JP6676296B2 - Ophthalmic examination device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ophthalmic examination equipment.

  In order to maintain health and prevent / early detect diseases, health examinations and examinations are important. It is also important to keep track of the disease that has already been discovered. With the progress of the aging society in recent years, the importance of such medical forms is expected to increase, and new businesses such as remote use and rental of medical devices are progressing. In addition, devices that can be easily operated by non-experts and devices that can be inspected by the subject themselves have appeared.

  In health examinations, medical examinations, follow-up observations, and the like, it is desirable to provide more accurate and more accurate diagnoses using advanced image diagnostic devices, examination devices, and diagnostic applications. There is an optical coherence tomography as an ophthalmic examination apparatus expected to contribute to such a purpose. An optical coherence tomography is used to obtain a cross-sectional image, three-dimensional data, and analysis data of a fundus and a cornea using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

In addition to the optical coherence tomography, for example, the following device is used for ophthalmic medical care.
-A fundus camera for photographing the fundus-A scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) for obtaining a fundus image by laser scanning using a confocal optical system (Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope, SLO)
・ Eye refraction tester (refractometer, keratometer) for measuring refraction characteristics of the eyeball
-Tonometer for measuring intraocular pressure-Specular microscope for obtaining corneal characteristics (corneal thickness, cell distribution, etc.)-Wavefront analyzer for obtaining eyeball aberration information using a Hartmann-Shack sensor

JP 2013-81601 A JP 2014-128620 A JP-A-2015-33471 JP-A-2015-33472 JP-A-2015-35111

  Generally, an ophthalmic examination apparatus is connected to a computer installed in a medical institution, and is capable of performing various types of information processing via a LAN or the Internet. On the other hand, in remote use, rental, and patrol diagnosis, there is no communication equipment or management system at the installation site, or the ophthalmic examination equipment is frequently moved, so it is compared with the case where it is fixedly installed. As a result, the functions are greatly restricted, and for example, there is an inconvenience that individual authentication of the subject or the examiner cannot be performed.

An object of the present invention is to provide remote use or rental, the ophthalmic examination equipment capable of performing personal authentication even in medical forms, such as cyclic diagnosis.

An ophthalmologic examination apparatus according to an embodiment includes an examination unit, an authentication data acquisition unit, a time data generation unit, a positioning signal reception unit, a position data generation unit, an association processing unit, a storage unit, and a collation unit. . The inspection unit generates inspection data by optically inspecting the subject's eye. The authentication data acquisition unit acquires personal authentication data of the subject. The time data generation unit generates time data indicating the time at which the examination of the subject's eye was performed. The positioning signal receiving unit receives a signal from the positioning system. The position data generation unit generates position data indicating the current position by analyzing the received signal. The association processing unit associates the inspection data, the personal authentication data, the time data, and the position data. The storage unit stores in advance the subject authentication information on the subject, examination time information indicating the scheduled examination time registered for the subject, and examination position information indicating the scheduled examination site registered for the subject. Remember. The collating unit executes a process of collating the personal authentication data with the subject authentication information, a process of collating the time data with the examination time information, and a process of collating the position data with the examination position information. The time data generation unit generates time data by analyzing the signal received by the positioning signal receiving unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it is possible to perform personal authentication also in medical forms, such as remote use, rental, and patrol diagnosis.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an ophthalmologic examination apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an ophthalmologic examination apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an ophthalmologic examination apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an ophthalmologic examination apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an ophthalmic examination system according to an embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a usage pattern of the ophthalmologic examination apparatus according to the embodiment.

  Some examples of typical embodiments of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that the contents of the documents and known techniques cited in this specification can be used in the embodiments.

  The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to the embodiment is used in a form that involves traveling such as a round checkup, home medical care, and rental (lease). That is, the ophthalmic examination apparatus is moved to various positions such as a screening room, a patient's house, and a medical institution. The data (examination data) of each subject (and each eye to be examined) acquired by the ophthalmic examination apparatus is sent to a specialized medical institution such as an image interpretation center or an advanced medical institution to be checked by an ophthalmologist (interpretation and the like). Is done. The results of the image interpretation and the like are sent to a screening site, a screening management institution, a registration destination for each subject (home, medical institution (family doctor, etc.)), and the like.

