JP5059638B2 - Ophthalmic imaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus including a split optical system, an alignment system, an observation optical system, and a photographing optical system, such as a fundus camera.

  As a fundus camera that performs stereo photography, a camera that performs fluid fundus image photography by sequentially aligning at different positions using a cornea reflection image and a reference mark is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Further, as a fundus camera for performing stereo photography, there are known cameras that provide two light sources at conjugate positions with the anterior eye portion and control the light emission state of the light source pair to be different depending on the position of the gantry (for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent No. 2707257 Japanese Patent No. 3762023

  However, in the fundus camera described in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, focusing and alignment adjustment are performed at the first position shifted from the center position of the observation image, and the first shutter photographing is performed. The focus and alignment adjustment is performed again at the second position and the second shutter shooting is performed, so that the focusing operation and the alignment adjustment operation become very troublesome and a long time is required for stereo shooting. there were.

  In addition, in the fundus camera described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is a bottleneck that the focusing operation and the alignment adjustment operation are troublesome, and stereo shooting can be performed only by a manual operation by a skilled examiner. However, there was a problem that it was not possible to achieve the automation of stereo shooting that was demanded by the company.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problem, and the left and right stereo images at the same focus position while achieving simplification of focusing and alignment adjustment by a parallel movement method capable of automating stereo shooting. An object of the present invention is to provide an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus capable of obtaining a good stereo photographed image with parallax by photographing.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention projects a split optical system that projects a split target to focus on the imaging target portion of the eye and an alignment target that aligns the apparatus main body with respect to the eye. An imaging optical system including an alignment optical system, an observation optical system including an observation monitor that displays an imaging target image of the eye to be inspected together with the split target and the alignment target, and a camera that captures the imaging target image of the eye to be inspected In an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus comprising:
While the alignment mark of the alignment target is set at the center of the observation image, the split target is used to focus on the imaging target portion of the eye to be examined, and the focusing lens is fixed when the completion of focusing is detected. In addition, the alignment mark is moved to one of the left and right, the first alignment is performed with the alignment target being moved to the moved alignment mark, the alignment mark is moved to the other of the left and right, and the moved alignment mark is moved. And a stereo photographing means for performing the second photographing with the alignment target.

Therefore, in the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus of the present invention, in the stereo photographing means, the alignment mark of the alignment target is set at the central portion of the observation image, and the split target is used to align the subject to be imaged with the split target. To burn. When the completion of focusing is detected, the focusing lens is fixed, the alignment mark is moved to one of the left and right, and the alignment target is aligned with the moved alignment mark to perform the first photographing. Further, the alignment mark is moved to the other side of the left and right, and the alignment target is aligned with the moved alignment mark, and the second photographing is performed.
As described above, since it is only necessary to focus the imaging target portion of the eye to be inspected once using the split target while the alignment mark of the alignment target is set at the center of the observation image. Focusing is simplified as compared with the case of focusing at a point.
As for alignment adjustment, basically, it corresponds to the movement of the alignment mark to one of the left and right, the parallel movement of the device body with respect to the gantry, and the movement of the alignment mark to the other of the left and right. Thus, since it is only necessary to translate the apparatus main body relative to the gantry, alignment adjustment is simplified compared to the case where alignment adjustment is performed at two locations.
As a result, the parallel movement method that can automate stereo shooting achieves easy focusing and alignment adjustment, while shooting the left and right stereo images at the same focus position, providing good stereo with parallax A photographed image can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for realizing the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus of the present invention will be described based on Example 1 shown in the drawings.

First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is an overall system diagram illustrating a non-mydriatic fundus camera (an example of an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus) according to the first embodiment. Here, the “non-mydriatic retinal camera” refers to a retinal camera that takes a photo of the fundus by observing the fundus and applying a flash after performing mydriasis to some extent in the dark room without using mydriatic drugs. Say. The advantage of this non-mydriatic fundus camera is that there is no visual inconvenience after the examination, and it is used not only in ophthalmology but also in internal medicine and medical examinations for simplicity. The disadvantage is that the mydriatic is insufficient, so that only the central part of the retina can be photographed. For this reason, the response | compatibility to the case of the small pupil by diabetic retinopathy etc. is requested | required.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment includes an apparatus base 1, a gantry 2, an apparatus body 3, a chin rest 4, an external fixation target 5, and a photographing CCD camera 6. (Camera), mouse / 10 keyboard 7, printer 8, and personal computer 9.

  The device base 1 is installed horizontally on a device table (not shown), and is provided with a power plug and a plurality of connection terminals. The device base 1 includes a power supply unit, chin rest PCB, relay PCB, and the like. “PCB” is an abbreviation for Printed Circuit Board, which means a printed circuit board such as an IC.

  The gantry 2 is provided to be movable in the left-right direction, the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction with respect to the apparatus base 1. An operation panel 2a, a joystick 2b, a photographing switch 2c, and the like are provided at positions on the examiner side of the gantry unit 2.

  The apparatus main body 3 is integrally provided on the top of the gantry 2, and a focusing handle 3 a is provided at a side position of the apparatus main body 3. Further, an observation monitor 3b (for example, a 6.5-type color liquid crystal monitor) which is a component of the observation LCD unit 31 (see FIG. 5) is provided at the examiner side position of the apparatus main body 3. Note that “LCD” is an abbreviation for Liquid Crystal Display and refers to a liquid crystal display.

  The chin rest 4 is provided so that the position in the vertical direction can be adjusted with respect to the apparatus base 1 and receives the subject's chin and forehead to fix the position of the eye to be examined. The chin rest 4 is provided with an external fixation target 5 for fixing the line of sight of the subject.

  The photographing CCD camera 6 is set externally at the upper position of the apparatus main body 3 and performs flash photography of the fundus using the autoshoot function of the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. A commercially available APS size digital camera is used as the photographing CCD camera 6. The photographing CCD camera 6 is supplied with power from a power supply unit built in the apparatus base 1.

  The mouse / 10 keyboard 7, the printer 8, and the personal computer 9 are connected to a plurality of connection terminals of the apparatus base 1 via cables. The personal computer 9 is connected to a PC monitor 9a that can perform fundus observation on a large screen.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel set on the gantry in the non-mydriatic retinal camera of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, each switch set on the operation panel 2a will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 2a set in the gantry unit 2 of the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment includes a joystick 2b, a photographing switch 2c, a menu switch 201, a split switch 202, and a photographing light amount. Correction switch 203, observation light quantity correction switch 204, chin rest vertical movement switch 205, ID input switch 206, image deletion switch 207, image reproduction switch 208, small pupil switch 209, fixation changeover switches 210, 211, 212 , An auto ON / OFF switch 213, a zooming switch 214, and a stereo switch 218.

  The joystick 2b is an operating means for moving the gantry 2 and the apparatus main body 3 in the left-right direction (X direction), the up-down direction (Y direction), and the front-rear direction (Z direction) with respect to the apparatus base 1 during a manual alignment operation. is there. The left-right direction and the front-rear direction are moved by holding the joystick 2b and tilting it in the left-right direction or the front-rear direction to be moved. At this time, the frame front / rear detection switch 215 and the frame left / right detection switch 216 are turned on (see FIG. 5). Further, the operation ring at the upper part of the joystick 2b is moved upward by rotating it to the right, and moved downward by rotating it to the left.

  The photographing switch 2c is provided at the position of the upper end portion of the joystick 2b, and becomes a photographing shutter switch for the fundus when the examiner performs a switch operation. In addition to the shooting function, the shooting switch 2c also performs review cancellation and power save cancellation.

  The menu switch 201 performs menu ON / OFF.

  The split switch 202 performs “split ON / OFF” or “fixation target switching”. To change this function, use “SPLIT SWITCH” in the initial menu.

  The photographing light amount correction switch 203 corrects the photographing light amount. From the left in FIG. 2, there are a minus correction switch, a reset switch, and a plus correction switch.

  The observation light amount correction switch 204 corrects the observation light amount. From the left in FIG. 2, a minus correction switch and a plus correction switch.

  The chin rest vertical movement switch 205 moves the chin rest 4 up and down. From the left in FIG. 2, a chin rest lowering switch and a chin rest upper moving switch.

  The ID input switch 206 is a switch that moves to an ID input screen.

  The image deletion switch 207 is turned ON / OFF when deleting the reviewed photographed image.

  The image reproduction switch 208 can reproduce the image of the digital still camera 6 by turning on the switch. Each time the fixation switch 210 is turned on, the image taken one sheet before is reproduced. Each time the fixation changeover switch 212 is turned on, an image taken one image later is reproduced. Turn the switch off to return to the observation screen.

  The small pupil switch 209 performs IN / OUT of the small pupil stop by turning the switch ON / OFF. It functions independently even when the auto ON / OFF switch 213 is ON. When turned ON, ◎ is displayed on the screen of the observation monitor 3b. When set to the digital magnification interlock mode, the digital pupil is saved to the image net at a digital magnification of 30 ° when the small pupil aperture is ON. When printing, an image at a digital zoom ratio of 30 ° is printed out. When digital zoom non-interlocking mode is set, digital zoom is not changed even when the small pupil iris is turned on, and the angle remains at 45 °. The small pupil switch 209 also serves as a switch for moving the selection cursor upward when a menu or ID is input.

  The fixation changing switch 210 switches to the blinking (lighting) position immediately before the blinking (lighting) position of the current internal fixation target. The fixation change switch 210 also serves as a switch for moving the selection cursor to the left when inputting a menu or ID.

