JP2018139716A - Ophthalmologic system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ophthalmologic system easily performing ophthalmic photographing under appropriate conditions.SOLUTION: A first storage part of the ophthalmologic system stores photographing condition information in which two or more conditions of each of a plurality of photographic condition items are recorded. A display control part causes display means to display the photographing condition information. A designation operation part designates at least one condition out of the two or more conditions corresponding to each of the two or more photographing condition items and is used for designating order of the designated two or more conditions. A creation part creates photographing protocols on the basis of the designated two or more conditions and order. A second storage part stores the created photographing protocols. A user interface part is used for selecting any of the one or more photographing protocols stored in the second storage part. A photographing part photographs a subject's eye. A photographing control part controls the photographing part on the basis of the selected photographing protocol.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ophthalmic system.

  Image diagnosis occupies an important position in the ophthalmic field. For ophthalmologic image diagnosis, a fundus camera, a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO), and a slit lamp microscope have been conventionally used, and in recent years, the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been advanced.

  OCT is a technique for projecting measurement light onto an eye to be examined, superimposing the return light with reference light to generate interference light, and forming an image from detection data of the interference light. OCT not only acquires B-mode images and three-dimensional images of the eye to be examined, but also constructs front images (en-face images) such as C-mode images and shadowgrams, constructs blood vessel-enhanced images (angiograms), It is used for various purposes such as blood flow measurement and evaluation of the size and form of eye tissue. In addition, the application of OCT has been expanded to screening fields such as health examinations and screenings.

JP 2011-24930 A

  Generally, when photographing an eye to be examined, photographing conditions are set. However, since there are various items in the shooting conditions, it is not easy for the user who is unfamiliar with the apparatus and shooting to select necessary items and set each item to an appropriate condition.

  For example, in OCT, there are various conditions only for scanning conditions, and it is necessary to set appropriate conditions according to the imaging region, disease type, imaging technique, analysis content, and the like.

  Further, there are many opportunities for an ophthalmologist or his / her medical staff to become proficient in an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus, but it is difficult to say that it is practical to provide such opportunities to medical staff for medical examinations.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables easy photographing under appropriate conditions.

In the first aspect of the embodiment, the ophthalmic system includes a first storage unit, a display control unit, a designation operation unit, a creation unit, a second storage unit, a user interface unit, a photographing unit, and photographing control. Part. In the first storage unit, shooting condition information in which two or more conditions are recorded for each of the plurality of shooting condition items is stored in advance. The display control unit displays the photographing condition information on the display unit. The designation operation unit designates at least one condition from two or more conditions corresponding to each of two or more photographing condition items of the plurality of photographing condition items, and an order of the two or more designated conditions. Used to specify The creation unit creates an imaging protocol based on two or more conditions and order designated using the designation operation unit. The imaging protocol created by the creation unit is stored in the second storage unit. The user interface unit is used to select one of the one or more photographing protocols stored in the second storage unit. The imaging unit images the eye to be examined. The imaging control unit controls the imaging unit based on the imaging protocol selected using the user interface unit.
In the second aspect of the embodiment, the imaging unit divides the light from the light source into the measurement light and the reference light, scans the eye with the measurement light, and uses the return light of the measurement light from the eye as the reference light. An optical system that generates interference light by superimposing and detects the interference light, and an image forming unit that forms an image based on the detection result of the interference light acquired by the optical system are included. Further, the plurality of photographing condition items include scan condition items related to scanning by the optical system.
In the third aspect of the embodiment, the scan condition item includes an item related to a scan pattern by the optical system.
In the fourth aspect of the embodiment, the scan condition item includes an item related to the size of the scan area by the optical system.
In the fifth aspect of the embodiment, the plurality of imaging condition items include a test eye designation item for designating the left eye or the right eye as the test eye.
In the sixth aspect of the embodiment, the ophthalmologic system includes a first determination unit that determines whether a combination of two or more conditions designated using the designation operation unit corresponds to a predetermined combination.
In a seventh aspect of the embodiment, the ophthalmic system includes a second determination unit that determines whether the order of two or more conditions specified using the specification operation unit corresponds to a predetermined order.
In an eighth aspect of the embodiment, the ophthalmic system includes a third determination unit that determines whether a combination of two or more conditions included in the imaging protocol created by the creation unit corresponds to a predetermined combination.
In the ninth aspect of the embodiment, the ophthalmic system includes a fourth determination unit that determines whether the order of two or more conditions included in the imaging protocol created by the creation unit corresponds to a predetermined order.
In a tenth aspect of the embodiment, the user interface unit includes any one of a display device that displays a list of one or more shooting protocols stored in the second storage unit, and one or more shooting protocols presented in the list. And an operating device for designating.
In the eleventh aspect of the embodiment, the display device displays photographing condition information. Further, the controller device is used to change any one of the one or more imaging protocols based on the imaging condition information.
In a twelfth aspect of the embodiment, the ophthalmic system can perform data communication with a computer, and includes a first storage unit, a transmission unit, a reception unit, a creation unit, and a second storage unit. Including. In the first storage unit, shooting condition information in which two or more conditions are recorded for each of the plurality of shooting condition items is stored in advance. The transmission unit transmits the photographing condition information to the computer. The receiving unit is specified using at least one condition specified using a computer from two or more conditions corresponding to each of two or more shooting condition items of the plurality of shooting condition items. The order of the two or more conditions is received. The creation unit creates an imaging protocol based on two or more conditions and order received by the reception unit. The imaging protocol created by the creation unit is stored in the second storage unit.
In a thirteenth aspect of the embodiment, the ophthalmic system can perform data communication with a computer, and includes a first storage unit, a transmission unit, a reception unit, and a second storage unit. In the first storage unit, shooting condition information in which two or more conditions are recorded for each of the plurality of shooting condition items is stored in advance. The transmission unit transmits the photographing condition information to the computer. The receiving unit is specified using at least one condition specified using a computer from two or more conditions corresponding to each of two or more shooting condition items of the plurality of shooting condition items. The imaging protocol created based on the order of the two or more conditions is received. The second storage unit stores the imaging protocol received by the receiving unit.
In the fourteenth aspect of the embodiment, the ophthalmic system can perform data communication with the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus, and includes a first storage unit, a display control unit, a designation operation unit, a creation unit, and a second unit. A storage unit and a transmission unit are included. In the first storage unit, shooting condition information in which two or more conditions are recorded for each of the plurality of shooting condition items is stored in advance. The display control unit displays the photographing condition information on the display unit. The designation operation unit designates at least one condition from two or more conditions corresponding to each of two or more photographing condition items of the plurality of photographing condition items, and an order of the two or more designated conditions. Used to specify The creation unit creates an imaging protocol based on two or more conditions and order designated using the designation operation unit. The imaging protocol created by the creation unit is stored in the second storage unit. The transmission unit transmits one of the one or more imaging protocols stored in the second storage unit to the ophthalmic imaging apparatus based on the signal transmitted from the ophthalmic imaging apparatus.

  According to the embodiment, it is possible to easily perform photographing under appropriate conditions.

Schematic showing the example of a structure of the ophthalmic system which concerns on embodiment. Schematic showing the example of a structure of the ophthalmologic imaging device which concerns on embodiment. Schematic showing the example of a structure of the ophthalmologic imaging device which concerns on embodiment. Schematic showing the example of a structure of the ophthalmologic imaging device which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart showing the example of operation | movement of the ophthalmic system which concerns on embodiment. Schematic for demonstrating the example of operation | movement of the ophthalmic system which concerns on embodiment. Schematic for demonstrating the example of operation | movement of the ophthalmic system which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart showing the example of operation | movement of the ophthalmic system which concerns on embodiment. Schematic for demonstrating the example of operation | movement of the ophthalmic system which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart showing the example of operation | movement of the ophthalmic system which concerns on embodiment. Schematic for demonstrating the example of operation | movement of the ophthalmic system which concerns on embodiment. Schematic for demonstrating the example of operation | movement of the ophthalmic system which concerns on embodiment. Schematic for demonstrating the example of operation | movement of the ophthalmic system which concerns on embodiment. Schematic for demonstrating the example of operation | movement of the ophthalmic system which concerns on embodiment. Schematic for demonstrating the example of operation | movement of the ophthalmic system which concerns on embodiment. Schematic showing the example of a structure of the ophthalmic system which concerns on a modification.

  An example of an embodiment of an ophthalmic system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the technique described in the literature referred in this specification, and arbitrary well-known techniques can be used for embodiment.

  The ophthalmic system according to the embodiment has a function for creating an imaging protocol, a function for managing the created imaging protocol, and a function for providing the managed imaging protocol to the ophthalmic imaging apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, the shooting protocol includes shooting conditions and shooting procedures. The imaging protocol managed by the ophthalmologic system is not limited to the imaging protocol created using this system. For example, the ophthalmic system can manage imaging protocols input from the outside of this system and imaging protocols provided in advance.

  An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus applicable to the embodiment is arbitrary. In an exemplary embodiment, the ophthalmic imaging apparatus may be any one of OCT, fundus camera, SLO, slit lamp microscope, surgical microscope, or the like, or a combination of two or more. Further, the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus may have a function as an ophthalmologic measuring apparatus. Examples of the ophthalmologic measurement apparatus include an eye refraction inspection apparatus, a tonometer, a specular microscope, and a wave front analyzer.

  In the embodiment described below as an example, an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus having an OCT function and a fundus camera function is applied. In this specification, information (signal) acquired by OCT may be referred to as OCT information (OCT signal). In particular, an image acquired by OCT may be referred to as an OCT image. In addition, a measurement operation for forming an OCT image may be referred to as OCT measurement.

  In the following embodiments, a so-called swept source OCT equipped with a variable wavelength light source and a balanced photodiode is applied. However, types other than the swept source, such as Spectral Domain OCT and En-face OCT, can be applied.

