CN117643448A - Optical coherence tomography apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device, which is provided with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that is easy to operate when repeatedly shooting an inspected person. The OCT device comprises: a photographing unit including an OCT optical system for acquiring an OCT image of an eye to be inspected, and an observation optical system for acquiring an observation image of the eye to be inspected; and a control mechanism that displays a graphical user interface on a screen and acquires the observation image and the OCT image by controlling the photographing unit, wherein the control mechanism is capable of continuously photographing OCT images in a plurality of scanning modes; the GUI includes a first UI group in which a plurality of User Interface (UI) elements corresponding to a plurality of operations requested by a user each time the scanning mode is switched are presented in order of the requests of the operations, at an end portion of either one of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of a screen, and further includes a display region for an observation image and an OCT image on the opposite side of the screen from the first UI group.

Description

Optical coherence tomography apparatus

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an optical coherence tomography apparatus (OCT apparatus).

Background

In the field of ophthalmology, an optical coherence tomography apparatus (Optical Coherence Tomography, OCT; optical coherence tomography) is used as an apparatus for taking tomographic images of tissue of an eye to be examined.

In an OCT apparatus, a graphical user interface (Graphical User Interface, GUI) is used to allow an inspector to input various operations such as a setting operation for setting various imaging conditions such as a scan pattern (scan patterns) and a triggering operation for starting imaging (for example, refer to patent document 1).

Patent document 1 discloses a screen 500 shown in fig. 5 as an example of a GUI. As shown in fig. 5, an anterior segment image display region 510, a fundus image display region 520, and an OCT image display region 530 are provided in the screen 500. In addition, a list 540, a first UI group 550, a second UI group 560, a third UI group 570, and the like are provided.

Here, in the anterior segment image display area 510, an anterior segment observation image is displayed. In the fundus image display area 520, a fundus front image such as a fundus observation image is displayed. On the fundus frontal image, the acquisition position (in other words, the scanning position) of the OCT image can be confirmed. In the OCT image display region 530, a moving image of an OCT image (B-scan image) acquired at any time is displayed. The inspector adjusts alignment, photographing conditions, scanning positions, and the like with reference to these images.

In the list 540 of fig. 5, selectively displayed are: a list of titles of the scan mode, and a list of titles of the combination (combination) shooting. By selecting a desired title, shooting can be performed in a scanning mode corresponding to the selection. In the first UI group 550, a selection unit for selecting either one of single shooting and combination shooting, or a widget (widget) for setting a fixation mark or sensitivity at the time of shooting is arranged.

In the second UI group 560, various buttons for starting an optimization (optimization) button called auto optimization, a photographing button that triggers the start of acquisition of an OCT image for photographing, and the like are arranged.

In the third UI group 570, a scroll bar (scroll bar) or the like for manually adjusting the focus, the optical path length, the polarization, or the like is arranged.

[ Prior Art literature ]

[ patent literature ]

Patent document 1 Japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2014-90748

Disclosure of Invention

[ problem to be solved by the invention ]

In OCT apparatuses, most facilities employ: in one examination, repeated photographing is performed using a plurality of scan patterns. In this case, among UIs configured with a plurality of them, the UI subjected to frequent operations is limited to only a part.

In the screen 500 shown in fig. 5, the areas 510, 520, 530 of the display image are interlaced with the areas of the display list 540 and UIs (first to third UI groups 550, 560, 570). For example, the second UI group 560 and the third UI group 570 are surrounded by the areas 510, 520, 530 of the display image, and the first UI group 550, the second UI group 560, and the third UI group 570 are arranged in different columns. In the screen 500 shown in fig. 5, the buttons are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction in the second UI group 560, but UI elements are arranged in the vertical direction in each of the list 540, the first UI group 550, and the third UI group 570. As a result, it is difficult for an unfamiliar inspector to intuitively grasp the operation flow before photographing, and the operation is easily confused.

In contrast, the present disclosure has been made in view of any one of the problems of the related art, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an OCT apparatus having a GUI that is easy to operate when repeatedly photographing an examinee.

[ means of solving the problems ]

An optical coherence tomography apparatus (OCT apparatus) according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a photographing unit including an optical coherence tomography optical system (OCT optical system) for acquiring an optical coherence tomography image (OCT image) of an eye to be inspected, and an observation optical system for acquiring an observation image of the eye to be inspected; and a control mechanism that displays a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on a screen, and acquires the observation image and the OCT image by controlling the photographing unit, wherein the control mechanism is capable of continuously photographing OCT images in a plurality of scan modes (scan patterns); the GUI includes, at an end of either one of an upper side, a lower side, a left side and a right side of a screen: a first UI group that presents a plurality of UI elements corresponding to a plurality of operations requested by a user each time the scan mode is switched in order of the requests of the operations, and further includes, on the screen opposite side with respect to the first UI group: and a display area of the observation image and the OCT image.