  The fixation switching switch 211 switches from the blinking (lighting) position of the current internal fixation target to the first blinking (lighting) position. The fixation changing switch 211 serves as both a print switch and an enter switch. When the print switch is turned ON, the reviewed image is printed. If it is set to ON when automatic printing is set in the menu setting and the print display is displayed on the observation screen, printing is canceled. In the case of an enter switch, selection items and characters are determined when a menu or ID is input.

  The fixation changing switch 212 switches to the first blinking (lighting) position of the current blinking (lighting) position of the internal fixation target. Note that the fixation changeover switch 212 also serves as a switch for moving the selection cursor to the right when inputting a menu or ID.

  The auto on / off switch 213 and the auto shoot function / auto focus function / auto small pupil function are turned on / off. Here, ON / OFF of each function can be set by a menu. The auto ON / OFF switch 213 also serves as a switch for moving the selection cursor downward when inputting a menu or ID.

  The zoom switch 214 is a switch for switching the shooting angle of view between 30 ° and 45 ° in order to perform fundus shooting with two zooms.

  The stereo switch 217 starts stereo shooting when the switch is turned on, ends stereo shooting when the switch is turned off, and returns to normal shooting.

  FIG. 3 is an image diagram showing display contents displayed on the observation monitor set in the apparatus main body of the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, each display content will be described.

  In the case of the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment, the information of the apparatus main body 3 and the information of the digital still camera 6 are displayed on the observation monitor 3b as shown in FIG. The display during observation, review, playback, and menu includes patient ID 301, left and right eyes 302, xenon charge 303, photographing light amount correction 304, photographing light amount level 305, auto display 306, and angle of view. 307, fixation position 308, () scale 309, alignment bright spots 310 and 310 (alignment target), split bright lines 311 and 311 (split target), observation light quantity level 312, and small pupil stop 313 .

  The patient ID 301 displays a patient ID of an image to be captured. The left and right eyes 302 display the left and right eyes (R, L) of the subject to be photographed. The xenon charge 303 blinks during charging and lights up when charging is completed. The photographing light amount correction 304 displays a correction amount (+4 to −4) at the panel switch 217 (see FIG. 5). The photographing light amount level 305 displays the photographing light amount (0.8 ws to 45 ws).

  The auto display 306 is displayed when autoshoot / autofocus / auto small pupil switching is ON. The angle of view 307 displays the image magnification to be taken. For example, when digital zooming is set to the small pupil aperture linked mode, 30 ° is displayed when the small pupil aperture is ON. The fixation position 308 displays an internal fixation position pattern by blinking the selected fixation position.

  The () scale 309 is displayed as a position for matching the alignment bright spot. The alignment bright spots 310 and 310 are displayed as targets for adjusting the working distance of the subject. The split bright lines 311 and 311 are displayed as targets for adjusting the diopter of the subject. The observation light quantity level 312 displays the observation light quantity level in five stages. The small pupil stop 313 displays ◎ when the small pupil stop is inserted.

  FIG. 4 is an optical arrangement diagram showing an optical system built in the apparatus main body 3 in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the arrangement configuration of the optical system of the non-mydriatic retinal camera will be described.

  Inside the apparatus main body 3, as shown in FIG. 4, an illumination optical system 10 for illuminating the fundus oculi Ef of the eye E to be examined, an imaging optical system 20 for photographing the fundus oculi Ef, and observation for observing the fundus oculi Ef An optical system 30, an alignment system 40 for performing relative positioning of the apparatus main body 3 with respect to the eye E, and an internal fixation system 50 for projecting a fixation target onto the fundus oculi Ef to fixate the eye E. A split optical system 60 for focusing the optical system on the fundus oculi Ef is provided.

  The illumination optical system 10 is an illumination optical system that illuminates the fundus oculi Ef with infrared light during observation and illuminates the fundus oculi Ef with visible light during imaging. This illumination optical system 10 includes an objective lens 11, a perforated mirror 12, a relay lens 13, a reflecting mirror 14, a relay lens 15, and a ring aperture plate 16 having a ring aperture 16a maintained in a conjugate relationship with the pupil of the eye E to be examined. And a xenon lamp 17a as an imaging light source, an IR filter 18, a condenser lens 19, and a halogen lamp 17b as an observation illumination light source. Further, when the distance W between the eye E and the objective lens 11 is arranged at an appropriate working distance, the perforated mirror 12 is arranged at a position conjugate with the cornea C of the eye E.

  The photographing optical system 20 is an optical system for photographing the fundus oculi Ef illuminated by the illumination optical system 10 as a still image. This photographing optical system 20 includes an objective lens 11, a perforated mirror 12, a focusing lens 21, an imaging lens 22, a reflecting mirror 23, a field lens 24, a reflecting mirror 25, a relay lens 26, CCD 6a of the CCD camera 6 for photographing.

  The observation optical system 30 is an optical system for observing the fundus oculi Ef illuminated by the illumination optical system 10, and is configured to be branched by a quick return mirror 33 from the middle of the optical path of the photographing optical system 20. The observation optical system 30 includes a reflection mirror 35, a relay lens 36, and a CCD 37 a of the observation CCD camera 37.

The alignment system 40 is for projecting alignment bright spots 310 and 310 that are alignment targets toward the eye E to be examined. The alignment system 40 includes an alignment LED 41 as an alignment light source, a light guide 42 that guides the light from the alignment LED 41, a reflecting mirror 44 that reflects the light emitted from the light guide 42 and guides it to the two-hole aperture 43, and a relay. The lens 45, the branching half mirror 46 from the photographing optical system 20, the perforated mirror 12, and the objective lens 11 are included. The two-hole aperture 43 separates and projects the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 based on the alignment light flux onto the eye E when the working distance W deviates from the appropriate position.
That is, the alignment light beam emitted from the exit end 42a of the light guide 42 is guided to the two-hole stop 43 reflected by the reflecting mirror 44, and the alignment light beam passing through the holes 43a and 43a of the two-hole stop 43 is relayed. Guided to the lens 45. The alignment light flux that has passed through the relay lens 45 is reflected by the half mirror 46 toward the perforated mirror 12. The relay lens 45 temporarily forms an intermediate image at the exit end 42 a of the light guide 42 at the center position X of the hole 12 a of the perforated mirror 12. A pair of alignment bright spots 310 and 310 that form an alignment target imaged at the center position X of the hole 12a are guided to the cornea C of the eye E through the objective lens 11.

  The internal fixation system 50 is an optical system that projects a fixation target to be guided to the central portion of the eye E and its peripheral portion, and transmits infrared light from the middle of the optical path of the observation optical system 30. The light is branched by a dichroic mirror 53 having a characteristic of reflecting visible light. The fixation system 50 includes an internal fixation LED 51 as an internal fixation light source, a mask plate 52, and a dichroic mirror 53. The internal fixation LED 51 includes, for example, three LEDs arranged in the center and eight LEDs arranged at equal intervals on the circumference around the three LEDs. Is done.

  The split optical system 60 is a projection optical system for split emission lines 311, 311; a split LED 61 as a split light source; a reflecting rod 62 that is provided in the optical path of the illumination optical system 10 and reflects light from the split LED 61; Have The reflector 62 is detachably inserted at a position that can be optically conjugated with the fundus oculi Ef of the eye E (see, for example, JP-A-9-66032). In the split optical system 60, the reflecting mirror of the reflecting rod 62 of the split bright lines 311 and 311 and the fundus oculi Ef are always optically conjugate with each other in the Z direction of the focusing lens 21 of the observation optical system 30 and the photographing optical system 20. In conjunction with the movement, the illumination optical system 10 moves in the optical axis direction. When the fundus oculi Ef and the split luminescent lines 311 and 311 are not conjugated, as shown in FIG. 3, the split luminescent lines 311 and 311 appear to be separated into two in the left-right direction. It can be performed.

  FIG. 5 is an electrical block diagram illustrating a control system built in the apparatus base 1, the gantry 2, and the apparatus body 3 in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the configuration of the electric control system of the non-mydriatic fundus camera will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus base 1 includes a chin rest PCB 101, a chin rest DC motor 102, an external fixation LED 103, an AC power supply plug 104, a fuse 105, a power supply switch 106, and a power source. A supply switching unit 107 and a relay PCB 108 are provided. The relay PCB 108 includes a numeric keypad PS2 connector 109, a printer USB connector 110, a mouse USB connector 111, and an image net USB connector 112.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the gantry 2 includes an imaging switch 2c, a menu switch 201, a split switch 202, an imaging light amount correction switch 203, an observation light amount correction switch 204, and a chin rest vertical movement switch 205. , ID input switch 206, small pupil switch 209, fixation switch 210, 211, 212, auto ON / OFF switch 213, zoom switch 214, gantry front / rear detection switch 215, gantry left / right detection switch 216, panel switch 217.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus main body 3 includes a photographing CCD camera 6, a xenon lamp 17a, a halogen lamp 17b, an observation LCD unit 31, an observation CCD camera 37, a main body PCB 315, and a board PC316. A shooting camera relay PCB 317, a DC power supply PCB 318, and a capture board 319. The DC power supply PCB 318 includes a halogen lamp control unit 318a and a xenon lamp control unit 318b.

  As information input means to the main body PCB 315, as shown in FIG. 5, a blink detection PCB 320, a green filter detection switch 321, a diopter correction lens detection switch 322, a lamp house cover detection switch 323, and an alignment motor detection sensor 324, a quick mirror motor detection sensor 325, an autofocus motor (+) detection sensor 326, and an autofocus motor (−) detection sensor 327.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control command output means from the main body PCB 315 includes a cooling fan 328, an alignment motor 330 (alignment actuator), a quick mirror motor 331, an autofocus motor 332 (autofocus actuator), and a crystalline lens. A diaphragm drive solenoid 333, an anterior segment switching drive solenoid 334, a reflector driving solenoid 335, a split LED 61, an alignment LED 41, a hand illumination LED 336, and an internal fixation LED 51 are provided.