  Spectral domain OCT splits light from a low-coherence light source into measurement light and reference light, and generates interference light by causing the return light of the measurement light from the test object to interfere with the reference light. In this method, a spectral distribution is detected by a spectroscope, and an image is formed by applying Fourier transform or the like to the detected spectral distribution. In-face OCT is a method of irradiating an object to be measured with light having a predetermined beam diameter, and analyzing interference light components obtained by superimposing the reflected light and reference light in the direction of light travel. This is a method of imaging an orthogonal cross section. The in-face OCT is also referred to as a full-field OCT.

  Hereinafter, the optical axis direction of the optical system mounted on the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus is defined as the z direction (front-rear direction), the horizontal direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical system is defined as the x direction (left-right direction), and is orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical system. The vertical direction to be performed is defined as the y direction (up and down direction).

<Constitution>
An example of an ophthalmic system according to the embodiment is shown in FIG. The ophthalmic system 1000 includes a management device 2000, one or more computers 3000, and one or more ophthalmic imaging devices 4000. The management device 2000 includes one or more information processing devices. The number of computers 3000 included in the ophthalmic system 1000 is arbitrary. Similarly, the number of ophthalmologic photographing apparatuses 4000 included in the ophthalmic system 1000 is arbitrary.

  The management device 2000 and the computer 3000 can perform data communication with each other via a communication line. Similarly, the management apparatus 2000 and the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 can perform data communication with each other via a communication line. Data communication may be direct or indirect. The communication line method is arbitrary, and typically one or both of a wide area network (WAN) and a local area network (LAN) may be included.

<Management device 2000>
The management apparatus 2000 executes management of creation of an imaging protocol using the computer 3000, management of the imaging protocol, and management of provision of the imaging protocol to the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 4000. The management device 2000 includes a processor, a storage device, a communication interface, and the like.

  In this specification, the processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a programmable logic device (for example, SPLD (Simple Program LD). Circuits such as Logic Device) and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)) are included.

  For example, the processor implements the functions according to the embodiment by reading and executing a program stored in a storage device (storage circuit). In other words, the functions according to the embodiment are realized by cooperation of hardware such as a processor, a storage device, and a communication interface, and software such as general-purpose software and dedicated software.

  The management device 2000 includes a control unit 2010, a condition storage unit 2020, a protocol creation unit 2030, a protocol storage unit 2040, and a communication unit 2050.

<Control unit 2010>
The control unit 2010 controls each unit of the management apparatus 2000. The control unit 2010 includes a processor. Processing executed by the control unit 2010 will be described later.

<Condition storage unit 2020>
The condition storage unit 2020 stores shooting condition information in which two or more conditions are recorded for each of a plurality of shooting condition items. The condition storage unit 2020 includes a storage device. The imaging condition item is a type of imaging condition of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 4000. The imaging conditions are conditions set for imaging the eye to be examined. The shooting condition information is created in advance and stored in the condition storage unit 2020.

  The imaging condition items are set in advance according to the type (modality) of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 4000. When the modality is OCT, the imaging condition items include, for example, items related to OCT scanning (scanning condition items).

  Typical examples of scan condition items include items related to scan patterns (scan pattern items) and items related to scan area sizes (scan size items).

  Typical options for conditions corresponding to scan pattern items include line scan, raster scan (three-dimensional scan), circle scan, concentric scan, radial scan, cross scan, and multi-cross scan. The line scan is a scan pattern along a linear trajectory. A raster scan is a scan pattern composed of a plurality of line scans arranged in parallel to each other. The circle scan is a scan pattern along a circular locus. The concentric scan is a scan pattern composed of a plurality of circle scans arranged concentrically. The radial scan is a scan pattern composed of a plurality of line scans arranged radially. The cross scan is a scan pattern composed of two line scans arranged orthogonal to each other. The multi-cross scan is a scan pattern composed of two line scan groups orthogonal to each other (for example, each group includes five lines parallel to each other).

  The condition corresponding to the scan size item is provided according to the scan pattern, for example. The scan size of the line scan is, for example, the length of a linear locus. The scan size of the raster scan is, for example, the size of an outline (outer edge) defined by a plurality of line scans constituting the scan. When the outline is a rectangle, the size of the raster scan is defined by the horizontal length and the vertical length of the rectangle. In another example, the size of the raster scan is defined by the area of the region surrounded by the contour. In the circle scan, for example, the radius or diameter of a circular locus, or the area of a region surrounded by the locus is applied. In the concentric scan, for example, the size of the outermost circle scan is applied. In the radial scan, for example, the length of a line scan included therein or the size of a circle or a polygon formed by connecting end points of a plurality of line scans included therein is applied. In the cross scan and the multi-cross scan, for example, the length of the line scan included in the scan is applied.

  The scan pattern items are not limited to these. For example, the scan pattern item may include an item related to scan line density (scan density item), an item related to the number of scan repetitions (scan number item), an item related to the scan repetition frequency (scan frequency item), and the like.

  For any ophthalmic modality including OCT, the imaging condition item may include a subject eye designation item for designating the left eye or the right eye as the subject eye.

  The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 may be a combination of two or more modalities. For example, although details will be described later, there is an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus having an OCT function and a front photographing function. The front photographing function is a function for obtaining an image (front image) by photographing the anterior segment, the fundus, and the like from the front side. Typical examples of the front photographing function include a fundus camera function and an SLO function.

<Protocol creation unit 2030>
The protocol creation unit 2030 creates a shooting protocol based on information input using the computer 3000. The protocol creation unit 2030 includes a processor. As described above, the shooting protocol includes shooting conditions and shooting procedures.

  In this embodiment, the imaging condition items and conditions recorded in the imaging condition information are provided to the computer 3000. The computer 3000 displays a screen (graphical user interface) on which the provided information is presented. The user of the computer 3000 can specify a shooting condition item using this screen, and can also specify any of options (conditions) corresponding to the specified shooting condition item.

  In this way, the user can specify two or more conditions. Here, the two or more conditions may include the same condition or different conditions corresponding to the same photographing condition item (an example will be described later). In addition to specifying the shooting condition items and conditions, the user can specify the order (procedure) of two or more specified conditions.

  The result of the designation operation performed using the computer 3000 is sent to the management apparatus 2000. The protocol creation unit 2030 creates an imaging protocol based on the designation result sent from the computer 3000. For example, when two or more conditions and their order are specified, the protocol creation unit 2030 creates an imaging protocol in which these conditions are arranged in the order.

  Here, the protocol creation unit 2030 can refer to other information in addition to the designation result sent from the computer 3000. For example, the protocol creation unit 2030 performs predetermined preparatory operations (alignment, focusing, etc.) and / or predetermined post-processing (image processing) in accordance with two or more conditions specified in the computer 3000 and their order. , Analysis, etc.) can be added to create an imaging protocol.

<Protocol storage unit 2040>
The protocol storage unit 2040 stores the imaging protocol created by the protocol creation unit 2030. The protocol storage unit 2040 may store an imaging protocol input to the ophthalmic system 1000 from the outside and / or an imaging protocol provided in advance. The protocol storage unit 2040 includes a storage device.

<Communication unit 2050>
The communication unit 2050 performs data communication with an external device under the control of the control unit 2010. The form of this data communication is arbitrary. The communication unit 2050 includes a communication interface corresponding to a communication form.

<Computer 3000>
The computer 3000 is used for information input for creating an imaging protocol. The computer 3000 includes a control unit 3010, a user interface unit (UI unit) 3020, and a communication unit 3030.

<Control unit 3010>
A control unit 3010 controls each unit of the computer 3000. Control unit 3010 includes a processor. Processing executed by the control unit 3010 will be described later.

<User interface unit 3020>
The user interface unit 3020 includes an interface for exchanging information between the user and the computer 3000. The user interface unit 3020 includes a function for outputting information and a function for inputting information. The function of outputting information is realized by a display device, an audio output device, or the like, for example. A function for inputting information is realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, an operation panel, and the like. The user interface unit 3020 may include a touch panel, a pen tablet, and the like. The user interface unit 3020 operates under the control of the control unit 3010.

<Communication unit 3030>
The communication unit 3030 performs data communication with an external device under the control of the control unit 3010. The form of this data communication is arbitrary. The communication unit 3030 includes a communication interface corresponding to the communication form.

  Upon receiving a user instruction, the control unit 3010 controls the user interface unit 3020 (display device) to display a graphical user interface (GUI) for creating a shooting protocol. Further, the control unit 3010 controls the communication unit 3030 so as to send a transmission request for photographing condition information to the management apparatus 2000. The management device 2000 sends the shooting condition information to the computer 3000 in response to the transmission request. The communication unit 3030 of the computer 3000 receives the shooting condition information. The control unit 3010 presents shooting condition information on a graphical user interface.

  Note that the shooting condition information may be stored in the computer 3000 in advance. In this case, for example, the shooting condition information is stored in a storage device in the control unit 3010. Alternatively, the shooting condition information can be stored in a storage device accessible by the computer 3000. For example, a server in a facility where the computer 3000 is installed can be configured to store shooting condition information, and the computer 3000 can be provided with shooting condition information.

  The control unit 3010 presents the shooting condition items and conditions recorded in the shooting condition information on the graphical user interface. The user of the computer 3000 selects a shooting condition item using the user interface unit 3020 and designates one of options (conditions) corresponding to the selected shooting condition item. In this embodiment, the user designates two or more conditions and designates the order (procedure) of these conditions.

  The control unit 3010 controls the communication unit 3030 to transmit information input using the user interface unit 3020 (such as a graphical user interface) to the management apparatus 2000. The management apparatus 2000 creates an imaging protocol based on information sent from the computer 3000.

<Ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000>
The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 includes a control unit 4010, a photographing unit 4020, a user interface unit (UI unit) 4030, and a communication unit 4040.

<Control unit 4010>
The control unit 4010 controls each unit of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000. The control unit 4010 includes a processor. Processing executed by the control unit 4010 will be described later.

<Shooting unit 4020>
The imaging unit 4020 acquires an image by imaging the eye to be examined. Typically, the imaging unit 4020 includes a function of projecting light onto the eye to be examined, a function of detecting return light of the projected light, and a function of forming an image from the detection result of the return light. An example of the imaging unit 4020 will be described later.

