JP2019058786A - Slit lamp microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve operability of a slit lamp microscope.SOLUTION: A slit lamp microscope according to an embodiment preliminarily stores operation mode information indicating operation contents of one or more operation modes. An illumination system includes two or more light sources having different output wavelengths. An illumination wavelength is related to one of the operation modes. When the illumination wavelength is related to a specified operation mode, a control unit performs control so as to cause one of the two or more light sources to output light on the basis of the illumination wavelength.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a slit lamp microscope.

  The slit lamp microscope is used to observe various parts of the subject's eye in various manners. Typical observation sites include the eyelid, cornea, conjunctiva, sclera, iris, angle, lens, vitreous body, retina and the like. In addition, various conditions are set according to the observation site and purpose. Typical observation conditions include the light amount (intensity), wavelength and pattern of illumination light, illumination angle, focus position, observation angle, and filter.

JP 2001-37726 A

  In the conventional slit lamp microscope, the observation conditions are manually set for each eye to be examined and further for each observation site and purpose. Slit lamp microscopes are also used very often in medical practice, also referred to as ophthalmologist's stethoscope. Therefore, at present, the setting of various observation conditions is performed manually and frequently.

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

  The slit lamp microscope according to the embodiment moves an illumination system that illuminates an eye to be examined with slit light, an observation system that guides return light of slit light from the eye to an eyepiece and / or an imaging device, and the illumination system. And at least one of the illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism for each of one or more operation modes. A storage unit for storing operation mode information associated with one operation content in advance, a designation unit for specifying the operation mode, and specifying the operation content associated with the specified operation mode with reference to the operation mode information And a control unit that controls at least one of the illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism based on the identified operation content; The system includes two or more light sources having different output wavelengths, and the operation mode information includes an illumination wavelength associated with any one of the one or more operation modes, and the operation mode designated by the designation unit When an illumination wavelength is associated with the light source, the control unit causes one of the two or more light sources to output light based on the illumination wavelength.

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

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

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

  First, define the direction. In the apparatus optical system, the direction from the lens (objective lens) positioned closest to the subject to the subject is referred to as the forward direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the backward direction. Further, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the front direction is taken as the left and right direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is the vertical direction.

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

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

  A support portion 15 is provided on the upper surface of the base 4. A support arm 16 for supporting the observation system 6 is attached to the support portion 15 so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction. A support arm 17 supporting the illumination system 8 is attached to the upper portion of the support arm 16 so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction. The support arms 16 and 17 are configured to be rotatable coaxially independently of each other. The pivoting of the support arm 16 may be performed manually or via an actuator. Thereby, the observation system 6 is rotated. Likewise, the pivoting of the support arm 17 is performed manually or via an actuator. Thereby, the illumination system 8 is rotated. Further, a mechanism (which may include an actuator) for rotating the observation system 6 in the vertical direction and a mechanism (which may include an actuator) for rotating the illumination system 8 in the vertical direction may be provided. It is also good.

  The illumination system 8 illuminates the eye E with illumination light. By moving the illumination system 8, the irradiation direction (illumination angle) of the illumination light to the eye E is changed. The observation system 6 has a pair of left and right optical systems for guiding the return light of the illumination light from the eye E to be examined. These optical systems are accommodated in the barrel body 9. The examiner observes the eye E through the eyepiece 9a. Further, the eye to be examined E can be photographed through the observation system 6. By moving the barrel body 9 (observation system 6), the direction (observation angle) for observing the eye E is changed. The return light of the illumination light includes, for example, at least one of reflected light, scattered light and fluorescence.

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

  An observation magnification control knob 11 for manually changing the observation magnification is disposed on the side surface of the barrel body 9. An imaging device 13 for imaging the eye E is connected to the barrel body 9. The imaging device 13 includes a photoelectric conversion element (imaging element) which detects light and outputs an electric signal (image signal). The image signal is input to the computer 100. The imaging device is, for example, a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor. At a lower position of the illumination system 8, a mirror 12 that reflects the illumination light flux output from the illumination system 8 toward the eye to be examined E is disposed.

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

[Observation system]
The observation system 6 includes a pair of left and right optical systems. The left and right optical systems have (almost) similar configurations. The left and right optical systems enable binocular observation and stereo photography of the eye E. Only one of the left and right optical systems is shown in FIG. The symbol O1 indicates the optical axis (observation optical axis) of the observation system 6 (one of the left and right optical systems).