  The main body PCB 315 and the board PC 316 exchange data by serial communication. The main body PCB 315 and the photographing camera relay PCB 317 exchange data by bidirectional communication. The board PC 316 and the shooting camera relay PCB 317, the board PC 316 and the relay PCB 108, and the shooting camera relay PCB 317 and the relay PCB 108 are respectively exchanged by bidirectional communication.

The main body PCB 315 has the following functions.
(1) Sensor detection blink / green filter / diopter correction lens / lamp house cover / alignment quick mirror / auto focus motor.
(2) Motor drive alignment / Quick mirror / Auto focus motor drive control.
(3) Solenoid drive lens aperture / anterior eye part switching / reflector solenoid drive control.
(4) LED lighting Controls lighting / flashing of split / alignment / hand illumination / internal fixation.
(5) Reading switch signals Various switch signals are read from the gantry 2.

The board PC 316 (single board computer) has the following functions.
(1) Direct print function A function for directly transferring an image taken by the CCD camera 6 for photography to the printer 8. Although the PictBridge function is also implemented in the main body of the photographing CCD camera 6, it is necessary to operate the main body of the photographing CCD camera 6 when printing, and the operability is poor. Therefore, the operation is simplified by including a printout function in a series of photographing operations.
(2) Autofocus function (= AF function)
This is a function for analyzing the state of split bright lines 311 and 311 on the observation video signal obtained from the CCD 37a of the observation CCD camera 37 and realizing autofocus. By executing the analysis of the video signal in the board computer, autofocus can be executed without using a dedicated PC board.
(3) Auto-shoot function (= ASH function)
This is a function for analyzing the states of alignment bright spots 310 and 310 and split bright lines 311 and 311 on the observation video signal obtained from the CCD 37a of the observation CCD camera 37 and realizing an automatic flash photographing operation. Similar to the above autofocus, the autoshoot can be executed without using the dedicated PC board by executing the analysis of the video signal in the board computer.
(4) Automatic small pupil switching function (= ASP function)
This is a function of analyzing the state of split bright lines 311 and 311 on the observation video signal obtained from the CCD 37a of the observation CCD camera 37 and automatically inserting a diaphragm in the case of a small pupil. Similar to the autofocus described above, the analysis of the video signal is executed by the board computer, so that the automatic small pupil switching can be executed without using a dedicated PC board.
(5) Monitor display function An observation image and a photographed image are displayed on the observation monitor 3b.

The DC power supply PCB 318 has the following functions.
(1) The halogen lamp controller 318a controls the light emission of the halogen lamp 17b.
(2) The light emission of the xenon lamp 17a is controlled by the xenon lamp control unit 318b.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an autofocus control operation executed by the board PC 316 in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an autoshoot control operation (including a flow of an automatic small pupil switching control operation) executed by the board PC 316 in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, each step will be described.

  In step S1, it is determined whether or not the auto ON / OFF switch 213 is ON. If YES (automatic ON / OFF switch ON) is determined, the process proceeds to step S2. If NO (automatic ON / OFF switch OFF) is determined, the determination in step S1 is repeated.

  In step S2, following the determination of the auto ON / OFF switch ON in step S1, it is determined whether or not the anterior ocular segment observation has been switched to the fundus oculi observation. If it is determined YES (anterior ocular segment observation → fundus observation), the process proceeds to step S3. If it is determined NO (no anterior segment observation or fundus observation), the process returns to step S1.

  In step S3, following the determination that the anterior ocular segment observation has been switched to fundus observation in step S2, the fundus observation image obtained from the CCD 37a of the observation CCD camera 37 is captured for one frame via the capture board 319. The process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, following the acquisition of the fundus observation image in step S3, the barycentric positions of the split bright lines 311 and 311 for autofocus are detected, and the process proceeds to step S5.
Here, the center-of-gravity position detection of the split bright lines 311 and 311 is such that the center point of a region where the luminance is equal to or higher than the threshold is detected as the barycentric position in the luminance distribution characteristics of the split bright lines 311 and 311 in the acquired fundus observation image.

In step S5, following the detection of the center of gravity of the split bright lines 311, 311 in step S4, it is determined whether the number of split bright lines 311, 311 is one or less. When it is determined that the number of split bright lines 311 and 311 is two, the process proceeds to step S6, and when it is determined that the number of split bright lines 311 and 311 is one or less, the process proceeds to step S12.
The number of the split bright lines 311 and 311 is determined based on the number of the center of gravity positions detected in accordance with the detection of the center of gravity position using the luminance distribution characteristics in step S4.

In step S6, following the determination that the number of split bright lines 311 and 311 is two in step S5 or step S15, the difference between the center of gravity positions of the two split bright lines 311 and 311 is calculated, and the amount of motor movement by the autofocus motor 332 is calculated. Confirm and move to step S7.
Here, the motor movement direction as well as the motor movement amount is determined according to the vertical relationship between the left and right split bright lines 311 and 311.

  In step S7, following the determination of the motor movement amount in step S6, the autofocus motor 332 (focusing motor) is driven with the determined motor movement amount and motor movement direction, and the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S8, following the driving of the focusing motor in step S7, the fundus observation image from the CCD 37a of the observation CCD camera 37 is further captured through the capture board 319 for one frame, and the two split bright lines 311 and 311 are displaced. If recognized, fine adjustment is performed using the autofocus motor 332 in the matching direction, and the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, following the autofocus fine adjustment in step S8, it is determined whether or not the positions of the two split bright lines 311 and 311 are within the in-focus range. If YES (in-focus range) is determined, the process proceeds to step S10. If NO (out-of-focus range) is determined, the process returns to step S3.
Here, when the separation amount of the two split bright lines 311 and 311 is, for example, ± 0.5D, it is determined that the positions of the two split bright lines 311 and 311 are within the focusing range.

  In step S10, following the determination that the positions of the two split bright lines 311 and 311 are within the focusing range in step S9, the current motor position of the autofocus motor 332 is stored, and the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, following the determination that the current motor position is stored in step S10 or the number of split bright lines 311 and 311 recognized in the observation image in step S15 is one, focusing is performed by an autofocus operation. Is completed, the process proceeds to step S16 to start the small pupil detection operation and the autoshoot function operation.

  In step S12, following the determination that the number of split bright lines 311 and 311 is 1 or less in step S5, it is determined whether the number of split bright lines 311 and 311 is one or zero. In the case of one, the process proceeds to step S13, and in the case of zero, the process proceeds to step S16 for starting the small pupil detection operation.

  In step S13, following the determination that the number of split bright lines 311 is one in step S12, the difference between the center of gravity position of one split bright line 311 and the focus position of a preset scan line is calculated. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, following the calculation of the difference between the center of gravity position and the focusing position of one split bright line 311 in step S13, the autofocus motor 332 (focusing motor) is driven by the moving amount and moving direction based on the determined difference. Then, the process proceeds to step S15.
Here, the moving direction is determined based on which split bright line 311 of the left and right split bright lines 311 and 311 is detected.

  In step S15, following the driving of the focusing motor in step S14, the fundus observation image is captured again for one frame, and it is determined whether there are two split bright lines 311 and 311 recognized in the observation image. If YES (two split luminescent lines) is determined, the process proceeds to step S6. If NO (one split luminescent line) is determined, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S16, the focusing in step S11 is completed, the split bright lines 311 and 311 recognized in the observation image in step S12 are determined to be zero, or the alignment bright points 310 and 310 in step S27 match. Following the determination, the fundus observation image obtained from the CCD 37a of the observation CCD camera 37 is captured, and the barycentric positions of the two alignment bright spots 310, 310 are detected from the captured image, and the process proceeds to step S17.
Here, the center of gravity of the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 is detected in the same manner as the split bright lines 311 and 311. In the brightness distribution characteristics of the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 in the acquired fundus observation image, the center of gravity of the area where the brightness is equal to or greater than the threshold is determined. The position is detected.

  In step S17, following the detection of the center of gravity of the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 in step S18, it is determined whether or not the number of split bright lines 311 and 311 recognized in the observation image is one or less. If YES (one split bright line or zero) is determined, the process proceeds to step S18, and if NO (two split bright lines) is determined, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S18, following the determination that the number of split bright lines 311 and 311 recognized in the observation image in step S17 is one or less, one of split bright lines 311 and 311 recognized in the observation image is one or zero. Is determined. If it is determined that the number of split bright lines 311, 311 is one, the process proceeds to step S19, and if it is determined that the split bright lines 311, 311 are zero, the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S19, following the determination that the number of split bright lines 311 and 311 is one in step S18, it is determined whether or not the two alignment bright points 310 and 310 are located at a predetermined position, that is, inside the () scale 309. . If it is determined YES (alignment bright spot is within the specified position), the process proceeds to step S20, and if NO (alignment bright spot is outside the specified position), the process returns to step S3.

In step S20, following the determination in step S19 that the two alignment luminescent spots 310 and 310 are within the specified position, a small pupil stop (lens stop) is inserted, and the process proceeds to step S25.
That is, it is determined that the pupil is a small pupil because there is only one split bright line 311, 311 recognized in the observed image, and is automatically subject to the condition that the alignment of the allowable range is adjusted when determining the small pupil. Insert a small pupil stop (lens stop). For example, when the magnification is high (angle of view 30 °), the lens aperture is switched so that a pupil diameter of φ3.3 mm can be photographed. At the time of high magnification, the lens aperture is switched and an electric mask is inserted as a countermeasure for flare.

