JP5080998B2 - 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.

  When photographing with a fundus camera, the adjustment knob is turned to adjust the focus, the alignment bright points separated into two are matched at the center, and then the photographing button is pressed to perform photographing. A subject with a small pupil may be provided with a small pupil stop.

  However, there are some examiners who are unfamiliar with the fundus camera or those who hold the subject's eyelid with one hand and operate with only the other hand. It was difficult.

On the other hand, in order to reduce the focus operation burden of the examiner and to reduce the alignment adjustment operation burden, a fundus camera having an automatic photographing mode combining auto alignment and auto focus is known (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-160549 A

  However, in a conventional fundus camera, an automatic photographing mode in which photographing is automatically performed when a photographing condition is satisfied by a switch operation and a manual photographing mode in which the examiner presses the photographing switch to perform photographing can be selected. I am doing so. In the automatic photographing mode, automatic flash photographing cannot be performed unless the alignment condition, the focus condition, and the line of sight / pupil diameter condition are satisfied.

  Therefore, the conventional fundus camera can only select either the automatic shooting mode or the manual shooting mode as the degree of freedom of selection, and there is no switch for selecting the manual focus mode and the automatic focus mode. Even if it is desired to focus by operation, there is a problem that there is no freedom to select focusing by manual operation.

  Further, the conventional fundus camera does not have an automatic small pupil switching function for automatically inserting a diaphragm when it is determined as a small pupil. For this reason, it is not possible to select whether to enable or disable the automatic small pupil switching function. In addition, when the automatic photographing mode is selected by a switch operation, the automatic photographing mode is maintained. Therefore, when the eye to be examined is a small pupil, there is a problem that automatic flash photographing cannot be performed no matter how long.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problem, and among a plurality of automatic operation functions included in the automatic imaging mode, a degree of freedom of selection that disables only some of the functions according to the skill level of the examiner. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus that can improve usability for the examiner and reduce the observation / imaging burden for the examinee.

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:
An autofocus function that realizes automatic focusing based on the split target obtained from the observation optical system, and an automatic aperture when the state of the split target obtained from the observation optical system is determined to be a small pupil An automatic photographing control means having an automatic small pupil switching function for inserting a lens and an automatic shooting function for performing an automatic flash photographing operation when a final confirmation result of focusing and alignment positioning is within an appropriate range,
The automatic operation function of the automatic photographing control means is divided into an auto focus function, an automatic small pupil switching function, and an auto shoot function, and an all effective selection mode that enables all of the divided automatic operation functions, and a divided automatic and all invalid selection mode to disable all of the operational functions, among automatic operation functions divided, to enable part of the automatic operation function, and some effective selection mode to invalidate the remaining automatic operation function, the The automatic operation function selection means is provided.

Therefore, in the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus of the present invention, the automatic photographing control means is divided into at least an autofocus function, an automatic small pupil switching function, and an autoshoot function as automatic operation functions. When the automatic operation function selection means is in the all valid selection mode, all of the divided automatic operation functions are validated. Further, when the automatic operation function selection means is in the all invalid selection mode, all of the divided automatic operation functions are invalidated. Further, when the automatic operation function selection means is in the partial effective selection mode, some automatic operation functions are enabled and the remaining automatic operation functions are disabled.
In this way, the automatic operation function of the automatic imaging control means is divided into the auto focus function, the auto small pupil switching function, and the auto shoot function. A degree of freedom of selection is made valid and the rest invalid.
Therefore, the examiner who wants to perform the focusing operation himself can disable only the autofocus function. Further, when the examiner wants to select the normal aperture / small pupil aperture, only the automatic small pupil switching function can be disabled. Furthermore, if you want to shoot at your own shooting timing, you can disable only the autoshoot function. In this way, by providing a degree of freedom of selection that disables only some functions according to the proficiency level of the examiner, convenience for the examiner is improved.
Then, the photographing time can be shortened by a degree of freedom of selection. In addition, among these automatic operation functions, under conditions where the automatic operation function is not completed no matter how much waiting, it is possible to speed up photographing by disabling some or all of the operation functions in advance. In this way, by speeding up the imaging, the subject is not forced to remain in the state of fixing the face to the chin rest and staring at the fixation target for a long time, thereby reducing the observation / imaging burden on the subject. It becomes.
As a result, among the multiple automatic operation functions included in the automatic imaging mode, it is convenient for the examiner to have a degree of freedom of selection that disables only some of the functions according to the proficiency level of the examiner. It can be improved, and the observation / imaging burden can be reduced for the subject.