  An ophthalmic examination apparatus is used for optical examination of an eye to be examined. The ophthalmic examination apparatus has a function as an ophthalmologic photographing apparatus and / or a function as an ophthalmologic measurement apparatus. An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus is an apparatus for imaging an eye to be inspected, and examples thereof include an optical coherence tomography (OCT apparatus), a fundus camera, and a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). The ophthalmologic measurement device is a device for measuring characteristics of the eye to be examined, and examples thereof include an eye refraction test device, a tonometer, a specular microscope, and a wavefront analyzer. Further, the ophthalmic examination apparatus may include an application for analyzing a captured image and measurement data. In the following embodiments, an ophthalmic examination apparatus that functions as an optical coherence tomography will be described, but the configuration according to the embodiments is similarly applied to an ophthalmic examination apparatus having other functions.

  In the embodiment, an optical coherence tomography using a so-called spectral domain (OCT) type OCT equipped with a low coherence light source and a spectroscope will be described. However, a type other than the spectral domain, for example, a swept source (Swept Source) is used. It is also possible to apply the present invention to an optical coherence tomography using a type of OCT technique. The swept-source OCT scans (wavelength sweeps) the wavelength of light applied to a subject, sequentially detects interference light obtained by superimposing return light of each wavelength and reference light, and sequentially detects a spectral intensity distribution. Is obtained, and a subject is imaged by performing a Fourier transform on it.

[Configuration of ophthalmic examination apparatus]
The configuration of the ophthalmologic examination apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. The ophthalmologic examination apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an optical unit 10, a computer 100, a user interface unit (UI unit) 200, a positioning signal receiving unit 300, and an authentication data acquiring unit 400.

  The optical unit 10, the computer 100, the user interface unit 200, the positioning signal receiving unit 300, and the authentication data acquiring unit 400 may be provided integrally (that is, in a single housing). Alternatively, they may be distributed in two or more housings. In that case, a part of the ophthalmologic examination apparatus 1 may be provided in another apparatus. For example, part or all of the computer 100 can be provided in a personal computer or a mobile terminal (a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or the like). Further, part or all of the user interface unit 200 can be provided in a personal computer, a mobile terminal, a television receiver, a smart TV, or the like.

[Optical unit 10]
The optical unit 10 includes an optical system for performing OCT measurement and a mechanism for driving an optical element included therein. The optical system divides the light from the light source 11 into measurement light and reference light, causes the return light from the eye E of the measurement light to interfere with the reference light, and detects the interference light. This optical system has a configuration similar to that of a conventional spectral domain type OCT apparatus. That is, this optical system is configured to generate interference light using low coherence light (broadband light) and detect the interference light with a spectroscope. The detection result (detection signal) of the spectral component is sent to the computer 100.

  When a swept source OCT is applied, a swept wavelength light source (variable wavelength light source) is provided instead of the low coherence light source, and a balanced photodiode or the like is provided instead of the spectroscope. In general, the optical unit 10 may have a known configuration according to the type of OCT. When an ophthalmologic examination apparatus having a function other than OCT is applied, the ophthalmologic examination apparatus may have a known configuration corresponding to the function (an imaging function, a measurement function, and the like).

  The light source 11 outputs broadband low coherence light. This low coherence light includes, for example, a wavelength band in the near infrared region (about 800 nm to 900 nm) and has a temporal coherence length of about several tens of micrometers. Note that invisible light (for example, near-infrared light having a center wavelength of about 1040 to 1060 nm) may be used as the low coherence light. The light source 11 includes an optical output device such as a super luminescent diode (Super Luminescent Diode: SLD), an LED, and an SOA (Semiconductor Optical Amplifier).

  The low coherence light output from the light source 11 is converted into a parallel light beam by the collimator lens 12 and guided to the beam splitter 13. The beam splitter 13 is, for example, a half mirror that reflects a predetermined percentage of light and transmits the rest. The beam splitter 13 splits the parallel light beam from the collimator lens 12 into measurement light and reference light.

