JP2016179004A - Slit lamp microscope and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slit lamp microscope capable of achieving improvement on operability of the slit lamp microscope.SOLUTION: A slit lamp microscope includes the following elements: an illumination system 8 for illuminating an eye to be examined with slit light; an observation system 6 for guiding return light of the slit light from the eye to be examined to an ocular lens and/or an imaging device; an illumination moving mechanism 8A for moving the illumination system; an observation moving mechanism 6A for moving the observation system; a storage part 120 for storing, in advance, operation mode information associated with an operation content of at least one of the illumination system 8, the observation system 6, the illumination moving mechanism 8A, and the observation moving mechanism 6A for each of one or more operation modes; a designation part for designating the operation mode; and a control part 110 for specifying the operation content associated with the designated operation mode with reference to the operation mode information, and controlling at least one of the illumination system 8, the observation system 6, the illumination moving mechanism 8A, and the observation moving mechanism 6A based on the specified operation content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a slit lamp microscope and a control method thereof.

  The slit lamp microscope is used for observing various parts of the eye to be examined in various modes. Typical observation sites include the eyelid, cornea, conjunctiva, sclera, iris, corner, lens, vitreous, and retina. Various conditions are set according to the observation site and purpose. Typical observation conditions include the amount (intensity) of illumination light, wavelength, pattern, illumination angle, focus position, observation angle, filter, and the like.

JP 2001-37726 A

  In a conventional slit lamp microscope, observation conditions are manually set for each eye to be examined, and for each observation site and purpose. Slit lamp microscopes are also used very often in clinical practice, also called ophthalmologist stethoscopes. Therefore, at present, various observation conditions are set manually and frequently.

  An object of the present invention is to improve the operability of a slit lamp microscope.

  The slit lamp microscope according to the embodiment moves the illumination system that illuminates the subject's eye with slit light, the observation system that guides the return light of the slit light from the eye to the eyepiece and / or the imaging device, and the illumination system. And at least one of the illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism for each of the one or more operation modes. A storage unit that prestores operation mode information associated with one operation content, a specification unit for designating an operation mode, and an operation content associated with the designated operation mode are identified with reference to the operation mode information And a control unit that controls at least one of the illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism based on the identified operation content.

  According to the present invention, the operability of the slit lamp microscope can be improved.

It is the schematic showing the example of a structure of the slit lamp microscope which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic showing the example of a structure of the slit lamp microscope which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic showing the example of a structure of the slit lamp microscope which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic showing the example of a structure of the slit lamp microscope which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the example of operation | movement of the slit lamp microscope which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the example of operation | movement of the slit lamp microscope which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic showing the example of a structure of the slit lamp microscope which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic showing the example of a structure of the slit lamp microscope which concerns on embodiment.

  An example of a slit lamp microscope and a control method thereof according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, it is possible to apply well-known techniques including the literature cited in this specification to the following embodiment.

  First, define the direction. The direction from the lens (objective lens) located closest to the subject in the apparatus optical system to the subject is defined as the front direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the rear direction. The horizontal direction orthogonal to the front direction is the left-right direction. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is defined as the up-down direction.

<First Embodiment>
[Constitution]
An example of the external configuration of the slit lamp microscope according to this embodiment is shown in FIG. A computer 100 is connected to the slit lamp microscope 1. The computer 100 performs various control processes, arithmetic processes, and analysis processes. Note that at least a part of the functions of the computer 100 can be configured to be executed by a computer provided in the microscope main body.

  The slit lamp microscope 1 is placed on a table 2. The base 4 can be moved three-dimensionally via the moving mechanism unit 3. The base 4 is moved in the horizontal direction (front-rear direction and left-right direction) by tilting the operation handle 5 or via an actuator. Further, the vertical movement of the base 4 is performed by rotating the operation handle 5 or via an actuator. The actuator is provided in the moving mechanism unit 3.

  A support portion 15 is provided on the upper surface of the base 4. A support arm 16 that supports the observation system 6 is attached to the support unit 15 so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction. A support arm 17 that supports the illumination system 8 is attached to an upper portion of the support arm 16 so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction. The support arms 16 and 17 are configured to be independently coaxial and rotatable. The support arm 16 is rotated manually or via an actuator. Thereby, the observation system 6 is rotated. Similarly, the support arm 17 is rotated manually or via an actuator. Thereby, the illumination system 8 is rotated. Further, a mechanism (including an actuator) for rotating the observation system 6 in the vertical direction and a mechanism (including an actuator) for rotating the illumination system 8 in the vertical direction are provided. Also good.

  The illumination system 8 irradiates the eye E with illumination light. By moving the illumination system 8, the irradiation direction (illumination angle) of the illumination light with respect to the eye E is changed. The observation system 6 has a pair of left and right optical systems that guide the return light of the illumination light from the eye E. These optical systems are housed in the barrel main body 9. The examiner observes the eye E through the eyepiece 9a. In addition, the eye E can be photographed through the observation system 6. By moving the lens barrel body 9 (observation system 6), the direction (observation angle) for observing the eye E is changed. Note that the return light of the illumination light includes, for example, at least one of reflected light, scattered light, and fluorescence.

  A chin rest 10 is provided at a position facing the lens barrel body 9. The chin rest 10 is provided with a chin rest 10a and a forehead rest 10b for stably arranging the face of the subject.

  An observation magnification operation knob 11 for manually changing the observation magnification is disposed on the side surface of the barrel main body 9. An imaging device 13 for photographing the eye E is connected to the lens barrel body 9. The imaging device 13 includes a photoelectric conversion element (imaging element) that detects light and outputs an electrical signal (image signal). The image signal is input to the computer 100. The image sensor is, for example, a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor. A mirror 12 that reflects the illumination light beam output from the illumination system 8 toward the eye E is disposed below the illumination system 8.