<User interface unit 4030>
The user interface unit 4030 includes an interface for exchanging information between the user and the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000. The user interface unit 4030 includes a function for outputting information and a function for inputting information. The function of outputting information is realized by a display device, an audio output device, or the like, for example. A function for inputting information is realized by, for example, a joystick, a button, a knob, an operation panel, or the like. The user interface unit 4030 may include a touch panel and the like. The user interface unit 4030 operates under the control of the control unit 4010.

<Communication unit 4040>
The communication unit 4040 performs data communication with an external device under the control of the control unit 4010. The form of this data communication is arbitrary. The communication unit 4040 includes a communication interface corresponding to the communication form.

<Example of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000>
Examples of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 are shown in FIGS. The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus of this example has an OCT function and a fundus camera function.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus of this example includes a fundus camera unit 2, an OCT unit 100, and an arithmetic control unit 200. The retinal camera unit 2 has almost the same optical system as a conventional retinal camera. The OCT unit 100 is provided with an optical system for acquiring an OCT image of the fundus. The arithmetic control unit 200 includes a computer that executes various arithmetic processes and control processes.

  The fundus camera unit 2 is provided with an optical system for obtaining a two-dimensional image (fundus image) representing the surface form of the fundus oculi Ef of the eye E to be examined. The fundus image includes an observation image and a captured image. The observation image is, for example, a monochrome moving image formed at a predetermined frame rate using near infrared light. When the optical system is focused on the anterior segment of the eye E, the fundus camera unit 2 can acquire an observation image of the anterior segment. The captured image may be, for example, a color image obtained by flashing visible light, or a monochrome still image using near infrared light or visible light as illumination light. The fundus camera unit 2 may be configured to be able to acquire images other than these, for example, a fluorescein fluorescent image, an indocyanine green fluorescent image, a spontaneous fluorescent image, and the like.

  The fundus camera unit 2 is provided with an illumination optical system 10 and a photographing optical system 30. The illumination optical system 10 irradiates the fundus oculi Ef with illumination light. The photographing optical system 30 guides the fundus reflection light of the illumination light to an imaging device (CCD image sensor (sometimes simply referred to as a CCD) 35, 38). In addition, the imaging optical system 30 guides the measurement light from the OCT unit 100 to the eye E (fundus Ef or anterior eye portion) and guides the measurement light passing through the eye E to the OCT unit 100.

  The observation light source 11 of the illumination optical system 10 is composed of, for example, a halogen lamp. The light (observation illumination light) output from the observation light source 11 is reflected by the reflection mirror 12 having a curved reflection surface, passes through the condensing lens 13, passes through the visible cut filter 14, and is converted into near infrared light. Become. Further, the observation illumination light is once converged in the vicinity of the photographing light source 15, reflected by the mirror 16, and passes through the relay lenses 17 and 18, the diaphragm 19 and the relay lens 20. Then, the observation illumination light is reflected at the peripheral portion (region around the hole portion) of the aperture mirror 21, passes through the dichroic mirror 46, and is refracted by the objective lens 22 to illuminate the fundus oculi Ef. It is also possible to use a light emitting diode (LED) as an observation light source.

  The fundus reflection light of the observation illumination light is refracted by the objective lens 22, passes through the dichroic mirror 46, passes through the hole formed in the center region of the perforated mirror 21, passes through the dichroic mirror 55, and is focused. The light is reflected by the mirror 32 via the lens 31. Further, the fundus reflection light passes through the half mirror 39A, is reflected by the dichroic mirror 33, and forms an image on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 35 by the condenser lens. The CCD image sensor 35 detects fundus reflected light at a predetermined frame rate, for example. On the display device 3, an image (observation image) based on fundus reflection light detected by the CCD image sensor 35 is displayed. When the photographing optical system 30 is focused on the anterior segment, an observation image of the anterior segment of the eye E is displayed.

  The imaging light source 15 is constituted by, for example, a xenon lamp. The light (imaging illumination light) output from the imaging light source 15 is applied to the fundus oculi Ef through the same path as the observation illumination light. The fundus reflection light of the imaging illumination light is guided to the dichroic mirror 33 through the same path as that of the observation illumination light, passes through the dichroic mirror 33, is reflected by the mirror 36, and is reflected by the condenser lens 37 of the CCD image sensor 38. An image is formed on the light receiving surface. On the display device 3, an image (captured image) based on fundus reflection light detected by the CCD image sensor 38 is displayed. Note that the display device 3 that displays the observation image and the display device 3 that displays the captured image may be the same or different. In addition, when similar imaging is performed by illuminating the eye E with infrared light, an infrared captured image is displayed. It is also possible to use an LED as a photographing light source.

  An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 39 displays a fixation target and an eyesight measurement index. The fixation target is an index for fixing the eye E to be examined, and is used at the time of fundus photographing or OCT measurement.

  A part of the light output from the LCD 39 is reflected by the half mirror 39 </ b> A, reflected by the mirror 32, passes through the hole of the perforated mirror 21 through the photographing focusing lens 31 and the dichroic mirror 55. The light that has passed through the hole of the perforated mirror 21 passes through the dichroic mirror 46, is refracted by the objective lens 22, and is projected onto the fundus oculi Ef.

  By changing the display position of the fixation target on the screen of the LCD 39, the fixation position of the eye E can be changed. The fixation position of the eye E includes, for example, a position for acquiring an image similar to that of a conventional fundus camera. Examples of such an image include an image centered on the macular portion of the fundus oculi Ef, an image centered on the optic disc, and an image centered on the fundus center between the macula portion and the optic disc. It is also possible to arbitrarily change the display position of the fixation target.

  Further, the fundus camera unit 2 is provided with a focus optical system 60 as in the conventional fundus camera. The alignment optical system 50 generates an index (alignment index) for performing alignment (alignment) of the apparatus optical system with respect to the eye E. The focus optical system 60 generates an index (split index) for focusing on the fundus oculi Ef.

  The light (alignment light) output from the LED 51 of the alignment optical system 50 is reflected by the dichroic mirror 55 via the apertures 52 and 53 and the relay lens 54, and passes through the hole portion of the perforated mirror 21. The light that has passed through the hole of the perforated mirror 21 passes through the dichroic mirror 46 and is projected onto the cornea of the eye E by the objective lens 22.

  The cornea-reflected light of the alignment light passes through the objective lens 22, the dichroic mirror 46, and the hole, part of which passes through the dichroic mirror 55, passes through the photographing focusing lens 31, is reflected by the mirror 32, and is half The light passes through the mirror 39A. The light transmitted through the half mirror 39 </ b> A is reflected by the dichroic mirror 33 and projected onto the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 35 by the condenser lens 34. The light reception image (alignment index) by the CCD image sensor 35 is displayed on the display device 3 together with the observation image. The user performs alignment by performing the same operation as that of a conventional fundus camera. Further, the arithmetic control unit 200 may perform alignment by analyzing the position of the alignment index and moving the optical system (auto-alignment function). In this embodiment, since auto-alignment can be executed using OCT information as will be described later, it is not an essential matter that auto-alignment using an alignment index is possible. However, it is possible to configure so that the auto alignment using the alignment index can be performed when the auto alignment using the OCT information is not successful. Moreover, you may comprise so that the auto alignment using an OCT information and the auto alignment using an alignment parameter | index can be used selectively.

  When performing the focus adjustment, the reflecting surface of the reflecting rod 67 is obliquely provided on the optical path of the illumination optical system 10. The light (focus light) output from the LED 61 of the focus optical system 60 passes through the relay lens 62, is separated into two light beams by the split indicator plate 63, and passes through the two-hole aperture 64. The light that has passed through the two-hole aperture 64 is reflected by the mirror 65, and once formed on the reflecting surface of the reflecting bar 67 by the condenser lens 66 and reflected. Further, the focus light passes through the relay lens 20, is reflected by the perforated mirror 21, passes through the dichroic mirror 46, is refracted by the objective lens 22, and is projected onto the fundus oculi Ef.

  The fundus reflection light of the focus light is detected by the CCD image sensor 35 through the same path as the cornea reflection light of the alignment light. A light reception image (split index) by the CCD image sensor 35 is displayed on the display device 3 together with the observation image. The arithmetic control unit 200 analyzes the position of the split index and moves the photographing focusing lens 31 and the focus optical system 60 to perform focusing as in the conventional case (autofocus function). Alternatively, focusing may be performed manually while visually checking the split indicator.

  The dichroic mirror 46 branches the optical path for OCT measurement from the optical path for fundus photography. The dichroic mirror 46 reflects light in a wavelength band used for OCT measurement and transmits light for fundus photographing. In this OCT measurement optical path, a collimator lens unit 40, an optical path length changing unit 41, an optical scanner 42, an OCT focusing lens 43, a mirror 44, and a relay lens 45 are sequentially arranged from the OCT unit 100 side. Is provided.

  The optical path length changing unit 41 is movable in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2, and changes the optical path length of the optical path for OCT measurement (the optical path of measurement light). This change in the optical path length is used for correcting the optical path length according to the axial length of the eye E, adjusting the interference state, moving the region depicted in the OCT image, and the like. The optical path length changing unit 41 includes, for example, a corner cube and a moving mechanism (moving mechanism 41A described later) that moves the corner cube.

  The optical scanner 42 changes the traveling direction of light (measurement light LS) passing through the optical path for OCT measurement. Thereby, the fundus oculi Ef or the anterior segment can be scanned with the measurement light LS. The optical scanner 42 includes, for example, a galvanometer mirror that scans the measurement light LS in the x direction, a galvanometer mirror that scans in the y direction, and a mechanism that drives these independently. Thereby, the measurement light LS can be scanned in an arbitrary direction on the xy plane.

  An example of the configuration of the OCT unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The OCT unit 100 is provided with an optical system for acquiring an OCT image of the eye E. The area may be a peripheral area of the eye E including the eye E (for example, the cornea). This optical system has a configuration similar to that of a conventional swept source OCT. That is, this optical system divides the light from the tunable light source into measurement light and reference light, and causes interference light to interfere with the return light of the measurement light from the eye E and the reference light that has passed through the reference light path. An interference optical system configured to generate and detect the interference light. The detection result (detection signal) of the interference light by the interference optical system is an interference signal indicating the spectrum of the interference light, and is sent to the arithmetic control unit 200.