  In step S21, following the determination that the split bright lines 311 and 311 are zero in step S18, a small pupil stop (lens stop) is inserted as in step S20, and the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, following the insertion of the small pupil stop in step S21, it is determined whether the photographing eye is the right eye or the left eye. If it is determined that the eye is the left eye, the process proceeds to step S23. If it is determined that the eye is the right eye, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S23, following the determination that the photographed eye in step S22 is the left eye, a guidance instruction to change the alignment is displayed to the examiner so that even one split bright line 311 or 311 enters in the left eye. The process proceeds to S3. Here, the guidance instruction is displayed by shifting the () scale 309 by 0.5 mm on the left eye of the subject.

  In step S24, following the determination that the imaging eye in step S22 is the right eye, a guidance instruction to change the alignment is displayed to the examiner so that even the split bright lines 311 and 311 can be entered with the right eye. The process proceeds to S3. Here, the guidance instruction is displayed by shifting the () scale 309 by an amount corresponding to 0.5 mm on the subject's right eye.

In step S25, following the determination that there are two split bright lines 311 and 311 in step S17, or the insertion of the small pupil stop in step S20, the difference between the center of gravity positions of the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 is calculated, and the alignment is performed. The amount of motor movement by the motor 330 is determined, and the process proceeds to step S26.
Here, according to the positional relationship between the two alignment luminescent spots 310 and 310 with respect to the () scale 309, the motor movement direction (up / down / left / right / front / back) is determined together with the motor movement amount.

  In step S26, following the determination of the motor movement amount in step S25, the alignment motor 330 is driven with the determined motor movement amount and motor movement direction, and the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, following the driving of the alignment motor 330 in step S26, it is determined whether or not the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 are matched in the () scale 309. If it is determined YES (alignment bright spots match), the process proceeds to step S28. If NO (alignment bright spots do not match), the process returns to step S16.
Here, the coincidence determination between the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 is matched when, for example, the difference between the center of gravity positions of the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 is 0.3 mm or less, or when the bright spot separation amount is within 1/6. Judge that

In step S28, following the determination that the alignment bright points 310 and 310 match in step S27, it is determined whether or not the final confirmation of the status of the split bright lines 311 and 311 has been completed. If it is determined YES (final confirmation of split bright lines 311, 311 is completed), the process proceeds to step S29. If NO (final confirmation of split bright lines 311, 311 cannot be confirmed), the process returns to step S3.
Here, the final confirmation of the split luminescent lines 311 and 311 is completed when the positions of the two split luminescent lines 311 and 311 are within the in-focus range, as in step S9, and the positions of the two split luminescent lines 311 and 311 are outside the in-focus range. Suppose that the final confirmation cannot be made.

  In step S29, following the determination that the final confirmation of the two split bright lines 311 and 311 has been completed in step S28, the shutter is automatically released while the xenon lamp 17a is turned on, and the fundus photographing operation is performed using the autoshoot function. Return to.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a stereo shooting control operation executed by the board PC 316 in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment (stereo shooting means).

  In step S30, it is determined whether or not the stereo switch 218 has been operated from OFF to ON. If YES (OFF → ON), the process proceeds to step S31. If NO (OFF), the determination in step S30 is repeated.

  In step S31, it is determined whether or not the stereo switch 218 is turned off following the determination that the stereo switch 218 is operated from OFF to ON in step 30 or the second shooting operation in step S48 or step S55. to decide. If YES (ON → OFF), the process proceeds to step S32. If NO (ON), the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S32, following the determination that the stereo switch 218 is turned off in step S31, the normal photography is returned from the stereo photography.

  In step S33, following the determination in step S31 that the stereo switch 218 is ON, the fundus is detected from the normal photographing position (see FIG. 18) where the macular portion y of the fundus oculi Ef is separated from the optical axis of the fundus camera by 5 °. From the direction of presentation of the internal fixation target at 5 ° from the optical axis of the fundus camera, the fundus camera is moved so as to move to the position (see FIG. 19) where the center of the nipple m of the fundus Ef is arranged on the optical axis of the camera By switching to the 15 ° internal fixation target presentation direction from the optical axis, the eye E is rotated by the displacement of the internal fixation target presentation direction, and the process proceeds to step S34.

  In step S34, following the position displacement of the internal fixation target in step S33, the angle of view is changed from the low magnification state (angle of view 45 °) to the high magnification state (angle of view 30 °), and the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, following the process with mask by changing the angle of view in step S34, the photographing light amount is reduced by two steps in the case of digital zooming compared to the photographing light amount in normal photographing, and the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S36, following the two-step reduction in the amount of photographing light in step S35, the automatic small pupil switching function (ASP function) is invalidated, and the process proceeds to step S37.

In step S37, following the invalidation of the ASP function in step S36, when the auto stereo shooting mode (Auto) for performing stereo shooting by automatic operation is selected, or for manual stereo shooting mode (Manual) for performing stereo shooting by manual operation. Judge whether or not. When the auto stereo shooting mode (Auto) is selected, the process proceeds to step S38. When the manual stereo shooting mode (Manual) is selected, the process proceeds to step S49.
The auto stereo shooting mode (Auto) and manual stereo shooting mode (Manual) can be selected by displaying the stereo shooting mode selection screen by operating the menu and using this display screen to select either “Auto” or “Manual”. The selection is displayed and the selection is determined by performing the “ENTER” operation in the selected state (auto / manual selection means).

  In step S38, following the determination that the auto stereo shooting mode (Auto) is selected in step S37, the () scale 309 (alignment mark) of the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 is set as in the flowchart shown in FIG. An autofocus operation for automatically focusing on the fundus oculi Ef of the eye E based on the position detection of the split bright lines 311 and 311 is executed while setting the central portion of the observation image, and the process proceeds to step S39.

  In step S39, following the autofocus operation in step S38, it is determined whether or not focusing is complete. If YES (focusing complete), the process proceeds to step S42. If NO (focusing is not completed), the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, following the determination that focusing is not completed in step S39, it is determined whether or not an “ENTER” switch ON signal indicating that focusing has been completed by manual focusing has been input within the set time. to decide. If YES (ON signal is input within the set time), the process proceeds to step S42. If NO (the ON signal is not input even when the set time is reached), the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S41, following the determination that the ON signal in step S40 is not input even when the set time is reached, the process returns to normal shooting and shifts to the end.

  In step S42, the focus completion determination in step S39, or the determination that the ON signal in step S40 is input within the set time, the position of the focusing lens 21 is fixed, and the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, following the fixing of the position of the focusing lens 21 in step S42, the () scale 309 is moved from the central position of the observation image to the left by a predetermined amount (for example, 1.25 mm), and the process proceeds to step S44. .

  In step S44, following the left movement of the () scale 309 in step S43, the peripheral shooting alignment operation for automatically aligning the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 with the moved () scale 309 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S45, following the peripheral photographing alignment operation in step S44, the first flash photographing operation is performed, and the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S46, following the first flash photographing operation in step S45, the () scale 309 is moved from the left position of the observation image to the right by a predetermined amount (for example, 2.50 mm), and the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S47, following the right movement of the () scale 309 in step S46, a peripheral photographing alignment operation for automatically aligning the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 with the moved () scale 309 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S48.

  In step S48, the second flash photographing operation is performed following the peripheral photographing alignment operation in step S47, and the process returns to step S31.

In step S49, following the determination that the manual stereo shooting mode (Manual) is selected in step S37, it is determined whether an ON signal is input from the “ENTER” switch within the set time, and YES (set) If ON (input of ON signal within time), the process proceeds to step S51. If NO (ON signal is not input within the set time), the process proceeds to step S50.
Here, the “ENTER” switch is operated by operating the focusing handle 3a while the () scale 309 of the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 is set at the center of the observation image, while viewing the position of the split bright lines 311 and 311 and the fundus of the eye E to be examined. The examiner who has finished the manual focus operation for focusing on Ef performs a switch operation to notify the system of the completion of focusing. That is, when an ON signal is input from the “ENTER” switch within the set time, it indicates that focusing is complete.

  In step S50, following the determination that the ON signal is not input within the set time in step S49, the process returns to normal shooting and shifts to the end.

In step S51, following the determination that the ON signal is input within the set time in step S49,
The position of the focusing lens 21 is fixed, and the process proceeds to step S52.

  In step S52, following the fixing of the position of the focusing lens 21 in step S42, the () scale 309 is moved to the left by a predetermined amount (for example, 1.25 mm) from the central position of the observation image, and the process proceeds to step S53. .

In step S53, following the leftward movement of the () scale 309 in step S52, it is determined whether or not the first photographing switch 2c is turned on. If YES, the process proceeds to step S54, and if NO, The determination in step S53 is repeated.
That is, the completion of the alignment manual operation for aligning the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 with the () scale 309 moved to the left is confirmed by the first ON operation of the photographing switch 2c.

  In step S54, following manual shooting with the first shooting switch 2c turned on in step S53, the () scale 309 is moved from the left position of the observation image to the right by a predetermined amount (for example, 2.50 mm). The process proceeds to S55.

In step S55, following the right movement of the () scale 309 in step S54, it is determined whether or not the second shooting switch 2c is turned on. If YES, the process returns to step S31, and if NO, step S31 is performed. The determination of S55 is repeated.
That is, the completion of the manual alignment operation for aligning the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 with the () scale 309 moved to the right is confirmed by the second ON operation of the photographing switch 2c.

Next, the operation will be described.
The actions of the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment are “fundus photographing action by manual operation”, “autofocus action”, “autoshoot action when recognizing two split bright lines”, “autoshoot action when determining small pupils” ”,“ Split bright line inducing action ”, and“ stereo imaging action ”.