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

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

  The variable magnification optical system 32 includes a plurality of (for example, two) variable magnification lenses 32 a and 32 b. At least a portion of the plurality of lenses included in the variable magnification optical system 32 is movable along the observation optical axis O1. Thereby, the magnification (field angle) of the observation image of the eye to be examined E and the photographed image can be changed. The change of magnification is performed by operating the observation magnification operation knob 11 or through an actuator. The variable magnification optical system 32 may include a plurality of variable magnification lenses (groups) that can be selectively disposed in the light path (observation light path) of the observation system 6.

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

  The prism unit 36 includes two optical elements 36a and 36b, and translates the traveling direction of light upward. The left and right prisms 36 are movable in the left-right direction in accordance with the distance between the left and right eyes of the examiner. Furthermore, the left and right prisms 36 may be capable of changing the angle between the pair of optical paths toward the left and right eyepieces 37. Thereby, the convergence angle (parallax) for stereoscopic observation with binocular vision is changed. When changing the convergence angle, the left prism unit 36 and the left eyepiece lens 37 move integrally, and the right prism unit 36 and the right eyepiece lens 37 move integrally. That is, when changing the convergence angle, the left eyepiece 9a and the right eyepiece 9a move relative to each other.

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

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

  The illumination diaphragm 53 is configured to be able to change the size of its light transmitting portion. The illumination diaphragm 53 is used to reduce the reflection of the illumination light by the cornea Ec and the lens, and to adjust the brightness of the illumination light.

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

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

  A projector is an example of a configuration for generating slit light. The projector is a device capable of outputting light of a preset pattern. The projector can output slit light of a preset width, length and direction. In addition, the projector may be capable of outputting light of any color or color tone.

  The projector may have a known configuration using a digital micromirror device. The projector may further be configured to include a light source. As this light source, there are an LED, a light source capable of outputting light of each color component of RGB, and the like. The projector may further include a relay optical system, a collimator lens, a projection lens, and the like. Also, the projector may include LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), MEMS, or an optical scanner (such as a galvano scanner) capable of scanning one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. Also, the projector may use an LCD (transmission type, reflection type). Such a configuration is known, and thus the detailed description is omitted.

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

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

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

[Storage unit]
The storage unit 120 stores various types of information. In particular, operation mode information is stored in advance in the storage unit 120. The operation mode information is information associating operation contents of at least one of an optical system, a drive mechanism, a data processing unit 130, a display device, a communication device, a printing device and the like with each operation mode.

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

  The operation mode information 120a illustrated in FIG. 4 includes, as the site mode, "extraocular segment mode", "cornea and tear film mode", "cornea mode", "anterior chamber, corner angle and iris mode", " A lens mode, a "vitreous mode", a "fundus posterior pole mode" and a "fundus peripheral mode" are provided. Further, as operation items associated with each of these operation modes, an operation item of the illumination system 8 and an operation item of the observation system 6 are provided.

  The operation items of the illumination system 8 include "brightness" indicating the light amount (luminance) of the illumination light, "pattern" indicating the pattern (shape) of the illumination light, and "angle" indicating the arrangement (angle) of the illumination system 8. And “wavelength” indicating the wavelength of the illumination light. Note that the “wavelength” may include at least one of the wavelength of light output from the light source 51 and the wavelength selected by a wavelength selection element (such as a filter) in the optical path. "Visible light (blue)" in the column of "wavelength" indicates using blue or near blue visible light that is highly scattered in the transmitting body.

  Furthermore, in FIG. 4, the type of illumination light used in each operation mode is recorded. "Background" indicates background illumination for illuminating the anterior eye part, the eyelid, and the periphery thereof. "Diffusion" indicates the use of a diffuser to illuminate the subject's eye with uniform brightness. “Beam large” indicates, for example, that illumination is performed in a state where both the illumination diaphragm 53 and the slit forming portion 55 are open. "Slit" indicates the use of slit light. "Cross section" indicates observing a cross section using slit light.