  In addition, when the spectral domain OCT is applied, a low coherence light source and a spectroscope are used. In general, the OCT unit 100 has a known configuration corresponding to the type of OCT.

  The light source unit 101 includes a variable wavelength light source capable of sweeping the wavelength of the emitted light, as in a general swept source OCT. The wavelength tunable light source includes a laser light source including a resonator. For example, the light source unit 101 temporally changes the output wavelength in a near-infrared wavelength band that cannot be visually recognized by the human eye.

  The light L0 output from the light source unit 101 is guided to the polarization controller 103 by the optical fiber 102 and its polarization state is adjusted. The polarization controller 103 adjusts the polarization state of the light L0 guided through the optical fiber 102, for example, by applying stress from the outside to the looped optical fiber 102.

  The light L0 whose polarization state is adjusted by the polarization controller 103 is guided to the fiber coupler 105 by the optical fiber 104, and is divided into the measurement light LS and the reference light LR.

  The reference light LR is guided to the collimator 111 by the optical fiber 110 and becomes a parallel light beam. The reference light LR that has become a parallel light beam is guided to the corner cube 114 via the optical path length correction member 112 and the dispersion compensation member 113. The optical path length correction member 112 functions as a delay unit for matching the optical path length (optical distance) of the reference light LR and the optical path length of the measurement light LS. The dispersion compensation member 113 functions as a dispersion compensation means for matching the dispersion characteristics between the reference light LR and the measurement light LS.

  The corner cube 114 folds the traveling direction of the reference light LR that has become a parallel light beam by the collimator 111 in the reverse direction. The optical path of the reference light LR incident on the corner cube 114 and the optical path of the reference light LR emitted from the corner cube 114 are parallel. The corner cube 114 is movable in a direction along the incident optical path and the outgoing optical path of the reference light LR. By this movement, the length of the optical path of the reference light LR is changed.

  In this example, the optical path length changing unit 41 for changing the length of the optical path (measurement optical path, measurement arm) of the measurement light LS and the length of the optical path (reference optical path, reference arm) of the reference light LR are changed. Both corner cubes 114 are provided, but a configuration in which only one of them is provided can be applied. Moreover, you may change the difference between measurement optical path length and reference optical path length using optical members other than these.

  The reference light LR that has passed through the corner cube 114 passes through the dispersion compensation member 113 and the optical path length correction member 112, is converted from a parallel light beam to a focused light beam by the collimator 116, and enters the optical fiber 117. The reference light LR incident on the optical fiber 117 is guided to the polarization controller 118 and the polarization state of the reference light LR is adjusted.

  For example, the polarization controller 118 has the same configuration as the polarization controller 103. The reference light LR whose polarization state is adjusted by the polarization controller 118 is guided to the attenuator 120 by the optical fiber 119, and the light quantity is adjusted under the control of the arithmetic control unit 200. The reference light LR whose light amount has been adjusted by the attenuator 120 is guided to the fiber coupler 122 by the optical fiber 121.

  On the other hand, the measurement light LS generated by the fiber coupler 105 is guided by the optical fiber 127 and converted into a parallel light beam by the collimator lens unit 40. The measurement light LS converted into a parallel light beam is guided to the dichroic mirror 46 via the optical path length changing unit 41, the optical scanner 42, the OCT focusing lens 43, the mirror 44, and the relay lens 45. The measurement light LS guided to the dichroic mirror 46 is reflected by the dichroic mirror 46, refracted by the objective lens 22, and irradiated to the eye E. The measurement light LS is scattered (and reflected) at various depth positions of the eye E. The return light of the measurement light LS including such backscattered light travels in the reverse direction on the same path as the forward path, is guided to the fiber coupler 105, and reaches the fiber coupler 122 via the optical fiber 128.

  The fiber coupler 122 combines (interferes) the measurement light LS incident through the optical fiber 128 and the reference light LR incident through the optical fiber 121 to generate interference light. The fiber coupler 122 branches the interference light between the measurement light LS and the reference light LR at a predetermined branching ratio (for example, 1: 1), thereby generating a pair of interference lights LC. The pair of interference lights LC emitted from the fiber coupler 122 are guided to the detector 125 by optical fibers 123 and 124, respectively.

  The detector 125 is, for example, a balanced photodiode that includes a pair of photodetectors that respectively detect a pair of interference lights LC and outputs a difference between detection results obtained by the pair of photodetectors. The detector 125 sends the detection result (interference signal) to a DAQ (Data Acquisition System) 130.

  The clock 130 is supplied from the light source unit 101 to the DAQ 130. The clock KC is generated in synchronization with the output timing of each wavelength swept by the wavelength variable light source within the set wavelength range (wavelength sweep width) in the light source unit 101. For example, the light source unit 101 optically delays one of the two branched lights obtained by branching the light L0 of each output wavelength, and then generates a clock KC based on the result of detecting these combined lights. Generate. The DAQ 130 samples the detection result of the detector 125 based on the clock KC. The DAQ 130 sends the sampled detection result of the detector 125 to the arithmetic control unit 200.

  In addition, in order to cope with the case where the measurement range (imaging range) is changed, a function of changing the sampling timing can be provided. Further, the DAQ 130 may acquire the detection result of the detector 125 without using the clock KC.

  The arithmetic control unit 200 performs a Fourier transform or the like on the spectrum distribution based on the detection result obtained by the detector 125 for each series of wavelength scans (for each A line), for example, thereby obtaining a reflection intensity profile in each A line. Form. Further, the arithmetic control unit 200 can image the reflection intensity profile of each A line.

  The configuration of the arithmetic control unit 200 will be described. The arithmetic control unit 200 analyzes the interference signal input from the detector 125 to form an OCT image of the eye E or calculates the intraocular distance of the eye E. The arithmetic processing for forming the OCT image and the processing for calculating the intraocular distance are the same as those of the conventional swept source OCT.

  The arithmetic control unit 200 controls each part of the fundus camera unit 2, the display device 3, and the OCT unit 100. For example, the arithmetic control unit 200 displays the OCT image of the eye E to be examined, the calculation result of the intraocular distance, and the like on the display device 3.

  The arithmetic control unit 200 includes, for example, a microprocessor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk drive, a communication interface, and the like, as in a conventional computer. A storage device such as a hard disk drive stores a computer program for controlling the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus of this example. The arithmetic control unit 200 may include various circuit boards, for example, a circuit board for forming an OCT image. The arithmetic control unit 200 may include an operation device (input device) such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display device such as an LCD.

  The configuration of the control system (processing system) of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, some components of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus are omitted.

  The arithmetic control unit 200 includes a control unit 210, an image forming unit 220, and a data processing unit 230. The control unit 210 includes, for example, a microprocessor, RAM, ROM, hard disk drive, communication interface, and the like. The control unit 210 includes a main control unit 211 and a storage unit 212.

  The main control unit 211 performs the various controls described above. For example, the main control unit 211 controls the movement mechanisms 31A, 41A and 43A, the CCD image sensors 35 and 38, the LCD 39, and the optical scanner 42 of the fundus camera unit 2. The main control unit 211 also controls the light source unit 101, the reference drive unit 114A, the detector 125, and the DAQ 130 of the OCT unit 100.

  The moving mechanism 31 </ b> A moves the photographing focusing lens 31 along the optical axis of the photographing optical system 30. Thereby, the focus position of the photographic optical system 30 is changed. The moving mechanism 41A moves the corner cube constituting the optical path length changing unit 41 along the optical path of the measuring light LS. Thereby, the optical path length of the measurement arm is changed. The moving mechanism 43A moves the OCT focusing lens 43 along the optical path of the measurement light LS. Thereby, the focus position of the measurement arm is changed.

  114 A of reference drive parts move the corner cube 114 provided in the reference arm. Thereby, the optical path length of the reference arm is changed.

  The optical system driving unit 1A moves the apparatus optical system in a three-dimensional manner (x direction, y direction, and z direction). The optical system driving unit 1A is used for alignment and tracking.

  The storage unit 212 stores various data. Examples of data stored in the storage unit 212 include an OCT image, a fundus image, and eye information to be examined. The eye information includes information about the subject such as patient ID and name, and information about the eye such as left / right eye identification information. The storage unit 212 stores a computer program and data for operating the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus of this example.

  The image forming unit 220 forms a tomographic image of the eye E based on the signal input from the DAQ 130. This processing includes processing such as noise removal (noise reduction), filter processing, and FFT (Fast Fourier Transform). The image formed by such processing is a data set corresponding to the reflection intensity profiles in a plurality of A lines.

  The data processing unit 230 performs various data processing (image processing and the like) and analysis processing on the image of the eye E. For example, the data processing unit 230 performs image correction such as luminance correction and dispersion correction. In addition, the data processing unit 230 executes formation, rendering, and the like of volume data (voxel data).

  The data processing unit 230 includes, for example, a microprocessor, RAM, ROM, hard disk drive, circuit board, and the like. A storage device such as a hard disk drive stores a computer program for causing the microprocessor to execute the above functions.

  The user interface 240 includes a display unit 241 and an operation unit 242. The display unit 241 includes the display device of the arithmetic control unit 200 and the display device 3 described above. The display unit 241 may include a touch panel or the like provided on the housing of the fundus camera unit 2. The operation unit 242 includes the operation device of the arithmetic control unit 200 described above. The operation unit 242 may include buttons and keys provided on the housing of the apparatus or outside.

<Operation>
The operation of the ophthalmic system 1000 will be described.

<Operation example 1>
An example of the operation of the ophthalmic system 1000 for creating an imaging protocol using the computer 3000 is shown in FIG.

(S1: Start creating shooting protocol)
First, a person who wants to newly create an imaging protocol performs an operation on the computer 3000 to start creating an imaging protocol. This operation is performed using the user interface unit 3020.