[Fundus photographing by manual operation]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the fundus photographing action by manual operation with the auto-ON / OFF switch turned off in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 9A is a monitor showing the eye to be examined in the center of the monitor. (B) shows the monitor screen before performing the focusing operation and alignment operation, (c) shows the monitor screen after performing the focusing operation and alignment operation, and (d) shows the screen during shooting. The monitor screen which displayed the review image of the fundus is shown. Hereinafter, for example, an operation procedure in the case where the examiner is an expert and performs fundus imaging by manual operation will be described.

  (1) When the power switch is turned on and the auto ON / OFF switch 213 is kept OFF, the observation screen is displayed after the opening title is displayed on the observation monitor 3b.

  (2) Pull the device body 3 to the front with the joystick 2b, and instruct the subject who has placed his chin on the chin rest 4 to look straight ahead.

  (3) The apparatus main body 3 is moved left and right and up and down with the joystick 2b, and the eye E to be examined is projected at the center of the observation monitor 3b as shown in FIG. 9 (a).

  (4) On the observation monitor 3b, align the () scale 309 with the subject's pupil and confirm that the size of the subject's pupil is larger than the () scale 309 as shown in FIG. To do. That is, it is confirmed whether fundus photography is possible.

  (5) When the apparatus main body 3 is pushed straight by the joystick 2b, two alignment bright spots 310, 310 for adjusting the working distance appear on the observation monitor 3b, so that the two alignment bright spots 310, 310 are shown in FIG. ) Match one as shown. At this time, the subject is instructed to see blinking green (internal fixation target).

  (6) By operating the focusing handle 3a, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), the two separated split luminescent lines 311 and 311 are aligned vertically as shown in FIG. 9 (c). Then, by operating the joystick 2b, as shown in FIG. 9C, the two alignment bright spots 310, 310 are put into the () scale 309.

  (7) When the match between the split bright lines 311 and 311 and the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 is confirmed and the photographing switch 2c provided at the upper end of the joystick 2b is pressed, the shutter is released while the xenon lamp 17a is emitted, and fundus photographing is performed. After shooting, a review image of the fundus at the time of shooting is displayed on the observation monitor 3b as shown in FIG.

  (8) When reviewing the fundus review image and performing the next shooting, press the shooting switch 2c again to return to the observation screen, so repeat the operations (2) to (7) to perform the next shooting. . If it is desired to delete an image after photographing the fundus, pressing the image deletion switch 207 on the review screen deletes the image and returns to the observation screen.

[Auto focus function]
FIG. 10 is a split bright line diagram for explaining the autofocus action during automatic fundus photographing with the auto-ON / OFF switch turned on in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the center-of-gravity position detection operation of the split bright line in the autofocus operation at the time of automatic fundus photographing with the auto-ON / OFF switch turned on in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, for example, an autofocus operation procedure when the examiner is immature and the fundus imaging is performed in the auto imaging mode will be described.

  First, the auto focus operation in the auto shooting mode is not manually operated with respect to the focusing handle 3a, but by driving the auto focus motor 332, the two separated split bright lines 311 and 311 are vertically aligned as shown in FIG. Refers to movement.

  When the power switch is turned on and the auto ON / OFF switch 213 is turned ON to switch from anterior ocular segment imaging to fundus imaging, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S2 to step S3 to step S4 in the flowchart of FIG. In step S3, the fundus observation image from the CCD 37a of the observation CCD camera 37 is taken into the board PC 316 through the capture board 319 for one frame. In the next step S4, the position of the center of gravity of the split bright lines 311 and 311 for autofocus is detected.

  Here, detection of the position of the center of gravity of the split bright lines 311 and 311 will be described. As shown on the left side of FIG. 11, regions A1 and A2 having the same height as the split bright lines 311 and 311 in the captured fundus observation image and wider than the split bright lines 311 and 311 are set. Then, as shown on the right side of FIG. 11, the center point of the region where the luminance is equal to or higher than the threshold in the luminance distribution characteristics of the regions A1 and A2 is detected as the barycentric position.

  When it is determined that the number of the center of gravity positions of the split bright lines 311 and 311 detected is two, that is, the number of the split bright lines 311 and 311 is two, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, from step S4 to step S5 → It progresses to step S6-> step S7-> step S8-> step S9. In step S6, the difference between the center of gravity positions of the two split bright lines 311 and 311 is calculated (FIG. 11), and the motor movement amount by the autofocus motor 332 is determined. In step S7, the autofocus motor 332 is driven with the determined motor movement amount and motor movement direction. In step S8, the fundus observation image is again captured for one frame, and when the shift between the two split bright lines 311 and 311 is recognized, fine adjustment is performed using the autofocus motor 332 in the matching direction. In step S9, it is determined whether or not the positions of the two split bright lines 311 and 311 are within the focusing range.

  If it is determined in step S9 that it is within the in-focus range, the process proceeds from step S10 to step S11. In step S11, it is determined that the in-focus state has been completed, and the next small pupil detection operation or autoshoot function operation is started. To do. If it is determined in step S9 that it is out of focus range, the process returns to step S3, and the above autofocus operation is repeated until it is determined that it is within focus range.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of the center of gravity positions of the split bright lines 311 and 311 detected is 1, that is, the number of the split bright lines 311 and 311 is determined to be one, in the flowchart of FIG. It progresses to S5-> step S12-> step S13-> step S14-> step S15. In step S12, it is determined whether the number of split bright lines 311 and 311 is one or zero. In step S13, the difference between the center of gravity position of one split bright line 311 and the preset focus position of the scanning line is calculated. In step S14, the autofocus motor 332 is driven by the movement amount and movement direction based on the determined difference. In step S15, the fundus observation image is again captured for one frame, and it is determined whether there are two split bright lines 311 and 311 recognized in the observation image.

  When it is determined that there are two split bright lines 311, 311 at the time of reaching step S15, the process proceeds to step S6, and the autofocus operation based on the two split bright lines 311, 311 is executed again. This is because the error is large in only one in-focus state. In step S15, it is checked again whether two split bright lines 311 and 311 exist. If two exist, the in-focus error is confirmed. A method (step S6 to step S8) for suppressing the above is executed.

  If it is determined in step S15 that there is only one split bright line 311, 311, the process proceeds to step S11, and the next small pupil detection operation or autoshoot function operation is performed based on the determination that the focusing is completed. To start.

[Auto-shoot action when recognizing two split lines]
FIG. 12 is a classification diagram of alignment bright spot states at the time of automatic fundus photographing with the auto-ON / OFF switch turned on in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. (B) shows the state with only one bright spot in the scale (), (c) shows the state with two separate bright spots in the scale (d) ) Shows a state where there are two unmatched bright spots in the scale (), and (e) shows a state where there are two matched bright spots in the scale (). FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the setting operation of the detection region of the alignment bright spot in the automatic alignment operation at the time of automatic fundus photographing with the auto ON / OFF switch turned on in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the center-of-gravity position detection operation of the alignment bright spot in the automatic alignment operation at the time of automatic fundus photographing with the auto-ON / OFF switch turned on in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, an auto-shoot operation procedure when recognizing two split bright lines that is executed following the auto-focus operation will be described.

  First of all, auto-shooting in auto-shooting mode means auto-focusing and auto-alignment by motor drive control. When the focus condition and alignment-matching condition are confirmed, the flash is automatically emitted and the fundus is shot. This is the operation to perform.

  When it is determined that the focusing is completed in step S11 of FIG. 6 by the autofocus operation and the two split bright lines 311 and 311 are recognized, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, step S16 → step S17 → step S25 → step The process proceeds from S26 to step S27. In step S16, the gravity center positions of the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 are detected. In step S17, it is determined whether or not the number of split bright lines 311 and 311 is one or less. In step S25, according to the determination that there are two split bright lines 311 and 311 in step S17, the difference between the center of gravity positions of the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 is calculated, and the motor movement amount by the alignment motor 330 is determined. In step S26, alignment motor 330 is driven with the determined motor movement amount and motor movement direction. In step S27, it is determined whether or not the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 match within the () scale 309.

  Here, the center-of-gravity position detection of the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 in step S16 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 12, the positions of the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 are in a state where there is no bright spot in the scale 309 (FIG. 12A), and in a state where there is only one bright spot in the scale 309. (FIG. 12 (b)), () state where there are two distant luminescent spots in the scale 309 (FIG. 12 (c)), and () state where there are two unmatched luminescent spots in the scale 309 (FIG. 12). 12 (d)), and () a state where there are two matched bright spots in the scale 309 (FIG. 12 (e)).

  As shown in FIG. 13, the detection areas of the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 include (A) an area A for detecting the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 in the scale 309 (area surrounded by the horizontal width a and the vertical width c), and ( When the alignment luminescent spots 310 and 310 are detected in the scale 309, the area divides into a region B (a region surrounded by the horizontal width b and the vertical width c) for detecting whether there are alignment luminescent spots 310 outside the scale 309. The area B is not used except when the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 are detected in the area A.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the method of detecting the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 divides the region A into four parts in the vertical direction by three horizontal lines. When the pixel values are accumulated in the vertical direction for each divided area, four waveforms are obtained. For the obtained waveform, the width of the portion that is greater than or equal to the set threshold is obtained. The longest width obtained for the four waveforms is defined as the width of the alignment bright spot 310. A range is provided for the calculated width, and if the width is within the range, the divided region is set as the position of the alignment bright spot 310. Only the portion of the divided area for which the maximum width is calculated is expanded to the area B shown in FIG. 13, and the alignment bright spot 310 is detected in the same manner. If the alignment bright spot 310 is not detected in the region B, the alignment bright spot 310 becomes one in the () scale 309, and it is considered that the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 match.