  The operation items of the observation system 6 include a “range” indicating a region to be observed (a range of the eye), a “focus position” indicating a focus position (focus state) of the observation system 6, and an arrangement of the observation system 6 "Angle" indicating the angle, "gain" indicating the gain of the imaging device 13 (the imaging device 43), and "filter" indicating the wavelength selection element (filter etc.) disposed in the observation system 6; "Congestion" indicating the convergence angle formed by the eye 9a is included. Note that "AG" in the "gain" column indicates auto gain. Also, "barrier" in the "filter" column indicates a barrier filter for fluorescence contrast observation. Further, in FIG. 4, the type of auxiliary optical member used in each operation mode is recorded (triangular mirror, eyepiece).

The operation item “angle” of each of the illumination system 8 and the observation system 6 indicates an angle based on a predetermined direction (0 degree). The reference direction is, for example, a directly facing position with respect to the subject eye. When the operation item “pattern” is “slit” or the like, the illumination system 8 and the observation system 6 are located on the opposite side to the reference direction. For example, the rotation angle of the predetermined direction is defined as "positive direction" with respect to the reference direction, in a case where the rotation angle of the reverse direction is defined as a "negative direction", the illumination system 8 "+ theta ₁ ° In the case where the observation system 6 is disposed at “−θ ₂ degrees”. At this time, θ ₁ and θ ₂ may be equal to or different from each other. θ ₁ and θ ₂ are predetermined angles within the range of angles indicated in the respective operation contents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Operation]
The operation of the slit lamp microscope 1 will be described. 5 and 6 show typical examples of the operation. FIG. 5 shows a flow of an example of executing a manually or automatically designated operation mode. FIG. 6 shows a flow of an example of semiautomatically specifying an operation mode.

[Operation example 1]
(S1: specify the operation mode)
First, the operation mode is specified manually or automatically. In the case of the manual operation, the control unit 110 causes the display device of the user interface 140 to display a predetermined screen for selecting an operation mode. The user uses the operating device to select an operating mode. The control unit 110 recognizes the designation result of the operation mode performed in this manner.

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

(S2: Identify the operation content)
The control unit 110 specifies the operation content associated with the operation mode specified in step S1 by referring to the operation mode information 120a. As an example, when the cornea mode is designated, the following operation content is obtained: brightness "strong" of the illumination system 8, pattern "slit", angle "(+/-) 0 to 30 degrees", wavelength "visible light" (Blue) "; focusing position" corneal cross section "of observation system 6, angle" (-/ +) 0-30 degrees ", gain" AG ", filter" none ", convergence" 13 degrees ".

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

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

The control regarding observation system 6 is explained. The control unit 110 controls the focusing drive unit 31A so that the cross section of the cornea Ec is in focus. Thereby, the objective lens 31 (or the focus lens) is disposed at a predetermined position. Control unit 110, the angle "0 (-) 30 degrees" to control the observation moving mechanism 6A (observation direction changing mechanism) so as to place the predetermined angle + theta ₂ to the observation optical axis O1 in. The control unit 110 switches the gain setting of the imaging device 13 to the automatic gain. The control unit 110 controls the wavelength selection unit 38 to retract the filter from the observation light path. The control unit 110 controls the prism drive unit 36A so that the convergence angle is set to 13 degrees.

  In addition, it is also possible to perform control other than the control illustrated here, and not to perform any of the control illustrated here.

(S4: start of observation)
When the control of step S3 is completed, the user starts observation. At this time, control unit 110 can notify that the control in step S3 is completed, for example, by visual information or auditory information. Furthermore, the user can arbitrarily change the state realized by the control of step S3 using the user interface 140. Also, the user can arbitrarily change any variable condition in the slit lamp microscope 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Operation / effect]
The operation and effects of the embodiment will be described.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the embodiment, the observation system includes a focusing system (objective lens 31, focus lens, etc.). The in-focus position ("in-focus position") is associated with any of the one or more operation modes in the operation mode information. When the in-focus position is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit can control the in-focus system based on the in-focus position.

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

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

  In the embodiment, the observation system includes binocular optical systems (a pair of left and right optical systems in the observation system 6) for guiding return light to the pair of eyepieces and / or the pair of imaging devices. The binocular optical system changes a direction of a convergence angle changing unit (a prism drive unit 36A, a stereo variator, a pair of imaging devices for changing a relative angle of a pair of lights toward the pair of eyepieces and / or the pair of imaging devices Mechanisms, etc.). In the operation mode information, a convergence angle ("congestion") is associated with any of one or more operation modes. When the convergence angle is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit can control the convergence angle change unit based on the convergence angle.