  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 and a zoom switch 214 are provided.

  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.

  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 (abbreviated as “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 (abbreviated as “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 (abbreviated as “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 (automatic photographing control means).

  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 showing a flow of selection operations by manual operation of the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function executed by the board PC 316 in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment (automatic operation function selection unit). FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a selection operation system of the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, each step of FIG. 8 will be described.

  In step S30, it is determined whether or not an Auto / Manual selection screen is displayed on the observation monitor 3b when the examiner performs a menu operation. If YES (Auto / Manual selection screen is displayed), the process proceeds to step S31. If NO (Auto / Manual selection screen is not displayed), move to end.

  In step S31, following the determination of the auto / manual selection screen display in step S30, it is determined whether or not the AF function is selected to be manual when the AF invalid display is not being performed. If YES (Manual selection of AF function), the process proceeds to step S34. If NO (Auto selection of AF function or AF invalid display), the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, following the determination of auto selection of the AF function in step S31 or AF invalid display, it is determined whether or not the ASP function is selected to be manual when ASP invalid display is not being performed. If YES (Manual selection of ASP function), the process proceeds to step S35. If NO (Automatic ASP function selected or ASP invalid display), the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, following the determination of the ASP function Auto in step S32 or the ASP invalid display, it is determined whether or not the ASH function is selected as Manual when the ASH invalid display is not being performed. If YES (Manual selection of ASH function), the process proceeds to step S36. If NO (Auto select ASH function or ASH invalid display), the process proceeds to step S37.

  In step S34, following the determination that the AF function has been selected to be manual in step S31, the AF function is invalidated and a monitor display of “AF invalid” is performed, and the process proceeds to return.

  In step S35, following the determination that the ASP function is selected to be manual in step S32, the ASP function is disabled, and the monitor display of “ASP invalid” and the monitor display of “small pupil stop” are displayed. And go to return.

  In step S36, following the determination that the ASH function is set to Manual in step S33, the ASH function is invalidated and a monitor display of “ASH invalid” is displayed, and the process proceeds to return.

  In step S37, following the determination that the ASH function is set to Auto in step S36, at least the ASH function among the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function is enabled, and “Auto Enabled” is set. Monitor display and move to return.

  Here, the selection operation of the AF function (autofocus function), the ASP function (auto small pupil switching function), and the ASH function (auto shoot function) is performed by the Auto / Manual displayed on the observation monitor 3b as shown in FIG. The selection display position on the Auto display section and Manual display section for each function on the selection screen is as follows: switch 209 (upward), switch 213 (downward), switch 210 (leftward), switch 212 (rightward) Use to move. The determination at the selection display position of “Auto” or “Manual” for each function is determined as a manual selection operation by pressing the switch 211 as an “ENTER” switch.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of an automatic selection operation for automatically selecting the validity / invalidity of the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function executed by the board PC 316 in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment (automatic Operation function selection means).

In step S40, it is determined whether or not the diopter of the eye E exceeds the range of -13D to + 12D. If YES (exceeding the range of −13D to + 12D), the process proceeds to step S41. If NO (within the range of −13D to + 12D), the process proceeds to step S42.
Here, the diopter information of the eye E is inspected in advance using a refractometer, a refraction inspection method such as a screening method or a subjective inspection method, and this diopter information is preliminarily obtained from the ID information of the subject. Or diopter information is input in advance by an operator's operation.

In step S41, following the determination that the diopter of eye E exceeds the range of −13D to + 12D in step S40, the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function are disabled, and “Auto disabled” is set. And a monitor display of “diopter correction lens insertion” prompting the insertion of the diopter correction lens.
The reason for disabling the ASH function is that the eye fundus image is in focus, so that the eye E is included in the optical system. It is preferable not to execute.

