JP3230251B2 - Slit lamp microscope - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slit lamp microscope for illuminating an eye to be examined with slit light in an ophthalmological medical examination, and for observing and photographing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A slit lamp microscope is a type of microscope used by medical personnel such as ophthalmologists to observe an eye to be examined with slit light. The observation image photographing by the slit lamp microscope is performed by mounting a photographing device in the middle of the observation optical path and guiding a part or all of the observation light to the imaging surface by the optical path changing member. As the optical path changing member, a beam splitter, a half mirror or a reflection mirror is used. There are various types of photographing devices, and one or two photographing devices are mounted as required by the photographer.

A conventional example in which one photographing device is mounted on a slit lamp microscope will be described with reference to FIG. 7, reference numeral 1 denotes a slit lamp unit, 2 denotes a variable power objective microscope unit, 3 denotes a photographing device unit, 4 denotes a binocular eyepiece microscope unit, 5 denotes an eyepiece unit, and 7 denotes an eye to be examined. A beam splitter (or a half mirror) 3b is used as an optical path changing member in the photographing apparatus 3, and the member is manually moved into and out of the observation optical path.

The illumination light source lamp 1 in the slit lamp unit 1
The illumination light emitted from 1 is a condenser lens group 1b
, The width of which is adjusted by the slit width adjusting mechanism 12, and then the light is vertically deflected by the reflecting mirror 1d. The vertically polarized illumination light is applied to the eye 7 to be inspected. The reflected light from the eye to be examined passes through the objective lens 2b and the variable power lens group 2c of the variable power objective microscope unit 2 as observation light. Objective lens 2
b, Observation light that has passed through the variable power lens group 2c is split and deflected by the beam splitter 3b of the photographing unit 3. The observation light deflected by the beam splitter 3b passes through the relay lens 3c as a light beam for imaging, is deflected again by the reflection prism 3d, and is guided to the photographic film 3e. On the other hand, the observation light passing through the beam splitter 3b is reflected by the reflection prisms 4b, 4c of the binocular ocular microscope unit 4.
Through the lens 5b of the eyepiece 5,
It reaches the observation imaging plane 5c.

When a beam splitter or a half mirror is used as the optical path changing member, a part of the observation light is deflected in the direction of the photographing device while the optical path changing member is inserted in the observation light path, and the remaining light is deflected. Since the observation light is used as it is as it is, it can be observed with a part of the observation light even during photographing.

An example of a conventional device using an electrically controlled reflection mirror as an optical path changing member will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 6 denotes a photographing device. The reflection mirror 6b can be moved in and out by electrical control.
Release button 4 installed on joystick 41
It is performed in conjunction with 2. When the release button 42 is turned on, the reflection mirror 6b is automatically inserted into the observation optical path 6a immediately before a shutter (not shown) of the photographing device is opened, and guides observation light into the photographing device. After the shutter is closed, the reflecting mirror 6b is automatically disengaged from the observation optical path 6a, and the observation light returns to the observation imaging plane 5c.

According to this device, the release button is turned on.
Then, the reflecting mirror is automatically moved in and out of the observation optical path by electrical control. This eliminates the complexity of the shooting operation.

Next, a conventional example in which two photographing devices are mounted on a slit lamp microscope will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 and 10, 1 is a slit lamp unit, 2 is a variable power objective microscope unit, and 3 is 35 mm
Reference numeral 4 denotes a binocular microscope unit, 5 denotes an eyepiece unit, 6 denotes an instant photographing unit, and 7 denotes an eye to be examined. The 35 mm photographic device unit 3 and the instant photographic device unit 6 use a beam splitter or a half mirror as an optical path changing member, and are manually inserted into and removed from the observation optical path.

Referring to FIG. 9, a procedure for taking a 35 mm photograph will be described. First, the beam splitter (or half mirror) 3b of the 35 mm photographic device 3 is manually inserted into the observation optical path 2a, and the beam splitter (or half mirror) 6b of the instant photographic device 6 is removed from the observation optical path 2a. I do. The observation light that has passed through the variable magnification objective microscope 2 is split and deflected by the beam splitter 3 b of the 35 mm photographing device 3. The observation light deflected by the beam splitter 3b is guided to the photographic film 3e. On the other hand, the observation light passing through 3b is
It reaches the observation imaging plane 5c.

