is inclined with respect to the measurement optical path, and projected onto the fundus oculi Ef. The fundus reflection light of the focusing light beam is detected by the image sensor of the front image acquisition optical system.

  When a focus optical system is provided, autofocus can be performed. Specifically, the data processing unit 130 of the computer 100 analyzes the signal input from the image sensor of the front image acquisition optical system and specifies the positions of the two split visual target images. Further, the control unit 110 moves the focus optical system so that two fundus reflections are projected on a straight line on the light receiving surface of the image sensor based on the positions of the two specified split visual target images. Control and focus lens control (for example, movement control of the objective lens 19) are performed.

  When a front image acquisition optical system is provided, auto-tracking can be performed. Auto-tracking is to move the optical unit 10 in accordance with the movement of the eye E. When performing auto tracking, alignment and focusing are performed in advance. The auto tracking is executed as follows, for example. First, a moving image is taken of the eye E using the front image acquisition optical system. The data processing unit 130 monitors the movement (position change) of the eye E by sequentially analyzing frames obtained by moving image shooting. The control unit 110 controls the unit driving unit 10A so as to move the optical unit 10 in accordance with the position of the eye E to be sequentially acquired. Thereby, the optical unit 10 can be tracked in real time with respect to the movement of the eye E, and it is possible to maintain a suitable positional relationship in which the alignment is in focus.

[Control system / Data processing system]
A control system and a data processing system of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described. A configuration example of the control system and the data processing system is shown in FIG.

  The control system and the data processing system are configured around the computer 100. The computer 100 includes a microprocessor, a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk drive, a communication interface, and the like. A storage device such as a hard disk drive stores a computer program for causing the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 to execute various processes. The computer 100 may have a dedicated circuit board that executes a specific process. For example, a circuit board that performs processing for forming an OCT image may be provided.

(User interface 200)
A user interface 200 is connected to the computer 100. The user interface 200 includes a display unit 210 and an operation unit 220. The display unit 210 includes a display device such as a flat panel display. The operation unit 220 includes operation devices such as buttons, keys, a joystick, and an operation panel provided on the housing of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 and outside. When the computer 100 includes a personal computer, the operation unit 220 may include an operation device (mouse, keyboard, trackpad, button, etc.) of the personal computer.

  The display unit 210 and the operation unit 220 do not need to be configured as individual devices. For example, a device in which a display function and an operation function are integrated, such as a touch panel, can be used. In that case, the operation unit 220 includes the touch panel and a computer program. The operation content for the operation unit 220 is input to the control unit 110 as an electrical signal. Further, operations and information input may be performed using a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the display unit 210 and the operation unit 220.

(Control unit 110)
The control unit 110 is provided in the computer 100. The control unit 110 includes a microprocessor, a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk drive, and the like. The control unit 110 is provided with a main control unit 111 and a storage unit 112.

(Main control unit 111)
The main control unit 111 controls each unit of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1. For example, the control by the main control unit 111 includes a unit driving unit 10A, a light source 11, a reference mirror driving unit 14A, a scanner 16, a lens barrel driving unit 19B, a CCD (image sensor) 23, a flat panel display 25, and a display unit. 210, a data processing unit 130, and a communication unit 140 are included.

  The unit driving unit 10A moves the optical unit 10 in a direction along the measurement optical path (the optical axis of the objective lens 19) (z direction) and in a direction along the plane orthogonal to the z direction (xy direction). It has the mechanism of. The reference mirror drive unit 14A moves the reference mirror 14 along the reference optical path. The lens barrel drive unit 19B moves the objective lens 19 and the lens barrel unit 19A along the measurement optical path. The lens driving unit 27A inserts and removes the diopter correction lens 27 with respect to the measurement optical path. Alternatively, the lens driving unit 27A selectively places a plurality of diopter correction lenses in the measurement optical path (all diopter correction lenses can be retracted from the measurement optical path).

(Storage unit 112)
The storage unit 112 stores various data. The storage unit 112 stores various programs and data for operating the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1. Data stored in the storage unit 112 includes data acquired by the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 and data stored in advance.

  Data acquired by the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 includes image data of an OCT image, examination data, image data of a front image, and the like. The examination data is data indicating the state of the eye to be examined, which is generated by processing the detection result of the interference light by the optical unit 10 (details will be described later). Examples of data stored in advance in the storage unit 112 include setting information and authorized personal authentication information.

(Setting information)
The setting information is information in which the contents of setting predetermined items related to the optical unit 10 and the data processing unit 130 are recorded. The setting information includes, for example, setting contents regarding at least one of the following items: (1) fixation position; (2) scan pattern; (3) focus position; (4) diopter correction; (5) maximum interference. Depth; (6) Analysis processing.

  (1) “Fixing position” indicates a direction in which the eye E is fixed, that is, a part of the eye E on which OCT measurement is performed. As the fixation position, the fixation position for performing OCT measurement of the macula and its surroundings, the fixation position for performing OCT measurement of the optic nerve head and its surroundings, and the OCT measurement of the macula and the optic nerve head and their surroundings There is a fixation position for. It is also possible to set a fixation position corresponding to an arbitrary part of the eye E. The fixation position includes, for example, information indicating the display position (pixel position) of the fixation target on the flat panel display 25.

  (2) “Scan pattern” indicates a pattern along which the projection position of the measurement light with respect to the eye E is moved. Examples of the scan pattern include one or more line scans (horizontal scan, vertical scan), one or more cross scans, radial scans, and circle scans. Further, when acquiring a three-dimensional image (three-dimensional data set), a three-dimensional scan in which intervals between a plurality of line scans are set sufficiently narrow is applied.

  (3) “Focus position” indicates a focus condition applied in OCT measurement. The focus position includes information indicating the position of the objective lens 19, for example.

  (4) “Diopter correction” indicates a condition applied in diopter correction. Specifically, there are a value indicating the refractive power (eyesight value) of the eye E, application / non-application of the diopter correction lens, a value indicating the refractive power applied by the diopter correction lens, and the like.

  (5) “Maximum interference depth” indicates a depth at which the interference intensity between the measurement light and the reference light, which is applied in the OCT measurement, is maximum. The maximum interference depth includes information indicating the position of the reference mirror 14, for example.

  (6) “Analysis process” indicates the content of the process executed based on the data acquired by the optical unit 10, that is, the type of the inspection data acquired. Examples of analysis processing include fundus layer thickness analysis, drusen analysis, and nipple shape analysis. The fundus layer thickness analysis is an analysis process for obtaining the thickness of a predetermined layer tissue of the fundus (retina, retinal sub-tissue, choroid, sclera, etc.). Drusen analysis is an analysis process for determining the distribution of drusen (a lump of waste) used as a diagnostic material for age-related macular degeneration. The nipple shape analysis is an analysis process in which a cross-sectional image or a three-dimensional image of the fundus oculi is analyzed to detect a hole portion (cut or defect portion) of the retina and obtain the shape of the optic nerve head. In the nipple shape analysis, the inclination (shape asymmetry) of the optic nerve head can also be obtained. Details of these analysis processes will be described later.

  When OCT measurement is performed for both the left eye and the right eye of the subject, and when different settings are applied to the left and right, setting information about the left eye (setting information for the left eye) and the right eye Setting information (right eye setting information) can be provided separately.

  In addition, when two or more subjects share the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 1, and when different settings are applied to each subject, individual setting information may be provided for each subject. Is possible.

  A method for creating setting information will be described. The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 is rented to a subject and used at the subject's home or the like. The setting information is created before lending.

  As a first example of the setting information generation method, the user interface 200 of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 can be used. For example, the setting content of predetermined items related to the optical unit 10 and the data processing unit 130 is input to the predetermined setting screen displayed on the display unit 210 using the operation unit 220. The main control unit 111 creates setting information including the input setting contents and stores the setting information in the storage unit 112. In this case, the user interface 200 functions as an interface unit.

  As a second example of the setting information creation method, a computer (external computer 1000) connected to the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 can be used. The external computer 1000 is a personal computer used by a doctor, for example. The external computer 1000 has a function (computer program) for creating setting information. A predetermined setting screen is displayed on the display of the external computer 1000. A doctor or the like inputs setting contents of predetermined items related to the optical unit 10 and the data processing unit 130 to the setting screen using an operation device (keyboard, mouse, or the like). The external computer 1000 transmits the input setting content to the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 via the communication line 2000 (which may be a direct connection cable). The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 receives the setting content transmitted from the external computer 1000 by the communication unit 140. The main control unit 111 creates setting information including the received setting contents and stores the setting information in the storage unit 112. In this case, the communication unit 140 functions as an interface unit. In the above example, input and transmission of setting contents are executed by the external computer 1000. However, it is also possible to configure the external computer 1000 to create setting information.