[ Effect of the invention ]

With the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an OCT apparatus having a GUI that is easy to operate when repeatedly photographing an examinee.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the device configuration of the OCT device in the embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a screen configuration of the embodiment, and shows a screen before shooting starts.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a screen configuration of the embodiment, and shows a screen during shooting.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a screen configuration of the embodiment, and shows a confirmation screen of a photographing result.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a screen configuration in the related art.

[ description of symbols ]

1: OCT device

2: shooting unit

10: OCT optical system

30: fundus observation optical system

40: anterior ocular observation optical system

70: control unit

100: picture frame

110: first region

120: second region

130: third region

220: first UI group

Detailed Description

"summary"

The OCT apparatus according to the present embodiment includes at least an imaging unit and a control unit (control means). The shooting unit includes: an OCT optical system for acquiring an OCT image of an eye to be inspected, and an observation optical system for acquiring an observation image of the eye to be inspected. The control unit displays a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on the screen. The control unit controls the imaging unit to acquire an observation image and an OCT image.

The control mechanism of the present embodiment can continuously capture OCT images in a plurality of scan modes. The GUI includes a first UI group at an end portion of the screen on either one of the upper, lower, left, and right sides, and further includes a display area for the observation image and the OCT image on the opposite side of the screen from the first UI group. In the first UI group, a plurality of UI elements corresponding to a plurality of operations requested by the user each time the scan mode is switched are presented in the order of the requests for the operations, and therefore, the user can perform shooting by operating the UI elements configured in the first UI group in the presented order. In addition, in the first UI group, a plurality of UI elements may be arranged in order of requests for operations, or may be displayed switchably.

For example, in the first UI group, at least one row of UI elements respectively corresponding to an operation of adjusting a detection condition of an eye to be inspected in the OCT optical system, and an operation of triggering photographing of an OCT image are sequentially arranged. The detection condition in the OCT optical system is any one of various conditions related to the detection capability of the eye tissue, specifically, there can be cited: optical path length difference (hereinafter referred to as OPL), focus, detection sensitivity, polarization state, and the like. An operation for adjusting at least any one of the optical path length difference and the focus is input via the first UI group. An operation for adjusting other detection conditions may be additionally input via the first UI group.

Further, in the first UI group, further, UI elements corresponding to an operation of selecting a scan mode used in the current photographing may be configured.

In the present embodiment, the observation image may include an anterior segment observation image, and a second UI group for manual alignment may be provided in a peripheral region of the anterior segment observation image. In addition, the observation image may include a fundus observation image, and in a peripheral region of the fundus observation image, a third UI group for adjusting a scanning condition in a predetermined scanning mode may be provided. Examples of the scanning conditions include: the position of the scan pattern on the fundus, scan length, angle, pitch, etc. The second UI group and the third UI group are disposed around the observation image reflecting the result of the operation for each UI group, and therefore have good operability. Particularly useful in the case of accepting an operation input using a touch screen device.

"examples"

Referring to the drawings, one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The OCT apparatus 1 of the embodiment acquires OCT data of an eye to be inspected. For convenience of explanation, in the present embodiment, the OCT apparatus 1 is an apparatus that captures OCT data of the fundus unless otherwise specified.

First, the structure of the OCT apparatus 1 will be described with reference to fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows a device configuration in a state in which OCT data of a fundus can be captured. In the description of the embodiment, the axial direction of the eye E to be inspected is referred to as the Z direction, the horizontal direction is referred to as the X direction, and the vertical direction is referred to as the Y direction.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, an OCT apparatus 1 of the embodiment includes: the imaging unit 2, the driving section 5, the face support unit 7, and the control section 70.

< shooting Unit >)

The photographing unit 2 has a main optical system in the OCT apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, the photographing unit 2 has an OCT optical system (interference optical system) 10, a light guide optical system 10a, a fundus observation optical system (laser scanning ophthalmoscope (Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope, SLO) optical system) 30, and an anterior ocular segment observation optical system 40 (anterior ocular segment observation optical system). The optical paths of the OCT optical system 10, fundus observation optical system 30, and anterior ocular segment observation optical system 40 are split and coupled by a beam splitter/combiner 16 and a beam splitter/combiner 17.

< OCT optical System >)

The OCT optical system 10 detects a spectral interference signal of the measurement light and the reference light irradiated to the fundus of the eye E to be inspected. The OCT optical system 10 may be, for example, spectral Domain (SD) -OCT, or Sweep Source (SS) -OCT, or OCT based on other photographing principles.

The OCT optical system 10 has at least: an OCT light source 11, a beam splitter 12, a reference optical system 20, and a detector 25. The reference optical system 20 in the present embodiment is described as a reflection type optical system, but may be a transmission type optical system.