  In step S42, following the determination that the diopter of the eye E in step S40 is within the range of −13D to + 12D, it is determined how many split bright lines 311 and 311 are detected. When the number of detected split bright lines 311 is 1, the process proceeds to step S43. If the number of detected split bright lines is zero, the process proceeds to step S44. If the number of detected split bright lines 311 and 311 is two, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S43, following the determination that the number of split bright lines 311 detected in step S42 is one, a monitor display of “small pupil diaphragm” that prompts insertion of a small pupil diaphragm is performed, and the process proceeds to step S45. .

  In step S44, following the determination that the number of split bright lines detected in step S42 is zero, the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function are disabled, the monitor display of “Auto invalid”, A monitor display of “small pupil stop” that prompts insertion of the pupil stop is performed.

  In step S45, it is determined whether the number of split bright lines 311 and 311 detected in step S42 is two, or the monitor display of “small pupil stop” in step S43 is followed by whether or not the split switch 202 is pressed. Judging. If YES (the subject presses the split switch 202 to retract the split bright lines 311, 311 so that the subject does not see the split bright lines 311, 311), the process proceeds to step S46. If NO (no operation to the split switch 202), the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S46, following the determination that the split switch 202 has been pressed in step S45, the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function are invalidated, and “Auto invalid” monitor display is performed.

  In step S47, following the determination that the split switch 202 is not pressed in step S45, the initial setting of the split switch 202 is changed to a fixation target switching switch from the internal fixation target to the external fixation target. It is determined whether or not the fixation target switching switch has been pressed. If YES (switching from the internal fixation target to the external fixation target), the process proceeds to step S48. In the case of NO (no change to the fixation target without changing the internal fixation target), the process proceeds to step S51.

  In step S48, following the switching determination from the internal fixation target to the external fixation target in step S47, it is determined whether or not the internal fixation target has been erased. If YES (the internal fixation target is erased), the process proceeds to step S49. If NO (the internal fixation target is not erased), the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S49, following the determination that the internal fixation target has been erased in step S48, monitor display of “internal fixation OFF” is performed, and the process proceeds to step S51.

  In step S50, following the determination that the internal fixation target is not erased in step S48, the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function are disabled, and the monitor display of “Auto invalid” and “internal → external fixation target” are displayed. Is displayed on the monitor.

  In step S51, whether or not the small pupil switch 209 is turned on following the determination that the fixation target switching switch is not pressed in step S47 or the monitor display of “internal fixation OFF” in step S49. to decide. If YES (small pupil switch ON), the process proceeds to step S52. If NO (small pupil switch OFF), the process proceeds to step S53.

  In step S52, following the determination that the small pupil switch is ON in step S51, priority is given to the examiner's intention to insert a small pupil stop to take an image, and only the ASP function is disabled. “Aperture” is displayed on the monitor.

  In step S53, following the determination in step S51 that the small pupil switch is OFF, it is determined whether or not the small pupil switch 209 has been pressed three times. If YES (press the small pupil switch twice), the process proceeds to step S54. If NO (the small pupil switch is not pressed twice), the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S54, following the determination that the small pupil switch is pressed twice in step S53, priority is given to the examiner's intention to insert a normal aperture and photograph by pressing the small pupil switch 209 twice. While disabling only the ASP function, a monitor display of “small pupil iris disabled” is performed. Note that the normal aperture is released by the auto ON / OFF switch 213.

  In step S55, following the determination that the small pupil switch is not pressed twice in step S53, it is determined whether or not the auto ON / OFF switch 213 has been pressed an odd number of times such as once, three times,. If YES, the process proceeds to step S56. If NO, the process proceeds to step S57.

  In step S56, following the determination that the auto ON / OFF switch 213 has been pressed an odd number of times in step S55, the ASH function is disabled while the AF function and the ASP function remain enabled, and “ASH disabled” is set. Perform monitor display.

  In step S57, following the determination that the auto ON / OFF switch 213 has not been pressed an odd number of times (= even times pressed) in step S55, it is determined whether or not a set time has elapsed since switching from the anterior segment to the fundus. to decide. If YES (the set time has elapsed from the anterior segment → the fundus), the process proceeds to step S58. If NO (from the anterior segment → the fundus, less than the set time), the process proceeds to step S59. Here, the set time for determining that the AF function does not operate normally can be set to, for example, 5 seconds / 10 seconds (standard setting) / 15 seconds / 20 seconds.