  In creating the setting information, the examination result and examination conditions of the eye E, the disease name (the type of data serving as the diagnostic material, etc.) and the like are referred to. For example, the fixation position is set by referring to the fixation position applied in the past OCT measurement and the disease name. The scan pattern is set by referring to the scan pattern applied in the past OCT measurement and the disease name. The focus position is set with reference to the focus position applied in the past OCT measurement. The setting of diopter correction is performed with reference to whether or not a diopter correction lens has been applied in past OCT measurement, or with reference to the eyesight value and refractive power of the eye E acquired in the past examination. . The maximum interference depth is set with reference to the maximum interference depth applied in the past OCT measurement. The setting of the analysis process is performed with reference to the type of analysis process and the disease name applied in the past examination.

  A specific example of the relationship between test results, test conditions and / or disease names, and setting contents will be described. In the inspection of the macular, the following settings can be adopted: (1) As the fixation position, a fixation position where the scan range includes the macula, for example, on the extension of the optical axis of the measurement optical path A fixation position where the macula is located is adopted; (2) a three-dimensional scan, a radial scan and / or a line scan is adopted as a scan pattern; The in-focus position applied in the measured OCT measurement, or the in-focus position obtained by calculation from the measured value (eye length, refractive power, etc.) of the eye E to be examined; (4) As diopter correction, Whether or not a diopter correction lens is applied in the past OCT measurement, or a diopter correction value obtained from a measured value of refractive power of the eye E is employed; (5) As the maximum interference depth, In Measurements of decorated with OCT applied maximum interference depth in the measurement or the subject's eye E, (axial length, refractive power, etc.) the maximum interference depth is employed which is obtained by calculation from. At this time, it is possible to refer to a portion of the fundus oculi Ef set as the maximum interference depth (the surface of the fundus, the deep tissue of interest, etc.); (6) Fundus layer thickness analysis (and standard) Comparative analysis with a layer thickness value). In this fundus layer thickness analysis, for example, the thickness of the retina is obtained (retinal thickness analysis).

  In the examination of the optic nerve head, the following setting contents can be adopted: (1) As the fixation position, a fixation position where the optic nerve head is included in the scan range, for example, the optical axis of the measurement optical path A fixation position in which the optic disc is located on the extension is adopted; (2) a three-dimensional scan and / or a circle scan is adopted as the scan pattern; (3) a focus position in the past The in-focus position applied in the performed OCT measurement or the in-focus position obtained by calculation from the measured values (eye axis length, refractive power, etc.) of the eye E is adopted; (4) As diopter correction The presence or absence of application of the diopter correction lens in the OCT measurement performed in the past, or the diopter correction value obtained from the measured value of the refractive power of the eye E is employed; (5) As the maximum interference depth, Excessive Measurements (axial length, refractive power, etc.) of the applied maximum interference depth or subject's eye E, the maximum interference depth obtained by calculation from being employed in OCT measurement has been carried out. At this time, it is possible to refer to a portion of the fundus oculi Ef set as the maximum interference depth (the surface of the fundus, the deep tissue of interest (for example, the retinal nerve fiber layer), etc.); (6) Layer thickness analysis (and comparative analysis with standard layer thickness values) and / or nipple shape analysis is used. In this fundus layer thickness analysis, for example, the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer is obtained (RNFL thickness analysis).

  In glaucoma examination, the following settings can be adopted: (1) As the fixation position, a fixation position where the scan range includes macular (for example, on the extension of the optical axis of the measurement optical path) Fixation position where the macula is located) and / or fixation position where the optic disc is included in the scan range (eg fixation location where the optic disc is located on the extension of the optical axis of the measurement optical path) (2) A three-dimensional scan is adopted as the scan pattern; (3) As the focus position, the focus position applied in the OCT measurement performed in the past, or the eye E to be examined The in-focus position obtained by calculation from measured values (axial length, refractive power, etc.) is adopted; (4) As diopter correction, whether or not a diopter correction lens is applied in OCT measurement performed in the past, Or test A diopter correction value obtained from the measured value of the refractive power of E is employed; (5) As the maximum interference depth, the maximum interference depth applied in the past OCT measurement or the measurement of the eye E to be examined The maximum interference depth obtained by calculation from values (eye length, refractive power, etc.) is adopted. At this time, it is possible to refer to a portion of the fundus oculi Ef set as the maximum interference depth (the surface of the fundus, a deep tissue of interest (for example, a retinal nerve fiber layer), etc.); Thickness analysis (and comparative analysis with standard layer thickness values), RNFL thickness analysis (and comparative analysis with standard layer thickness values), and / or nipple shape analysis are used.

  In the examination of age-related macular degeneration, the following settings can be adopted: (1) As the fixation position, a fixation position where the scan range includes the macula, for example, the optical axis of the measurement optical path (2) A three-dimensional scan is adopted as the scan pattern; (3) OCT measurement performed in the past as the focus position Or a focus position obtained by calculation from a measured value (eye length, refractive power, etc.) of the eye E to be examined is adopted; (4) Diopter correction has been implemented in the past Whether or not a diopter correction lens is applied in OCT measurement, or a diopter correction value obtained from a measured value of refractive power of the eye E is employed; (5) The maximum interference depth has been implemented in the past Applied in OCT measurement Maximum interference depth or measurements of the eye E, (axial length, refractive power and the like) maximum interference depth obtained by calculation from is employed. At this time, it is possible to refer to a region of the fundus oculi Ef set as the maximum interference depth (the surface of the fundus, the deep tissue of interest, etc.); (6) As the analysis processing, retinal thickness analysis (and standard Comparative analysis with layer thickness values) and / or drusen analysis is used.

  It is also possible to create part or all of the setting information automatically. In that case, the main control unit 111 or the external computer 1000 acquires information on the test result, test conditions, and disease name of the eye E from the electronic medical record of the subject. Then, setting information including the acquired information is created.

(Regular personal authentication information)
The regular personal authentication information is personal authentication information of a person who is permitted to perform an examination using the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 (a regular subject). The personal authentication information is information used for performing personal authentication of a person who is going to perform an examination using the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1.

  Character string information and image information are used as the personal authentication information. Examples of the character string information include a patient ID given by a medical institution, personal information such as a subject's name, character string information arbitrarily designated by the subject, and character string information designated randomly. Examples of the image information include biometric authentication information (such as a fingerprint pattern, an iris pattern, a vein pattern, and a face pattern), a one-dimensional code, and a two-dimensional code. In addition, a voice pattern or a handwriting pattern can be used as the personal authentication information.

  The legitimate personal authentication information is input to the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 1 before the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 1 is lent to the subject. As an input method when the legitimate personal authentication information is character string information, manual input using the user interface 200 or the external computer 1000, read input using a reading device such as a card reader, reading from an electronic medical record, or the like. is there. In addition, as the input method when the legitimate personal authentication information is image information, reading input using a reading device such as a card reader, scanning input of information described on a paper sheet, reading from an electronic medical record or the like, There is an input from an authentication information input device (fingerprint reader, iris reader, vein reader, face type analyzer, etc.). When a voice pattern is used, regular personal authentication information is input from the voice input device. Further, when a handwriting pattern is used, regular personal authentication information is input from a scanner that has read information written on a paper sheet.

  A person who intends to perform an examination using the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 inputs personal authentication information by a predetermined method. The input method corresponds to the type of personal authentication information used. That is, the input of the personal authentication information performed when using the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 is performed by the same method as the input of the regular personal authentication information described above. The component for inputting the personal authentication information corresponds to the second input unit.

  Specific examples of the second input unit include the following: a user interface 200 for manually inputting personal authentication information; a communication unit 140 for receiving personal authentication information input by the external computer 1000; a record of a card or the like A reader such as a card reader that reads personal authentication information recorded on a medium; a communication unit 140 that receives personal authentication information recorded on an electronic medical record; a scanner that scans personal authentication information described on a sheet Biometric authentication information input device for reading personal authentication information composed of biometric authentication information (fingerprint reader, iris reader, vein reader, face analysis device, etc.); voice input for inputting personal authentication information composed of auditory information apparatus.