The OCT light source 11 emits low coherence light. The light emitted from the OCT light source 11 is split into measurement light and reference light by the spectroscope 12. In the present embodiment, the optical splitter 12 uses a coupler (splitter). The measurement light is guided to the eye E to be inspected via the light guide optical system 10a, and the reference light is guided to the reference optical system 20. In fig. 1, a polarizer 13 is disposed on the reference light path. The reference light is returned by a mirror, not shown, disposed on the reference light path, and is incident on the detector 25 in a state of being multiplexed with the return light of the measurement light by the beam splitter 12. Thus, the spectral interference signal of the return light and the reference light is detected. For example, in SD-OCT, a spectrometer is used as detector 25.

In the present embodiment, a mirror, not shown, disposed in the reference optical system 20 is movable along the optical axis, and the optical path length difference between the measurement light and the reference light is adjusted according to the position of the mirror. The polarization of the measurement light and the reference light is adjusted by the polarizer 13.

In addition, a focusing lens 14, a scanning section (optical scanner) 15, and an objective lens 60 are disposed on the optical path between the beam splitter 12 and the eye E to be inspected. The light guide optical system 10a of the present embodiment is formed by an optical system including a focus lens 14, a scanning section (optical scanner) 15, and an objective lens 60, which is located between the beam splitter 12 and the eye E to be inspected.

In the present embodiment, the focus position in the OCT optical system 10 is changed by shifting the focus lens 14 in the optical axis direction.

The scanner 15 changes the acquisition position of the OCT image. The scanning unit 15 may be configured to perform two-dimensional scanning of the measuring light on the fundus of the eye E to be inspected. The scanning unit 15 may include, for example, two optical scanners having different scanning directions. Each optical scanner may be a galvanometer mirror (galvanomirror) or may be another optical scanner.

The objective lens 60 guides the measurement light to the fundus in the eye to be inspected. The measurement light is rotated via the objective lens 60 with a position conjugate to the scanning unit 15 as a rotation point. As shown in fig. 1, when the anterior ocular segment of the eye to be inspected is located at the pivot point, the measuring light reaches the fundus without vignetting at the iris, and the scanning unit 15 is driven to scan the measuring light on the fundus. In this case, a converging surface of the measuring light is formed on the fundus.

Optical system for fundus observation

The fundus observation optical system 30 is for acquiring a front image of the fundus as an observation image. A front image of the fundus is acquired as an observation image via the fundus observation optical system 30.

In fig. 1, an SLO optical system is shown as an example of the fundus observation optical system 30. The fundus observation optical system 30 may have at least: an illumination optical system and a light receiving optical system. The irradiation optical system irradiates an observation light to an imaging portion of an eye to be inspected. The light receiving optical system receives fundus reflected light based on observation light by the light receiving element 39. The observation image is acquired successively based on the output signal from the light receiving element 30.

The fundus observation optical system 30 further has a focus adjustment portion. The focus adjustment section includes a focus lens 34.

The observation light source 31 uses, for example, a laser diode light source. In the observation optical path, a scanning unit 35 and an objective lens 60 are disposed in addition to the focus lens 34. The scanning unit 35 performs optical scanning in two dimensions at the imaging region of the eye to be inspected. The scanning section 35 may include, for example, a combination of a polygon mirror (polygon mirror) and a galvanometer scanner.

A beam splitter 33 is disposed between the observation light source 31 and the focus lens 34. In the transmission direction of the beam splitter 33, a confocal opening 37 and a light receiving element 39 are disposed.

The observation light is reflected by the beam splitter 33 and then reaches the scanning unit 35 via the focus lens 34. The light having passed through the scanning unit 35 is transmitted through the beam splitter 17 and then irradiated to the fundus of the eye to be inspected through the objective lens 60.

The reflected light from the fundus oculi is guided to the beam splitter 33 by tracing back the light projecting path. The reflected light from the fundus oculi is transmitted through the beam splitter 33 and is received by the light receiving element 39 through the confocal opening 37. Based on the light receiving signal from the light receiving element 39, a front image of the fundus is formed. The front image formed may be stored in memory 72.

Optical system for anterior ocular segment observation

The anterior segment observation optical system 40 is for observing a front image (referred to as an observation image) of the anterior segment of the eye E under examination. The anterior ocular segment observation optical system 40 includes at least an imaging element 45. In the present embodiment, an image of the anterior segment is formed on the image pickup device 45. The observation image of the anterior segment obtained through the anterior segment observation optical system 40 is used for alignment and tracking control (tracking) of the imaging unit 2 for imaging the eye E to be inspected at the time of fundus imaging.

Optical system for projection of fixation mark

The OCT apparatus 1 further includes: a fixation mark projection optical system. The fixation mark projection optical system may be an internal fixation lamp. The fixation mark projection optical system projects a fixation mark (fixation beam) on the eye E to be inspected, thereby guiding the line of sight direction of the eye E to be inspected. In the present embodiment, the fixation mark projection optical system can two-dimensionally change the presentation position of the fixation mark so that the eye E to be inspected can be directed in a plurality of directions. As a result, the imaging position is changed. In the present embodiment, the fixation mark projection optical system is doubled by the fundus observation optical system 30 as the SLO optical system. By setting a visible light source different from the observation light source and controlling the projection time of the visible light, a fixation mark is projected to the inspected eye E.