  In step S58, following the determination that the set time has elapsed from the anterior segment to the fundus in step S57, the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function are disabled, the monitor display of “Auto disabled”, and “AF disabled” Perform monitor display. The monitor display of “AF invalid” is performed, for example, by blinking the () scale 309 displayed on the observation monitor 3 b. The blinking of the () scale 309 is canceled when photographing or returning to the anterior eye part.

  In step S59, following the determination that the set time has not elapsed from the anterior segment → the fundus in step S58, the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function remain enabled and a monitor display of “Auto enabled” is displayed. I do.

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 Emission Line Inducing Action ”,“ Manual Selection Action of AF Function, ASP Function, and ASH Function ”, and“ Automatic Selection Action of AF Function, ASP Function, and ASH Function ”.

[Fundus photographing by manual operation]
FIG. 11 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. 11 (a) 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 is projected at the center of the observation monitor 3b as shown in FIG.

  (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 luminescent spots 310, 310 for adjusting the working distance appear on the observation monitor 3b. ) 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. 11 (b), the two separated split bright lines 311 and 311 are aligned vertically as shown in FIG. 11 (c). Then, by operating the joystick 2b, the two alignment bright spots 310, 310 are placed in the () scale 309 as shown in FIG.

  (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. 12 is a split bright line diagram for explaining the autofocus operation during 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 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 an immature person and fundus photographing is performed using the autofocus function 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, as shown in FIG. 12, two separated split bright lines 311 and 311 are vertically aligned. 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. 13, 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. 13, in the luminance distribution characteristics of the areas A1 and A2, the center point of the area where the luminance is equal to or greater than the threshold 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. 13), 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 switching operation or autoshoot operation is performed based on the determination that the focusing is completed. Start.

[Auto-shoot action when recognizing two split lines]
FIG. 14 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 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. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an operation for setting an alignment bright spot detection region in an auto-alignment operation during automatic fundus photographing with the auto ON / OFF switch turned on in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an alignment bright spot center-of-gravity position detection operation in an automatic alignment operation during automatic fundus imaging 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, auto-shoot operation is an operation that performs auto-alignment operation following auto-focus operation by motor drive control, and automatically confirms that the in-focus condition and alignment alignment condition are met, and then flashes the fundus automatically. Say.

  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. 14, 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. 14A), and in a state where there is only one bright spot in the scale 309. (FIG. 14 (b)), () a state in which there are two distant luminescent spots in the scale 309 (FIG. 14 (c)), and a state in which there are two unmatched luminescent spots in the () scale 309 (see FIG. 14). 14 (d)), and () a state where there are two matched bright spots in the scale 309 (FIG. 14 (e)).

  As shown in FIG. 15, the detection areas of the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 include (A) an area A (area surrounded by the horizontal width a and the vertical width c) for detecting the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 in the scale 309, 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. 16, 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. 15, and the alignment bright spot 310 is similarly detected. 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. 17 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. 18 is an explanatory view showing a state in which only one split bright line is projected on the observation monitor 3b by the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 18A 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. 19 is a diagram showing a fundus image for explaining the action of inserting a small pupil stop (lens stop) and an electric mask when the small pupil is determined by the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment.

  First of all, the auto small pupil switching function is an automatic small shot automatically at the time of small pupil determination in order to achieve an auto shoot operation in which the flash is automatically emitted even when the eye E is a small pupil. This is the function to put the pupil stop.

  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 match, the alignment bright spots 310 and 310 are formed after passing through the pupil of the eye E as shown in FIG. Two lights are incident. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17A, 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. 18B, 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. Then, at the time of high magnification, the lens aperture is switched and, as a countermeasure against flare, as shown in FIG. 19, an electric mask at the time of high magnification is put in a range indicated by a thick solid line ring. FIG. 19 shows an electric mask in a high magnification ratio together with an electric mask in a high magnification ratio in 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. A guidance instruction to change the alignment is given to the examiner. 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.

[Manual selection of AF, ASP, and ASH functions]
As shown in FIG. 9, manual selection of the AF function (autofocus function), ASP function (automatic pupil switching function) and ASH function (autoshoot function) is performed by selecting Auto / Manual on the observation monitor 3b by menu operation. A screen is displayed and this Auto / Manual selection screen is used.