  In step S25, the motor movement direction (up / down / left / right / front / rear) is determined together with the motor movement amount based on the positional relationship between the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 with respect to the () scale 309. In step S26, alignment motor 330 is driven with the motor movement amount and motor movement direction determined in step S25. If it is determined in step S27 that the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 do not match within the () scale 309, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, step S16 → step S17 → step S25 → step S26 → The flow of proceeding to step S27 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S27 that the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 match within the () scale 309, the process proceeds to step S28, and whether or not the final confirmation of the status of the split bright lines 311 and 311 has been completed. Determine whether. If it is determined in step S28 that the final confirmation of the split bright lines 311 and 311 has not been completed (two bright line positions are out of focus range), the process returns to step S3 and the autofocus operation is executed again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that the final confirmation of the split bright lines 311 and 311 has been completed (the two bright line positions are within the in-focus range), the process proceeds to step S29. In step S29, the xenon lamp 17a is automatically emitted. While releasing the shutter, perform the fundus photography using the auto-shoot function and return to the start.

  In other words, the auto-shoot function automatically detects the coincidence of the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 and then automatically turns off the xenon lamp 17a without pressing the shooting switch 2c if the autofocus is finished and there is no blink. This is achieved by the action of photographing the fundus by closing the shutter while emitting light.

The auto-shoot operation is
1) Focus state Accuracy within ± 0.5D with auto focus
2) Alignment state It is assumed that the above conditions 1) and 2) are satisfied when the XY direction on the eye to be examined is within 0.5 mm and the Z direction on the eye to be examined is within 0.3 mm.

[Auto-shoot action when determining small pupils]
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which two split bright lines are projected on the observation monitor 3b by the non-mydriatic fundus camera of Example 1, and (a) is an alignment bright spot when the pupil diameter of the eye E is 4 mm or more. (B) shows the incident light to the pupil when the pupil diameter of the eye E is 4 mm or more and the alignment luminescent spots match. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which only one split bright line is projected on the observation monitor 3b by the non-mydriatic fundus camera of Example 1, and (a) shows an alignment bright when the pupil diameter of the eye E is within 4 mm. The monitor observation image when the points match is shown, and (b) shows the incident light to the pupil when the alignment bright points do not match. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a fundus image for explaining the action of inserting a small pupil diaphragm (crystal diaphragm) and an electrical mask when the small pupil is determined by the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment.

  First, the small pupil photographing function in the auto photographing mode is an auto-shooting operation in which the fundus photographing is performed by automatically emitting a flash even when the eye E is a small pupil. This is a function that automatically turns the small pupil aperture.

  For example, when the eye E is a small pupil and only one split bright line 311 is displayed on the observation monitor 3b, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, from step S17 to step S18 → step S19 → step S20. move on. In step S18, it is determined whether the split bright lines 311 and 311 recognized in the observation image are one or zero. In step S19, following the determination that the number of split bright lines 311 and 311 is one in step S18, it is determined whether or not the two alignment bright points 310 and 310 are located at a predetermined position, that is, inside the () scale 309. . In step S20, following the determination in step S19 that the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 are within the specified position, a small pupil stop (lens stop) is inserted.

  That is, when the pupil diameter of the eye E is 4 mm or more and the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 are coincident, the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 are formed after passing through the pupil of the eye E as shown in FIG. Two lights (the optical axes of split emission lines 311 and 311) are incident. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15A, two split bright lines 311 and 311 are displayed on the observation monitor 3b.

  On the other hand, the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 coincide with each other, but when the pupil diameter of the eye E is 4 mm or less, the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 are formed after passing through the pupil of the eye E. Since two lights cannot be incident simultaneously, only one split bright line 311 is displayed on the observation monitor 3b as shown in FIG. If the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 do not match regardless of the pupil diameter of the eye E, as shown in FIG. 16B, the alignment bright spot 310 is formed after passing through the pupil of the eye E. Since only one light is incident, only one split bright line 311 is displayed on the observation monitor 3b as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, when both the split bright line condition in which only one split bright line 311 is displayed on the observation monitor 3b and the alignment bright spot matching condition in which the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 match are satisfied, the eye E It can be determined that the pupil diameter is a small pupil within 4 mm.

  As described above, when it is determined that the pupil is a small pupil, if the amount of light is determined based on the pupil diameter being 4 mm or more, the incident light to the fundus is too strong, causing flare and the like. The fundus image cannot be taken. For this reason, a sharp pupil image can be captured by automatically inserting a small pupil diaphragm (crystal diaphragm) that is squeezed so as to suppress the amount of light reaching the fundus.

  For example, by switching the lens aperture at high magnification (angle of view 30 °), it is possible to photograph up to a pupil diameter of φ3.3 mm. At the time of high magnification, the lens aperture is switched and, as a countermeasure against flare, as shown in FIG. 17, an electric mask at the time of high magnification is put in a range indicated by a thick solid line ring. Note that FIG. 17 shows together with an electric mask at high magnification, an imaging range at high magnification by a rectangle and an electric mask in a range indicated by a thin line ring at an angle of view of 45 °.

  Then, after inserting the small pupil stop in step S20, the process proceeds from step S25 to step S26 to step S27, and even if the eye E is a small pupil, even if the photographing switch 2c is not pressed, it is automatically performed. An auto-shoot function is achieved in which the xenon lamp 17a emits light and the shutter is released to perform fundus photography.

[Split emission line induction effect]
For example, when the eye E is a small pupil and no split bright line is projected on the observation monitor 3b, the autofocus operation performed using at least one split bright line 311 cannot be executed. The shooting function is not demonstrated.

  Therefore, when the eye E is a small pupil and no split bright line is projected on the observation monitor 3b, the process proceeds from step S17 to step S18 to step S21 in the flowchart of FIG. In step S21, following the determination that the split bright lines 311 and 311 are zero in step S18, a small pupil stop (lens stop) is inserted as in step S20. That is, when no split bright line is displayed on the observation monitor 3b, it can be estimated that the pupil diameter of the eye E is within 4 mm, so that the small pupil aperture is the same as in the small pupil determination. Insert the lens diaphragm.

  In the next step S22, it is determined whether the photographed eye is the right eye or the left eye. If it is determined that the photographing eye is the left eye, the process proceeds to step S23, and even one split bright line 311 or 311 enters in the left eye. Thus, a guidance instruction to change the alignment is displayed to the examiner, and the process proceeds to step S3. Here, the guidance instruction is displayed by shifting the () scale 309 by 0.5 mm on the left eye of the subject.

  If it is determined that the eye is the right eye, the process proceeds to step S24, and a guidance instruction to change the alignment is displayed to the examiner so that at least one split bright line 311 or 311 can be entered by the right eye, and the process proceeds to step S3. . Here, the guidance instruction is displayed by shifting the () scale 309 by an amount corresponding to 0.5 mm on the subject's right eye.

  Accordingly, even when the eye E is a small pupil and no split bright line is displayed on the observation monitor 3b, at least one split bright line 311 is displayed on the observation monitor 3b by the split bright line guiding operation. Guidance instructions are given to the subject. For this reason, when performing fundus imaging in the auto imaging mode, the examiner who sees the deviation of the () scale 309 corrects and changes the alignment so that the alignment with respect to the subject becomes the normal position, so that at least one split emission line 311 is obtained. Is displayed on the observation monitor 3b, the execution of the autofocus operation performed using one or two split bright lines 311 and 311 is ensured, and the autoshoot function intended by the examiner can be exhibited.

[Stereo shooting]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an internal fixation target presentation position at the time of normal photographing with the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the internal fixation target presentation position during stereo shooting with the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating each state of the first photographing and the second photographing at the time of stereo photographing with the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment.

  When the stereo switch 218 is operated from OFF to ON, in the flowchart of FIG. 8, the process proceeds from step S30 → step S31 → step S33 → step S34 → step S35 → step S36, and in steps S33 to S36, during stereo shooting. Initial setting processing is executed.

  In step S33, as shown in FIG. 18, from the normal photographing position where the macular portion y of the fundus oculi Ef is separated by 5 ° from the optical axis of the fundus camera, the fundus oculi Ef is placed on the optical axis of the fundus camera as shown in FIG. From the direction of presentation of the internal fixation target at 5 ° from the optical axis of the fundus camera and the presentation of the internal fixation target at 15 ° from the optical axis of the fundus camera so that the center of the nipple m is moved Switch to the direction. In response to the displacement in the presentation direction of the internal fixation target, the eye E rotates from the state shown in FIG. 18 to the state shown in FIG. 19 and when the fundus oculi Ef is stereo-photographed, as shown in FIG. Two fundus photographs can be obtained in which the nipple m is placed in the center of the image.

  In step S34, the angle of view is changed from the low magnification state (angle of view 45 °) to the high magnification state (angle of view 30 °). As a result, the fundus oculi Ef is stereo-photographed at a high magnification, and the state of the fundus oculi Ef can be viewed in detail. In the case of stereo shooting, the shooting magnification can be increased not only by digital zooming as in the first embodiment but also by optical zooming.

  In step S35, the photographing light amount is reduced by two steps (30% reduction, 70%) as compared to the photographing light amount at the position where the macular portion y and the nipple portion m of the fundus oculi Ef are arranged on the optical axis. As a result, it is possible to take a stereo image of the fundus image with an appropriate amount of light for the papilla m. In other words, since the amount of light for normal photographing is set so that the dark macular portion y is reflected in the fundus image, the brightest nipple m is a slightly brighter image. On the other hand, when the nipple m of the fundus oculi Ef is arranged on the optical axis by the movement of the internal fixation target, the nipple m is the brightest part of the fundus image. If the shooting light quantity is left as it is, the image will be too bright and it will not be possible to shoot fine details.