< drive section >)

The driving unit 5 moves the imaging unit 2 in each direction of XYZ with respect to the eye E to be inspected. The driving section 5 has actuators for moving the photographing unit 2 in each direction, and is driven based on a control signal from the control section 70.

< facial support Unit >)

The face support unit 7 supports the face of the subject so that the subject's eyes E face the photographing unit 2. The face support unit 7 may include, for example, a jaw table 7a. The face of the person to be inspected is placed on the jaw table 7a. In the present embodiment, the face support unit 7 has: an actuator for moving the jaw table 7a in the up-down direction. In addition, the jaw table 7a may include: a sensor for detecting the face of the person to be inspected.

Control System

Next, a control system of the OCT apparatus 1 will be described.

The control unit 70 of the OCT apparatus 1 controls various operations of the OCT apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, various image processing is performed by the control unit 70. That is, the control section 70 doubles as an image processor. The control section 70 may include, for example: a central processing unit CPU (Central Processing Unit), a random access memory RAM (Random Access Memory), a read only memory ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 70 is connected to the monitor 80, and performs display control of the monitor 80. Further, the control unit 70 is connected to the memory 72, the operation unit 85, and the like.

As the operation unit 85, in the present embodiment, a pointing device (pointing device) such as a mouse may be provided. In addition, the monitor 80 may be a touch panel display, in which case the monitor 80 doubles as the operation section 85. The monitor 80 and the operation unit 85 can be remotely arranged with respect to the OCT apparatus 1 via a network or the like.

User Interface (GUI) >, and method for making same

Next, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for photographing in the OCT apparatus 1 will be described with reference to fig. 2 to 4. In the screen 100, a display region (first region 110, second region 120, and third region 130) of the image of the eye E to be inspected and a GUI for setting the imaging conditions or the state of the display device are arranged together.

In the present embodiment, the screen 100 transitions between fig. 2 to 4 according to the progress of shooting. As shown in fig. 2 to 4, in the present embodiment, the screen 100 is changed without causing a large difference in the layout of the UI elements and the display area of the image. For example, between fig. 2 to 4, the arrangement of the display areas 110, 120, and 130 on the screen 100 is constant. The first region 110 is for displaying a frontal image of the anterior segment. For example, an observation image obtained through the anterior ocular segment observation optical system 40 may be displayed in the first region 110. The second area 120 displays an observation image of the fundus acquired via the fundus observation optical system 30. The third area 130 is used to display OCT images of the fundus. For example, the B-scan image may be displayed in the third region 130.

< modality before shooting >)

The screen 100 is used to accept a setting operation of imaging conditions and an imaging start operation in the mode shown in fig. 2.

Combination setting unit

At the upper left end of the screen 100, a combination setting unit 210 is disposed. In the present embodiment, a combination of scan settings including one or more scan settings is selected via the combination setting unit 210. In this embodiment, a combination of a plurality of scan settings is prepared in advance according to the disease and the application. When any combination including a plurality of scan settings is selected, the subject is continuously photographed with the plurality of scan settings. In the present embodiment, titles (names) corresponding to the purposes, disease types, and the like are prepared for each combination, and the combination setting unit 210 selects the title, thereby setting a combination of scan settings for the subject. For example, in fig. 2, a plurality of titles are expanded in a pull-down manner, thereby accepting an operation of selecting any one of the expanded plurality of titles.

In the present embodiment, in each scan setting, one scan mode and a photographing position at which photographing is performed in the scan mode are determined. As the scanning mode, various modes such as a wired, intersecting, multiple, topographical (map), radial, and circular modes are known, and the scanning unit 15 is controlled according to the scanning mode during imaging. Examples of the imaging position include a macula (macula) and a papilla (optic) and the like. The presentation position of the fixation lamp and/or the scanning section 15 is controlled according to the photographing position. In the present embodiment, the subject eye (either one of the left and right) is additionally specified in each scan setting. The subject is photographed at a scan setting corresponding to the combination selected by the combination setting unit 210. Further, in each scan setting, the total number of images (the number of times of repeated scanning for one scan line), the detection sensitivity, the target position as the zero delay position, and the like may be additionally determined. As in the present embodiment, in the case of SD-OCT, the detection sensitivity can be changed by adjusting the exposure time.

If information indicating a combination of scan settings used in past photographing of the subject is stored in advance, the combination may be automatically set based on the information. In addition, in the combination setting unit 210, when the following shooting can be selected and the following shooting is selected, a combination of scanning modes (scanning settings) of the past shooting may be set.

< first UI group >)

As shown in fig. 2, in the present embodiment, a first UI group 220 is arranged at the left end of the screen 100. In the first UI group 220, it includes: a plurality of UI elements corresponding to a plurality of operations requested by the user each time the scan setting (scan mode) is switched.