[Optical system]
An example of the optical system of the slit lamp microscope 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the optical system includes the observation system 6 and the illumination system 8.

[Observation system]
The observation system 6 includes a pair of left and right optical systems. The left and right optical systems have a (substantially) similar configuration. Binocular observation and stereo imaging of the eye E can be performed by the left and right optical systems. FIG. 2 shows only one of the left and right optical systems. Reference symbol O1 indicates the optical axis (observation optical axis) of the observation system 6 (one of the left and right optical systems).

  Each of the left and right optical systems includes an objective lens 31, a variable magnification optical system 32, a diaphragm 33, a relay lens 35, a prism unit 36, and an eyepiece lens 37. The beam splitter 34 is provided in one or both of the left and right optical systems. The eyepiece lens 37 is provided in the eyepiece 9a. A symbol P indicates an imaging position of light guided to the eyepiece lens 37. Symbol Ec indicates the cornea of the eye E, Symbol Ep indicates the iris, and Symbol Ef indicates the fundus. Reference Eo indicates the examiner's eye.

  The objective lens 31 may be common to the left and right optical systems (for example, in the case of a Galileo type optical system) or may be separate (for example, in the case of a Greenough type optical system). For the purpose of focusing, the objective lens 31 may be movable along the observation optical axis O1. Two or more objective lenses arranged along the observation optical axis O1 may be provided. In this case, at least part of the two or more objective lenses may be movable along the observation optical axis O1 for focusing.

  The variable magnification optical system 32 includes a plurality of (for example, two) variable magnification lenses 32a and 32b. At least some of the plurality of lenses included in the variable magnification optical system 32 are movable along the observation optical axis O1. Thereby, the magnification (view angle) of the observation image and the captured image of the eye E can be changed. The magnification is changed by operating the observation magnification operation knob 11 or via an actuator. The variable magnification optical system 32 may include a plurality of variable magnification lenses (groups) that can be selectively disposed in the optical path (observation optical path) of the observation system 6.

  The beam splitter 34 branches the observation optical path. The light transmitted through the beam splitter 34 is guided to the examiner's eye Eo through the relay lens 35, the prism unit 36, and the eyepiece lens 37. On the other hand, the light reflected by the beam splitter 34 is guided to the imaging element 43 of the imaging device 13 through the relay lens 41 and the mirror 42. The image sensor 43 detects this light and generates an image signal.

  The prism unit 36 includes two optical elements 36a and 36b, and translates the traveling direction of light upward. The left and right prism portions 36 are movable in the left-right direction in accordance with the interval between the left and right eyes of the examiner. Further, the left and right prism portions 36 may be capable of changing the angle between a pair of optical paths toward the left and right eyepiece lenses 37. Thereby, the convergence angle (parallax) for stereoscopic observation with binoculars is changed. When the convergence angle is changed, the left prism portion 36 and the left eyepiece lens 37 are moved integrally, and the right prism portion 36 and the right eyepiece lens 37 are moved integrally. That is, when changing the convergence angle, the left eyepiece 9a and the right eyepiece 9a move relatively.

[Lighting system]
The illumination system 8 includes a light source 51, a relay lens 52, an illumination diaphragm 53, a condenser lens 54, a slit forming unit 55, and a condenser lens 56. A symbol O2 indicates the optical axis of the illumination system 8 (illumination optical axis).

  The light source 51 outputs illumination light. The light source 51 may include a plurality of light sources. The light source 51 may include at least one of a light source (halogen lamp, LED, etc.) that outputs steady light and a light source (xenon lamp, LED, etc.) that outputs flash light. The light source 51 may include at least one of a light source for corneal observation and a light source for fundus observation. The light source 51 may include two or more light sources having different output wavelengths, or may include a light source having a variable output wavelength.

  The illumination diaphragm 53 is configured to be able to change the size of the translucent portion. The illumination stop 53 is used to reduce the reflection of illumination light by the cornea Ec or the crystalline lens, or to adjust the brightness of the illumination light.

  The slit formation part 55 has a pair of slit blade, for example. A space between these slit blades is a slit. By changing the interval between the slit blades, the width of the slit is changed. The length of the slit (the size of the slit in the direction orthogonal to the slit width) is changed by the illumination diaphragm 53. Moreover, the change of the direction of a slit is performed by rotating the slit formation part 55 (a pair of slit blade).

  The configuration for forming the slit is not limited to a pair of slit blades, and for example, a liquid crystal diaphragm (liquid crystal shutter) or the like can be used. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the slit light is formed by the light source 51 and the slit forming unit 55 (and the illumination diaphragm 53). However, the slit light may be generated using another configuration.

  An example of a configuration for generating slit light is a projector. The projector is a device that can output light of a preset pattern. The projector can output slit light having a preset width, length, and direction. Further, the projector may be capable of outputting light of any color or shade.

  The projector may have a known configuration using a digital micromirror device. The projector may further include a light source. Examples of the light source include an LED and a light source that can output light of each color component of RGB. The projector may further include a relay optical system, a collimator lens, a projection lens, and the like. The projector may include an LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), MEMS, and an optical scanner (galvano scanner or the like) capable of one-dimensional or two-dimensional scanning. Further, the projector may use an LCD (transmission type, reflection type). Since such a configuration is known, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[Control system]
An example of the control system of the slit lamp microscope 1 is shown in FIG. The control system of the slit lamp microscope 1 is configured around the control unit 110. In FIG. 3, some components are omitted.