The light amount correction at the time of stereo photographing (at the time of photographing the nipple) will be described below for the case of digital zooming (Example 1) and the case of optical zooming.
(1) In the case of digital zooming In the case of digital zooming, the light intensity is reduced by two steps as described above. In the fundus camera of the first embodiment, ± 4 steps can be corrected (2 to 0.5 times) by operation on the gantry panel, and √2 to 1 / √2 (70% = 30% decrease) in ± 2 steps. The light intensity is adjusted.
(2) In the case of optical magnification, if the optical magnification is changed without changing the photographing aperture, the brightness of the photographed image does not become the brightness before magnification unless the photographing light quantity is increased by the square of the magnification.
When the zoom ratio is 2 times / when the subject is the same, the shooting light quantity needs to be four times that before zooming.
In the case of the nipple, 1 / √2 is OK, so 1 / √2 * 4 = 2√2≈2.8 times more light intensity is required.

  In step S36, the automatic small pupil switching function (ASP function) is disabled. This is because stereo shooting changes the angle of view, inserts a mask, and the like, and these interfere with the automatic small pupil switching function, thereby preventing operation interference.

  Then, when the process proceeds from step S36 to step S37, in step S37, a manual stereo shooting mode (Manual) for performing stereo shooting by manual operation or when an auto stereo shooting mode (Auto) for performing stereo shooting by automatic operation is selected. Whether or not is selected. When it is determined that the auto stereo shooting mode (Auto) is selected, the process proceeds to step S38 to step S48, and automatic stereo shooting is executed.

  In auto stereo shooting mode, autofocus operation that automatically focuses on the fundus oculi Ef of the subject eye E based on the position detection of the split bright lines 311 and 311 with the () scale 309 of the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 set at the center of the observation image Is performed (step S38). When the completion of focusing is detected (YES in step S39), the focusing lens 21 is fixed (step S42), and the () scale 309 is moved to the left (step S43). Then, an alignment operation for automatically aligning the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 with the moved () scale 309 is performed (step S44), and the first flash photographing operation indicated by the photographing optical axis in (1) of FIG. 20 is performed (step S45). . Further, the () scale 309 is moved to the right (step S 46), and an alignment operation for automatically aligning the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 with the moved () scale 309 is performed (step S 47). A second flash photographing operation shown on the axis is performed (step S48).

  As described above, with regard to focusing, it is only necessary to focus once on the fundus oculi Ef of the eye E using the split luminescent lines 311 and 311 while setting the () scale 309 of the alignment luminescent spots 310 and 310 at the center of the observation fundus image. Therefore, compared to focusing at two locations, focusing is simplified, and left and right stereo images can be taken at the same focus position.

  As for the alignment adjustment, if the alignment adjustment is made to match the two alignment bright spots 310, 310 with the () scale 309 set at the center of the observation fundus image, the () scale 309 is moved to the left. In order to move the apparatus main body 3 in parallel with respect to the gantry 1 and to move the scale 309 to the right, the apparatus main body 3 has only to be moved in parallel with respect to the gantry 1 in two places. Thus, the alignment adjustment is simplified as compared with the case where the alignment adjustment is performed. At this time, the alignment motor 330, which is a stepping motor, is changed to a photographing mode for the fundus peripheral portion (see Japanese Patent No. 3888771).

  Therefore, a stereo image of the fundus oculi Ef with parallax can be obtained as shown in (1) and (2) of FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S37 that the manual stereo shooting mode (Manual) is selected, the process proceeds to step S49 to step S55, and stereo shooting with manual operation of focusing, alignment adjustment, and shooting is executed.

  In manual stereo shooting mode, the focus manual operation to focus on the fundus oculi Ef of the subject eye E while observing the position of the split bright lines 311 and 311 while the () scale 309 of the alignment viewpoints 310 and 310 is set at the center of the fundus observation image is finished. The examiner detects the completion of focusing by performing a switch operation on the “ENTER” switch (YES in step S49). When the completion of focusing is detected by the ON signal from the “ENTER” switch, the focusing lens 21 is fixed (step S51), the () scale 309 is moved to the left (step S52), and the moved () scale is moved. An alignment manual operation for aligning the alignment bright points 310 and 310 with 309 is performed, and the photographing switch 2c is pressed to perform first flash photographing (YES in step S53). Further, the () scale 309 is moved to the right (step S 54), the alignment manual operation for aligning the alignment bright spots 310, 310 with the moved () scale 309 is performed, and the photographing switch 2 c is pressed to perform the second flash photographing (in step S 55). YES).

Thus, as in the auto stereo shooting mode, focusing by manual operation is simplified, and alignment adjustment by manual operation is simplified.
For this reason, the parallax of the fundus oculi Ef with the parallax is obtained as shown by the photographing optical axes in (1) and (2) of FIG. 20 while achieving simplification of focusing and alignment adjustment by the parallel movement method. A stereo photographed image can be obtained.

Here, the reason for fixing the focusing lens 21 when the focusing is detected while the () scale 309 is set at the center of the fundus observation image in both the auto stereo shooting mode and the manual stereo shooting mode is as follows. It is as follows.
(a) When performing stereo photography by moving the fundus camera body to the left and right by the parallel movement method, the position of the focusing lens 21 should be the same in order to take a stereo pair image at the same focus position.
(b) Not only the focus of the stereo pair image but also the size of the photographed image is slightly changed, but the occurrence of errors can be suppressed when measuring the nipple m.
(c) Since the cornea occupies a large proportion of the refractive power of the eyeball, if the apparatus body 3 of the fundus camera is moved to the left or right during stereo shooting, the luminous fluxes of the split bright lines 311 and 311 move on the cornea. Even though the focus positions are the same, the split bright lines 311 and 311 are separated. That is, when the split luminescent lines 311 and 311 are aligned at the center and the apparatus main body 3 of the fundus camera is moved to the left and right, the split luminescent lines 311 and 311 are separated as shown in FIG. 3 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-253053.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment, the effects listed below can be obtained.

  (1) A split optical system 60 for projecting split bright lines 311 and 311 to focus on an imaging target portion of the eye E, and an alignment system for projecting alignment bright spots 310 and 310 for aligning the apparatus main body 3 with respect to the eye E 40, an observation optical system 30 including an observation monitor 3b for displaying an imaging target image of the eye E together with the split bright lines 311, 311 and the alignment bright spots 310, 310, and an imaging CCD for imaging the imaging target image of the eye E In a non-mydriatic retinal camera equipped with a photographic optical system 20 including a camera 6, the eye to be examined using the split bright lines 311 and 311 while the () scale 309 of the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 is set at the center of the observation image When the focus is detected, the focusing lens 21 is fixed, and the () scale 309 is moved to one of the left and right to move the () First alignment is performed by aligning the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 with the kale 309, the scale 309 is moved to the other left and right, and the second alignment is performed by aligning the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 with the moved scale 309. Stereo imaging means (FIG. 8) was provided. For this reason, it is possible to achieve good stereo with parallax by capturing left and right stereo images at the same focus position while achieving simplification of focusing and alignment adjustment by a parallel movement method that can automate stereo shooting. A photographed image can be obtained.

  (2) The stereo imaging means (FIG. 8) changes the position of the internal fixation target that the eye E gazes so that the papilla m is disposed at the center position of the fundus image by the rotation of the eye E (Step S33). For this reason, it is possible to obtain a stereo photograph of a fundus image in which the nipple m is arranged in the center.

  (3) The stereo photographing means (FIG. 8) changes the angle of view so as to photograph an enlarged fundus image as compared with normal fundus photographing (step S34). For this reason, stereo photography can be performed at a high magnification at which the state of the fundus oculi Ef can be visually recognized in detail.

  (4) The stereo photographing means (FIG. 8) reduces the photographing light amount compared with the photographing light amount at the time of normal fundus photographing (step S35). For this reason, a clear fundus image can be captured in stereo with the appropriate amount of light that is not too bright, up to a fine portion including the nipple m.

  (5) The stereo photographing means (FIG. 8) has an auto / manual selection means for switching between an auto stereo photographing mode for performing stereo photographing by automatic operation and a manual stereo photographing mode for performing stereo photographing by manual operation. Therefore, the auto stereo shooting mode and the manual stereo shooting mode can be selected according to the skill level of the examiner.

  (6) The stereo photographing means (steps S38 to S48 in FIG. 8) displays the () scale 309 of the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 when the auto stereo photographing mode is selected by the auto / manual selection means. The focus lens 21 is fixed when a focus completion is detected, and an autofocus operation for automatically focusing on the photographing target portion of the eye E based on the detection of the position of the split bright lines 311 and 311. At the same time, the () scale 309 is moved to one of the left and right, and the first flash photographing operation is carried out by performing an alignment operation for automatically aligning the alignment bright spots 310, 310 with the moved () scale 309. Is moved to the other of the left and right, and the second flash is performed by performing an alignment operation to automatically align the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 with the moved () scale 309. Perform Interview photographing operation. For this reason, it is possible to obtain a stereo photographed image of the fundus oculi Ef with parallax while achieving automation of stereo photography by the parallel movement method.

  (7) The stereo photographing means (FIG. 8) sets the () scale 309 of the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 at the center of the observation image when the manual stereo photographing mode is selected by the auto / manual selection means. The examiner who has finished the manual focus operation to focus on the subject to be photographed while looking at the positions of the split bright lines 311 and 311 performs the switch operation to detect the completion of the focus, and the completion of the focus is detected. Then, the focusing lens 21 is fixed, the () scale 309 is moved to one of the left and right, the alignment manual operation for aligning the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 with the moved () scale 309 is performed, and the photographing switch 2 c is pressed to perform the first operation. Perform flash photography, move the () scale 309 to the other left and right, and align the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 with the moved () scale 309 A manual operation, a second flash photography by pressing the photographing switch 2c. For this reason, it is possible to obtain a stereo photographed image having parallax of the fundus Ef having parallax while achieving simplification of focusing and alignment adjustment by the parallel movement method.