In fig. 2, on a screen 100, there is displayed: list 221, detection condition controller 222, capture (Capture) button 227 as first UI group 220.

In the list 221, listed are: the scan settings included in the combination selected by the combination setting unit 210. In the present embodiment, in the list 221, there is displayed: text representing scan settings for each scan. In the text, as scan settings, there are: an object eye (either left or right), an imaging region, and a scanning mode.

Shooting is sequentially performed in accordance with the scan setting displayed in the list 221. In general, the scan setting is sequentially changed from the top to the bottom of the list 221, and shooting is performed at the same time. In the case where a scan setting in the next photographing (performed when the grab button 227 is operated next) is selected, a text corresponding to the selected scan setting is emphasized on the list 221. Further, in the present embodiment, the photographing unit 2 is moved in the left-right direction to photograph the subject's eyes in the selected scan setting. Further, by performing a selection operation on a text corresponding to a desired scan setting, the examiner can arbitrarily change the scan setting used in the next photographing.

The detection condition controller 222 is operated to adjust the detection condition of the OCT optical system 10 on the eye E to be inspected. The detection condition is any one of various conditions related to the detectability of eye tissue, and specifically, may be exemplified by: optical path length difference (hereinafter referred to as OPL), focus, detection sensitivity, polarization state, and the like.

In fig. 2, as the detection condition controller 222, there is arranged: an optimization button 223, a focus controller 224, an OPL controller 225, and a sensitivity setting button 226.

When the optimization button 223 is operated, the control unit 70 executes adjustment processing of the OCT optical system 10. In this embodiment, the OPL, the focal point, and the polarization are adjusted to a predetermined state, as an example.

The focus controller 224 and the OPL controller 225 are operated separately to manually adjust the detection conditions. In the present embodiment, the focus controller 224 and the OPL controller 225 are sliders, and the position of the "knob" is moved based on a drag (drag) operation or the like. Each detection condition is set according to the position of the knob. For example, the slider of the focus controller 224 and/or the OPL controller 225 is operated according to the depth position of the layer region to be photographed with higher sensitivity.

The grab button 227 accepts an operation to trigger the start of shooting. By operating the grab button 227, scanning for shooting is performed at a scan setting selected in advance.

In addition, as described later, the plurality of UI elements included in the first UI group 220 are arranged in a row in the order of requests for operations (in order from top to bottom in fig. 2).

In the first UI group 220, UI elements for selecting one of the left eye, the right eye, and both eyes as the subject eyes may be additionally arranged. For example, when both eyes are preset as the eyes to be photographed, photographing of one of the eyes to be inspected, which is determined to be unnecessary for photographing by the inspector, may be omitted.

< second UI group >)

A second UI group 240 shown in fig. 2 is used to adjust the positional relationship between the eye E under examination and the photographing unit 2. In the present embodiment, the screen 100 is provided with: an alignment mode selection button 241, a jaw height adjustment button 242, and a front-rear adjustment button 243 are used as the second UI group 240. The second UI group 240 is disposed around the first region 110 in which the observation image of the anterior segment is displayed. Thus, the examiner can easily grasp the positional relationship between the eye to be examined E and the imaging unit 2 via the observation image of the anterior segment, and manually adjust the positional relationship. In addition, in the present embodiment, the first region 110 is also used as a part of the second UI group 240.

The alignment mode selection button 241 is operated to select any one between automatic alignment and manual alignment. According to the operation, the on/off (on/off) of the auto-alignment function is switched. In this embodiment, default (default) validates the auto-alignment function.

For example, in the case of photographing a cataract patient, the position of the optical axis may be shifted to a position not affected by turbidity, and thus the fundus oculi may be photographed more satisfactorily. In this case, the automatic alignment function may be deactivated by operating the alignment mode selection button 241.

The jaw height adjustment button 242 is operated to change the position of the jaw 7a in the face support unit 7 up and down. The jaw height adjustment button 242 includes a pair of buttons corresponding to up and down, and the jaw 7a moves up and down in the corresponding direction during a selection operation of the button corresponding to the direction in which the user wants to move. The eye level (height from the chin to the eye to be inspected) differs for each subject, and therefore, the height adjustment of the jaw rest 7a may be required for each subject.

In the present embodiment, when a sensor, not shown, of the face support unit 7 detects that the chin is not mounted on the chin rest 7a, the icon on the head disposed beside the chin rest height adjustment button 242 blinks. Thus, it is easy to grasp whether or not the posture of the subject is appropriate.

The front-rear adjustment button 243 is operated to change the position of the photographing unit 2 in the front-rear direction. The front-rear adjustment button 243 includes a pair of buttons corresponding to the front and rear, and the imaging unit 2 moves in the corresponding direction during the selection operation of the button corresponding to the direction in which the user wants to move. In the present embodiment, when the photographing unit 2 is too close to the eye to be inspected, the icon of the head portion disposed above the front-rear adjustment button 243 blinks in a warning color (for example, yellow). Thus, the inspector can be appropriately prompted to perform the backward operation of the photographing unit 2 via the back-and-forth adjustment button 243.