(Control part)
The control unit 110 controls each unit of the slit lamp microscope 1. The control unit 110 includes hardware such as a microprocessor, RAM, ROM, and hard disk drive. A control program is stored in advance in the hard disk drive. The operation of the control unit 110 is realized by the cooperation of the control program and the hardware. The control unit 110 is disposed on at least one of the apparatus main body (for example, in the base 4) of the slit lamp microscope 1 and the computer 100.

  The slit lamp microscope 1 can selectively execute a plurality of operation modes. Control for that is executed by the control unit 110. The operation mode is a mode in which various operation items of the slit lamp microscope 1 are combined and executed as a series of operations, and is also called a macro function or the like. The operation items include an operation item for the observation system 6, an operation item for the illumination system 8, an operation item for movement of the observation system 6 and / or the illumination system 8, an operation item for data processing (analysis processing, statistical processing, etc.), and data output There are operation items related to (display, printing, transmission, etc.). The control unit 110 executes each operation mode by combining some of these operation items.

[Storage section]
Various types of information are stored in the storage unit 120. In particular, the storage unit 120 stores operation mode information in advance. The operation mode information is information that associates each operation mode with at least one operation content such as an optical system, a driving mechanism, a data processing unit 130, a display device, a communication device, and a printing device.

  The operation mode information is configured as a table as shown in FIG. 4, for example. In the operation mode information, a plurality of part modes may be provided as operation modes that are selectively executed. The part mode is an operation mode that is set for each part of the eye to be observed, examined, diagnosed, treated, or operated. The operation mode applicable in the embodiment is not limited to the part mode. For example, a disease mode, an examination mode, a treatment mode, an operation mode, and the like can be provided. The disease mode is an operation mode provided for each disease type and stage. The inspection mode is an operation mode provided for each type of inspection. The treatment mode is an operation mode provided for each treatment method. The operation mode is an operation mode provided for each operation method. Furthermore, it is possible to provide an arbitrary operation mode such as an operation mode customized for each user (doctor) (doctor mode).

  The operation mode information 120a illustrated in FIG. 4 includes, as part modes, “external eye mode”, “corneal / tear layer mode”, “corneal mode”, “anterior chamber / corner / iris mode”, “ “Crystal lens mode”, “vitreous mode”, “posterior fundus pole mode”, and “fundus peripheral mode” are provided. In addition, as operation items associated with each of these operation modes, an operation item of the illumination system 8 and an operation item of the observation system 6 are provided.

  The operation items of the illumination system 8 include “brightness” indicating the amount (luminance) of illumination light, “pattern” indicating the pattern (shape) of illumination light, and “angle” indicating the arrangement (angle) of the illumination system 8. ”And“ wavelength ”indicating the wavelength of the illumination light. The “wavelength” may include at least one of the wavelength of light output from the light source 51 and the wavelength selected by a wavelength selection element (such as a filter) in the optical path. “Visible light (blue)” in the column of “wavelength” indicates that blue light having a large scattering in the transmission body or visible light close to blue is used.

  Furthermore, in FIG. 4, the type of illumination light used in each operation mode is recorded. “Background” indicates background illumination for illuminating the anterior segment, the eyelid, and the surroundings. “Diffusion” indicates that a diffusion plate is used to illuminate the subject's eye with uniform brightness. “Large beam diameter” indicates, for example, that illumination is performed with both the illumination diaphragm 53 and the slit forming portion 55 open. “Slit” indicates that slit light is used. “Cross section” means observing a cross section using slit light.

  The operation items of the observation system 6 include a “range” indicating a region to be observed (eye range), a “focus position” indicating the focus position (focus state) of the observation system 6, and the arrangement of the observation system 6 ( "Angle" indicating the angle), "gain" indicating the gain of the imaging device 13 (imaging element 43), "filter" indicating the wavelength selection element (filter or the like) disposed in the observation system 6, and the left and right contact “Congestion” indicating the convergence angle formed by the eye 9a is included. Note that “AG” in the “Gain” column indicates auto gain. “Barrier” in the “filter” column indicates a barrier filter for fluorescence contrast observation. Furthermore, in FIG. 4, the types of auxiliary optical members used in each operation mode are recorded (trihedral mirror, eyepiece).

The operation item “angle” of each of the illumination system 8 and the observation system 6 indicates an angle with a predetermined direction as a reference (0 degree). This reference direction is, for example, a directly facing position with respect to the eye to be examined. When the operation item “pattern” is “slit”, the illumination system 8 and the observation system 6 are located on the opposite side with respect to the reference direction. For example, when the rotation angle in the predetermined direction with respect to the reference direction is defined as “positive direction” and the rotation angle in the opposite direction is defined as “negative direction”, the illumination system 8 is “+ θ ₁ degree”. ”Is arranged at“ −θ ₂ degrees ”. At this time, θ ₁ and θ ₂ may be equal or different. θ ₁ and θ ₂ are predetermined angles within the range of angles indicated in each operation content.

[Data processing section]
The data processing unit 130 performs various types of image processing and analysis processing on the image acquired by the imaging device 13 and the image acquired by another device.

  The data processing unit 130 may include an analysis unit. The analysis unit analyzes the image of the eye E acquired by the imaging device 13 to identify the region of the eye E (corresponding image area) represented in the image. The part to be specified is set in advance. The specified part may include at least one of parts corresponding to the part mode included in the operation mode information (120a).

  The analysis process for specifying the part of the eye E is executed based on, for example, the shape characteristics of the part and the characteristics of the pixel values (luminance, color, etc.) of the image region corresponding to the part. The image specifying process based on the shape feature may include image analysis such as pattern matching and edge detection, for example. The image specifying process based on the feature of the pixel value may include image analysis such as threshold processing, binarization, and histogram analysis, for example. In addition, the analysis unit may be able to execute a process of specifying a region of the eye E by analyzing a cross-sectional image acquired by cross-sectional imaging using slit light. This process may include a process (segmentation) for specifying a predetermined layer. The process that can be executed by the analysis unit is not limited to the above typical example, and may include an arbitrary process that can specify an arbitrary part of the eye E to be examined.