  That is, when switching from the standard “Auto” display section selection state to the “Manual” display section selection state for each function, as shown in FIG. The switch 213 (downward), switch 210 (leftward), and switch 212 (rightward) are used for movement. For each function, when “Auto” or “Manual” desired by the examiner is selected and the switch 211 is pressed as an “ENTER” switch, a manual selection operation with the displayed contents can be performed.

  For example, when the examiner wants to perform the focusing operation by manual operation, if the display unit is switched from “Auto” to “Manual” for the AF function, step S30 → step S31 → step in the flowchart of FIG. Proceeding to S34, in step S34, the AF function is disabled and monitor display of “AF disabled” is performed.

  Therefore, for example, a skilled examiner who is used to the focusing operation performs a focusing operation using the focusing knob 3a. An automatic flash photographing operation can be performed while using other ASP functions (automatic pupil switching function) and ASH functions (autoshoot function).

  For example, when the examiner wants to perform a small pupil switching operation by manual operation, when the display unit is switched and selected from “Auto” to “Manual” for the ASP function, step S30 → step S31 → The process proceeds from step S32 to step S35. In step S35, the ASP function is invalidated and monitor display of “ASP invalid” and “small pupil stop” is performed.

  Therefore, for example, an examiner who always wants to select the normal aperture / small pupil aperture uses the small pupil switch 209 to press the switch once to insert the small pupil, or press the switch twice to insert the normal aperture. Perform the operation. An automatic flash photographing operation can be performed while using other AF functions (autofocus function) and ASH functions (autoshoot function).

  For example, when the examiner wants to perform an automatic flash photographing operation manually, when the display unit is switched from “Auto” to “Manual” for the ASH function, step S30 → step S31 → The process proceeds from step S32 to step S33 to step S36. In step S36, the ASH function is disabled and monitor display of “ASH disabled” is performed.

  Therefore, for example, an expert who wants to take an image at his or her own shooting timing uses the AF function (autofocus function) and the ASP function (auto small pupil switching function), and () the alignment bright spots 310, 310 in the scale 309 Alignment operation is performed so that manual flash photographing can be performed at the photographing timing using the photographing switch 2c.

  As described above, the manual selection action of the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function is performed by using all three functions in addition to the selection of disabling only one function and enabling the two functions. A function can be enabled, all three functions can be disabled, or two of the three functions can be disabled and only one function can be selected. Can do.

[Automatic selection of AF, ASP, and ASH functions]
The automatic selection of the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function determines whether or not an invalid condition that should be invalidated is established in advance for each automatic operation function, and when the invalid condition is established, manual operation by the examiner is performed. This means that the automatic operation function satisfying the invalid condition is automatically invalidated without waiting. Hereinafter, a case where all of the AF function, ASP function, and ASH function are disabled, a case where only the ASP function is disabled, and a case where only the ASH function is disabled will be described.

When disabling all of the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function When the bending abnormality condition that the diopter of the eye E to be examined is a bending abnormality is satisfied, the process proceeds from step S40 to step S41 in the flowchart of FIG. In step S41, the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function are invalidated based on the determination that the diopter of the eye E exceeds the range of −13D to + 12D, and “Auto invalid” is displayed on the monitor. Then, the monitor display of “insert diopter correction lens” prompting insertion of the diopter correction lens is performed.
Therefore, when the diopter of the eye E to be examined is abnormally bent, the examiner inserts a diopter correction lens according to the monitor display, passes manual focusing and alignment adjustment, and presses the photographing switch 2c to perform fundus photographing. By performing, for example, fundus imaging can be performed more quickly than when the focus is not completed and time elapses after switching from the anterior segment to the fundus.

When the split optical condition in which no split bright lines 311 and 311 are detected by the observation optical system 30 is satisfied, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the process proceeds from step S40 to step S42 to step S44. In step S44, the AF function, ASP function, and ASH function are performed. Is invalidated, and “Auto invalid” monitor display and “small pupil diaphragm” monitor display prompting insertion of the small pupil diaphragm are performed.
Accordingly, when the split bright lines 311 and 311 are not detected at all because the eye E is a small pupil or the like, the examiner inserts a small pupil stop according to the monitor display, and is moved from the center by focusing or manual operation to the left and right () After the alignment adjustment to coincide with the scale 309 has passed, the photographing switch 2c is pressed to perform fundus photographing. Thereby, for example, fundus imaging can be performed more quickly than when the focus is not completed and time elapses after switching from the anterior segment to the fundus. If the number of split bright lines 311 detected is one, the process proceeds to step S43, and the “small pupil stop” monitor display prompting insertion of the small pupil stop is performed, thereby speeding up fundus imaging. .