In the present embodiment, an operation input for changing the position of the imaging unit 2 is received via the first region 110 in which the anterior segment observation image is displayed. For example, the control section 70 accepts an operation input of a specified position on the front image of the anterior segment in the second region via the pointing device. The control unit 70 may move the imaging unit 2 in the XY directions with respect to the eye E to be inspected so that the tissue of the anterior segment displayed at the designated position is displayed at a predetermined position (for example, the center) within the first region 110. However, as an operation input via the pointing device, other operation inputs may be employed. For example, in the case of dragging the front image displayed on the front eye portion of the first region with the pointing device, the driving unit may be controlled so as to move the photographing unit 2 in a direction opposite to the movement direction of the dragging, according to the movement direction and the movement amount of the dragging. In addition, the position of the photographing unit 2 may be moved in the Z direction based on an operation input different from an operation input for changing the position of the photographing unit 2 in the XY direction.

< third UI group >)

The third UI group 250 is used to change the scanning conditions in the pre-selected scanning mode. As shown in fig. 2, the third UI group 250 is arranged around the second region 120 in which the fundus observation image is displayed. In the second region 120, on the fundus observation image, there is displayed: a figure 121 corresponding to the presentation position of the fixation mark, and a figure 122 representing the scanning position. Thus, the examiner can manually adjust the scanning conditions while appropriately grasping the scanning position through the fundus observation image. In addition, in the present embodiment, the second region 120 is also used as a part of the second UI group 240.

As the third UI group 250, there are configured: a fixation mark setting unit 251, and a scanning condition changing unit 252.

In the present embodiment, the fixation mark setting unit 251 receives a switching operation between the internal fixation lamp and the external fixation lamp (not shown). In addition, the operation of changing the size of the internal fixation mark is accepted. Further, the operation of changing the display position of the internal fixation lamp may be received via the second region 120 in which the fundus observation image is displayed. The position of the graphic 121 can be changed in the second area 120 by, for example, a drag operation, or the like, and the display position of the internal fixation mark can be changed according to the position of the graphic 121.

The scanning-condition changing unit 252 receives a change operation of the scanning length, angle, and pitch as scanning conditions. The operation of changing the scanning length, angle and pitch is accepted through the second region 120. For example, the scan length, angle, pitch may be adjusted while moving the graphic 122 over the second region 120 displaying the fundus observation image.

A pattern (hereinafter, referred to as a scanning line SL) indicating a scanning position (scanning line) is superimposed on the fundus observation image of the first region 110. The scanning line SL overlaps with a scanning position corresponding to the selected scanning setting (scanning mode). In the present embodiment, an operation to move the position of the scanning line SL may be input to the first region 110, or the scanning position on the fundus may be changed based on the operation. As an operation of moving the position of the scanning line SL, any one of parallel movement, rotational movement, movement of an end point, movement of an intersection point (of a plurality of scanning lines) of the scanning line SL may be used.

The fundus observation image in the first region 110 can change the position of the fixation target, for example. For example, in the case where the examiner selects a point on the fundus observation image, the presentation position of the fixation mark may be controlled so that the point is located at the center of the image in the first region 110.

In addition, in the present embodiment, a Reset (Reset) button 253 is arranged as the third UI group 250. The reset button 253 resets various parameters changed based on the operations of the fixation mark setting unit 251 and the scanning condition changing unit 252 to predetermined values.

< display area of OCT image >)

In addition, the OCT observation image is displayed in the third region 130 and the auxiliary region 131, the auxiliary region 132, and the auxiliary region 133 above the third region 130. Since the third region 130 and the auxiliary region 131, 132, and 133 above the third region 130 occupy the right side of the screen 100, the imaging range in the depth direction increases, and as a result, it is easy to appropriately display a tomographic image that is longer than before. In the present embodiment, in the third region 130, an OCT observation image obtained with a scanning line as a reference is displayed. In the first auxiliary area 131, in the case where the scanning mode is any one of the intersection, the multiple, the radial, and the topography, an OCT observation image obtained with a scanning line orthogonal to the scanning line as a reference is displayed. In the second auxiliary area 132 and the third auxiliary area 133, when the scanning mode is a topographic map, OCT observation images corresponding to the start line and the end line of the topographic map scanning are displayed, respectively.

< form during shooting >)

As shown in fig. 3, in the middle of performing scanning for photographing, the first UI group 220 disposed at the left end of the screen 100 is provided with: a Cancel (Cancel) button 228, and a Skip (Skip) button 229.

The cancel button 228 is operated to suspend the scanning being performed, and photographing is performed again with the same scan setting. For example, when the inspector determines that scanning being performed is not necessary, the cancel button 228 is operated. Based on the operation of the cancel button 228, the scanning being performed is suspended, and OCT data acquired by the scanning is discarded. The screen mode is changed to the mode shown in fig. 2, and the scan setting to be suspended is selected.