Referring to FIG. 10, a procedure for taking an instant photograph will be described. First, the beam splitter 6b of the instant photographic device 6 is manually inserted into the observation optical path 2a, and the beam splitter 3b of the 35 mm photographic device 3 is removed from the observation optical path 2a. The amount of the observation light that has passed through the variable-magnification objective microscope unit 2 is split by a beam splitter 6 b of the instant photographing unit 6.
Be deflected. The observation light deflected by the beam splitter 6b is guided to the photographic film 6d. On the other hand, the observation light that has passed through the beam splitter 6b is incident on the observation image forming surface 5c.
Reach

The position detection switches 31 and 61 detect whether the beam splitters 3b and 6b are present in the observation optical path, respectively. Position detection switches 31, 61
Is linked with a release button 42 provided on the joystick 41. Release button 42 is 35m
The operation is common to the m photographing device 3 and the instant photographing device 6. Therefore, the 35 mm photographing device 3
When the beam splitter or half mirror 3b is positioned on the optical axis 2a, the release button 42 is
By performing N, the shutter of the 35 mm photographing device 3 is operated, and a 35 mm photograph can be taken. When the beam splitter or the half mirror 6b of the instant photographing device 6 is located on the optical axis 2a, the shutter of the instant photographing device 6 is activated by turning on the release button 42, so that an instant photograph can be taken. .

According to this apparatus, when a beam splitter or a half mirror is used as the optical path changing member of the two photographing apparatuses, a part of the observation light is transmitted while the optical path changing member is inserted into the observation optical path. Since the light is deflected in the direction of the photographing device and the remaining observation light is used as it is as observation light, it is possible to observe with a part of the observation light even during photographing.

[0013]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, there is a demand to use a plurality of photographing devices for each purpose of examination and research, but in reality, when a plurality of photographing devices are mounted, There is a disadvantage that the shooting operation is complicated. If multiple photographing devices using a beam splitter or a half mirror are mounted at the same time, the photographer must reach for each photographing, identify the beam splitter or half mirror for each photographing device, and put it in and out, It was very annoying and agile. Since the observer is troublesome in instructing the patient and fixing the affected part in addition to the photographing operation, it is burdensome to perform many operations for properly using the photographing device.

Further, when a plurality of photographing devices are mounted, even if a beam splitter or a half mirror of a photographing device different from the photographing device to be photographed is inserted, photographing is performed by a different photographing device as it is when the release button is pressed. As a result, it was sometimes noticed after development that the intended photographing was not performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a slit lamp microscope in which a plurality of photographing devices can be easily and reliably selected even when a plurality of photographing devices are mounted.

[0016]

According to the present invention, there is provided, in accordance with the present invention, a slit lamp optical system for illuminating a subject's eye with slit light, and a slit lamp optical system for observing the illuminated subject's eye. In a slit lamp microscope having an observation optical system, one or more detachable photographing devices, and a release device for sending a release signal to the photographing device, the observation optical system is provided so as to be insertable into and removable from an optical path, A deflecting unit for deflecting a light beam in the optical path to a photographing light beam when inserted, a detecting unit for detecting insertion / removal of the deflecting unit, and detecting when the two photographing devices are mounted. Selecting means for selecting one of the photographing devices to operate according to the result.

[0017]

According to the present invention, when two photographing apparatuses are mounted on a slit lamp microscope, one of the deflecting means of each apparatus is instructed to indicate which apparatus performs photographing. An instruction receiving unit is installed. An operation permission signal for permitting the photographing operation is output to the designated photographing device. The other deflecting means is constituted by a reflection mirror and a driving means for driving the reflection mirror to move in and out, and sends a release signal to the driving means on condition that an operation permission signal is input, and drives the reflection mirror to move in and out of the observation optical path. Therefore, when the photographing device is selected only by operating one of the deflecting means, and when the other photographing device is selected, the photographing device reflecting mirror is inserted into the observation optical path in conjunction with the release button.

[0018] Further, regardless of the instruction received by the instruction receiving unit, it is possible to install a compulsory instruction means for taking an image with the other imaging device.

[0019]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an optical path of a slit lamp microscope according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a slit lamp unit;
Denotes a magnification microscope unit, 4 denotes a binocular microscope unit, 5 denotes an eyepiece unit, 7 denotes an eye to be examined, 8 denotes a 35 mm photographing device, 20 denotes an electronic still photographing device, and 40 denotes a slide table.