  The measurement light is light emitted to the eye E (also called signal light or the like). The optical element group forming the path of the measurement light (measurement optical path) is called a measurement arm (also called a sample arm or the like). The reference light is light serving as a reference for extracting information included in the return light of the measurement light as an interference signal. The group of optical elements forming the path of the reference light (reference light path) is called a reference arm.

  One end of the reference optical path is a beam splitter 13 and the other end is a reference mirror 14. The reference light composed of the component transmitted through the beam splitter 13 is reflected by the reference mirror 14 and returns to the beam splitter 13. The reference mirror 14 is moved along the traveling direction of the reference light by the reference mirror driving unit 14A shown in FIG. Thereby, the length of the reference light path is changed. It should be noted that a configuration for changing the length of the measurement optical path can be provided instead of, or in addition to, the configuration for changing the length of the reference optical path. The change of the length of the measurement optical path is realized by, for example, a corner cube that reflects the incident measurement light in the opposite direction and a mechanism for moving the corner cube.

  The measurement light composed of the components reflected by the beam splitter 13 is deflected by a fixed mirror 15 arranged obliquely with respect to the measurement optical path and guided to a scanner 16. The scanner 16 is, for example, a two-axis optical scanner or a pair of one-axis optical scanners. That is, the scanner 16 can deflect the measurement light two-dimensionally. The scanner 16 is, for example, a mirror scanner including two mirrors that can be deflected in directions orthogonal to each other. The mirror scanner is, for example, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror scanner or a galvano scanner.

  The measurement light output from the scanner 16 is a two-dimensionally deflected collimated light. The measurement light is converged by the relay lens 17 and is imaged in the air on a plane (fundus conjugate plane) Pc conjugate with the fundus oculi Ef. Further, the measurement light is refocused by the objective lens 19 having a function as a focusing lens, and is incident on the eye E. When a later-described diopter correction lens 27 is disposed in the measurement optical path, the measurement light passes through the objective lens 19, is refracted by the diopter correction lens 27, and enters the eye E to be examined.

  The objective lens 19 and the lens barrel 19A are moved along the measurement optical path by the lens barrel drive 19B shown in FIG. The objective lens 19 and the lens barrel 19A are moved in the optical axis direction according to the refractive power of the eye E. Thereby, the fundus conjugate plane Pc is arranged at a position conjugate with the fundus oculi Ef. As a result, the measurement light is projected on the fundus oculi Ef as spot light. Note that a focusing lens may be provided separately from the objective lens 19. Further, the fundus conjugate plane Pc is disposed between a dichroic mirror 18 and an objective lens 19 described later.

  The diopter correction lens 27 changes the focus position of the measurement light with respect to the eye E to be inspected similarly to the focusing lens. However, in order to cope with an eye having extreme refractive power, such as an intense myopic eye, An optical element arranged in the measurement optical path. The diopter correction lens 27 is inserted into and retracted from the measurement optical path by the lens driving unit 27A shown in FIG.

  The measurement light applied to the fundus oculi Ef is scattered and reflected at various depth positions of the fundus oculi Ef. Backscattered light (return light) of the measurement light by the fundus oculi Ef travels in the opposite direction on the same path as the outward path, and is guided to the beam splitter 13.

  The beam splitter 13 causes the return light of the measurement light to interfere with the reference light passing through the reference light path. At this time, only the component of the return light passing through a distance substantially equal to the length of the reference light path, that is, only the component from the range within the coherence distance with respect to the length of the reference light path substantially interferes with the reference light. . The interference light generated via the beam splitter 13 is guided to the spectroscope 20. The interference light that has entered the spectroscope 20 is separated (spectral decomposition) by the diffraction grating 21 and is applied to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 23 via the lens 22.

  The image sensor 23 is, for example, a line sensor or an area sensor, detects each spectral component of the separated interference light, generates a signal (detection signal), and sends the signal to the computer 100.