When the split evacuation condition in which the split bright lines 311 and 311 are evacuated is satisfied, the process proceeds from step S40 to step S42 to step S45 to step S46 in the flowchart of FIG. 10, and in step S46, the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function are disabled. At the same time, the monitor display of “Auto invalid” is performed.
Therefore, when the subject pushes the split switch 202 and retracts the split bright lines 311 and 311 so that the subject does not see the split bright lines 311 and 311, for example, focusing performed using the split bright lines 311 and 311 is not completed, and time elapses. Compared to such a case, fundus photography can be performed quickly. When this split retreat condition is satisfied, only the ASH function that can be executed without using the split target information may be enabled.

When the external fixation target use condition for using the external fixation target without erasing the internal fixation target is satisfied, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, go to Step S40 → Step S42 → Step S45 → Step S47 → Step S48 → Step S50. In step S50, the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function are invalidated, and “Auto invalid” and “internal → external fixation target” are displayed on the monitor.
Therefore, when using an external fixation target without erasing the internal fixation target, unless the internal fixation target is erased, the fundus oculi Ef moves to hinder an autofocus operation or the like. Therefore, in such a case, by invalidating the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function as a standard setting, loading the condition that the internal fixation target is turned off, and returning to enable each function, Fundus photography can be performed quickly.

When the autofocus disable condition in which the autofocus function does not operate normally is satisfied, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, go to step S40 → step S42 → step S45 → step S47 → step S51 → step S53 → step S55 → step S57 → step S58. In step S58, the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function are invalidated, and monitor display of “Auto invalid” and “AF invalid” is performed.
Therefore, when the autofocus function does not operate normally and it takes time to determine completion of focusing, it is possible to quickly perform fundus imaging by quickly switching to manual operation.

When disabling only the ASP function When the examiner presses the small pupil switch 209 once, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the process proceeds to step S40 → step S42 → step S45 → step S47 → step S51 → step S52, In step S52, priority is given to the examiner's intention to insert a small pupil stop for imaging, and only the ASP function is disabled, and a monitor display of “small pupil stop” is performed.
Further, when the examiner presses the small pupil switch 209 twice, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the process proceeds from step S40 → step S42 → step S45 → step S47 → step S51 → step S53 → step S54. Priority is given to the examiner's intention to take a picture with a normal iris inserted, and only the ASP function is invalidated and a monitor display of “small pupil iris invalid” is performed.
Therefore, when the examiner wants to switch between the normal iris / small pupil iris, the small pupil switch 209 can be used as a switch for selecting whether the ASP function is valid or invalid. By the operation, it is not necessary to display the Auto / Manual selection screen on the observation monitor 3b and perform the manual selection operation, and easy operability can be obtained.

When disabling only the ASH function When the inspector presses the auto ON / OFF switch 213 an odd number of times, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, step S40 → step S42 → step S45 → step S47 → step S51 → step S53 → step The process proceeds from S55 to step S56. In step S56, while the AF function and the ASP function are kept valid, only the ASH function is invalidated and a monitor display of “ASH invalid” is performed.
On the other hand, when the examiner presses the auto ON / OFF switch 213 an even number of times, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, step S40 → step S42 → step S45 → step S47 → step S51 → step S53 → step S55 → step S57 → step S59. In step S59, the AF function, the ASP function, and the ASH function are kept valid, and a monitor display of “Auto valid” is performed.
Therefore, if an expert wants to shoot at his / her own timing, it is only necessary to press the auto ON / OFF switch 213, and the auto ON / OFF switch 213 can be used as a switch for selecting whether the ASH function is valid or invalid. If it is desired to disable only the ASH function, it is not necessary to display the Auto / Manual selection screen on the observation monitor 3b by the menu operation and to perform the manual selection operation, and easy operability can be obtained.