  This operation is, for example, an operation for starting application software for creating a photographing protocol. Alternatively, this operation is, for example, an operation on a software key (such as a shooting protocol creation start button) provided in predetermined application software.

(S2: Send creation request)
When the operation of step S <b> 1 is performed, the control unit 3010 generates a signal (creation request signal) for requesting creation of an imaging protocol using the computer 3000 and sends the signal to the communication unit 3030. The communication unit 3030 transmits this creation request signal to the management apparatus 2000.

  The creation request signal includes, for example, identification information (device ID, address information, etc.) of the computer 3000 or user identification information (user ID).

  When the management apparatus 2000 manages the shooting protocol for each predetermined type and manages shooting condition information for each type of shooting protocol, the user can specify the type of the shooting protocol in step S1. For example, the target disease name, eye region, subject attributes (age, gender, etc.), imaging purpose (health checkup, medical examination, diagnosis, etc.) can be specified as the type of imaging protocol. In this case, the creation request signal includes the designated shooting protocol type.

(S3: Send shooting condition information)
The communication unit 2050 of the management apparatus 2000 receives the creation request signal transmitted from the computer 3000 and sends it to the control unit 2010. When receiving the creation request signal, the control unit 2010 reads out (any one of) the shooting condition information stored in the condition storage unit 2020 and sends it to the communication unit 2050. The communication unit 2050 transmits the photographing condition information to the computer 3000.

  When the creation request signal includes the shooting protocol type, the control unit 2010 searches the condition storage unit 2020 for shooting condition information corresponding to the shooting protocol type, and sends it to the communication unit 2050. The communication unit 2050 transmits the searched shooting condition information to the computer 3000.

(S4: Display condition items and conditions)
The communication unit 3030 of the computer 3000 receives the shooting condition information transmitted from the management device 2000 and sends it to the control unit 3010. The control unit 3010 presents the shooting condition items and conditions recorded in the shooting condition information on a predetermined screen displayed on the user interface unit 3020.

  An example of a screen displayed on the computer 3000 is shown in FIG. The screen 300 includes a shooting protocol presentation area 310 and a shooting condition presentation unit 320.

  The imaging protocol presenting unit 310 presents imaging protocols (imaging conditions and their order) created by the user. The imaging protocol presentation unit 310 is provided with a plurality of ordered frames in which imaging conditions selected by the user are respectively presented.

  The shooting condition presentation unit 320 presents various shooting conditions based on the shooting condition information. The imaging condition presentation unit 320 of this example includes an eye designation condition presentation unit 321, a three-dimensional scan condition presentation unit 322, a two-dimensional scan condition presentation unit 323, and a scan direction condition presentation unit 324. .

  In the eye designation condition presentation unit 321, imaging condition groups included in the eye designation item for designating the left eye or the right eye as the eye to be examined are presented as selectable software keys. The eye designation condition presentation unit 321 in this example is provided with a “right eye movement” key and a “left eye movement” key. The “move right eye” key is clicked to designate the right eye as the eye to be examined. In other words, the “right eye movement” key is clicked to cause the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 to perform an operation of moving the optical system to the right eye side. Similarly, the “move left eye” key is clicked to designate the left eye as the eye to be examined, that is, to cause the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 to perform an operation of moving the optical system to the left eye side.

  In the three-dimensional scan condition presentation unit 322, a group of imaging conditions for performing a three-dimensional scan by OCT is presented as a selectable software key group. The three-dimensional scan condition presentation unit 322 of this example is provided with a “3D 3 × 3 mm” key, a “3D 6 × 6 mm” key, and a “3D 9 × 9 mm” key. The “3D 3 × 3 mm” key is clicked to cause the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 4000 to perform an OCT scan on a square area of 3 mm wide × 3 mm long on the surface of the fundus oculi Ef. The “3D 6 × 6 mm” key is clicked to cause the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 4000 to perform an OCT scan on a square area of 6 mm wide × 6 mm long on the surface of the fundus oculi Ef. The “3D 9 × 9 mm” key is clicked to cause the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 to perform an OCT scan on a square area of 9 mm wide × 9 mm long on the surface of the fundus oculi Ef. Here, the horizontal direction and the vertical direction are, for example, the x direction and the y direction, respectively.

  In the two-dimensional scan condition presentation unit 323, a group of imaging conditions for performing a two-dimensional scan with OCT is presented as a selectable software key group. The two-dimensional scan condition presentation unit 323 of this example is provided with a “2D 3 mm” key, a “2D 6 mm” key, and a “2D 9 mm” key. The “2D 3 mm” key is clicked to cause the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 4000 to perform an OCT scan for a line having a length of 3 mm on the surface of the fundus oculi Ef. The “2D 6 mm” key is clicked to cause the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 4000 to perform an OCT scan for a line having a length of 6 mm on the surface of the fundus oculi Ef. The “2D 9 mm” key is clicked to cause the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 4000 to perform an OCT scan for a line having a length of 9 mm on the surface of the fundus oculi Ef.

  The scanning direction condition presenting unit 324 presents a group of photographing conditions for designating the direction of line scanning as a selectable software key group. The scan direction condition presenting unit 324 of this example is provided with a “horizontal scan” key and a “vertical scan” key. The “lateral scan” key is clicked to cause the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 4000 to perform an OCT scan on a line extending in the horizontal direction (x direction). The “vertical scan” key is clicked to cause the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 4000 to perform an OCT scan for a line extending in the vertical direction (y direction).

  The graphical user interface shown in FIG. 6 is merely an example, and the presentation mode of the software key, the type of shooting condition item to be presented, the type of shooting condition to be presented, and the like are not limited to this example.

(S5: Specify shooting conditions)
The user uses the screen displayed on the computer 3000 to specify the shooting conditions and their order.

  An example of specifying shooting conditions and order when the screen 300 is displayed will be described. First, the user clicks the first frame in the imaging protocol presentation unit 310. Next, the user selects and clicks the software key corresponding to the shooting condition input in the first frame from the shooting condition presentation unit 320. In this example, it is assumed that the first frame and the “move right eye” key are clicked. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the character string “right eye movement” is displayed in the first frame.

  Next, the user clicks the second frame in the imaging protocol presentation unit 310 and then clicks the “3D 3 × 3 mm” key in the three-dimensional scan condition presentation unit 322. Thereby, the character string “3D 3 × 3 mm Scan” is displayed in the second frame.

  Next, the user clicks the third frame in the imaging protocol presentation unit 310, clicks the “2D 6 mm” key in the two-dimensional scan condition presentation unit 323, and further “vertical scan” key in the scan direction condition presentation unit 324 Click. Thereby, the character string “2D length 6 mm Scan” is displayed in the third frame.

  Next, the user clicks the fourth frame in the imaging protocol presentation unit 310, and further clicks the “left eye movement” key in the eye designation condition presentation unit 321. Thereby, the character string “left eye movement” is displayed in the fourth frame.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, in addition to the shooting conditions and order described above, the character string “3D 3 × 3 mm Scan” is displayed in the fifth frame, and the character string “2D vertical 6 mm Scan” is displayed in the sixth frame. ing.

(S6: Operation finished?)
When the specification of the shooting conditions and the order is completed, that is, when the setting of the shooting protocol is completed, the user performs a predetermined operation for ending the input operation using the user interface 3020.

(S7: Send the specified result)
In response to the input end operation being performed, the control unit 3010 controls the communication unit 3030 to transmit the imaging condition and the result of specifying the order to the management apparatus 2000.

(S8: Create shooting protocol)
The communication unit 2050 of the management apparatus 2000 receives the designation result transmitted from the computer 3000 in step S7. The control unit 2010 sends this designation result to the protocol creation unit 2030. The protocol creation unit 2030 creates a shooting protocol based on the designation result. The created imaging protocol is sent to the control unit 2010.

(S9: Store shooting protocol)
The control unit 2010 stores the imaging protocol newly created in step S8 in the protocol storage unit 2040. At this time, information indicating the type and attribute of the shooting protocol and the creator (the user) may be stored in the protocol storage unit 2040 together with the shooting protocol. This is the end of the operation example shown in FIG.

  A computer 3000 can be used to change existing imaging protocols. For example, the user inputs identification information of a desired imaging protocol into the computer 3000. The computer 3000 sends the input protocol identification information to the management apparatus 2000. The management apparatus 2000 searches the protocol storage unit 2040 for a shooting protocol corresponding to the protocol identification information and sends it to the computer 3000.

  The computer 3000 displays this shooting protocol. For example, a plurality of shooting conditions included in the shooting protocol can be presented in a predetermined order on the shooting protocol presentation unit 310 of the screen 300 shown in FIG.

  The user clicks a frame in which a shooting condition to be changed is presented among a plurality of frames provided in the shooting protocol presentation unit 310. Further, the user clicks a software key corresponding to the imaging condition newly input in the designated frame among the plurality of software keys provided in the imaging condition presentation unit 320. By repeating such processing, the existing photographing protocol can be corrected, corrected, and edited.

  The graphical user interface of the screen 300 shown in FIG. 6 is configured to be able to simultaneously specify shooting condition items and conditions. On the other hand, it is also possible to employ a graphical user interface that separately designates imaging condition items and conditions.

  For example, the graphical user interface includes software key groups (button groups, tab groups, etc.) corresponding to a plurality of shooting condition items. When the user clicks one of these software keys, the computer 3000 displays a software key group (such as a button group) corresponding to a plurality of conditions (options) related to the imaging condition item corresponding to the clicked software key. By clicking any of these software keys, it is possible to specify conditions in the shooting condition item.

<Operation example 2>
An example of the operation of the ophthalmologic system 1000 for performing imaging using the imaging protocol managed by the management apparatus 2000 is shown in FIG.

(S21: Start of shooting)
First, the user of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 performs an operation for starting photographing of the eye to be examined. This operation is performed using the user interface unit 4030 of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000.

  This operation is, for example, activation of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000, activation of application software, or input of patient identification information. Alternatively, this operation is, for example, an operation on a software key (shooting start button or the like) provided in predetermined application software.