  When two or more subjects share the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1, regular personal authentication information for each subject is stored in the storage unit 112 in advance.

(Image forming unit 120)
The image forming unit 120 forms image data of a two-dimensional cross-sectional image of the eye E based on the detection signal from the CCD image sensor 23. This process includes processes such as noise removal (noise reduction), filter processing, dispersion compensation, and FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) as in the conventional spectral domain type OCT. When another type of OCT is applied, the image forming unit 120 executes a known process corresponding to the type.

  The image forming unit 120 includes, for example, a dedicated circuit board and / or a microprocessor. In this specification, “image data” and “image” based thereon may be identified.

(Data processing unit 130)
The data processing unit 130 executes various types of data processing. For example, the data processing unit 130 performs image processing on the image formed by the image forming unit 120. As an example, the data processing unit 130 can form image data of a three-dimensional image of the eye E based on a plurality of two-dimensional cross-sectional images having different cross-sectional positions. The image data of a three-dimensional image means image data in which pixel positions are defined by a three-dimensional coordinate system. As image data of a three-dimensional image, there is image data composed of voxels arranged three-dimensionally. This image data is called volume data or voxel data. When displaying an image based on volume data, the data processing unit 130 performs rendering processing (volume rendering, MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection), etc.) on the volume data, and views the image from a specific line-of-sight direction. Image data of a pseudo three-dimensional image is formed. Further, the data processing unit 130 can image an arbitrary cross section of the three-dimensional image (MPR (Multi-Planar Reconstruction): cross-sectional conversion).

  It is also possible to form stack data of a plurality of cross-sectional images as image data of a three-dimensional image. The stack data is image data obtained by three-dimensionally arranging a plurality of cross-sectional images obtained along a plurality of scanning lines based on the positional relationship of the scanning lines. That is, stack data is image data obtained by expressing a plurality of cross-sectional images originally defined by individual two-dimensional coordinate systems by one three-dimensional coordinate system (that is, by embedding them in one three-dimensional space). is there. The data processing unit 130 can perform MPR processing based on the stack data.

  The data processing unit 130 includes, for example, a microprocessor, a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk drive, a circuit board dedicated to predetermined data processing, and the like. In a storage device such as a hard disk drive, a computer program for causing a microprocessor to execute data processing described later is stored in advance.

  The data processing unit 130 includes an inspection data generation unit 131, a stillness determination unit 132, a left / right determination unit 133, an authentication processing unit 134, and a monitoring processing unit 135.

(Inspection data generation unit 131)
The inspection data generation unit 131 generates inspection data indicating the state of the eye E by processing the detection result of the interference light by the optical unit 10. The inspection data generation unit 131 is an example of a processing unit. The “interference light detection result” processed by the inspection data generation unit 131 is, for example, one of the following: (1) a signal output from the CCD image sensor 23; (2) an image formed by the image forming unit 120 Data; (3) Data obtained in an intermediate stage of processing executed by the image forming unit 120 (that is, data obtained in the middle of the image data forming process); (4) A signal output from the CCD image sensor 23 is formed into an image. Data obtained by processing by components other than the unit 120.

  An example of processing executed by the inspection data generation unit 131 will be described. As a first example, the inspection data generation unit 131 can generate layer thickness information of the fundus oculi Ef based on the detection result of the interference light by the optical unit 10. In this case, the examination data generation unit 131 functions as a layer thickness information generation unit, and executes the above-described fundus layer thickness analysis (such as retinal thickness analysis or RNFL thickness analysis). Furthermore, the examination data generation unit 131 can perform a comparative analysis between the layer thickness information acquired by the fundus layer thickness analysis and a standard layer thickness value.

  The fundus layer thickness analysis is a process for obtaining the thickness (distribution) of a predetermined layer tissue of the fundus oculi Ef based on the detection result of the interference light. As an example, retinal thickness analysis will be described. Similar processing is performed when the thicknesses of other layer structures are obtained.

  In the retinal thickness analysis, for example, by analyzing a cross-sectional image or a three-dimensional image of the fundus oculi Ef, the thickness distribution of the retina in part or all of the scan range is obtained. There are various definitions of retinal thickness. For example, when the thickness from the inner boundary membrane to the inner granule layer (inscribed / external contact of photoreceptor cells) is used as the retinal thickness, the thickness from the inner border membrane to the retinal pigment epithelial layer may be used as the retinal thickness. . The retinal thickness obtained by retinal thickness analysis is one of such definitions.

  The retinal thickness analysis is performed as follows, for example. First, an OCT image of the fundus oculi Ef is analyzed, and an image region corresponding to a predetermined boundary region (for example, the inner boundary membrane and the retinal pigment epithelium layer) is specified. Then, the number of pixels between the specified boundary portions is counted to obtain the retinal thickness (distance in the depth direction). The processing for analyzing the OCT image to determine the thickness of the fundus layer is, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-325831, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-206684, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-61203, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. It is described in the 2009-66015 gazette.

  The comparative analysis of the retinal thickness is an analysis process that compares the retinal thickness obtained by the retinal thickness analysis with standard data (Normal data) stored in advance. Normal data is the standard value (standard thickness) of the retinal thickness of healthy eyes. The normal data is created by measuring a large number of retinal thicknesses of healthy eyes and obtaining statistical values (average value, standard deviation, etc.) of the measurement results. In the comparative analysis, it is determined whether or not the retinal thickness of the eye E is included in the range of the normal eye. The comparative analysis may be a process of obtaining a range of retinal thickness in a diseased eye and determining whether or not the retinal thickness obtained by the retinal thickness analysis is included in the range.

  The inspection data generation unit 131 may be configured to perform drusen analysis. The drusen analysis is an analysis process for obtaining a drusen distribution state in a part or all of the scan range by analyzing an OCT image, for example. This distribution state includes the position and size (area, volume, diameter) of drusen on the fundus oculi Ef.

  In the drusen analysis, for example, an OCT image is analyzed to identify an image region corresponding to the Bruch's membrane and an image region corresponding to the retinal pigment epithelium, and a small substantially circular raised shape based on the pixel value between these image regions It can be executed by specifying an image region corresponding to as a drusen (candidate). The image region specifying process based on such a shape can be performed by, for example, image matching with a template having the shape. Further, the inspection data generation unit 131 obtains the position, number, size, and the like of drusen based on the image area corresponding to drusen identified in this way. Moreover, evaluation information on the state of age-related macular degeneration can be generated based on the acquired distribution of drusen.

  In the case where the above-described front image acquisition optical system is provided and the fundus oculi Ef can be captured, drusen analysis can be performed based on the captured image of the fundus oculi F. This drusen analysis is executed, for example, by determining whether the pixel value of each pixel of the captured image is included in a predetermined range and specifying the pixels included in the predetermined range. When the photographed image is a color image, drusen is drawn with a characteristic color (yellowish white), and therefore a range of pixel values corresponding to this characteristic color is preset as the predetermined range. Further, when the captured image is a monochrome image, drusen is drawn with a characteristic brightness (luminance), and therefore a range of pixel values corresponding to this characteristic luminance is preset as the predetermined range. It is also possible to specify an image region corresponding to drusen by performing template matching based on the standard shape of drusen (small, substantially circular raised shape).

  The nipple shape analysis may include an analysis process for analyzing the cross-sectional image or three-dimensional image of the fundus oculi Ef to detect the pores (cuts and missing parts) of the retina and obtaining the shape of the optic nerve head. The nipple shape analysis is performed by, for example, analyzing a cross-sectional image or the like to identify an image region corresponding to the optic nerve head and the retinal surface in the vicinity thereof, and analyzing the identified image region to analyze its global shape or local shape (unevenness). ) (Papillae shape parameter) is obtained. Examples of papillary shape parameters include the optic disc cup diameter, disc diameter, rim diameter, and nipple depth.

  The nipple shape analysis may include an analysis process for obtaining the inclination (shape asymmetry) of the optic nerve head. This analysis process is executed as follows, for example. First, the examination data generation unit 131 analyzes the three-dimensional image obtained by scanning the region including the optic nerve head and identifies the center of the teat. Next, the test data generation unit 131 sets a circular area centered on the nipple center, and divides the circular area radially to obtain a plurality of partial areas. Subsequently, the examination data generation unit 131 obtains the height position of a predetermined layer (for example, retinal pigment epithelium layer) at each pixel position by analyzing a cross-sectional image of the circular region. Further, the inspection data generation unit 131 calculates the average value of the height positions of the predetermined layers in each partial region. Next, the examination data generation unit 131 obtains the inclination of the fundus oculi Ef in the facing direction by comparing a pair of average values obtained for the pair of partial regions corresponding to the facing position with respect to the nipple center. Then, the examination data generation unit 131 generates inclination distribution information indicating the distribution of the inclination of the fundus oculi Ef in the circular region based on the inclinations obtained in the plurality of facing directions. Note that the evaluation information of the disease state can be generated based on the generated inclination distribution information (and information indicating the standard distribution).