In the case where fundus tracking photographing is performed, when it is determined that fundus tracking is not necessary or photographing is completed in advance, the skip button 229 is operated. In fundus tracking imaging, whether imaging is good or not is determined based on an OCT image acquired at any time and/or a fundus observation image acquired in parallel with the OCT image, and rescanning is performed according to the determination result. Therefore, for example, the photographing time may be prolonged due to unstable fixation of the subject. In this case, the inspector operates the skip button 229. When the skip button 229 is operated, fundus tracking is turned off, and OCT data in a predetermined scan line is acquired. After holding the acquired OCT data, it shifts to a screen 100 of fig. 4.

In the middle of executing the scanning for photographing, a progress bar 260 is displayed above the third area 130 of the screen 100. In the progress bar 260, the progress status of shooting is displayed. The anterior ocular segment observation image, the fundus observation image, and the OCT observation image obtained at any time are displayed at any time in the first region 110, the second region 120, and the third region 130. The user can confirm whether photographing is smoothly performed based on the images and the progress bar 260.

< form at the time of confirming the imaging result >

In the third area 130, the photographed OCT data is displayed.

In fig. 4, there are provided: a Retry (Retry) button 230, and a Save (Save) button 231 as the first UI group 220.

The retry button is operated to perform a retake. In the present embodiment, when the retry button 230 is operated, the captured OCT data is discarded and the screen of fig. 2 is shifted. In this case, the same scan setting as the latest shot is selected in the list 221.

The save button is operated to save the photographing result. When the save button 231 is operated, the screen of fig. 2 is shifted to. In this case, when there is a scan setting before shooting in the list 221, a scan setting of the next order is selected.

In fig. 4, around the first region 110, there are disposed: information related to the image quality of the captured OCT image. Specifically, various information such as a signal intensity index SSI (Signal Strength Index), a scanning quality index SQI (Scan Quantity Index), a total sheet number, and detection sensitivity are arranged.

In fig. 4, an automatic play button 271 and an OCT fundus oculi superimposition (OCT fundus overlay) button 272 are arranged around the second region 120. Buttons forming/not forming a base line for following photographing may be additionally provided.

The automatic play button 271 is operated to perform automatic play based on a plurality of OCT images in the third region 130. In the automatic playback, in the case where OCT images are captured in a scanning mode in which a plurality of shots are made, the switching display of OCT images is automatically performed.

The OCT fundus overlaying button 272 is operated to switch whether or not the OCT front image is displayed superimposed on the observation image (front image obtained by SLO in the present embodiment) of the fundus displayed in the second region 120.

< description of action >

Next, a flow of the photographing operation in the OCT apparatus 1 having the apparatus configuration and GUI as described above will be described. First, the examinee places the chin on the chin rest 7a of the face support unit 7. Next, the jaw height adjustment button 242 is operated to change the height of the jaw 7a so as to display the anterior ocular segment of the eye to be inspected on the first region 110. At the same time, the inspector operates the combination setting unit 210 to select a combination of scan settings corresponding to the disease and purpose.

Thereafter, if there is no problem in automatic alignment, fixation, or the like, the second UI group 240 and the third UI group 250 do not need to be input with operations, and the UI elements arranged in the first UI group 220 are operated in the presented order, so that a combination of scan settings can be selected in advance.

Specifically, first, the inspector confirms on the list 221 whether or not a scan setting that is considered to be required for photographing is selected, and selects another scan setting as needed.

Next, the detection condition controller 222 is operated to adjust the detection condition of the eye under examination in the OCT optical system 10. By the inspector operating the optimization button 223, each of the OPL, focus, and polarization is adjusted to a predetermined state. The result of the adjustment of the detection condition is reflected in the OCT observation image in the third region 130. For example, the adjustment result of the OPL is reflected in the image position of the fundus in the Z direction in the third region 130. In addition, the luminance of the layer region near the zero-delay side in the fundus becomes relatively high. In addition, the resolution of the tissue at the focal position becomes relatively high. The inspector confirms the OCT observation image in the third region 130, and operates the focus controller 224 and/or the OPL controller 225 in a case where the automatic adjustment fails, a case where a desired layer region is desired to be photographed in detail, or the like. For example, when the choroidal side is to be imaged with higher sensitivity than the retinal surface layer side, the zero-delay position and the focal point position may be manually changed.

After properly adjusting the detection conditions in the OCT optical system 10, the inspector operates the grasp button 227. Thus, scanning for photographing is started with the scan setting selected on the list 221.

When the scanning for photographing starts, the screen 100 changes to the form shown in fig. 3. In the first UI group 220, a cancel button 228 and a skip button 229 are arranged at positions where the optimization button 223 and the grab button 227 were originally arranged in the configuration of fig. 2. However, the cancel button 228 and the skip button 229 are buttons for stopping shooting in the middle, and thus the inspector does not necessarily need to perform an operation.