(S22: Send protocol provision request)
When the operation in step S21 is performed, the control unit 4010 generates a signal (providing request signal) for requesting provision of the imaging protocol and sends the signal to the communication unit 4040. The communication unit 4040 transmits this provision request signal to the management apparatus 2000.

  The provision request signal includes, for example, identification information (device ID, address information, etc.) of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000, a type (modality type) of the ophthalmic photographing apparatus 4000, and the like.

  When the management apparatus 2000 manages the shooting protocol for each predetermined type, the user can specify the type of the shooting protocol in step S21. For example, the target disease name, eye region, subject attributes (age, gender, etc.), imaging purpose (health checkup, medical examination, diagnosis, etc.) can be specified as the type of imaging protocol. In this case, the provision request signal includes the designated photographing protocol type.

(S23: Search for shooting protocol)
The communication unit 2050 of the management apparatus 2000 receives the provision request signal transmitted from the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 4000 and sends it to the control unit 2010. Upon receiving the provision request signal, the control unit 2010 reads out one of the imaging protocols stored in the protocol storage unit 2040. At this time, the control unit 2010 searches for an imaging protocol corresponding to information (search query) included in the provision request signal.

(S24: Send shooting protocol)
The control unit 2010 sends one or more imaging protocols searched in step S23 to the communication unit 2050. The communication unit 2050 transmits one or more imaging protocols to the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 4000.

(S25: Displays shooting protocol)
The communication unit 4040 of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 4000 receives one or more imaging protocols transmitted from the management apparatus 2000 and sends them to the control unit 4010. The control unit 4010 presents one or more shooting protocols on a predetermined screen displayed on the user interface unit 4030.

  An example of a screen displayed on the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 is shown in FIG. The screen 400 displays an observation image 410 acquired by the fundus camera function of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and an OCT moving image 420 acquired by live OCT imaging. Here, live OCT imaging is an imaging technique in which a predetermined scan pattern (typically line scan) is repeatedly executed at a predetermined frequency.

  Further, the screen 400 is provided with a photographing protocol presentation area 430. In the imaging protocol presentation area 430, information representing one or more imaging protocols transmitted from the management apparatus 2000 is presented. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, information (names and the like) indicating three imaging protocols is presented. Here, the information representing the imaging protocol includes, for example, the name of the target disease, the target site, the imaging purpose (health checkup, medical examination, diagnosis, etc.), the name of the creator, the name of the organization to which the creator belongs. In addition, the number of times of application of the imaging protocol, the frequency of application, etc. can be presented.

(S26: Select shooting protocol)
The user uses the user interface 4030 to select a desired one from the imaging protocols presented on the screen. When the screen 400 shown in FIG. 9 is applied, the user clicks a desired one of the photographing protocols presented in the photographing protocol presentation area 430.

(S27: Shooting)
The control unit 4010 performs imaging of the eye to be examined by controlling the imaging unit 420 based on the imaging protocol selected in step S26. Thus, the eye to be examined can be imaged while applying the imaging conditions included in the selected imaging protocol in the order defined in the imaging protocol. This is the end of the operation example shown in FIG.

<Operation example 3>
FIG. 10 shows another example of the operation of the ophthalmic system 1000 for performing imaging using an imaging protocol managed by the management apparatus 2000.

(S41-S46)
Steps S41 to S46 are the same as steps S21 to S26 in FIG.

  In this example, in step S45 (displaying an imaging protocol), the control unit 4010 of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 4000 displays, for example, the screen 500 shown in FIG. 11 on the user interface unit 4030. On the screen 500, information representing one or more photographing protocols transmitted from the management apparatus 2000 is presented. In the example shown in FIG. 11, information (names and the like) indicating three imaging protocols is presented. Here, the information indicating the imaging protocol may include, for example, a target disease name, a target site, an imaging purpose (health checkup, medical examination, diagnosis, etc.), a creator name, a creator's organization name, and the like. . In addition, the number of times of application of the imaging protocol, the frequency of application, etc. can be presented. Furthermore, similarly to the screen 400 shown in FIG. 9, the screen 500 may present an observation image of the fundus oculi Ef or a live OCT image.

  The user of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 can select a desired one from the photographing protocols presented on the screen 500 by operating the user interface unit 4030 (S46). Here, it is assumed that “imaging protocol 1” is selected.

  When “shooting protocol 1” is selected, the control unit 4010 causes the user interface unit 4030 to display the shooting conditions and order recorded in “shooting protocol 1”. An example of a screen on which information related to the selected imaging protocol is presented is shown in FIG.

  In the screen 600 shown in FIG. 12, the name of the selected photographing protocol is presented (reference numeral 605). Further, the shooting conditions recorded in the shooting protocol are arranged and presented on the screen 600 in the order recorded in the shooting protocol (reference numeral 610). This is the same as the imaging protocol presentation area 310 of the screen 300 shown in FIG.

  In addition, the screen 600 is provided with an imaging condition presentation unit 620 on which various imaging conditions are presented. The shooting condition presentation unit 620 is the same as the shooting condition presentation unit 320 of the screen 300 shown in FIG. The screen 600 also includes a “new protocol registration” key 630 that is clicked when requesting registration of a newly set shooting protocol.

(S47: Do you want to change the protocol?)
When the imaging protocol presented on the screen 600 is applied as it is (S47: No), the user performs a predetermined operation. In this case, the process proceeds to step S51.

  On the other hand, when the imaging protocol presented on the screen 600 is changed (S47: Yes), the process proceeds to step S48.

(S48: Change shooting protocol)
The photographing protocol is changed in the same manner as in the case of the screen 300 shown in FIG. For example, when it is desired to change any of the shooting conditions presented in the shooting protocol presentation area 610 of FIG. 12, the user clicks on the area where the shooting conditions are presented.

  When a desired shooting condition is clicked, the control unit 4010 changes the display mode of the area where the specified shooting condition is presented. For example, when the imaging condition of order “2” in “imaging protocol 1” is designated, the control unit 4010 changes the display mode of the presentation area to the display mode indicating the input enabled state (reference numeral 611 in FIG. 13). See).

  Subsequently, the user selects a photographing condition newly input in the designated order “2” from the photographing condition group presented in the photographing condition presentation unit 620. For example, when the “3D 6 × 6 mm” key 625 is clicked, the control unit 4010 changes the imaging condition corresponding to the order “2” from “3D 3 × 3 mm Scan” to “3D 6 × 6 mm Scan” (FIG. 14 reference 612).

  When the same shooting condition is applied to both the left eye and the right eye as in this example, when the shooting condition corresponding to one eye is changed, the shooting condition corresponding to the other eye is automatically changed. be able to. Or you may comprise so that the imaging condition corresponding to the other eye can be set beforehand. Further, a dialog box or the like for instructing whether or not to change the imaging condition corresponding to the other eye may be displayed.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, in addition to the change of the imaging condition corresponding to the order “2”, the imaging condition “2D 9 mm Scan” corresponding to the order “4” is newly inserted (see reference numeral 613). As a result, the shooting conditions corresponding to the order “4” to “6” before the change are shifted backward one by one.

  Furthermore, the imaging condition “3D 3 × 3 mm Scan” shifted to the order “6” is changed to a new “3D 6 × 6 mm Scan” (see reference numeral 614), and the same imaging condition “4” as the order “4”. "2D 9mm Scan" has been newly added to the order "8" (see reference numeral 615).

  When a new shooting condition is added to one of the left eye and the right eye, the same shooting condition can be automatically added to the other eye. Or you may comprise so that it can set in advance whether the said imaging condition is added to imaging | photography of the other eye. Further, a dialog box or the like for instructing whether or not to add the imaging condition to the imaging of the other eye may be displayed.

(S49: Send change result)
When the change of the photographing protocol is completed, the user clicks a “new protocol registration” key 630. When “new protocol registration” key 630 is clicked, control unit 4010 causes user interface unit 4030 to display a screen for registering a new imaging protocol. An example of this screen is shown in FIG.

  A screen 700 shown in FIG. 15 presents a fundus image 710 and an image (scan pattern image) 720 showing a scan pattern. The fundus image 710 is, for example, an image of the fundus oculi Ef of the eye E or a schematic diagram of the fundus oculi.

  A scan pattern image 720 illustrated in FIG. 15 represents the imaging condition “2D 9 mm Scan” corresponding to the order “4” (or the order “8”) in FIG. 14. The scan line indicated by the scan pattern image 720 is inclined 45 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the vertical direction. Such a scan line is set by using, for example, a software key (not shown) for rotating the scan line presented on the screen 600. Alternatively, the scan line may be dragged to change its orientation.

  The scan pattern presented on the screen 700 may be any imaging condition (scanning condition) included in the imaging protocol being considered. For example, the newly added scan condition and / or the changed scan condition in step S48 can be presented as a scan pattern image. In addition, the scanning conditions included in the imaging protocol being considered may be configured to be presented simultaneously, sequentially, or selectively.

  The screen 700 is further provided with an input frame 730 for inputting a name of a new photographing protocol. The user can input a desired name using a keyboard or the like. Or you may comprise so that the name of a new imaging | photography protocol may be automatically provided according to a predetermined rule.

  With such a screen 700, the user can confirm the contents of a new photographing protocol or input the name. When adding this new photographing protocol to the photographing protocol library (database), the user clicks a “new registration” key 740. When the “new registration” key 740 is operated, the control unit 4010 controls the communication unit 4040 to transmit new shooting protocol information (change result of the existing shooting protocol) to the management apparatus 2000.

(S50: Record the shooting protocol after the change)
The communication unit 2050 of the management apparatus 2000 receives information on the new imaging protocol transmitted from the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 4000. The control unit 2010 stores the new photographing protocol in the protocol storage unit 2040. At this time, after the protocol creation unit 2030 executes any of the processes described above, the processing result (imaging protocol) may be stored in the protocol storage unit 2040.

  If the user does not want to record the imaging protocol newly set in step S48, the process may proceed to step S51 without performing steps S49 to S50. In this case, this new imaging protocol is applied only to the current imaging.