  The inspection data described above is based on the result of OCT measurement, but the inspection data may include the results of other inspections. As an example, when the flat panel display 25 can display a target for subjective visual acuity test (Landolt ring or the like), the inspection data generation unit 131 generates inspection data including the result of the subjective visual acuity test. Is possible.

  The subjective visual acuity test is performed when the subject responds to the visual target presented to the eye E to be examined. The test data generation unit 131 repeatedly performs a process of determining whether the subject's response is correct and a process of determining a target to be presented next according to the determination result, according to a predetermined computer program. The main control unit 111 causes the flat panel display 25 to display the visual target determined by the inspection data generation unit 131. By repeatedly performing such processing, the test data generation unit 131 determines the visual acuity value of the eye E to be examined, and generates test data including the visual acuity value.

(Stillness determination unit 132)
The stationary determination unit 132 determines whether or not the eye E is substantially stationary based on the data acquired by the optical unit 10 (stationary determination processing). “Substantially stationary” includes not only the case where the eye E is stationary, but also the case where the eye E is moving so as not to affect the OCT measurement. This allowable range of movement is arbitrarily set in advance.

  An example of stillness determination processing will be described. As a first example, there is stillness determination processing based on the intensity of return light of measurement light. The intensity of the return light of the measurement light is maximized in the aligned state (because regular reflection from the cornea is maximized). The detection of the intensity of the return light can be obtained, for example, by detecting a part of the return light with a photodetector or the like. The stationary determination unit 132 can determine whether the eye E is substantially stationary based on the temporal change in the intensity of the return light. In addition, since the intensity of the return light affects the intensity of the interference light, it is possible to perform stillness determination based on a temporal change in the intensity of the signal from the CCD image sensor 23.

  As a second example, when the above-described front image acquisition optical system is provided, it is possible to execute the following still determination process. First, a moving image is taken of the eye E using the front image acquisition optical system. Thereby, a front image (frame) of the eye E is obtained at predetermined time intervals. The stillness determination unit 132 analyzes the front images that are sequentially input, and detects the characteristic part of the eye E to be examined. This characteristic site is, for example, the pupil (or its center) in the anterior segment image, and is, for example, the optic disc (or its center), macular (or its center), blood vessel, or diseased region in the fundus image. Furthermore, the stillness determination unit 132 can determine whether or not the eye E is substantially stationary by monitoring changes in the position of the characteristic part in the front image input in time series.

(Left / Right determination unit 133)
The left / right determination unit 133 determines whether the eye E is the left eye or the right eye (left / right determination processing). The left eye determination process is executed when the left and right eyes are examined using the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1. When only the right or left eye is examined, for example, information indicating whether the eye to be examined is the left eye or the right eye is stored in the storage unit 112 in advance.

  Even when only one eye is the object to be inspected, right / left determination processing may be performed in order to prevent a situation where the other eye is inadvertently inspected. That is, for example, when the left eye is set as an examination target, predetermined notification information is output when it is determined that the eye E is the right eye as a result of performing the left / right determination process. be able to. This notification information is, for example, display information by the display unit 210 or the flat panel display 25, or auditory information by a sound output unit (not shown). In addition, when the measurement light includes a visible component, it is possible to notify by blinking the measurement light.

  An example of the left / right determination process will be described. As a first example, there is a left / right determination process based on a control state for the unit drive unit 10A. This example is used when a configuration in which the position of the optical unit 10 is different between when inspecting the left eye and when inspecting the right eye is used. As described above, the optical unit 10 is moved by the main control unit 111 controlling the unit driving unit 10A. Each time the main control unit 111 controls the unit driving unit 10 </ b> A, the main control unit 111 transmits the control content to the left / right determination unit 133. Based on the control content input from the main control unit 111, the left / right determination unit 133 is disposed at a position for the optical unit 10 to inspect the left eye or at a position for inspecting the right eye. Judgment is made. Note that a range of positions for inspecting the left eye and a range of positions for inspecting the right eye are set in advance.

  As a second example, when the above-described front image acquisition optical system is provided, it is possible to perform the left / right determination process by analyzing the front image. When the front image is an anterior segment image, for example, the eye side and the eye corner side can be specified based on the shape of the eyelid, and it is possible to determine whether the eye E is the left eye or the right eye. If the front image is a fundus image, determine whether the eye E is the left eye or the right eye based on the position of the optic disc, the position of the macula, the positional relationship between the optic disc and the macula, the running state of the blood vessels, etc. Can do.

  As described above, the left / right determination unit 133 has a function of automatically determining whether the eye E is the left eye or the right eye. This determination result is input to the control unit 110. The left / right determination unit 133 functions as a first input unit that inputs information indicating whether the eye E is the left eye or the right eye to the control unit 110. On the other hand, it is possible not to provide such an automatic determination function. For example, the subject (or an assistant) inputs through the operation unit 220 whether the eye E is the left eye or the right eye. In this case, the operation unit 220 corresponds to the first input unit.

(Authentication processing unit 134)
As described above, the control unit 110 receives input of personal authentication information from the second input unit. The control unit 110 sends the input personal authentication information to the authentication processing unit 134 together with the regular personal authentication information stored in the storage unit 112. The authentication processing unit 134 determines whether the personal authentication information matches the regular personal authentication information. The authentication processing unit 134 sends the determination result to the control unit 110.

  When two or more subjects share the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 1, that is, when two or more regular subjects exist, as described above, the regular personal authentication information of each subject is stored in the storage unit. 112. When the control unit 110 receives the input of personal authentication information, the control unit 110 sends all the regular personal authentication information stored in the storage unit 112 to the authentication processing unit 134 together with the input personal authentication information. The authentication processing unit 134 determines whether the input personal authentication information matches any of these regular personal authentication information. In other words, the authentication processing unit 134 searches for regular personal authentication information that matches the input personal authentication information.

(Monitoring processing unit 135)
The monitoring processing unit 135 monitors the operating state of a predetermined part of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1. For example, the monitoring processing unit 135 detects a malfunction, damage, failure, or the like of a predetermined part of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1. Alternatively, the monitoring processing unit 135 detects that there is a risk of malfunction, damage, or failure for a predetermined part of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1. As a specific example, the monitoring processing unit 135 measures the accumulated operation time, and detects that the measurement result exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

  The site | part of the ophthalmologic imaging device 1 used as the monitoring object may contain arbitrary hardware and / or arbitrary software. Examples of hardware include a microprocessor, RAM, ROM, hard disk drive, communication interface, light source, optical element, light receiving element, actuator, mechanism, and cable. Examples of software include a computer program for device control and a computer program for data processing.

  An example of a method for monitoring the operating state of a predetermined part will be described. The monitoring processing unit 135 detects a physical quantity related to the hardware to be monitored, and determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the hardware by determining whether or not the detected value belongs to an allowable range. Examples of such processing include the following: detecting heat and determining whether the temperature is above a predetermined temperature; detecting sound generated by the mechanism and determining whether it is abnormal sound based on its frequency; A hardware displacement is detected by an encoder or the like, and it is determined whether or not an abnormal operation or rattling of the mechanism has occurred.

  As another example of the monitoring method, predetermined data is input to the microprocessor, whether the processed data is normal, whether the microprocessor is operating normally, or the computer program is normal It can be determined whether or not.

(Communication unit 140)
The communication unit 140 performs data communication with an external device. The method of data communication is arbitrary. For example, the communication unit 140 includes a communication interface compliant with the Internet, a communication interface compliant with LAN, a communication interface compliant with near field communication, and the like. Data communication may be wired communication or wireless communication.

  The communication unit 140 performs data communication with a predetermined external computer 1000 via the communication line 2000. One or more external computers 1000 are provided. The external computer 1000 includes a server installed in a medical institution, a terminal used by a doctor, a server of a manufacturer (or a sales company, a maintenance company, a rental company, etc.) of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 1, and a person in charge of the manufacturer. There are terminals used by.