The variable magnification microscope section 2, the binocular microscope section 4, and the eyepiece section 5 constitute an observation optical system. The slit lamp optical system 1 and the observation optical system are supported on a slide table 40, respectively.
5 mm photography device 8 and electronic still photography device 2
0 is arranged. The 35 mm photographing device 8 and the electronic still photographing device 20 each have a reflecting mirror 8b and a beam splitter 20b as deflecting members.
The limit switch 22 for detecting the insertion of the beam splitter 20b of the electronic still photograph into the observation optical path 2a is located within the lens barrel 120m of the electronic still photographing device 20. An automatic / compulsory photographing switch 30 for forced photographing in the 35 mm photographing device is arranged on the observer side of the lens barrel of the 35 mm photographing device 8. A release button 42 for outputting a release signal is provided on the joystick 41, and the joystick 41 is disposed on the slide table 40 on the observer side. An image for electronic still photography is converted into an electric signal by the TV camera 20a, sent to the electronic still photography apparatus 20, and photographed. In addition, a video recorder 20d is connected in parallel with the electronic still photographing device 20, so that images can be video-recorded. The TV monitor 20c can reproduce a real-time image, a video recorded image, and an electronic still photograph.

Next, the operation of the beam splitter 20b, which is an optical path changing member for the electronic still photographic apparatus 20, will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG.
Beam splitter 20b disposed in lens barrel 120m
Is attached to the support plate 120e, and the notch 1 of the lever 120g is formed by the protrusion 120f on the support plate 120e.
20h. The beam splitter 20b
By moving up and down along the support rod 120i with the operation of the internal lever 120g, it is inserted into and removed from the observation optical path 2a. The limit switch 22 is provided on the support plate 120e.
A jig 120j for pushing in is attached.
When the beam splitter 20b is inserted into the observation optical path 2a as shown in FIG. 3A, the actuator 22b of the limit switch 22 is pushed in, and the contact mechanism 22a conducts. On the outside on the left side when viewed from the examiner of the lens barrel 120m,
As shown in FIG. 2B and FIG.
n are arranged. The external lever 120n is connected to the internal lever 120h. When the examiner turns the external lever 120n, the internal lever 120g is raised and lowered, and the beam splitter 20b is connected to the observation optical path 2.
a.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the connection of the electric wiring when the 35 mm photographic device 8 and the electronic still photographic device 20 are simultaneously mounted on the slit lamp microscope main body 11. The slit lamp microscope main body 11 is connected to the connector 8 of the 35 mm photographing device unit 8.
Connector 11a that can be connected to f1 and 8f2 as well as to connectors 20f1 and 20f2 of electronic still photography unit 20
1, 11a2. 35mm photography unit 8
Is connected to the main body 11 via connectors 8f1, 8f2 and 11a1, 11a2. Further, the electronic still photographing device section 20 includes connectors 20f1, 20f2 and 8g.
1 and 8g2 are connected to the 35mm photographing device unit 8. The operation permission circuits 8e and 20e are connected to the electronic still photographing device 20 when the beam splitter 20b is inserted, and 35 mm when the beam splitter 20b is not inserted.
The photographing device outputs a photographing permission signal to the photographing device 8, and furthermore, when the forced photographing changeover switch 30 is forcibly switched even when the beam splitter 20b is inserted, photographing is permitted to the 35mm photographing device. It is configured to output a signal.

The release signals output from the release button 42 are connected to the connectors 11a1 and 8f1, 8g1 and 20f.
1 through the slit lamp microscope body 1
It is passed through the 1, 35 mm photography device section 8 and the electronic still photography device section 20. The operation permission circuits 8e and 20e that output the operation permission signal are connected to the connector 8g2.
And the electronic still photographing device unit 20 through the 35 mm photographing device unit 8 and the electronic still photographing device unit 20 via the
0 is formed. When receiving both the release signal and the high level from the end (A) of the operation permission circuit 50, the photographing control circuit 8m of the 35 mm photographing device 8
For example, an AND circuit is configured to output an operation signal to the shutter of the mm photographing device unit 8 and the reflection mirror 8b. The photographing control circuit 20m of the electronic still photographing device 20 includes a release signal and an operation permission circuit 50.
When both the low level and the low level are received from the end (B) of
An AND circuit is configured to output a photographing signal to the electronic still photographing device unit 20, for example.