[User interface]
A user interface (UI) 140 is an interface for exchanging information between the slit lamp microscope 1 and its user. At least a part of the user interface 140 may be provided in the slit lamp microscope 1. Further, at least a part of the user interface 140 may be provided in the computer 100.

  The user interface 140 may include a display device and an operation device (input device). The display device displays information under the control of the control unit 110. The operation device (input device) may include at least one of a hardware key and a software key. Examples of hardware keys include a button / switch provided in the apparatus main body and a mouse / keyboard provided in the computer 100. An example of a software key is a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on a display device. The display device and the operation device may be integrally configured (for example, a touch panel).

[Various mechanisms]
The observation moving mechanism 6A is a mechanism for moving the observation system 6, and in addition to the moving mechanism unit 3 for moving the base 4 three-dimensionally, the incident direction of the return light of the illumination light to the observation system 6 Including an observation direction changing mechanism for changing. The observation direction changing mechanism is a mechanism for rotating the observation system 6 and includes an actuator.

  The illumination movement mechanism 8A is a mechanism for moving the illumination system 8, and changes the irradiation direction of the illumination light to the eye E in addition to the movement mechanism unit 3 for moving the base 4 in three dimensions. Including an illumination direction changing mechanism. The illumination direction changing mechanism is a mechanism for rotating the illumination system 8 and includes an actuator.

  The observation direction changing mechanism and the illumination direction changing mechanism may be configured to rotate the observation system 6 and the illumination system 8 coaxially. Alternatively, the observation direction changing mechanism and the illumination direction changing mechanism may be configured to rotate the observation system 6 and the illumination system 8 about different axes.

  The focusing drive unit 31A moves at least one of the one or more objective lenses 31 along the observation optical axis O1 for focusing. Alternatively, the focusing drive unit 31A moves a focus lens (system) (not shown) along the observation optical axis O1.

  The prism drive unit 36A moves the left and right eyepieces 9a including the left and right prism units 36 in order to change the convergence angle.

  The wavelength selection unit 38 drives a wavelength selection member for selecting the wavelength of the return light of the illumination light from the eye E. For example, the wavelength selection unit 38 performs an operation of inserting a filter such as a barrier filter into the observation optical path and an operation of retracting the filter such as a barrier filter from the observation optical path.

  The illumination wavelength changing unit 57 has a function of changing the wavelength of illumination light. The illumination wavelength changing unit 57 may include, for example, an exciter filter for fluorescence contrast observation, a wavelength variable filter such as a linear variable filter, the projector, the light source 51, and the like. When the function of changing the wavelength of the illumination light is realized by only the light source 51, the illumination wavelength changing unit 57 matches the light source 51.

[Operation]
The operation of the slit lamp microscope 1 will be described. 5 and 6 show typical examples of operations. FIG. 5 shows a flow of an example in which an operation mode designated manually or automatically is executed. FIG. 6 shows a flow of an example in which an operation mode is specified semi-automatically.

[Operation example 1]
(S1: Specify the operation mode)
First, an operation mode is designated manually or automatically. In the case of manual operation, the control unit 110 causes the display device of the user interface 140 to display a predetermined screen for selecting an operation mode. The user selects an operation mode using the operation device. The control unit 110 recognizes the operation mode designation result thus performed.

  An example in which the operation mode is automatically specified will be described. First, the user operates the slit lamp microscope 1 to realize a state where at least a part of a desired part is observed. In response to the input of a predetermined trigger, the control unit 110 captures an image signal from the imaging device 13 and sends it to the data processing unit 130. The data processing unit 130 (analyzing unit) analyzes this image and identifies the part of the eye E to be examined. The data processing unit 130 sends a part specifying result (for example, information indicating a part mode corresponding to the specified part) to the control unit 110. The part mode corresponding to the part specified in this way corresponds to the operation mode designation result.

(S2: Specify the operation content)
The controller 110 identifies the operation content associated with the operation mode specified in step S1 by referring to the operation mode information 120a. For example, when the corneal mode is designated, the following operation content is obtained: brightness “high” of the illumination system 8, pattern “slit”, angle “(+/−) 0 to 30 degrees”, wavelength “visible light” (Blue) ”; in-focus position“ corneal section ”of observation system 6, angle“ (− / +) 0 to 30 degrees ”, gain“ AG ”, filter“ none ”, and convergence“ 13 degrees ”.

(S3: Control is executed based on the operation content)
The controller 110 controls each part of the slit lamp microscope 1 based on the operation content specified in step S2. As an example, when the corneal mode is designated, the following control is executed.

Control related to the illumination system 8 will be described. The control unit 110 controls the light source 51 so as to output a high amount of light (high intensity) illumination light. The control unit 110 controls the slit forming unit 55 so as to form a slit having a predetermined width. At this time, the illumination stop 53 is set to a fully open state, for example. Control unit 110 controls the angle "0 (+) 30 degrees" in the predetermined angular + theta ₁ to the illumination optical axis O2 arrangement is thereby such illuminated moving mechanism 8A (illumination direction changing mechanism). The control unit 110 controls the illumination wavelength changing unit 57 so that a filter corresponding to visible light (blue) is arranged in the illumination optical path.