  Data transmitted and received by the communication unit 140 may be encrypted. In this case, the control unit 110 (or the data processing unit 130) includes an encryption processing unit that encrypts transmission data and a decryption processing unit that decrypts reception data.

[Operation]
An operation of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

  An example of the operation of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In this operation example, the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 is installed and used at a subject's home after setting in a medical institution or the like. The operation of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 is performed by a subject (or an assistant thereof). FIG. 3A shows a flow until the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 is installed in a subject's home or the like. FIG. 3B is a flow from installation to return of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1, and particularly shows a usage pattern of the ophthalmic photographing apparatus 1 at the subject's home.

(S1: Start application for setting)
First, settings relating to the operation of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 are performed in a medical institution or the like. For this purpose, a setting application program is started. This application program is installed in the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 or the external computer 1000. As described above, the setting operation is performed using the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 or the external computer 1000. The application program is installed in a device used for setting work.

(S2: Input the setting contents of the predetermined item)
The doctor or the like inputs the setting contents of predetermined items related to the optical unit 10 and the data processing unit 130, for example, as described above.

(S3: Create setting information)
The main control unit 111 creates setting information including the setting contents input in step S2, for example, as described above.

(S4: Store setting information)
The main control unit 111 stores the setting information created in step S3 in the storage unit 112, for example, as described above. The setting information includes, for example, fixation position setting contents, scan pattern setting contents, in-focus position setting contents, diopter correction setting contents, and analysis processing setting contents.

(S5: The device is installed at the subject's home, etc.)
After storing the setting information in step S4, the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 is transported to the subject's home or the like. The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 is installed at the subject's home or the like. At this time, a fixture or the like for stably installing the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 can be used. Refer to FIG. 3B from the next step.

(S11: Start of inspection)
Instruct the start of inspection. This instruction includes, for example, a power-on operation, pressing of an examination start button, and input of personal authentication information.

  When personal authentication information is input, for example, the personal authentication information is input as described above. The authentication processing unit 134 determines whether the input personal authentication information matches the regular personal authentication information stored in advance in the storage unit 112. The authentication processing unit 134 sends the determination result to the control unit 110. If the entered personal authentication information matches the regular personal authentication information, the process proceeds to inspection. On the other hand, if the input personal authentication information does not match the regular personal authentication information, the main control unit 111 outputs a message prompting the user to re-enter the personal authentication information by display or by voice. The main control unit 111 repeats the output of the message until the determination of inconsistency reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times). When the determination that there is a discrepancy exceeds a predetermined number of times, the main control unit 111 prohibits the examination by the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1. Further, the main control unit 111 controls the communication unit 140 to transmit information indicating that the inspection is prohibited (authentication error has occurred) to the external computer 1000. A doctor or manufacturer's person in charge recognizes that an authentication error has occurred via the external computer 1000, and performs a predetermined operation for canceling the prohibition of the examination (confirmation by telephone, etc.). Further, the external computer 1000 may be configured to perform processing for canceling the prohibition of inspection. For example, the external computer 1000 transmits personal confirmation information to a portable terminal or a computer owned by the subject. A password is entered based on this information. The external computer 1000 determines whether the input person is a regular subject based on whether the input password is correct. When it is determined that the input person is a regular subject, the external computer 1000 sends information for canceling the prohibition of the examination to the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1. The main control unit 111 cancels the prohibition of inspection based on the information received from the external computer 1000.

(S12: Is it the first inspection?)
When an instruction to start an examination is received in step S11, the main control unit 111 determines whether the current examination is the first examination after the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 is installed in the subject's home or the like. . In this process, for example, a configuration in which the history (log) is saved in the storage unit 112 each time an inspection is performed, and the inspection history (inspection log) is reset before installation at home or the like. Can be realized. When it is determined that the current examination is the second and subsequent examinations (S12: NO), step S13 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, when it is determined that the current examination is the first examination (S12: YES), the process proceeds to step S13.

(S13: Set each part based on the setting information)
When it is determined in step S12 that the current examination is the first examination (S12: YES), the main control unit 111, based on the setting information stored in the storage unit 112 in step S4, the optical unit 10 The corresponding part included in the data processing unit 130 is set. This process includes, for example, one of the following operations: setting of a display position of a fixation target (which may be a target for subjective examination) on the flat panel display 25 based on the fixation position setting content; Setting of the control content of the scanner 16 based on the setting content of the scan pattern; Movement control of the objective lens 19 based on the setting content of the in-focus position; Movement control of the diopter correction lens 27 based on the setting content of the diopter correction; Movement control of the reference mirror 14 based on the set content of the maximum interference depth; selection of the operation content (that is, the computer program to be used) of the inspection data generation unit 131 based on the set content of the analysis process.

  As can be seen from the flow of processing shown in FIG. 3B, the settings made in step S13 are applied as they are in each inspection performed until the setting information is changed or discarded in step S23.

  Moreover, it is possible to perform the setting process of each unit based on the setting information at an arbitrary timing after the setting information storing process shown in step S4. For example, it is possible to perform the setting process before the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 is transported to the subject's home or the like. However, in this operation example, the setting process is performed after the conveyance in consideration of a deviation in the setting during the conveyance. Note that misalignment may occur during transport, especially in the arrangement of optical elements, so other settings (fixation position settings, scan pattern settings, analysis processing settings) should be performed before transport. Also good.

In addition to the setting in step S13, auto alignment and auto focus (
Fine adjustment of the in-focus position), auto tracking, fine adjustment of the maximum interference depth, light amount adjustment, polarization adjustment, and the like may be performed. Auto alignment, auto focus, and auto tracking are performed as described above. For fine adjustment of the maximum interference depth, for example, a line scan is repeatedly executed, and a position of a predetermined part (fundus surface, retinal nerve fiber layer, etc.) of the fundus oculi Ef is specified from a moving image of a cross-sectional image obtained thereby, This is done by adjusting the position of the reference mirror 14 so that the part is arranged at a predetermined position of the frame. The light amount adjustment is performed by controlling the optical attenuator, and the polarization adjustment is performed by controlling the polarization adjuster.

(S14: Start subjective visual acuity test)
In this operation example, an OCT measurement and a subjective visual acuity test are performed as an examination of the eye E. More specifically, OCT measurement is performed in the middle of the subjective visual acuity test. First, the main control unit 111 starts a subjective visual acuity test. That is, the first visual target is presented based on a predetermined optometry program.

  At this time, the main control unit 111 can display the visual target for the subjective visual acuity test at the display position of the flat panel display 25 based on the setting content of the fixation position included in the setting information. For example, when a Landolt ring having a shape in which a part of the ring is missing is used as a visual target, the Landolt ring can be displayed so that the missing part is arranged at a position corresponding to the setting content of the fixation position. . More generally, the visual target can be displayed on the flat panel display 25 so that the portion of the visual target that the subject particularly pays attention is arranged at a position corresponding to the setting content of the fixation position. Thereby, a function as a fixation target for performing OCT measurement can be imparted to the visual target for the subjective visual acuity test.

(S15: Is the subject's eye stationary?)
In response to the start of the subjective visual acuity test, the main control unit 111 starts the stillness determination process for the eye E. This stillness determination process is executed by the stillness determination unit 132 or the like, for example, as described above. The stationary determination process is executed at least until it is determined that the eye E is substantially stationary (S15: NO). If it is determined that the eye E is substantially stationary (S15: YES), the process proceeds to step S16.

  In the case where the subject eye E is not determined to be stationary even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the subjective visual acuity test, or the subject eye E is not determined to be stationary even if the subjective visual acuity test proceeds to a predetermined stage, etc. A warning can be made. This warning is performed, for example, by the main control unit 111 detecting the arrival of the above warning timing and controlling the display unit 210 or the audio output unit.

  In this operation example, OCT measurement is performed in the middle of the subjective visual acuity test, but the timing of performing these tests is arbitrary. For example, it is possible to perform control so that OCT measurement is performed after the subjective visual acuity test is completed, or so that a subjective visual acuity test is performed after the OCT measurement is performed.

(S16: Perform OCT measurement)
In response to the determination that the eye E is substantially stationary in step S15 (S15: YES), the main control unit 111 causes the optical unit 10 to perform OCT measurement of the eye E. This OCT measurement is executed with the setting contents (for example, fixation position setting contents, scan pattern setting contents, in-focus position setting contents, diopter correction setting contents) included in the setting information.