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

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

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

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

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

Second Embodiment
In the field of ophthalmology as well as in the field of medical care in general, follow-up observation and pre- and postoperative observation are widely performed. In such a medical practice, the same region of a subject (eye to be examined) is observed a plurality of times. In this embodiment, a slit lamp microscope configured to designate a current operation mode with reference to an operation mode applied in the past in order to smoothly perform follow-up observation and the like will be described.

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

  The slit lamp microscope shown in FIG. 7 is configured to be able to obtain information from the electronic medical record system 200. In addition, it is also possible to apply the composition which can acquire information from databases (systems) other than an electronic medical record system. The electronic medical record system 200 manages electronic medical records for each patient.

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

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

  The communication unit 150 receives information (observation record including one or more operation mode types) transmitted from the electronic medical record system 200 and sends the information to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 can specify the operation mode indicated by the information input from the communication unit 150 as the current operation mode. Then, the control unit 110 executes control based on the designated operation mode in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

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

Third Embodiment
A slit lamp microscope may be used to sequentially observe various parts of an eye to be examined. For example, such observation is performed to find a disease at the time of initial examination. Such observations are also made to observe disease states across multiple sites. In this embodiment, a convenient configuration in such a case will be described.

  The slit lamp microscope of this embodiment may have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the drawings of the first embodiment will be referred to. The operation content is associated with each of a plurality of operation modes (part mode) in the operation mode information 120a.

  In this embodiment, two or more of these operation modes are designated. As a typical example, it is assumed that a corneal mode, an anterior chamber, a corner, an iris mode, and a crystalline mode are selected. In addition, the operation mode including several operation modes implemented continuously may be provided beforehand. For example, "anterior segment mode" may be provided, including corneal mode, anterior chamber-corner-angle-iris mode, and crystalline mode. Also, the execution order of some operation modes (sub operation modes) may be set in advance (continuous operation mode information). Alternatively, the analysis unit similar to that of the first embodiment identifies the site of the eye E and designates the sub operation mode based on the identified site (or the site designated by the user from among the identified options). You may do it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The several configurations described above are merely typical examples for implementing the present invention. A person who intends to practice the present invention can perform any modification, addition, omission, substitution and the like within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 slit lamp microscope 6 observation system 6A observation movement mechanism 8 illumination system 8A illumination movement mechanism 110 control unit 120 storage unit 120a operation mode information 130 data processing unit 140 user interface

Claims (2)

An illumination system for illuminating the subject's eye with slit light;
An observation system for guiding return light of slit light from the subject's eye to an eyepiece and / or an imaging device;
An illumination moving mechanism for moving the illumination system;
An observation movement mechanism for moving the observation system;
A storage unit which stores in advance operation mode information in which at least one operation content of the illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism is associated with each of one or more operation modes;
A designation unit for designating an operation mode;
The operation content associated with the specified operation mode is specified with reference to the operation mode information, and based on the specified operation content, at least the illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism And a control unit that controls one,
The illumination system includes two or more light sources having different output wavelengths,
An illumination wavelength is associated with any of the one or more operation modes in the operation mode information,
When an illumination wavelength is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit causes light to be output to any one of the two or more light sources based on the illumination wavelength. microscope. An illumination system for illuminating the subject's eye with slit light;
An observation system for guiding return light of slit light from the subject's eye to an eyepiece and / or an imaging device;
An illumination moving mechanism for moving the illumination system;
An observation movement mechanism for moving the observation system;
A storage unit which stores in advance operation mode information in which at least one operation content of the illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism is associated with each of one or more operation modes;
A designation unit for designating an operation mode;
The operation content associated with the specified operation mode is specified with reference to the operation mode information, and based on the specified operation content, at least the illumination system, the observation system, the illumination movement mechanism, and the observation movement mechanism And a control unit that controls one,
The illumination system includes a light source having a variable output wavelength,
An illumination wavelength is associated with any of the one or more operation modes in the operation mode information,
A slit lamp microscope, wherein when the illumination wavelength is associated with the operation mode designated by the designation unit, the control unit changes the output wavelength of the light source based on the illumination wavelength.

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