Control related to the observation system 6 will be described. The control unit 110 controls the focusing drive unit 31A so that the cross section of the cornea Ec is focused. Thereby, the objective lens 31 (or the focus lens) is arranged at a predetermined position. The control unit 110 controls the observation moving mechanism 6A (observation direction changing mechanism) so that the observation optical axis O1 is arranged at a predetermined angle + θ ₂ within the angle “0 to (−) 30 degrees”. The control unit 110 switches the gain setting of the imaging device 13 to auto gain. The control unit 110 controls the wavelength selection unit 38 so that the filter is retracted from the observation optical path. The control unit 110 controls the prism drive unit 36A so that the convergence angle is set to 13 degrees.

  Note that it is possible to execute control other than the control exemplified here, or not to execute any of the controls exemplified here.

(S4: Start observation)
When the control in step S3 is completed, the user starts observation. At this time, the control part 110 can alert | report that the control of step S3 was completed by visual information or auditory information, for example. Further, the user can arbitrarily change the state realized by the control in step S3 using the user interface 140. Further, the user can arbitrarily change any variable condition in the slit lamp microscope 1.

[Operation example 2]
Next, an operation example shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

(S11: Acquire an image of the eye to be examined)
The user operates the slit lamp microscope 1 to realize a state where at least a part of a desired part is observed. In response to the input of a predetermined trigger, the control unit 110 captures an image signal from the imaging device 13 and sends it to the data processing unit 130.

(S12: Analyzing the image and specifying the site)
The data processing unit 130 (analysis unit) analyzes the image acquired in step S11 and identifies the region of the eye E. The data processing unit 130 sends a part specifying result (for example, information indicating a part mode corresponding to the specified part) to the control unit 110. In this example, one or more parts of eye E to be examined are specified.

(S13: The operation mode corresponding to the specified part is displayed)
The control unit 110 causes the display device of the user interface 140 to display information indicating one or more operation modes corresponding to one or more parts of the eye E specified in step S12. The displayed information may be substantially the same information as the information indicating the operation mode, and there is information indicating the part of the eye E as such information.

(S14: The user specifies the operation mode)
The user selects desired information from the displayed information. When two or more pieces of information are displayed in step S13, the two or more pieces of information may be selectable. At this time, the order for two or more pieces of information may be specified. It is also possible to configure so that an operation mode not included in the displayed options can be specified. In that case, in step S13, it is possible to present the options corresponding to the part specified in step S12 and the other options in different modes while presenting all the options of the operation mode. .

(S15: Specify the operation content)
The control unit 110 identifies the operation content associated with the operation mode specified in step S14 by referring to the operation mode information 120a.

(S16: Control is executed based on the operation content)
The control unit 110 controls each unit of the slit lamp microscope 1 based on the operation content specified in step S15.

(S17: Start observation)
When the control in step S16 is completed, the user starts observation. Step S17 can be executed in the same manner as step S4 in FIG.

[Action / Effect]
The operation and effect of the embodiment will be described.

  The slit lamp microscope according to the embodiment includes an illumination system, an observation system, an illumination movement mechanism, an observation movement mechanism, a storage unit, a designation unit, and a control unit. The illumination system (8) illuminates the eye to be examined with illumination light (particularly slit light). The observation system (6) guides the return light of the slit light from the eye to be examined to the eyepiece lens (37) and the imaging device (13). The observation system may not include one of the eyepiece and the imaging device. In addition, the imaging device may or may not be included in the observation system. The illumination moving mechanism (8A) moves the illumination system. The observation movement mechanism (6A) moves the observation system. The storage unit (120) stores the operation mode information (120a) in advance. In the operation mode information, at least one operation content of the illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism is associated with each of the one or more operation modes. The designation unit has a function for designating an operation mode. The configuration of the designation unit may be different depending on the mode of operation mode designation (manual, automatic, semi-automatic, etc.). For example, the designation unit may include at least a part of the user interface 140. Further, the designation unit may include a part of the control unit 110 and / or a part of the data processing unit 130. The control unit (110) specifies the operation content associated with the operation mode specified by the specifying unit with reference to the operation mode information, and based on the specified operation content, an illumination system, an observation system, an illumination moving mechanism, and Control at least one of the observation movement mechanisms. The configuration of the control unit may vary depending on the operation mode designation mode, and may include, for example, a part of the data processing unit 130.

  According to such an embodiment, since a series of processes according to the designated operation mode can be automatically executed, various observation conditions can be set for each eye to be examined, and for each observation region and purpose. There is no need to set it manually. Therefore, the operability of the slit lamp microscope can be improved.

  In the embodiment, the operation mode can be automatically set under the following conditions, for example. First, the illumination system includes a light source (51). In the operation mode information, an illumination light quantity (“brightness”) is associated with one of one or more operation modes. When the illumination light quantity is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit can control the light source based on the illumination light quantity.

  In the embodiment, the illumination system includes an illumination wavelength changing unit (57) for changing the wavelength of the slit light. In the operation mode information, an illumination wavelength (“wavelength”) is associated with one of one or more operation modes. When the illumination wavelength is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit can control the illumination wavelength changing unit based on the illumination wavelength.

  In the embodiment, the illumination system includes an illumination shape changing unit (slit forming unit 55, projector, etc.) for changing the shape of the slit light. In the operation mode information, an illumination shape (“pattern”) is associated with one of the one or more operation modes. When the illumination shape is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit can control the illumination shape changing unit based on the illumination shape.

  In the embodiment, the illumination moving mechanism includes an illumination direction changing mechanism for changing the illumination direction of the slit light with respect to the eye to be examined. In the operation mode information, an illumination direction (an “angle” of the illumination system) is associated with one of the one or more operation modes. When the illumination direction is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit can control the illumination direction changing mechanism based on the illumination direction.