  At a position between the relay lens 17 and the fundus conjugate plane Pc, a dichroic mirror 18 is inclined. The dichroic mirror 18 is configured to transmit near infrared band measurement light and reflect visible band light.

  A flat panel display (FPD) 25 and a lens 26 are provided in an optical path branched from the measurement optical path via the dichroic mirror 18. The flat panel display 25 is arranged at a position conjugate with the fundus conjugate plane Pc via the lens 26 (and thus conjugate with the fundus oculi Ef). The flat panel display 25 displays information under the control of the control unit 110. The information displayed on the flat panel display 25 includes various optotypes presented to the eye E to be examined. Examples of such optotypes include optotypes (such as Landolt rings) for subjective visual acuity test, and fixation targets for fixing the eye E to be examined.

  The visible light output from the flat panel display 25 is reflected by the dichroic mirror 18 via the lens 26, enters the eye E via the objective lens 19, and reaches the fundus Ef. Thereby, an image (for example, a target image) based on the visible light is projected on the fundus oculi Ef.

  In order to convert the characteristics of the measuring light and / or the reference light, for example, an optical attenuator or a polarization controller can be provided. Further, it is possible to provide a front image acquisition optical system for photographing the eye E and acquiring a front image thereof. This front image is an image of the anterior segment or the fundus oculi Ef. The front image acquisition optical system forms an optical path branched from the measurement optical path, and includes, for example, an optical system similar to a conventional fundus camera or SLO.

  When a front image acquisition optical system is provided, an optical system for projecting an alignment target to the eye E can be further provided, and alignment can be performed manually or automatically as in a conventional fundus camera or the like. . At the time of alignment, the optical unit 10 is moved by the unit driving unit 10A. Further, an optical system for projecting a target for focusing onto the fundus oculi Ef can be further provided, and focusing can be performed manually or automatically similarly to a conventional fundus camera or the like. During focusing, the optotype projection optical system and the focusing lens (such as the objective lens 19) are moved. Further, the movement of the eye E is detected based on the moving image obtained by the front image acquisition optical system, and the optical unit 10 can be moved in real time in accordance with the movement (automatic tracking).

  In addition, two or more cameras (anterior camera) that can photograph the anterior segment of the eye E from different directions substantially simultaneously can be provided. In this case, the three-dimensional position of the eye E can be obtained by analyzing two or more anterior eye images acquired substantially simultaneously by two or more anterior eye cameras. The three-dimensional position thus obtained can be used for auto alignment and auto tracking.

[Computer 100]
The computer 100 performs various calculations and controls. The computer 100 includes a control unit 110, an image forming unit 120, a data processing unit 130, and a communication unit 140 illustrated in FIG. These will be described later.

  Computer 100 includes a processor. In this specification, a “processor” is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a programmable logic device (for example, an SPLD (SimpleProbeDigger), a programmable logic device (for example, SPLD)) (Complex Programmable Logic Device), a circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 110 realizes the functions according to the embodiment by, for example, reading and executing a program stored in a storage circuit or a storage device. The computer 100 may further include a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a communication interface, and the like.

(User interface unit 200)
The user interface unit 200 is connected to the computer 100. The user interface unit 200 includes a display unit 210 and an operation unit 220. The display unit 210 includes a display device such as a flat panel display. The operation unit 220 includes operation devices such as buttons, keys, a joystick, and an operation panel provided on the housing of the ophthalmologic examination apparatus 1 and outside. The operation unit 220 may include an operation device (a mouse, a keyboard, a trackpad, a button, a touch panel, and the like) such as a personal computer connected to the ophthalmologic examination apparatus 1.

  The display unit 210 and the operation unit 220 may include a device in which a display function and an operation function are integrated, such as a touch panel, for example. In addition, the user interface unit 200 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) for performing information presentation and operation input.

(Positioning signal receiving unit 300)
The positioning signal receiving section 300 receives a signal from a positioning system. As a positioning system, a navigation satellite system (NSS) for measuring a current position based on a radio signal from a navigation satellite (and a ground station), or a current position based on a radio signal from a ground station is measured. There is a system. Typical examples of the positioning system include a global positioning system (GPS), Galileo, and Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS). The positioning signal receiving section 300 can receive signals from one or more positioning systems. The positioning signal receiving unit 300 includes an antenna and a circuit, similarly to a conventional GPS receiver and the like.