(S17: Perform analysis processing)
The inspection data generation unit 131 performs analysis processing based on data acquired by OCT measurement. This analysis process is performed based on the setting contents of the analysis process included in the setting information. Specifically, fundus layer thickness analysis, drusen analysis, nipple shape analysis, and the like are performed.

(S18: End subjective vision test)
In the subjective visual acuity test started in step S14, the visual acuity value of the eye E is determined based on the response of the subject to the visual target presented sequentially according to the optometry program. The subjective visual acuity test ends with the determination of the visual acuity value. Therefore, the end timing of the subjective visual acuity test is an arbitrary timing after step S14.

(S19: Generate inspection data)
The test data generation unit 131 generates test data including data acquired by the analysis process and data acquired by the subjective visual acuity test.

(S20: Transmit inspection data)
The main control unit 111 controls the communication unit 140 to transmit the inspection data generated in step S19 to the external computer 1000.

  Additional information such as examination date and time, identification information of the subject and / or eye E, and identification information of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 1 may be transmitted together with the examination data. The inspection date / time is obtained by a date / time function installed in the main control unit 111 (system software). In addition, date / time information may be provided from an external computer 1000 or the like. Various kinds of identification information are stored in the storage unit 112 in advance.

(S21: End of inspection)
If the inspection data is transmitted in step S20, the current inspection ends. The subject performs operations such as turning off the power.

(S22: Will the device be returned?)
The above inspection is repeatedly performed until the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 is returned (S22: NO). The device is returned for the reason of, for example, completion of an inspection (such as follow-up observation) at home, replacement of the device, maintenance of the device, change of setting information, and the like. In response to the decision to return the apparatus (S22: YES), the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 is transported to a medical institution, manufacturer, or the like.

(S23: Change / discard setting information)
A person in charge such as a doctor or manufacturer of the medical institution changes or discards the setting information stored in the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 in step S4. This is the end of the description of this operation example.

(Other operation examples)
Another operation example of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 will be described focusing on the differences from the above operation example.

  The subject is instructed by a doctor or the like to perform examinations at predetermined time intervals (for example, every day, every other day). Information indicating this time interval or a longer period (collectively referred to as “predetermined period”) is stored in the storage unit 112 in advance. The main control unit 111 monitors the interval between inspections actually performed at home or the like. This process is performed with reference to the above-described inspection history (inspection log), for example. When the inspection is not performed for a predetermined period, that is, when the generation of inspection data is not performed for the predetermined period, the main control unit 111 controls the communication unit 140 and transmits the notification information to the external computer 1000. This notification information includes information indicating that the inspection has not been performed for a predetermined period.

  In some cases, both the left eye and the right eye are examined at home. In this case, the setting information includes left eye setting information and right eye setting information. That is, setting contents regarding both eyes are input in step S2 of FIG. 3A, setting information including setting contents for both eyes is created in step S3, and setting information including setting contents for both eyes is stored in the storage unit 112 in step S4. Is remembered. In step S11, information indicating whether the eye E is the left eye or the right eye is input from the first input unit (the left / right determination unit 133 or the operation unit 220) to the main control unit 111. The main control unit 111 selects one of the left-eye setting information and the right-eye setting information based on the input information, and performs the setting process in step S13 based on the selected setting information. Further, upon completion of the left eye or right eye examination based on the setting information (step S18), the main control unit 111 outputs a message (visual information or auditory information) to switch the examination target eye. When a binocular eyepiece that receives both the left and right eyes is provided, the main control unit 111 controls the optical unit 10 to execute an operation for switching between a target to be presented and a target to be irradiated with measurement light. In this switching operation, for example, a mirror, a polarizing element, a wavelength selection element, and the like are driven to switch the light flux guide destination between the left-eye eyepiece and the right-eye eyepiece. When the examination for both eyes is completed, examination data including the examination result for both eyes is generated in step S19. This examination data is transmitted to the external computer 1000 in step S20, and the current examination is finished (S21).

  There may be a case where two or more subjects share the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 1. In that case, setting information for each subject is stored in the storage unit 112. That is, the setting contents for each subject are input in step S2 of FIG. 3A, the setting information for each subject is created in step S3, and the setting information for each subject is stored in the storage unit 112 in step S4. Is done. In addition, the storage unit 112 stores regular personal authentication information of each subject. In step S11, personal authentication information is input. The main control unit 111 searches for authorized personal authentication information that matches the entered personal authentication information, and specifies setting information corresponding to the authorized personal authentication information. Then, the main control unit 111 performs the setting process in step S13 based on the specified setting information.

  The examination data acquired by the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 can be stored inside the apparatus. Specifically, at a timing after step S19, the main control unit 111 causes the storage unit 112 to store the inspection data generated in step S19. At this time, the inspection data can be stored in association with the inspection date. In addition, information indicating whether the eye E is the left eye or the right eye and identification information of the subject can be stored in association with the examination data.

  It can be notified that an abnormality in the operation state of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 has been detected. Detection of an abnormality in the operating state is performed by the monitoring processing unit 135. The first notification method is notification through the external computer 1000. That is, when an abnormality in the operation state is detected by the monitoring processing unit 135, the main control unit 111 controls the communication unit 140 so as to transmit information indicating the occurrence of the abnormality to the external computer 1000. The second notification method is notification to the subject. That is, when an abnormality in the operating state is detected by the monitoring processing unit 135, the main control unit 111 displays the display unit 210 and / or so as to output notification information (visual information and / or auditory information) indicating the occurrence of the abnormality. Control the audio output unit. The display unit 210 and the audio output unit are examples of the information output unit. Such a notification process is executed at an arbitrary timing. When an abnormality is detected during the inspection, the notification process may be performed immediately, or the notification process may be performed after the end of the inspection. Moreover, you may make it change the alerting | reporting method and alerting | reporting timing according to the site | part where abnormality occurred. For example, when an abnormality of the optical unit 10 is detected, the main control unit 111 interrupts the inspection if the inspection is being performed, and immediately notifies both the external computer 1000 and the subject. In addition, when an abnormality in the part related to the analysis process is detected, the main control unit 111 performs the process until the previous stage of the analysis process (OCT measurement, subjective visual acuity test), and then sends the notification information together with the acquired data. Send to external computer 1000.

[effect]
The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 1 is an example of an ophthalmic photographing apparatus according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, effects of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.

  The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus includes an optical system (for example, the optical unit 10), a processing unit (for example, the inspection data generating unit 131), an output unit (for example, the display unit 210 and / or the communication unit 140), and an interface unit (for example, the communication unit 140). And / or a user interface 200), a storage unit (for example, the storage unit 112), and a control unit (for example, the main control unit 111).

  The optical system divides the light from the light source (for example, the light source 11) into measurement light and reference light, causes the measurement light passing through the eye to interfere with the reference light, and detects the interference light obtained thereby. The processing unit generates inspection data indicating the state of the eye to be examined by processing the detection result of the interference light by the optical system. The interface unit outputs the inspection data generated by the processing unit. The interface unit is used for setting predetermined items related to the optical system and the processing unit. The storage unit stores setting information indicating the content of the setting performed through the interface unit. The control unit controls the optical system and the processing unit based on the setting contents indicated in the setting information in each of a plurality of examinations performed until the setting information is changed or discarded.

  According to such an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus, once the setting information that defines the operation content of the apparatus is set, the examination is executed based on the setting information until the setting information is changed or discarded. . Such a configuration is different from a conventional ophthalmologic photographing apparatus that is installed in a medical institution and assumes that the eye to be examined is switched at random. In addition, since each inspection is performed based on setting information created in advance, it is not necessary to perform troublesome setting operations and adjustment operations each time inspection is performed. Therefore, according to the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to the embodiment, even a person who does not have knowledge or experience regarding the apparatus can easily perform the inspection.

  The ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment may have not only the OCT measurement function as described above but also a subjective visual acuity test function. In that case, the optical system includes a flat panel display (for example, a flat panel display 25) that displays a visual target for eyesight inspection under the control of the control unit. The optical system presents the visual target to the eye to be examined by guiding the light beam output from the flat panel display to the eye to be examined. Furthermore, the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment includes an operation unit (for example, the operation unit 220) for inputting a subject's response to the visual target presented by the optical system. The processing unit obtains the visual acuity value of the eye to be examined based on the content of the response input using the operation unit, and generates examination data including the visual acuity value.