  In the embodiment, the observation system includes a focusing system (such as the objective lens 31 and the focus lens). In the operation mode information, a focus position (“focus position”) is associated with one of one or more operation modes. When the in-focus position is associated with the operation mode specified by the specifying unit, the control unit can control the in-focus system based on the in-focus position.

  In the embodiment, the observation system includes a wavelength selection member (such as a filter) for selecting the wavelength of the return light toward the eyepiece and / or the imaging device. In the operation mode information, an observation wavelength (“filter”) is associated with one of one or more operation modes. When the observation wavelength is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit can control the wavelength selection member based on the observation wavelength.

  In the embodiment, the observation system guides the return light to at least the imaging device. In the operation mode information, a control parameter of the imaging apparatus is associated with one of the one or more operation modes. Examples of this control parameter include gain and exposure time. When the control parameter is associated with the operation mode specified by the specifying unit, the control unit can control the imaging device based on the control parameter.

  In the embodiment, the observation system includes a binocular optical system (a pair of left and right optical systems in the observation system 6) for guiding the return light to the pair of eyepieces and / or the pair of imaging devices. The binocular optical system changes the direction of the convergence angle changing unit (the prism driving unit 36A, the stereo variator, and the pair of imaging devices) for changing the relative angle of the pair of light beams directed to the pair of eyepieces and / or the pair of imaging devices. Mechanism). In the operation mode information, a convergence angle (“congestion”) is associated with one of the one or more operation modes. When the convergence angle is associated with the operation mode specified by the specifying unit, the control unit can control the convergence angle changing unit based on the convergence angle.

  In the embodiment, the observation moving mechanism includes an observation direction changing mechanism for changing the incident direction of the return light with respect to the observation system. In the operation mode information, an observation direction (an “angle” of the observation system) is associated with one of the one or more operation modes. When the observation direction is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit can control the observation direction change mechanism based on the observation direction.

  In the embodiment, the illumination moving mechanism includes an illumination direction changing mechanism, and the observation moving mechanism includes an observation direction changing mechanism. In the operation mode information, an illumination direction (an “angle” of the illumination system) and an observation direction (an “angle” of the observation system) are associated with one of the one or more operation modes. When the illumination direction and the observation direction are associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit controls the illumination direction change mechanism and the observation direction change mechanism based on the illumination direction and the observation direction. The illumination system and the observation system can be arranged so as to be opposite to each other with respect to a predetermined reference direction. This configuration is convenient for cross-sectional observation using slit light, for example.

  In the embodiment, the one or more operation modes include a part mode for observing a predetermined part of the eye. When any one of the part modes is designated by the designation unit, the control unit identifies the operation content associated with the designated part mode with reference to the operation mode information, and the illumination system is based on the identified operation content. , At least one of the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism can be controlled. According to this configuration, it is possible to apply a suitable operation mode according to the observation site.

  In the embodiment, the designation unit may include an analysis unit that analyzes an image of the eye to be examined acquired by the imaging device and identifies a part represented in the image. In this case, the designation unit can designate a part mode corresponding to the part specified by the analysis unit. According to this configuration, the process for designating the operation mode can be automatically performed.

  In the embodiment, the designation unit may include an analysis unit, a display control unit, and an operation unit. The analysis unit analyzes the image of the eye to be inspected acquired by the imaging device and identifies one or more parts represented in the image. The display control unit (control unit 110) displays information (including information substantially equal to the information such as information indicating the region mode) indicating each of the one or more regions specified by the analysis unit (display device) ). The display means may or may not be included in the slit lamp microscope. The operation unit (operation device) is used in an operation for designating any one or more parts. When the operation is performed, the designation unit can designate an operation mode corresponding to the designated part. According to this configuration, the process for specifying the operation mode can be semi-automated. In particular, it is possible to identify and present the region mode options from the image of the eye to be examined.

<Second Embodiment>
Follow-up observations and pre- and post-operative observations are widely performed not only in the ophthalmic field but also in the medical field in general. In such medical practice, the same part of the subject (eye to be examined) is observed multiple times. In this embodiment, a description will be given of a slit lamp microscope configured to designate a current operation mode with reference to an operation mode applied in the past in order to perform follow-up observation and the like smoothly.

  A configuration example of the slit lamp microscope of this embodiment is shown in FIG. This example has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in that a communication unit 150 is provided. The communication unit 150 includes, for example, a communication device for performing data transmission / reception via a database within a medical institution via a LAN, and a communication device for performing data transmission / reception via a WAN outside a medical institution. The communication unit 150 functions as a reception unit that receives past observation records of the eye to be examined. The observation record includes various types of information recorded in the past observation of the eye to be examined. In this embodiment, the observation record includes at least the type of operation mode applied in the past observation.

  The slit lamp microscope shown in FIG. 7 is configured to be able to acquire information from the electronic medical chart system 200. It is also possible to apply a configuration capable of acquiring information from a database (system) other than the electronic medical record system. The electronic medical record system 200 manages an electronic medical record for each patient.

  Patient identification information (patient ID) is input to the slit lamp microscope. The patient identification information is input by the user interface 140 or a data reader (not shown). The data reader reads patient identification information recorded on a patient card or the like. The control unit 110 sends patient identification information and a data transmission request to the communication unit 150. The communication unit 150 transmits these pieces of information to the electronic medical chart system 200.