A high-level voltage is applied to the wiring 8h in the 35 mm photographing unit 8. A low level voltage is applied to the wiring 20h in the electronic still photographing device unit 20. When the automatic / forced changeover switch 30 of the 35 mm photographing device 8 is set to “automatic”, when the beam splitter 20 b of the electronic still photographing device 20 is inserted into the observation optical path 2 a, the operation permission circuit 50 is connected to the wiring 20 h. It becomes low level and the operation permission circuit 50
Both ends (A) and (B) are at a low level, and the electronic still photography device 20 operates. When the beam splitter 20b is removed from the observation optical path 2a, the operation permission circuit 50 is disconnected from the wiring 20h, connected to the high-level voltage of the wiring 8h via the pull-up resistor 8k, and connected to the end of the operation permission circuit 50 ( Since both A and B are at the high level, the 35 mm photographing unit 8 operates. When the automatic / forced changeover switch 30 is set to “forced”,
Regardless of whether or not the beam splitter 20b is inserted, the operation permission circuit 50 is disconnected from the wiring 20h, connected to the high-level voltage of the wiring 8h via the pull-up resistor 8k, and connected to the end (A ) (B)
35mm photography unit 8
Operates.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the electric wiring when only the electronic still photographing device 20 is mounted on the main body 11 of the slit lamp microscope. The release signal circuit is connected to the slit lamp microscope main body 11 and the electronic still photographing device 20 via the connectors 11a1 and 20f1. The operation permission circuit 20e includes a connector 11a
2 and 20f2, the slit lamp microscope main body 11 and the electronic still photographing device 20 pass through. A low-level voltage is applied to the wiring 11h in the slit lamp microscope main body 11. At this time, regardless of whether the beam splitter 20b is inserted, the operation permission circuit 20e is at a low level,
Since the end (B) of the operation permission circuit 20e is always at the low level, the electronic still photographing device 20 operates.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the connection of the electric wiring when only the 35 mm photographing device 8 is mounted. The release signal circuit is connected to the slit lamp microscope main body 11 and the 35 mm photographing device 8 via the connectors 11a1 and 8f1. The operation permission circuit 8e includes a connector 8f
2 is not connected to the slit lamp microscope main body 11 because of no connection. The operation permission circuit 8e is connected to the wiring 8h and is always at a high level. The end (A) of the operation permission circuit 8e is always at a high level and the 35 mm photographing device unit 8 operates.

In FIG. 1, an electronic still photographing device 2
A procedure for shooting at 0 will be described. First, the beam splitter 20b is inserted into the observation optical path 2a. Next,
Release button 4 installed on joystick 41
Turn 2 ON. As described above, the photographing control circuit 20m of the electronic still photographing device 20 outputs a photographing signal to the electronic still photographing device 20. The illumination light emitted from the illumination light source lamp 11 passes through the condenser lens group 1b, and after the width is adjusted by the slit width adjustment mechanism 12,
The light is vertically deflected by the reflecting mirror 1d. The vertically polarized illumination light is applied to the eye 7 to be inspected. The reflected light from the eye to be examined is used as the observation light as the objective lens 2 of the variable magnification objective microscope unit 2.
b, through the variable power lens group 2c. Observation light that has passed through the objective lens 2b and the variable power lens group 2c is split into light beams by a beam splitter 20b installed on the optical axis.
Some light beams are deflected vertically upward. The light flux deflected vertically upward by the beam splitter 20b enters the TV camera 20a as a light flux for imaging, is converted into an electric signal, and is photographed by the electronic still photographing device 20. Of the observation light that has passed through the objective lens 2b and the variable power lens group 2c, the light flux that has passed through the beam splitter 20b is used as observation light as the reflection prisms 4b and 4 of the binocular eyepiece microscope unit 4.
The light is deflected by c and passes through the lens 5b of the eyepiece 5, and reaches the observation imaging plane 5c.

Next, referring to FIG. 1, the procedure for taking a 35 mm photograph will be described. Electronic still photography device 2
When the zero beam splitter 20b is not inserted, it is only necessary to turn on the release button 42. The beam splitter 20b is inserted, that is, the TV
If the light beam is being captured by the camera 20a, the automatic / forced shooting switch 30 is forced. As described above, the operation permission circuit 50 includes the 35 mm photographing device 8.
Outputs a high level that operates. Next, when the release button 42 provided on the joystick 41 is turned on, the photographing control circuit 8m receives both the release signal and the operation permission signal and drives the reflection mirror driving unit 81 and the shutter of the 35 mm photographing device 8 respectively. Outputs signal and release signal. The drive unit 81 of the reflection mirror of the 35 mm photographing device 8 receives the drive signal and sets the reflection mirror 8b on the optical axis 2a. The illumination light emitted from the illumination light source lamp 11 passes through the condenser lens group 1b, and the width of the illumination light is adjusted by the slit width adjustment mechanism 12.
It is deflected vertically by d. The vertically polarized illumination light is applied to the eye 7 to be inspected. The reflected light from the eye to be examined passes through the objective lens 2b and the variable power lens group 2c of the variable power objective microscope unit 2 as observation light. The observation light passing through the objective lens 2b and the variable power lens group 2c turns on the release button 42
As a result, the drive signal is received from the photographing control signal, and the light is deflected vertically downward by the reflection mirror 8b provided on the optical axis. The observation light deflected vertically downward by the reflection mirror 8b passes through the relay lens 8c as a light beam for imaging, is deflected again by the reflection prism 8d, passes through the shutter, and reaches the photographic film 8e. After the photographing, the reflecting mirror 8b separates from the optical axis 2a, and the objective lens 2b,
The observation light that has passed through the variable power lens group 2c is deflected by the reflection prisms 4b and 4c of the binocular eyepiece microscope unit 4, passes through the lens 5b of the eyepiece lens unit 5, and reaches the observation imaging plane 5c.