(S51: Shooting)
The control unit 4010 performs imaging of the eye to be inspected by controlling the imaging unit 420 based on the imaging protocol selected in step S46 or the imaging protocol changed in step S48. Thus, the eye to be examined can be imaged while applying the imaging conditions included in the selected or changed imaging protocol in the order defined in the imaging protocol. This is the end of the operation example shown in FIG.

<effect>
The effects of the ophthalmic system according to the embodiment will be described.

  The ophthalmologic system according to the embodiment includes a first storage unit, a display control unit, a designation operation unit, a creation unit, a second storage unit, a user interface unit, an imaging unit, and an imaging control unit. The first storage unit, the display control unit, the designation operation unit, the creation unit, and the second storage unit operate to create and save the imaging protocol. In addition, the user interface unit, the imaging unit, and the imaging control unit operate to image the eye to be examined based on the imaging protocol.

  In the first storage unit, shooting condition information in which two or more conditions are recorded for each of the plurality of shooting condition items is stored in advance. In the ophthalmic system 1000 according to the embodiment, the condition storage unit 2020 of the management device 2000 corresponds to the first storage unit.

  The display control unit causes the display unit to display the photographing condition information stored in the first storage unit. In the ophthalmic system 1000 according to the above embodiment, the control unit 3010 of the computer 3000 corresponds to a display control unit, and the user interface unit 3020 corresponds to a display unit. The display unit may or may not be included in the ophthalmic system.

  For each of two or more shooting condition items of the plurality of shooting condition items stored in the first storage unit, the designation operation unit has at least one condition out of two or more conditions corresponding to the shooting condition item. Used to specify. Furthermore, the designation operation unit is used to designate the order of two or more conditions designated in this way. In the ophthalmic system 1000 according to the above embodiment, the user interface unit 3020 corresponds to the designation operation unit.

  The creation unit creates the imaging protocol based on two or more conditions and order designated using the designation operation unit. In the ophthalmic system 1000 according to the embodiment, the protocol creation unit 2030 of the management device 2000 corresponds to the creation unit.

  The imaging protocol created by the creation unit is stored in the second storage unit. In the ophthalmic system 1000 according to the embodiment, the protocol storage unit 2040 of the management device 2000 corresponds to the second storage unit.

  The user interface unit is used to select one of the one or more photographing protocols stored in the second storage unit. In the ophthalmic system 1000 according to the above embodiment, the user interface unit 4030 of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 corresponds to the user interface unit.

  The imaging unit acquires an image by imaging the eye to be examined. The imaging target may be, for example, the anterior eye part, the posterior eye part, the peripheral part of the eye, and the like. In the ophthalmic system 1000 according to the above embodiment, the imaging unit 4020 of the ophthalmic imaging apparatus 4000 corresponds to the imaging unit.

  The imaging control unit controls the imaging unit based on the imaging protocol selected using the user interface unit. In the ophthalmic system 1000 according to the above embodiment, the control unit 4010 of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 corresponds to the photographing control unit.

  According to the ophthalmologic system according to such an embodiment, first, information for creating an imaging protocol can be provided to the user, so that an imaging protocol creation operation can be easily performed.

  Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic system according to the embodiment, the imaging protocol created in this way can be stored and provided at the time of imaging. By creating an imaging protocol by an ophthalmologist or a skilled doctor, an appropriate imaging protocol can be easily applied.

  Therefore, not only ophthalmologists and their medical staff who are proficient in equipment and radiography, but also users who are unfamiliar with the equipment and radiography, such as medical staff for medical checkups, can easily perform radiography under appropriate conditions. Is possible.

  In the ophthalmologic system according to the embodiment, the imaging unit may be capable of executing OCT. Specifically, the imaging unit may include an OCT optical system and an OCT image forming unit. The OCT optical system divides the light from the light source into measurement light and reference light, scans the eye with the measurement light, and superimposes the return light of the measurement light from the eye with the reference light to generate interference light Detecting interference light. In the ophthalmic system 1000 according to the above embodiment, the elements forming the measurement arm in the optical system shown in FIG. 2 and the optical system shown in FIG. 3 correspond to the OCT optical system. The OCT image forming unit forms an image based on the detection result of the interference light acquired by the OCT optical system. In the ophthalmic system 1000 according to the above embodiment, the image forming unit 220 (and the DAQ 130) illustrated in FIG. 4 corresponds to the OCT image forming unit.

  When the imaging unit can execute OCT, the plurality of imaging condition items stored in the first storage unit may include scan condition items related to scanning by the OCT optical system. Examples of scan condition items include items related to scan patterns (scan pattern items) and items related to scan area sizes (scan size items). In the above-described embodiment, these examples are shown in the three-dimensional scan condition presenting unit 322, the two-dimensional scan condition presenting unit 323, and the scan direction condition presenting unit 324 shown in FIG.

  According to such an embodiment, even a user who is unfamiliar with OCT with complicated setting of imaging conditions can easily perform OCT under appropriate conditions. In particular, OCT can be performed with an appropriate scan pattern and an appropriate scan area size.

  In the ophthalmologic system according to the embodiment, the plurality of imaging condition items stored in the first storage unit may include an eye designation item for designating the left eye or the right eye as the eye to be examined. In the above embodiment, this example is shown in the eye designation condition presentation unit 321 shown in FIG.

  According to such an embodiment, for example, a protocol for photographing both the left and right eyes as in screening can be easily created.

  In the ophthalmologic system according to the embodiment, the user interface unit may include a display device and an operation device. The display device displays a list of one or more photographing protocols stored in the second storage unit. In the above embodiment, the user interface unit 4030 of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 corresponds to the operation apparatus, and an example of this list is shown on the screen 500 shown in FIG. The operating device is used to designate one of the one or more photographing protocols presented in this list. In the above embodiment, the user interface unit 4030 of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 corresponds to the operating device.

  According to such an embodiment, the user of the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus 4000 can easily select a desired one from among photographing protocols stored in the second storage unit.

  Furthermore, the display device of the user interface unit may be configured to display shooting condition information. In this case, the operating device can be used to change any one of the one or more photographing protocols stored in the second storage unit based on the photographing condition information. In the above embodiment, shooting condition information is presented to the shooting condition presentation unit 620 shown in FIG.

  According to such an embodiment, since the existing imaging protocol can be arbitrarily changed, the imaging protocol is appropriately set according to the imaging purpose, the condition of the subject, the condition of the eye to be examined, the user's preference, and the like. You can change the shooting.

  The ophthalmic system 1000 according to the above embodiment includes a management device 2000, a computer 3000, and an ophthalmologic photographing device 4000. However, in other embodiments, the ophthalmic system need not include all of these.

  For example, the ophthalmic system may not include a computer (3000) and an ophthalmic imaging apparatus (4000) for creating an imaging protocol. In this case, the ophthalmologic system can perform data communication with the computer, and includes a first storage unit, a transmission unit, a reception unit, a creation unit, and a second storage unit. Such an ophthalmic system includes, for example, an information processing apparatus such as a server.

  In the first storage unit, shooting condition information in which two or more conditions are recorded for each of the plurality of shooting condition items is stored in advance. The condition storage unit 2020 of the management apparatus 2000 according to the embodiment corresponds to the first storage unit.

  The transmission unit transmits the photographing condition information stored in the first storage unit to the computer. The communication unit 2050 of the management apparatus 2000 according to the above embodiment corresponds to a transmission unit that transmits imaging condition information to the computer 3000.

  The user of the computer, for each of two or more shooting condition items of the plurality of shooting condition items stored in the first storage unit, at least one condition from two or more conditions corresponding to the shooting condition item Can be specified. Furthermore, the computer user can specify the order of two or more conditions specified in this way. The receiving unit receives two or more conditions designated by the user and their order using a computer. The communication unit 2050 of the above embodiment corresponds to such a receiving unit.

  The creation unit creates an imaging protocol based on two or more conditions and order received by the reception unit. The protocol creation unit 2030 of the management apparatus 2000 of the above embodiment corresponds to the creation unit.

  The imaging protocol created by the creation unit is stored in the second storage unit. The protocol storage unit 2040 of the management apparatus 2000 of the above embodiment corresponds to the second storage unit.

  According to such an ophthalmologic system, information for creating an imaging protocol can be provided to a computer user, so that an imaging protocol can be easily created.

  In the ophthalmic system 1000 according to the above-described embodiment, the management apparatus 2000 creates an imaging protocol based on information input to the computer. However, the imaging protocol may be created by the computer. In this case, the ophthalmic system can perform data communication with the computer, and includes a first storage unit, a transmission unit, a reception unit, and a second storage unit. A function corresponding to the creation unit is provided in the computer. Such an ophthalmic system includes, for example, an information processing apparatus such as a server.

  In the first storage unit, shooting condition information in which two or more conditions are recorded for each of the plurality of shooting condition items is stored in advance. The condition storage unit 2020 of the management apparatus 2000 according to the embodiment corresponds to the first storage unit.

  The transmission unit transmits the photographing condition information stored in the first storage unit to the computer. The communication unit 2050 of the management apparatus 2000 according to the above embodiment corresponds to a transmission unit that transmits imaging condition information to the computer 3000.

  The user of the computer, for each of two or more shooting condition items of the plurality of shooting condition items stored in the first storage unit, at least one condition from two or more conditions corresponding to the shooting condition item Can be specified. Furthermore, the computer user can specify the order of two or more conditions specified in this way. The computer creates an imaging protocol based on two or more conditions specified by the user and their order. The receiving unit receives an imaging protocol created by the computer. The communication unit 2050 of the above embodiment corresponds to such a receiving unit.

  The second storage unit stores the imaging protocol received by the receiving unit. The protocol storage unit 2040 of the management apparatus 2000 of the above embodiment corresponds to the second storage unit.

  According to such an ophthalmologic system, information for creating an imaging protocol can be provided to a computer user, so that an imaging protocol can be easily created.

  Next, an embodiment of an ophthalmologic system that does not include an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus will be described. Such an ophthalmic system can perform data communication with an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus, and includes a first storage unit, a display control unit, a designation operation unit, a creation unit, a second storage unit, and a transmission unit. Including.