  The electronic medical record system 200 searches the electronic medical record of the patient based on the patient identification information. The electronic medical record includes past observation records concerning the eye to be examined. In the observation record, an area for recording the type of operation mode applied in the past is provided. When the operation mode type is recorded in the recording area of the searched electronic medical record, the electronic medical record system 200 transmits the operation mode type to the slit lamp microscope. When one or more operation mode types are recorded, the electronic medical chart system 200 transmits one or more of them to the slit lamp microscope. For example, the electronic medical record system 200 transmits all the recorded operation mode types. Alternatively, the electronic medical record system 200 selects and transmits one or more of the recorded operation mode types. As an example of this selection process, selecting the latest operation mode type, selecting an operation mode type within a predetermined period, or selecting the operation mode type based on the contents of the data transmission request (examination type, disease type, etc.) You can choose.

  The communication unit 150 receives information (observation record including one or more operation mode types) transmitted from the electronic medical chart system 200 and sends the information to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 can specify the operation mode indicated in the information input from the communication unit 150 as the current operation mode. And the control part 110 performs control based on the designated operation mode similarly to 1st Embodiment.

  Alternatively, the control unit 110 can cause the display device of the user interface 140 to display the operation mode indicated by the information input from the communication unit 150. The user can specify a desired operation mode using the operation device. The control unit 110 executes control based on the designated operation mode in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

<Third Embodiment>
Various portions of the eye to be examined may be observed sequentially using a slit lamp microscope. For example, such an observation is performed to find a disease at the first visit. Moreover, such observation is performed in order to observe the disease state over a plurality of sites. In this embodiment, a configuration convenient for such a case will be described.

  The slit lamp microscope of this embodiment may have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. In the following, reference is made to the drawings of the first embodiment. In the operation mode information 120a, operation contents are associated with each of a plurality of operation modes (partial modes).

  In this embodiment, two or more operation modes are designated among these operation modes. As a typical example, it is assumed that the corneal mode, the anterior chamber / corner angle / iris mode, and the lens mode are selected. Note that an operation mode including several operation modes that are continuously performed may be provided in advance. For example, “anterior segment mode” including a corneal mode, an anterior chamber / corner angle / iris mode, and a crystalline lens mode may be provided. In addition, the execution order of several operation modes (sub-operation modes) may be set in advance (continuous operation mode information). Or the analysis part similar to 1st Embodiment specifies the site | part of the to-be-tested eye E, and specifies a sub operation mode based on the specified site | part (or the site | part designated by the user from the specified option). You may make it do.

  The control unit 110 can sequentially execute two or more controls based on two or more designated sub operation modes. The transition of the sub operation mode may be performed based on data from the analysis unit as described above, or may be performed based on an instruction from the user.

  When continuous operation mode information is included when continuous operation mode information in which two or more operation contents and an execution order are associated with two or more sub operation modes is included in the operation mode information, the control unit 100 Can execute two or more controls based on two or more operation modes in accordance with the execution order based on the designated continuous operation mode information.

  As a typical example, the “anterior segment mode” is specified in which the corneal mode, the anterior chamber / corner angle / iris mode, and the lens mode are included as sub operation modes, and the description order is the execution order. In this case, the control unit 110 switches the operation mode in the order of corneal mode, anterior chamber / corner angle / iris mode, and lens mode. In such a control mode, in response to a predetermined operation performed using the operation device, the control unit 110 can start control based on the operation mode to be executed next. Further, in response to the change of the part specified by the analysis unit, it is also possible to start control based on the operation mode to be executed next (the operation mode corresponding to the newly specified part). It is.

<Fourth Embodiment>
An imaging device can be provided in both the left and right optical systems of the observation system 6. An example of such a configuration is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the left imaging device 13L is provided in the left optical system of the observation system 6, and the right imaging device 13R is provided in the right optical system. The left imaging device 13L and the right imaging device 13R are arranged on an optical path branched from the observation optical path, for example, like the imaging device 13 of the first embodiment. Alternatively, the left imaging device 13L and the right imaging device 13R may be disposed at the positions of the left and right eyepiece lenses 37, respectively.

  In another example, a configuration in which left and right light beams respectively guided to the left and right optical systems are guided to a single imaging device can be applied. In this case, the left and right light beams can be detected simultaneously or at different timings in different light receiving areas of a single imaging device. Alternatively, the left and right light beams can be detected at different timings by using a light receiving region that is at least partially shared by a single imaging device.

  The control unit 110 can cause the display device to display a pair of images of the eye E acquired by the pair of left and right imaging devices 13L and 13R.

  The several configurations described above are merely typical examples for carrying out the present invention. A person who intends to implement the present invention can make arbitrary modifications, additions, omissions, substitutions and the like within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slit lamp microscope 6 Observation system 6A Observation movement mechanism 8 Illumination system 8A Illumination movement mechanism 110 Control part 120 Storage part 120a Operation mode information 130 Data processing part 140 User interface

Claims (21)