  This test data includes one or both of a test result based on OCT measurement and a result of a subjective visual acuity test. In other words, when only OCT measurement is performed, the former is included in the inspection data, and when only subjective visual acuity test is performed, the latter is included in the inspection data, and OCT measurement and subjective visual acuity inspection are performed. In the case of the test, the former and the latter are included in the inspection data.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to acquire not only morphological data of the eye to be examined obtained by OCT measurement but also functional data by a subjective visual acuity test. Therefore, the state of the eye to be examined can be examined from a wider angle. In addition, such an inspection can be performed at home or the like. Therefore, it is possible to perform medical practice such as medication at a more appropriate timing.

  The setting information may include setting contents for the fixation position. In that case, the control unit can display a fixation target for fixing the eye to be examined on the flat panel display based on the setting content of the fixation position. Thereby, it is possible to perform OCT measurement of the target part of the eye to be examined. Note that the fixation target may be a visual target for a subjective visual acuity test, or a fixation target.

  The control unit can execute control for causing the optical system to detect the interference light while performing control for displaying the target on the flat panel display. That is, OCT measurement can be performed while performing a subjective visual acuity test. Thereby, the inspection time can be shortened.

  The ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment may include a stationary determination unit (for example, a stationary determination unit 132) that determines whether or not the eye to be examined is substantially stationary based on optically acquired data. In this case, when the eye determination unit determines that the eye to be examined is substantially still, the control unit can execute control for causing the optical system to detect the interference light. That is, OCT measurement can be performed at the timing when the eye to be examined is substantially stationary. Thereby, it is possible to prevent OCT measurement failure due to eye movement.

  The light source can output infrared light, and the flat panel display can output visible light. In this case, the optical system includes a dichroic mirror (for example, dichroic mirror 18) that combines the optical path of the measurement light based on the infrared light from the light source and the optical path of the visible light output from the flat panel display. The measurement light and the visible light may be guided to the eye to be inspected. According to this configuration, the OCT measurement and the target presentation can be performed by the coaxial optical system.

  The output unit includes a first communication unit (for example, communication unit 140) capable of communicating with a first computer (for example, external computer 1000) installed in a medical institution via a communication line (communication line 2000). You can leave. In that case, the control unit can control the first communication unit so as to transmit the examination data generated by the processing unit and the identification information of the eye to be examined to the first computer. According to this configuration, it is possible to transmit examination data while clearly specifying the eye to be examined. In addition, the identification information of the eye to be examined may be information having a form capable of identifying the eye to be examined. For example, the identification information given to the subject, the identification information given to the eye to be examined, and given to the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus Identification information or the like.

  The first communication unit may be able to communicate with a second computer (for example, external computer 1000) installed in a medical institution via a communication line (for example, communication line 2000). In that case, when the generation of the inspection data by the processing unit is not executed for a predetermined period, the control unit can control the first communication unit to transmit the notification information to the second computer. . According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the medical institution that the examination was not performed as scheduled. Thereby, it is possible to instruct the subject to perform the examination as scheduled.

  When both eyes of one subject are examined using the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus, setting information for both eyes can be selectively used. For example, the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment includes a first input unit (for example, the operation unit 220 or the left / right determination unit 133) that inputs information indicating whether the eye to be examined is the left eye or the right eye to the control unit. Have. The storage unit stores, as setting information, left-eye setting information related to the left eye of one subject and right-eye setting information related to the right eye. The control unit selects one of the left-eye setting information and the right-eye setting information based on the information input from the first input unit, and controls the optical system and the processing unit based on the selected setting information. Can be executed. According to this configuration, it is possible to inspect both eyes using a suitable setting condition according to each eye.

  It is possible to automatically determine whether the eye to be examined is the left or right eye. For example, the first input unit may include a left / right determination unit (for example, a left / right determination unit 133) that determines whether the eye to be examined is the left eye or the right eye and inputs the determination result to the control unit. In that case, the control unit selects one of the setting information for the left eye and the setting information for the right eye based on the determination result input by the left / right determination unit, and the optical system and the processing unit based on the selected setting information. Control can be performed. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to manually set whether the eye to be examined is the left or right eye.

  A function for authenticating the subject can be provided. For example, the storage unit stores in advance normal personal authentication information related to a normal subject who is permitted to perform an examination using an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus. In addition, the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment includes a second input unit (for example, the operation unit 220, a reading device, a biometric authentication information input device) that inputs personal authentication information to the control unit, and the input personal authentication information. An authentication processing unit (for example, an authentication processing unit 134) that determines whether or not the regular personal authentication information matches. Furthermore, the control unit can prohibit the operation of the optical system and the processing unit when the authentication processing unit determines that the personal authentication information and the regular personal authentication information do not match. On the other hand, when it is determined that the personal authentication information matches the regular personal authentication information, the inspection is performed by executing control of the optical system and the processing unit based on the setting information. According to this configuration, only a normal subject can perform using the apparatus.

  A plurality of subjects can share the ophthalmic imaging apparatus. For example, in the storage unit, regular personal authentication information and setting information are associated and stored for each of two or more regular subjects. The authentication processing unit determines whether regular personal authentication information that matches the personal authentication information input by the second input unit is stored in the storage unit. When it is determined that the regular personal authentication information that matches the input personal authentication information is stored, the control unit controls the optical system and the processing unit based on the setting information associated with the regular personal authentication information. Run. According to this configuration, a plurality of subjects can share an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus, and it is possible to perform an examination by properly using setting information for each subject.

  The optical system setting information may include scan pattern setting contents. In that case, the optical system includes a scanner (for example, the scanner 16) for scanning the eye to be examined with measurement light. When executing the OCT measurement, the control unit can control the scanner based on the setting content for the scan pattern included in the setting information. According to this configuration, it is possible to perform OCT measurement using a suitable scan pattern preset for the eye to be examined.

  The setting information of the optical system may include the setting content of the focus position in the OCT measurement. In this case, the optical system includes a focus position changing unit for changing the focus position of the measurement light. The control unit controls the in-focus position changing unit based on the setting content regarding the in-focus position included in the setting information. According to this configuration, it is possible to perform OCT measurement in a suitable in-focus state preset for the eye to be examined.

  The focusing position changing unit includes a focusing lens (for example, the objective lens 19 and / or another focusing lens) provided in the optical system, and a first driving unit that moves the focusing lens along the optical axis ( For example, a lens barrel drive unit 19B) may be included. In this case, the setting information includes information indicating the position of the focusing lens. The control unit controls the first driving unit so that the focusing lens is disposed at the position indicated by the setting information. Thereby, the focus position of the measurement light can be automatically adjusted. Further, when the objective lens 19 is used as a focusing lens, the number of optical elements provided in the optical system can be reduced, and the configuration of the optical system can be simplified.

  The in-focus position changing unit includes a diopter correction lens (for example, a diopter correction lens 27), and a second drive unit (for example, a lens drive unit 27A) that inserts and removes the diopter correction lens with respect to the optical system. You may have. In this case, the setting information includes information indicating whether or not the diopter correction lens is used. When the setting information indicates that the diopter correction lens is used, the control unit controls the second drive unit to insert the diopter correction lens into the optical system. Thereby, diopter correction according to the refractive index of the eye to be examined can be automatically performed.

  The setting information of the optical system may include setting contents regarding the maximum interference depth at which the interference intensity between the measurement light and the reference light is maximized. In that case, the optical system includes a maximum interference depth changing unit (for example, the reference mirror 14 and the reference mirror driving unit 14A) for changing the maximum interference depth. The control unit controls the maximum interference depth changing unit based on the setting content regarding the maximum interference depth. Thereby, the maximum interference depth can be automatically adjusted.

  When the setting content of the maximum interference depth is included in the setting information of the optical system, the following configuration can be applied. The optical system includes a beam splitter (for example, beam splitter 13), a measurement arm, and a reference arm. The beam splitter splits light from the light source into measurement light and reference light. The measurement arm corresponds to a measurement optical path that guides the measurement light to the subject's eye and guides the return light of the measurement light from the subject's eye to the beam splitter. The reference arm corresponds to a reference optical path including a mirror (for example, the reference mirror 14) that reflects the reference light toward the beam splitter. The optical system detects interference light between the return light of the measurement light and the reference light obtained via the beam splitter. The maximum interference depth changing unit includes the mirror (for example, the reference mirror 14) and a third driving unit (for example, the reference mirror driving unit 14A) that moves the mirror along the direction of the optical axis of the reference arm. The setting content of the maximum interference depth includes information indicating the position of the mirror. The control unit controls the third drive unit so as to arrange the mirror at the position indicated in the setting information. According to this configuration, the maximum interference depth can be adjusted by changing the length of the reference optical path according to the setting content of the maximum interference depth. Note that the optical system can be configured to guide light (one or more of light from a light source, measurement light, reference light, and interference light) using an optical fiber. It is also possible to provide a mechanism for changing the length of the measurement optical path.