When shooting is completed, the screen 100 changes to the form shown in fig. 4. As the first UI group 220, a retry button 230 and a save button 231 are arranged at positions where the optimization button 223 and the grab button 227 are originally arranged in the configuration of fig. 2 (positions where the cancel button 228 and the skip button 229 are originally arranged in the configuration of fig. 3). The inspector selects any one of the photographing results displayed in the third area 130. Whichever is selected, the screen 100 transitions to the configuration shown in fig. 2. Accordingly, the inspector confirms the scan settings again on the list 221, and operates the UI elements which are the first UI group 220 and are arranged in order of operation at the left end of the screen 100 and are then displayed in a time series switching manner, whereby photographing can be performed for all the scan settings shown in the list 221. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in most cases, shooting can be performed by operating the UI elements arranged in the first UI group 220 in the presented order for a plurality of operations requested by the user each time the scan setting is switched. In particular, in the case of performing an operation using a mouse, the movement in the up-down direction in the range of the first UI group 220 is sufficient with respect to the movement range of the pointer, and movement in the left-right direction is not necessarily required, so that the operation becomes smooth. In addition, it is said that a person tends to move the line of sight from the upper left to the lower right on the screen. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the first UI group 220 is disposed at the left end of the screen, and thus it is easy for the inspector to recognize well.

Further, the second UI group 240 and the third UI group 250, which have a smaller frequency of operation than the first UI group 220, are disposed around the observation image reflecting the result of the operation for each UI group, and therefore have good operability even when the operation input is accepted by the touch panel device.

In the present embodiment, the screen 100 is divided into three areas of the area of the first UI group 220, the second UI group 240, the first area 110 (anterior ocular segment observation image), the area of the second area 120 (fundus observation image), the third area 130 (OCT image) and the areas of the first to third auxiliary areas 131, 132, 133 in the lateral direction, and thus, as described above, operability is good and resolution in the depth direction is improved, whereby a tomographic image which is elongated as compared with the prior art can be easily and appropriately displayed in the third area 130.

< modification >

The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the change operation of the detection condition may be input through the second region 120 and the third region 130. For example, in the case of using a mouse as the pointing device, the focus may be changed according to the wheel operation of the mouse on the second area 120. In addition, the OPL may be changed according to a wheel operation of the mouse on the third area 130.

Claims (8)

1. An optical coherence tomography instrument, comprising:

a photographing unit including an optical coherence tomography optical system for acquiring an optical coherence tomography image of an eye to be inspected, and an observation optical system for acquiring an observation image of the eye to be inspected; and

a control mechanism that displays a graphical user interface on a screen and acquires the observation image and the optical coherence tomographic image by controlling the photographing unit,

wherein,

the control mechanism is capable of continuously taking optical coherence tomography images in a plurality of scan modes,

the graphical user interface has, at an end of either one of the top, bottom, left and right sides of the screen: a first user interface group that presents a plurality of user interface elements corresponding to a plurality of operations requested by a user each time the scan mode is switched in accordance with a request order of the operations, and further includes, on an opposite side of a screen with respect to the first user interface group: and a display area of the observation image and the optical coherence tomographic image.

2. The optical coherence tomography instrument of claim 1, wherein,

in the first user interface group, at least one column of user interface elements is arranged in order, corresponding to an operation of adjusting a detection condition of an eye to be inspected in the optical coherence tomography optical system, and an operation of triggering photographing of the optical coherence tomography image, respectively.

3. An optical coherence tomography instrument as recited in claim 2, wherein,

in the first user interface group, there are further configured: a user interface element corresponding to an operation of selecting a scan mode used in the present photographing.

4. An optical coherence tomography instrument as recited in claim 2, wherein,

in the first user interface group, there are configured: an operation for inputting at least any one of an optical path length difference and a focal point for adjusting the optical coherence tomography optical system as an operation for adjusting a detection condition of an eye to be inspected in the optical coherence tomography optical system.

5. The optical coherence tomography instrument of claim 1, wherein,

the viewing image comprises an anterior ocular viewing image,

the anterior ocular segment observation image has: a second group of user interfaces for manual alignment.

6. The optical coherence tomography instrument of claim 5, wherein,

the anterior ocular viewing image doubles as the second user interface group,

the control means further causes the imaging means to move in the XY direction relative to the eye to be inspected so that the tissue of the anterior segment displayed at the specified position is displayed at a predetermined position in the first region when an operation input to specify the position on the first region in which the anterior segment observation image is displayed is received.

7. The optical coherence tomography instrument of claim 5, wherein,

in the second user interface group, at least: a user interface element for accepting an operation input for moving a face support unit supporting a face of an eye to be inspected in the Y direction.

8. An optical coherence tomography instrument as recited in claim 1 or 5, characterized in that,

the observation image includes a fundus observation image,

the fundus observation image includes: a third group of user interfaces for adjusting scanning conditions in the scanning mode.