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 comprising a photographing optical system 20 including a camera 6, an autofocus function for realizing automatic focusing based on split bright lines 311 and 311 obtained from the observation optical system 30, and the observation optical system Automatic small pupil switching function that automatically inserts a diaphragm when the state of split bright lines 311 and 311 obtained from 30 is determined to be a small pupil, An automatic shooting control means (FIGS. 6 and 7) having an automatic shooting function for executing an automatic flash shooting operation when the final confirmation result of the alignment position is within an appropriate range is provided. Among the all effective selection mode of the function, the all invalid selection mode of the automatic operation function possessed by the automatic photographing control means, and the automatic operation function possessed by the automatic photographing control means, some automatic operation functions are validated, and the rest An automatic operation function selection means (FIGS. 8 and 10) having a partial effective selection mode for disabling the automatic operation function is provided. For this reason, among the plurality of automatic operation functions included in the automatic imaging mode, it is convenient for the examiner to have a degree of freedom to select only a part of the functions depending on the proficiency level of the examiner. It can be improved, and the observation / imaging burden can be reduced for the subject.

  (2) The automatic operation function selection means (FIG. 8) includes the automatic operation function of the automatic photographing control means (FIGS. 6 and 7), the automatic operation function of the automatic small pupil switching function, and the automatic shooting function. Select whether to enable or disable manually. For this reason, it is possible to select the validity / invalidity of each automatic operation function according to the skill level and preference of the examiner, and in particular, the usability for the examiner can be remarkably improved.

  (3) The automatic operation function selection means (FIG. 10) includes an automatic focusing function, an automatic small pupil switching function, and an automatic shooting function of the automatic imaging control means (FIGS. 6 and 7). It is determined whether an invalid condition that should be invalidated beforehand is satisfied, and a selection is made to automatically invalidate the automatic operation function that satisfies the invalid condition. For this reason, the burden of determining whether the automatic operation function is valid or invalid is eliminated. In addition, it is possible to avoid a situation in which it is necessary to shift from automatic imaging to manual imaging and to perform rapid imaging, thereby reducing the observation / imaging burden on the subject.

  (4) The automatic operation function selection means (FIG. 10) is configured so that the dioptric condition where the diopter of the eye E is abnormal refractive (YES in step S40), and the split bright lines 311 and 311 are not detected at all by the observation optical system 30. None condition (no split bright line in step S42), split retreat condition with split bright lines 311 and 311 retracted (YES in step S45), external fixation target use condition using external fixation target (YES in step S47), autofocus When any one of the autofocus disabled conditions (YES in step S57) in which the function does not operate normally is satisfied, a selection is made to disable all of the autofocus function, the auto small pupil switching function, and the autoshoot function. For this reason, when one of the invalid conditions as described above is satisfied, it is possible to avoid a situation in which it is necessary to shift from automatic shooting to manual shooting.

  (5) A small pupil switch 209 for inserting a small pupil diaphragm by a switch operation is provided, and the automatic operation function selecting means (FIG. 10) performs a switch operation for inserting a small pupil diaphragm or a normal diaphragm into the small pupil switch 209. Is performed (YES in step S51, YES in step S53), the small pupil switch operation is prioritized over the selection of the automatic operation function, and the selection for invalidating only the automatic small pupil switching function is performed. For this reason, for example, regarding the normal aperture / small pupil aperture, if the examiner always wants to select, the small pupil switch 209 can be used as a switch for selecting whether the ASP function is valid or invalid, When it is desired to disable only the ASP function, it is not necessary to perform a manual selection operation accompanied by display of an Auto / Manual selection screen, and operability that is convenient for the examiner can be obtained.

  (6) An auto ON / OFF switch 213 for selecting ON / OFF of the auto shoot function by switch operation is provided, and the automatic operation function selection means (FIG. 10) performs an odd number of switch operations on the auto ON / OFF switch 213. (YES in step S55), the auto-focus function and the auto small pupil switching function are kept valid, and only the auto-shoot function is selected to be invalid, and the auto ON / OFF switch 213 is operated evenly ( In step S55, NO), a selection is made to enable the autofocus function, the auto small pupil switching function, and the autoshoot function. For this reason, for example, when an expert wants to take an image at his / her own timing, the auto ON / OFF switch 213 can be used as a switch for selecting the validity / invalidity of the ASH function. When it is desired to invalidate only the ASH function, it is not necessary to perform a manual selection operation accompanied by display of an Auto / Manual selection screen, and operability that is convenient for the examiner can be obtained.