  The setting information of the processing unit may include setting contents for performing a desired analysis process. In this case, the setting information includes the contents of the processing executed by the processing unit (for example, the inspection data generation unit 131). For example, the processing unit may include a layer thickness information generation unit (for example, an inspection data generation unit 131) that generates layer thickness information of the fundus oculi based on the detection result of the interference light by the optical system. When a process for generating layer thickness information is included as the content of the process executed by the processing unit, the control unit causes the layer thickness information generating unit to generate layer thickness information as inspection data. Thereby, fundus layer thickness analysis is executed. The same applies to other analysis processes such as drusen analysis and nipple shape analysis. According to such a configuration, desired analysis processing can be selectively performed.

  The control unit can store the inspection data in the storage unit (for example, the storage unit 112) in association with the date / time information each time the inspection data is generated by the processing unit. Thereby, the examination date and time and examination data (examination history) can be stored in the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus. When this configuration is applied, the accumulated data can be collectively transmitted to an external device (for example, the external computer 1000).

  The operation state of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to the embodiment can be remotely monitored. For example, the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment includes a monitoring processing unit (for example, the monitoring processing unit 135) that monitors the operation state of the predetermined part. The output unit includes a second communication unit (for example, communication unit 140) capable of communicating with a third computer (for example, external computer 1000) via a communication line (for example, communication line 2000). The control unit controls the second communication unit to transmit information indicating the occurrence of an abnormality to the third computer when an abnormality in the operation state is detected by the monitoring processing unit. According to this configuration, it is possible to notify via the external computer 1000 that an abnormality has occurred in the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus.

  It is also possible to notify the subject and his / her assistant of the occurrence of abnormality. For example, the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to the embodiment includes an information output unit (for example, the display unit 210 and / or an audio output unit) that outputs visual information and / or auditory information. The control unit controls the information output unit to output notification information indicating the occurrence of an abnormality when an abnormality in the operating state is detected by the monitoring processing unit. According to this configuration, since it is possible to notify the subject or the like that an abnormality has occurred in the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus, it is possible to stop the examination or to contact an external person in charge.

  The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to the embodiment may have the following configuration. The optical system (for example, the optical unit 10) includes a fixation target presenting unit for presenting a fixation target for fixing the eye to be examined. As the fixation target presenting unit, for example, a flat panel display (flat panel display 25) is used. In addition, the setting information includes setting contents for the fixation position. The control unit (for example, the main control unit 111) causes the fixation target presenting unit to present the fixation target based on the setting content for the fixation position. According to this configuration, it is possible to perform OCT measurement of a target portion of the eye to be examined.

  The configuration described above is merely an example for favorably implementing the present invention. Therefore, arbitrary modifications (omitted, replacement, addition, etc.) within the scope of the present invention can be made as appropriate.

  For example, when a cost is incurred with the use of the ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment, a configuration in which information related to the cost is transmitted to an external computer or a configuration in which the information is stored in the ophthalmic imaging apparatus can be applied.

  As an example of the former, each time an examination is performed, the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus displays information indicating the examination type (for example, OCT measurement and analysis processing, and subjective visual acuity examination) together with patient identification information via a communication line. Send to a computer (hospital information system (HIS), etc.) installed in a medical institution. This process is performed, for example, by the main control unit 111 creating information to be transmitted and controlling the communication unit 140 to transmit the information. On the medical institution side, based on the information received from the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus, the insurance score relating to the examination carried out using the ophthalmic imaging apparatus and the cost amount borne by the patient are calculated, and the patient's receipt information is created.

  As an example of the latter, the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus stores the examination type (and examination date and time) each time an examination is performed. This process is performed, for example, by the main control unit 111 creating information to be stored and storing it in the storage unit 112. Furthermore, the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus outputs the stored information at a predetermined timing. This output timing is, for example, when requested by a computer on the medical institution side or when the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus is returned. Information may be output every predetermined date (for example, every Monday, the first Monday of every month). Information output methods include a method performed via a communication line, a method of recording on a portable recording medium (for example, a semiconductor memory), and a method of printing on a recording paper medium. On the medical institution side, based on the output information, the insurance score relating to the examination performed using the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus and the cost amount borne by the patient are calculated, and the patient's receipt information is created.

  A computer program for realizing the above embodiment can be stored in any recording medium readable by a computer. Examples of the recording medium include a semiconductor memory, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk (CD-ROM / DVD-RAM / DVD-ROM / MO, etc.), a magnetic storage medium (hard disk / floppy (registered trademark) disk / ZIP, etc.), and the like. Can be used.

  It is also possible to transmit / receive this program through a network such as the Internet or a LAN.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ophthalmic imaging device 10 Optical unit 10A Unit drive part 11 Light source 13 Beam splitter 14 Reference mirror 14A Reference mirror drive part 16 Scanner 18 Dichroic mirror 19 Objective lens 19B Lens barrel drive part 23 CCD image sensor 25 Flat panel display 27 Diopter correction lens 27A Lens drive unit 100 Computer 110 Control unit 111 Main control unit 112 Storage unit 120 Image forming unit 130 Data processing unit 131 Inspection data generation unit 132 Stillness determination unit 133 Left / right determination unit 134 Authentication processing unit 135 Monitoring processing unit 140 Communication unit 200 User Interface 210 Display unit 220 Operation unit 1000 External computer 2000 Communication line

Claims (4)

An optical system for examining the eye to be examined;
By processing the result of the examination, a processing unit that generates examination data indicating the state of the eye to be examined;
A storage unit that stores setting information indicating the content of setting of predetermined items related to the optical system and the processing unit;
A control unit that controls the optical system and the processing unit based on the content of the setting indicated in the setting information in an inspection performed before the setting information is changed or discarded, and
The storage unit stores in advance regular personal authentication information related to a regular subject permitted to perform a test using the device,
An input unit for inputting personal authentication information to the control unit;
An authentication processing unit that determines whether the personal authentication information input by the input unit matches the regular personal authentication information ;
Via the communication line have a communication unit capable of communicating with the computer,
For each of two or more regular subjects, the storage unit stores the regular personal authentication information and the setting information in association with each other,
The authentication processing unit determines whether regular personal authentication information that matches the personal authentication information input by the input unit is stored in the storage unit,
When it is determined that regular personal authentication information that matches the input personal authentication information is stored, the control unit is configured to set the optical system and the processing unit based on setting information associated with the regular personal authentication information. Execute the control of
When the authentication processing unit determines that the personal authentication information and the regular personal authentication information do not match, the control unit prohibits the operation of the optical system and the processing unit, and the first predetermined information Controlling the communication unit to transmit to the computer,
When the communication unit receives the second predetermined information transmitted from the computer that has received the first predetermined information, the control unit releases the prohibition of the operation. . An optical system for examining the eye to be examined;
By processing the result of the examination, a processing unit that generates examination data indicating the state of the eye to be examined;
A storage unit that stores setting information indicating the content of setting of predetermined items related to the optical system and the processing unit;
A control unit that controls the optical system and the processing unit based on the content of the setting indicated in the setting information in an inspection performed before the setting information is changed or discarded;
Have
The storage unit stores in advance regular personal authentication information related to a regular subject permitted to perform a test using the device,
An input unit for inputting personal authentication information to the control unit;
An authentication processing unit that determines whether the personal authentication information input by the input unit matches the regular personal authentication information;
A communication unit capable of communicating with a computer via a communication line;
Have
When the authentication processing unit determines that the personal authentication information and the regular personal authentication information do not match, the control unit prohibits the operation of the optical system and the processing unit, and the first predetermined information Controlling the communication unit to transmit to the computer,
If the second predetermined information transmitted from the computer which has received the first predetermined information has been received by the communication unit, wherein the control unit, you and cancels the prohibition of the operation eye Departmental equipment. The said 2nd predetermined information is transmitted from the said computer, when it determines with the said computer that the said subject is a regular subject, The said computer is characterized by the above-mentioned. Ophthalmic equipment. The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the computer determines whether or not the subject is a regular subject based on a password input by the subject .