  As described above, the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus of the present invention has been described based on the first embodiment. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the first embodiment, and the gist of the invention according to each claim of the claims. As long as they do not deviate, design changes and additions are permitted.

  In the first embodiment, as an example of the stereo photographing unit, an auto stereo photographing mode in which stereo photographing is performed by an automatic operation and a manual stereo photographing mode in which stereo photographing is performed by a manual operation are illustrated. However, it may be a means having only an auto stereo shooting mode for performing stereo shooting by automatic operation, or may be a means having only a manual stereo shooting mode for executing stereo shooting by manual operation.

  In the first embodiment, two square split bright lines 311 and 311 are used as split targets, and the state in which the two split bright lines 311 and 311 are aligned in the vertical direction is shown as an in-focus state. However, the split target may have various shapes other than a square. Furthermore, an example in which a state in which a plurality of split targets are aligned in the horizontal direction may be an in-focus state.

  In the first embodiment, two circular alignment bright spots 310 and 310 are used as alignment targets, and the state in which the two alignment bright spots 310 and 310 are aligned with the center position of the () scale 309 is shown as an alignment adjustment state. . However, the alignment target may have various shapes other than a circular shape. Further, an example in which the alignment adjustment state is a state in which a plurality of alignment targets are matched with the outer peripheral position of the scale display having a shape other than () scale 309 may be used.

  In the first embodiment, an example of application to a non-mydriatic fundus camera that is an example of an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to other ophthalmic photographing apparatuses that perform stereo photographing. In short, any ophthalmologic photographing apparatus having a split optical system, an alignment system, an observation optical system, and a photographing optical system can be applied.

1 is an overall system diagram illustrating a non-mydriatic fundus camera (an example of an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus) according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an operation panel set in a gantry in the non-mydriatic retinal camera of Example 1. It is an image figure which shows each display content displayed on the observation monitor set to the apparatus main body in the non-mydriatic retinal camera of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an optical arrangement diagram showing an optical system built in the apparatus main body 3 in the non-mydriatic retinal camera of Example 1. FIG. 3 is an electric block diagram illustrating a control system built in the apparatus base 1, the gantry unit 2, and the apparatus body 3 in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an autofocus control operation executed by a board PC316 in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of an autoshoot control operation (including a flow of an automatic small pupil switching control operation) executed by the board PC 316 in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of stereo imaging control operation executed by the board PC 316 in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. It is a figure explaining the fundus imaging action by the manual operation with the auto-ON / OFF switch turned off in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of Example 1, (a) shows a monitor screen showing the eye to be examined in the center of the monitor, (b) shows the monitor screen before performing the focusing operation and alignment operation, (c) shows the monitor screen after performing the focusing operation and alignment operation, and (d) shows the review image of the fundus at the time of shooting. A monitor screen displaying is displayed. FIG. 6 is a split bright line diagram illustrating an autofocus action during automatic fundus photographing with the auto-ON / OFF switch turned on in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of Example 1; It is explanatory drawing of the gravity center position detection effect | action of a split bright line in the autofocus operation | movement at the time of the automatic fundus imaging | photography with the auto ON / OFF switch set to ON by the non-mydriatic fundus camera of Example 1. It is a classification diagram of the alignment bright spot state at the time of automatic fundus photographing with the auto ON / OFF switch turned on in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of Example 1, (a) is a state where there is no bright spot in the () scale (B) shows the state where there is only one bright spot in the () scale, (c) shows the state where there are two separate bright spots in the () scale, and (d) shows the state () A state where there are two unmatched bright spots in the scale is shown, and (e) shows a state where there are two matched bright spots in the scale (). FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation for setting an alignment bright spot detection region in an auto-alignment operation at the time of automatic fundus photographing with the auto-ON / OFF switch turned on in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of Example 1; It is explanatory drawing of the gravity center position detection effect | action of the alignment bright spot in the auto-alignment operation | movement at the time of automatic fundus imaging | photography with the auto ON / OFF switch set to ON by the non-mydriatic fundus camera of Example 1. It is explanatory drawing of the state by which two split bright lines are projected on the observation monitor 3b with the non-mydriatic fundus camera of Example 1, (a) is that the pupil diameter of the eye E is 4 mm or more, and the alignment bright spot matches. (B) shows the incident light of the pupil when the pupil diameter of the eye E is 4 mm or more and the alignment bright spot is matched. It is explanatory drawing of the state by which only one split bright line is projected on the observation monitor 3b with the non-mydriatic fundus camera of Example 1, (a) is the pupil diameter of the eye E within 4 mm, and the alignment bright spot matches. (B) shows pupil incident light when alignment bright spots do not match. It is a figure which shows the fundus image for demonstrating the insertion effect | action of a small pupil aperture (crystal aperture) and an electric mask at the time of a small pupil determination with the non-mydriatic fundus camera of Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the internal fixation target presentation position at the time of normal imaging | photography with the non-mydriatic retinal camera of Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the internal fixation target presentation position at the time of stereo imaging | photography with the non-mydriatic retinal camera of Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows each state of the 1st imaging | photography and 2nd imaging | photography at the time of stereo imaging | photography with the non-mydriatic retinal camera of Example 1. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Device base 2 Base part 2a Operation panel 2b Joystick 2c Shooting switch
209 Pupil switch
213 Auto ON / OFF switch 3 Main unit 3a Focusing handle 3b Observation monitor 31 Observation LCD unit 37 CCD camera for observation
309 () Scale (alignment mark)
310,310 Alignment bright spot (alignment target)
311,311 Split line (split target)
313 Small pupil diaphragm
315 PCB
316 board PC
317 Shooting Camera Relay PCB
318 DC power PCB
319 capture board
324 Alignment motor detection sensor
326 Autofocus motor (+) detection sensor
327 Autofocus motor (-) detection sensor
330 alignment motor
332 auto focus motor
333 Lens drive solenoid
334 Anterior segment switching drive solenoid
335 Reflector drive solenoid 4 Chin rest 5 External fixation target 6 CCD camera for photography (camera)
7 mouse / 10 keyboard 8 printer 9 personal computer 9a PC monitor 10 illumination optical system 17a xenon lamp 17b halogen lamp 20 imaging optical system 30 observation optical system 40 alignment system 41 alignment LED
50 Internal fixation system 60 Split optical system 61 Split LED
E Eye to be examined
Ef fundus (target)

Claims (7)

A split optical system for projecting a split target to focus on an imaging target portion of the eye to be examined, an alignment system for projecting an alignment target for aligning the apparatus main body with respect to the eye to be examined, and an imaging target for the eye to be examined In an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus comprising: an observation optical system including an observation monitor that displays an image together with the split target and the alignment target; and a photographing optical system including a camera that captures a photographing target image of the eye to be examined;
While the alignment mark of the alignment target is set at the center of the observation image, the split target is used to focus on the imaging target portion of the eye to be examined, and the focusing lens is fixed when the completion of focusing is detected. In addition, the alignment mark is moved to one of the left and right, the first alignment is performed with the alignment target being moved to the moved alignment mark, the alignment mark is moved to the other of the left and right, and the moved alignment mark is moved. An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus characterized by further comprising stereo photographing means for performing second photographing with the alignment target. The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to claim 1,
The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus characterized in that the stereo photographing means changes the position of the internal fixation target that the eye to be examined gazes so that the papilla is arranged at the center position of the fundus image by rotation of the eye to be examined. In the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to claim 2,
The stereo photographing unit changes an angle of view so as to photograph an enlarged fundus image as compared with normal fundus photographing. In the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The stereo photography means reduces the photographing light amount as compared with the photographing light amount at the time of normal fundus photographing. The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus, wherein the stereo photographing means includes an auto / manual selection means for switching between an auto stereo photographing mode for performing stereo photographing by an automatic operation and a manual stereo photographing mode for performing stereo photographing by a manual operation. In the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to claim 5,
The stereo photographing unit detects the position of the split target while the alignment mark of the alignment target is set at the center of the observation image when the auto stereo photographing mode is selected by the auto / manual selecting unit. Based on the autofocus operation for automatically focusing on the imaging target portion of the eye to be examined, and when the completion of focusing is detected, the focusing lens is fixed, and the alignment mark is moved to one of the left and right, and the moved position An alignment operation for automatically aligning the alignment target with the alignment mark is performed to perform a first flash photographing operation, the alignment mark is moved to the other left and right, and the alignment target is automatically moved to the moved alignment mark. An ophthalmic photographing apparatus characterized by performing a second flash photographing operation by performing an alignment operation to match . In the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to claim 5,
The stereo photographing means sets the position of the split target while the alignment mark of the alignment target is set at the center of the observation image when the manual stereo photographing mode is selected by the auto / manual selecting means. The inspector who has finished the focus manual operation to focus on the subject to be photographed while looking at the camera detects the completion of focusing by performing a switch operation, and when the completion of focusing is detected, the focusing lens is fixed, and Move the alignment mark to one of the left and right, perform the alignment manual operation to align the alignment target with the moved alignment mark, press the shooting switch to perform the first flash shooting, and move the alignment mark to the other left and right Manual alignment operation to align the alignment target with the moved alignment mark, Ophthalmologic photographing apparatus characterized by performing a second flash photography press shadow switch.

Images