  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 automatic operation function selection means by manual operation, an example is shown in which a selection screen is displayed by menu operation and selection operation is performed. However, each of an autofocus function, an automatic small pupil switching function, and an autoshoot function is shown. It is also possible to provide an example in which a selection switch is provided.

  In the first embodiment, an example in which an auto-alignment operation is performed as an automatic photographing control unit has been described. However, it has auto focus function, auto small pupil switching function and auto shoot function that perform automatic flash shooting operation when alignment operation is performed manually and the final confirmation result of focusing and alignment is within the appropriate range It may be a thing.

  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, the example in which the auto focus operation control is preceded and the auto alignment operation control is subsequently performed is shown. However, an example in which auto-alignment operation control is preceded and then auto-focus operation control is performed may be used. Furthermore, an example in which auto alignment operation control and auto focus operation control are performed by simultaneous progress control may be used.

  In the first embodiment, an example of application to a non-mydriatic fundus camera, which is an example of an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus, is shown. However, the present invention can also be applied to other ophthalmic photographing apparatuses that require a focusing operation and an alignment adjustment operation. 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 a selection operation by manual operation of an AF function, an ASP function, and an ASH function executed by the board PC 316 in the non-mydriatic fundus camera of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the selection operation system of AF function, ASP function, and ASH function in the non-mydriatic retinal camera of Example 1. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an automatic selection operation for automatically selecting the validity / invalidity of an AF function, an ASP function, and an ASH function 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.

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
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 (6)

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;
An autofocus function that realizes automatic focusing based on the split target obtained from the observation optical system, and an automatic aperture when the state of the split target obtained from the observation optical system is determined to be a small pupil An automatic photographing control means having an automatic small pupil switching function for inserting a lens and an automatic shooting function for performing an automatic flash photographing operation when a final confirmation result of focusing and alignment positioning is within an appropriate range,
The automatic operation function of the automatic photographing control means is divided into an auto focus function, an automatic small pupil switching function, and an auto shoot function, and an all effective selection mode that enables all of the divided automatic operation functions, and a divided automatic and all invalid selection mode to disable all of the operational functions, among automatic operation functions divided, to enable part of the automatic operation function, and some effective selection mode to invalidate the remaining automatic operation function, the An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus characterized by comprising an automatic operation function selecting means. The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to claim 1,
The automatic operation function selection means is a manual operation for selecting whether to enable or disable the automatic operation function of the automatic photographing control means, ie, the autofocus function, the automatic small pupil switching function, and the autoshoot function. An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus characterized by In the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
Whether the automatic operation function selection means determines whether an invalid condition that should be invalidated in advance is satisfied for each of the automatic operation functions of the autofocus function, the automatic small pupil switching function, and the autoshoot function of the automatic imaging control means. The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus is characterized in that the automatic operation function that satisfies the invalid condition is automatically selected to be invalidated. In the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to claim 3,
The automatic operation function selection means includes a refractive error condition in which the diopter of the eye to be examined is a refractive error, a split no condition in which no split target is detected by the observation optical system, a split retract condition in which the split target is retracted, an external Auto focus function, auto small pupil switching function, and auto shoot function when any one of the conditions for using an external fixation target that uses a fixation target, or the auto focus disabled condition where the auto focus function does not work properly An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus characterized in that selection is made to invalidate all of them. In the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4,
A small pupil switch that inserts a small pupil diaphragm by switch operation is provided.
The automatic operation function selection means prioritizes the small pupil switch operation over the selection of the automatic operation function and switches the automatic small pupil when a switch operation for inserting a small pupil diaphragm or a normal diaphragm is performed on the small pupil switch. An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus characterized by performing selection to invalidate only a function. In the ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
An auto on / off switch is provided to select whether the auto shoot function is on or off by switch operation.
The automatic operation function selection means performs selection to invalidate only the auto-shoot function while the auto focus function and the auto small pupil switching function remain valid during the odd number of switch operations with respect to the auto ON / OFF switch, An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus that performs auto-focus function, auto-pupil switching function, and auto-shoot function at the time of even number of times switch operation for auto ON / OFF switch.

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