An illumination system for illuminating the subject's eye with slit light;
An observation system that guides the return light of the slit light from the eye to the eyepiece and / or imaging device;
An illumination moving mechanism for moving the illumination system;
An observation movement mechanism for moving the observation system;
A storage unit that stores in advance operation mode information in which at least one operation content of the illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism is associated with each of the one or more operation modes;
A specification part for specifying an operation mode;
The operation content associated with the specified operation mode is identified with reference to the operation mode information, and at least one of the illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism is based on the identified operation content A slit lamp microscope comprising: a control unit for controlling one. The illumination system includes a light source;
In the operation mode information, an illumination light amount is associated with any one of the one or more operation modes,
The slit lamp microscope according to claim 1, wherein when the illumination light quantity is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit controls the light source based on the illumination light quantity. The illumination system includes an illumination wavelength changing unit for changing the wavelength of the slit light,
In the operation mode information, an illumination wavelength is associated with any one of the one or more operation modes,
3. The control unit controls the illumination wavelength changing unit based on the illumination wavelength when an illumination wavelength is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit. 4. A slit lamp microscope described in 1. The illumination system includes an illumination shape changing unit for changing the shape of the slit light,
In the operation mode information, an illumination shape is associated with any one of the one or more operation modes,
When the illumination shape is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit controls the illumination shape changing unit based on the illumination shape. A slit lamp microscope according to any one of the above. The illumination movement mechanism includes an illumination direction change mechanism for changing the illumination direction of slit light with respect to the eye to be examined,
In the operation mode information, an illumination direction is associated with any one of the one or more operation modes,
5. The control unit controls the illumination direction changing mechanism based on the illumination direction when an illumination direction is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit. A slit lamp microscope according to any one of the above. The observation system includes a focusing system;
In the operation mode information, a focus position is associated with any one of the one or more operation modes,
The focus control system controls the focus system based on the focus position when the focus position is associated with the operation mode specified by the specification section. The slit lamp microscope according to any one of 5. The observation system includes a wavelength selection member for selecting a wavelength of the return light toward the eyepiece and / or the imaging device,
In the operation mode information, an observation wavelength is associated with any one of the one or more operation modes,
When the observation wavelength is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit controls the wavelength selection member based on the observation wavelength. The slit lamp microscope as described in any one. The observation system guides the return light to at least the imaging device,
In the operation mode information, a control parameter of the imaging device is associated with any one of the one or more operation modes,
The control unit controls the imaging device based on the control parameter when the control parameter is associated with the operation mode specified by the specifying unit. The slit lamp microscope as described in any one. The observation system includes a binocular optical system for guiding the return light to a pair of eyepieces and / or a pair of imaging devices,
The binocular optical system includes a convergence angle changing unit for changing a relative angle of the pair of light toward the pair of eyepieces and / or the pair of imaging devices,
In the operation mode information, a convergence angle is associated with any one of the one or more operation modes,
When the convergence angle is associated with the operation mode specified by the specifying unit, the control unit controls the convergence angle changing unit based on the convergence angle. A slit lamp microscope according to any one of the above. The observation moving mechanism includes an observation direction changing mechanism for changing an incident direction of the return light with respect to the observation system,
In the operation mode information, an observation direction is associated with any one of the one or more operation modes,
The observation unit is controlled based on the observation direction when the observation direction is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit. A slit lamp microscope according to any one of the above. The illumination movement mechanism includes an illumination direction change mechanism for changing the illumination direction of slit light with respect to the eye to be examined,
The observation moving mechanism includes an observation direction changing mechanism for changing an incident direction of the return light with respect to the observation system,
In the operation mode information, an illumination direction and an observation direction are associated with any one of the one or more operation modes,
When the illumination direction and the observation direction are associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit controls the illumination direction change mechanism and the observation direction change mechanism based on the illumination direction and the observation direction. 11. The slit according to claim 1, wherein the illumination system and the observation system are arranged so as to be positioned on opposite sides with respect to a predetermined reference direction. Lamp microscope. The one or more operation modes include a region mode for observing a predetermined region of the eye,
When the part mode is designated by the designation unit, the control unit identifies an operation content associated with the designated part mode with reference to the operation mode information, and based on the identified operation content The slit lamp microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of an illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism is controlled.   The designation unit includes an analysis unit that analyzes an image of the eye to be examined acquired by the imaging device and identifies a region represented in the image, and specifies a region mode corresponding to the identified region. The slit lamp microscope according to claim 12.   The designation unit indicates an analysis unit that analyzes an image of the eye to be examined acquired by the imaging device and identifies one or more parts represented in the image, and each of the identified one or more parts. Corresponding to the designated part when an operation for designating any one of the one or more parts is performed using the manipulation part, including a display control part for displaying information on the display means and an operation part The slit lamp microscope according to claim 12, wherein an operation mode to be specified is designated.   The designation unit includes a reception unit that receives a past observation record of the eye to be examined, acquires information indicating an operation mode applied in the past from the received observation record, and the operation indicated in the acquired information The slit lamp microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the mode is designated as a current operation mode.   The designation unit receives a past observation record of the eye to be examined, and a display control unit displays information indicating one or more operation modes applied to the past included in the received observation record on a display unit. When the operation for designating one of the one or more operation modes is performed using the operation unit, the designated operation mode is designated as the current operation mode. The slit lamp microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the slit lamp microscope is characterized. In the operation mode information, the operation content is associated with each of a plurality of operation modes,
When two or more operation modes of the plurality of operation modes are designated by the designation unit, the control unit sequentially executes two or more controls based on the designated two or more operation modes. The slit lamp microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The operation mode information includes continuous operation mode information in which two or more operation contents and an execution order are associated with the two or more operation modes.
When the continuous operation mode is specified by the specifying unit, the control unit executes two or more controls based on the two or more operation modes according to the execution order based on the continuous operation mode information. The slit lamp microscope according to claim 17. It further includes an operation unit,
The slit lamp microscope according to claim 18, wherein the control unit starts control based on an operation mode to be executed next in response to a predetermined operation performed using the operation unit. . The observation system includes a binocular optical system for guiding the return light to a pair of imaging devices,
The slit lamp microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a pair of images acquired by the pair of imaging devices. An illumination system for illuminating the subject's eye with slit light;
An observation system that guides the return light of the slit light from the eye to the eyepiece and / or imaging device;
An illumination moving mechanism for moving the illumination system;
An observation movement mechanism for moving the observation system;
A slit lamp microscope control method comprising:
Operation mode information in which at least one operation content of the illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism is associated with each of the one or more operation modes is stored in the storage unit,
Specify the operation mode,
The operation content associated with the specified operation mode is identified with reference to the operation mode information,
Controlling at least one of the illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism based on the specified operation content. A control method for a slit lamp microscope.

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