When two photographing devices are simultaneously mounted as described above, the photographing device to be operated can be selected only by operating the beam splitter 20b, and the TV is operated by operating the automatic / compulsory photographing switch 30. Camera 2
It is possible to take a picture with the 35 mm photographing device 8 while taking a picture at 0a. When one photographic device is mounted, the mounted photographic device can be operated without any special operation.

Automatic / forced changeover switch 3 for photographing device
0 may be, for example, a slide switch or a push-in switch, and it is preferable that the state of the switch can be determined by hand and can be changed. It is also preferable that the switch is illuminated and can be identified in a dark room.

Although the limit switch 22 is used to detect the insertion of the beam splitter 20b, other switches or sensors may be used, for example, a photo sensor, an electric contact, or the like.

In the above embodiment, the high level and the low level at the end of the operation permitting circuit of the photographing apparatus are set as described above, but the opposite setting is also possible.

Since the beam splitter 20b is inserted in the observation optical path for both eyes, a stereo photograph can be taken by replacing the TV camera 20a with a stereo photographing device.

[0036]

According to the present invention, there is provided a slit lamp microscope in which even when a plurality of photographing devices are mounted, the photographing device can be selected simply and reliably by operating one optical path changing member. You.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an optical layout diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a slit lamp microscope of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a driving unit of an optical path changing member of the slit lamp microscope of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a driving unit of an optical path changing member of the slit lamp microscope of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a photographing control unit of one embodiment of the slit lamp microscope shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of photographing control means when a 35 mm photographing device is mounted on a slit lamp microscope.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of photographing control means when an instant photographing device is mounted on a slit lamp microscope.

FIG. 7 is an optical arrangement diagram showing an example of a conventional apparatus in which one photographing apparatus is mounted on a slit lamp microscope and a beam splitter is used as an optical path changing member.

FIG. 8 is an optical arrangement diagram showing an example of a conventional apparatus in which a single photographing apparatus is mounted on a slit lamp microscope and an electronically controlled reflecting mirror is used as an optical path changing member.

FIG. 9 is an optical arrangement diagram showing a configuration when a 35 mm photograph is taken in a conventional example in which two photographing devices are mounted on a slit lamp microscope and a beam splitter is used as an optical path changing member.

FIG. 10 is an optical arrangement diagram showing a configuration at the time of instant photographing in a conventional example in which two photographing devices are mounted on a slit lamp microscope and a beam splitter is used as an optical path changing member.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slit lamp part, 2 ... Variable magnification objective microscope part, 3 ... Photographing apparatus, 3b ... Beam splitter, half mirror, 4 ... Binocular eyepiece microscope part, 5 ... Eyepiece lens part, 7 ... Eye to be examined, 8 ... 35mm photograph Photographing device, 8b ... Reflection mirror, 8c
... Relay lens, 8d ... Reflection prism, 8e ... Photo film, 20 ... Electronic still photography device, 30 ... Automatic / compulsory photography switch, 42 ... Release button

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-60-79321 (JP, A) JP-A-54-31992 (JP, A) JP-A-63-77430 (JP, A) (58) Field (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 3/00-3/16 A61F 9/007

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A slit lamp optical system for illuminating an eye to be inspected with slit light, an observation optical system for observing the eye to be inspected, a plurality of photographing devices, and a release signal transmitted to the plurality of photographing devices. And a deflector provided to be able to be inserted into and removed from the optical path in order to deflect the light beam in the optical path of the observation optical system into an imaging light beam. One of the means is provided with an operating mechanism for externally operating the insertion and removal of the optical path, and the release device is provided with only one release button and the deflection mechanism provided with the operating mechanism. Detecting means for detecting whether the means is inserted into the optical path or detaching from the optical path; and, if the detection result of the detecting means is in an inserted state when the release button is pressed, the photographing of the plurality of cameras is performed. And selecting means for selecting a predetermined one of the devices and, if the detection result indicates the detached state, selecting another predetermined one and selecting a device for transmitting the release signal. And a slit lamp microscope. 2. The slit lamp microscope according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined different one of said plurality of photographing devices is irrespective of a detection result of said detection means .
A slit lamp microscope further comprising a forced selection unit for sending the release signal to one unit .