  In the first storage unit, shooting condition information in which two or more conditions are recorded for each of the plurality of shooting condition items is stored in advance. The condition storage unit 2020 of the management apparatus 2000 according to the embodiment corresponds to the first storage unit.

  The display control unit causes the display unit to display the photographing condition information stored in the first storage unit. The control unit 3010 of the computer 3000 according to the above embodiment corresponds to a display control unit, and the user interface unit 3020 corresponds to a display unit. The display unit may or may not be included in the ophthalmic system.

  For each of two or more shooting condition items of the plurality of shooting condition items stored in the first storage unit, the designation operation unit has at least one condition out of two or more conditions corresponding to the shooting condition item. Used to specify. Furthermore, the designation operation unit is used to designate the order of two or more conditions designated in this way. The user interface unit 3020 of the above embodiment corresponds to the designation operation unit.

  The creation unit creates the imaging protocol based on two or more conditions and order designated using the designation operation unit. The protocol creation unit 2030 of the management apparatus 2000 of the above embodiment corresponds to the creation unit.

  The imaging protocol created by the creation unit is stored in the second storage unit. The protocol storage unit 2040 of the above embodiment corresponds to the second storage unit.

  The transmission unit transmits one of the one or more imaging protocols stored in the second storage unit to the ophthalmic imaging apparatus based on the signal (providing request signal) transmitted from the ophthalmic imaging apparatus. The communication unit 2050 of the above embodiment corresponds to a transmission unit.

  According to the ophthalmologic system according to such an embodiment, first, information for creating an imaging protocol can be provided to the user, so that an imaging protocol creation operation can be easily performed. Further, the created imaging protocol can be stored and provided to the ophthalmic imaging apparatus. Therefore, even a user who is unfamiliar with the apparatus and shooting can easily perform shooting under appropriate conditions.

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

  For example, there are cases where the information input for creating the imaging protocol is inappropriate, or the created imaging protocol is inappropriate. For example, if fundus OCT is performed after fundus imaging using visible light, the pupil of the subject's eye may be reduced (miosis) by fundus imaging, and the subsequent fundus OCT may not be suitably performed. A function for preventing such an inappropriate imaging protocol from being registered can be provided in the ophthalmic system.

  An example of such an ophthalmic system is shown in FIG. An ophthalmic system 1000A shown in FIG. 16 has substantially the same configuration as the ophthalmic system 1000 according to the above embodiment. The difference from the ophthalmologic system 1000 is that the management apparatus 2000A of this modification includes a determination unit 2060.

  The determination unit 2060 stores in advance information (combination information) indicating a combination of two or more predetermined conditions and / or information (order information) indicating the order of two or more predetermined conditions. The combination information and the order information are created by, for example, a specialist or a skilled doctor.

  In the combination information, a combination of two or more conditions determined not to be included in a single photographing protocol is recorded. As examples of such combinations, there are combinations that may cause longer imaging time and combinations that may increase the burden on the subject.

  In the order information, an order determined to be inappropriate among various orders of two or more conditions is recorded. As an example of such an order, there is an order in which the preceding shooting condition may adversely affect the subsequent shooting condition.

  In the first example, the determination unit 2060 (first determination unit) corresponds to one of combinations in which two or more conditions specified using the computer 3000 (designated operation unit) are recorded in the combination information. Judge whether to do. This determination process is executed in parallel with, for example, a condition specifying operation using the computer 3000. In this case, every time the user designates a condition, the computer 3000 sends the designated condition to the management apparatus 2000A. The determination unit 2060 executes the determination process in real time, and the determination result is sent to the computer 3000.

  When it is determined that the combination of two or more conditions specified by the user of the computer 3000 corresponds to one of the combinations recorded in the combination information, the computer 3000 outputs a warning message and / or a warning sound, for example.

  In the second example, the determination unit 2060 (second determination unit) corresponds to one of the orders in which the order of two or more conditions specified using the computer 3000 (designated operation unit) is recorded in the order information. Judge whether to do. This determination process is also executed in real time as described above, for example. The same applies to the warning output.

  In the third example, the determination unit 2060 (third determination unit) corresponds to one of combinations in which the combination of two or more conditions included in the imaging protocol created by the protocol creation unit 2030 is recorded in the combination information. Judge whether to do. In other words, the determination unit 2060 determines whether any of the combinations recorded in the combination information is included in the created imaging protocol. This determination process is executed, for example, immediately after the protocol creation unit 2030 creates a shooting protocol.

  When it is determined that a combination of two or more conditions included in the created imaging protocol corresponds to one of the combinations recorded in the combination information, the computer 3000 outputs, for example, a warning message and / or a warning sound. .

  In the fourth example, the determination unit 2060 (fourth determination unit) corresponds to one of the orders in which the order of two or more conditions included in the imaging protocol created by the protocol creation unit 2030 is recorded in the order information. Judge whether to do. In other words, the determination unit 2060 determines whether any of the orders recorded in the order information is included in the created imaging protocol. This determination process is also executed immediately after the protocol creation unit 2030 creates a shooting protocol, for example.

  By providing such a determination unit 2060, it is possible to prevent an inappropriate imaging protocol from being created and an inappropriate imaging protocol from being registered.

  Any one of the first determination unit, the second determination unit, the third determination unit, and the fourth determination unit may be provided in an ophthalmic system that does not include the computer (3000) and / or the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus (4000). .

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

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

1000, 1000A Ophthalmic system 2000, 2000A Management device 2010 Control unit 2020 Condition storage unit 2030 Protocol creation unit 2040 Protocol storage unit 2050 Communication unit 2060 Determination unit 3000 Computer 3010 Control unit 3020 User interface unit 3030 Communication unit 4000 Ophthalmic imaging device 4010 Control unit 4020 Image capturing unit 4030 User interface unit 4040 Communication unit

Claims (14)

A first storage unit in which shooting condition information in which two or more conditions are recorded for each of a plurality of shooting condition items is stored;
A display control unit for displaying the photographing condition information on a display unit;
To specify at least one condition from among two or more conditions corresponding to each of two or more shooting condition items of the plurality of shooting condition items, and to specify the order of the two or more specified conditions Designated operation part of
A creation unit that creates a photographing protocol based on the two or more conditions and the order designated using the designation operation unit;
A second storage unit that stores the imaging protocol created by the creation unit;
A user interface unit for selecting one of the one or more photographing protocols stored in the second storage unit;
An imaging unit for imaging the eye to be examined;
An ophthalmic system including: an imaging control unit that controls the imaging unit based on an imaging protocol selected using the user interface unit. The photographing unit
The light from the light source is divided into measurement light and reference light, the eye to be examined is scanned with the measurement light, and the return light of the measurement light from the eye to be examined is superimposed on the reference light to generate interference light An optical system for detecting the interference light;
An image forming unit that forms an image based on a detection result of the interference light acquired by the optical system, and
The ophthalmic system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of imaging condition items include scan condition items related to scanning by the optical system. The ophthalmic system according to claim 2, wherein the scan condition item includes an item related to a scan pattern by the optical system. The ophthalmic system according to claim 2, wherein the scan condition item includes an item related to a size of a scan area by the optical system. The ophthalmologic system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of imaging condition items include an eye designation item for designating the left eye or the right eye as the eye to be examined. The first determination unit that determines whether the combination of the two or more conditions specified by using the specifying operation unit corresponds to a predetermined combination. 6. Ophthalmic system. The second determination unit that determines whether an order of the two or more conditions specified by using the specifying operation unit corresponds to a predetermined order is included. Ophthalmic system. The 3rd determination part which determines whether the combination of two or more conditions included in the photography protocol created by the creation part corresponds to a predetermined combination is included. The described ophthalmic system. The 4th determination part which determines whether the order of two or more conditions included in the photography protocol created by the creation part corresponds to a predetermined order is included. The described ophthalmic system. The user interface unit includes:
A display device for displaying a list of the one or more photographing protocols stored in the second storage unit;
The ophthalmologic system according to claim 1, further comprising: an operating device for designating any one of the one or more imaging protocols presented in the list. The display device displays the shooting condition information,
The ophthalmologic system according to claim 10, wherein the operation device is used to change any one of the one or more imaging protocols based on the imaging condition information. An ophthalmic system capable of data communication with a computer,
A first storage unit in which shooting condition information in which two or more conditions are recorded for each of a plurality of shooting condition items is stored;
A transmission unit for transmitting the photographing condition information to the computer;
At least one condition specified using the computer from two or more conditions corresponding to each of two or more shooting condition items of the plurality of shooting condition items, and the corresponding specified using the computer A receiving unit for receiving an order of two or more conditions;
A creation unit that creates a photographing protocol based on the two or more conditions and the order received by the reception unit;
An ophthalmic system comprising: a second storage unit storing the imaging protocol created by the creation unit. An ophthalmic system capable of data communication with a computer,
A first storage unit in which shooting condition information in which two or more conditions are recorded for each of a plurality of shooting condition items is stored;
A transmission unit for transmitting the photographing condition information to the computer;
At least one condition specified using the computer from two or more conditions corresponding to each of two or more shooting condition items of the plurality of shooting condition items, and the corresponding specified using the computer A receiving unit that receives an imaging protocol created based on an order of two or more conditions;
An ophthalmologic system comprising: a second storage unit that stores the imaging protocol received by the receiving unit. An ophthalmic system capable of data communication with an ophthalmic imaging apparatus,
A first storage unit in which shooting condition information in which two or more conditions are recorded for each of a plurality of shooting condition items is stored;
A display control unit for displaying the photographing condition information on a display unit;
To specify at least one condition from among two or more conditions corresponding to each of two or more shooting condition items of the plurality of shooting condition items, and to specify the order of the two or more specified conditions Designated operation part of
A creation unit that creates a photographing protocol based on the two or more conditions and the order designated using the designation operation unit;
A second storage unit that stores the imaging protocol created by the creation unit;
An ophthalmic system comprising: a transmission unit that transmits one of the one or more imaging protocols stored in the second storage unit to the ophthalmic imaging device based on a signal transmitted from the ophthalmic imaging device.

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