(Authentication data acquisition unit 400)
The authentication data acquisition unit 400 acquires personal authentication data of a subject. The personal authentication data includes, for example, at least one of identification information (subject ID) assigned to each subject and biometric data for each subject.

  The subject ID includes, for example, character string information (numerical strings, alphabet strings, or a combination thereof). The subject ID is issued by a medical institution, a public institution, an institution that manages this system, an institution that manages medical examinations, an institution where the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 is installed, and the like. When the subject ID is included in the personal authentication data, the authentication data acquisition unit 400 includes an input device capable of inputting a character string or the like. Examples of the input device include a hardware keyboard and a software keyboard.

  The subject ID may be recorded on a recording medium. Examples of the recording medium include a subject card (patient card) configured as a magnetic card or an IC card, and paper on which barcode information is printed. In such a case, the authentication data acquisition unit 400 includes a card reader (magnetic card reader, IC card reader, etc.) and a barcode reader.

  The biometric authentication data includes information representing the physical characteristics of the subject, and examples include an iris pattern, a retinal pattern, a blood vessel pattern, a fingerprint, a palm print, a voice print, and an ear shape. The biometric data may include information indicating the behavioral characteristics of the subject. Examples of the biometric data include handwriting, keystroke authentication (keyboard speed and timing), lip movement (lip movement during speech). ), Blink, etc.

  When the biometric authentication data is included in the personal authentication data, the authentication data acquisition unit 400 has a configuration according to the form of the biometric authentication data. For example, the iris pattern is acquired by a camera capable of photographing the anterior segment of the subject's eye (and a processor having a function of analyzing an anterior segment image acquired by the camera and extracting an iris pattern). The retinal pattern is acquired by a camera capable of photographing the fundus of the subject's eye (and a processor having a function of analyzing a fundus image acquired by the camera and extracting a retinal pattern). The blood vessel pattern includes, for example, a light source that irradiates near-infrared light to the back of the subject's hand and a photodetector that detects near-infrared light transmitted through the back of the hand (and data obtained by this photodetector. (A processor having a function of analyzing and extracting a blood vessel pattern). Other biometric authentication data is also acquired by a device having a known configuration.

  Note that part or all of the authentication data acquisition unit 400 may be included in, for example, another component illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, the computer 100 or the user interface unit 200.

[Control system and data processing system]
A control system and a data processing system of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the control system and the data processing system.

(Control unit 110)
The control unit 110 includes a function of storing information and a function of performing calculations and controls. The control unit 110 includes a main control unit 111 and a storage unit 112.

(Main control unit 111)
The main control unit 111 includes a processor that controls each unit of the ophthalmologic examination apparatus 1. For example, the main control unit 111 includes a unit driving unit 10A, a light source 11, a reference mirror driving unit 14A, a scanner 16, a lens barrel driving unit 19B, an image sensor 23, a flat panel display 25, an image forming unit 120, a data processing unit 130, The communication unit 140, the user interface unit 200, the positioning signal receiving unit 300, the authentication data acquiring unit 400, and the like are controlled.

  The unit driving section 10A moves the optical unit 10 three-dimensionally. The reference mirror driving unit 14A moves the reference mirror 14 along the reference optical path. The lens barrel drive 19B moves the objective lens 19 and the lens barrel 19A along the measurement optical path. The lens drive unit 27A inserts and removes the diopter correction lens 27 with respect to the measurement optical path. Alternatively, the lens driving unit 27A selectively arranges a plurality of diopter correction lenses on the measurement optical path.

(Storage unit 112)
The storage unit 112 stores various data. Further, the storage unit 112 stores various programs and data for operating the ophthalmologic examination apparatus 1. The data stored in the storage unit 112 includes data acquired by the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 and data stored in advance.

  The data acquired by the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 includes examination data (OCT image data, analysis data, and the like), front image data, positioning data, personal authentication data, and the like. The inspection data is data obtained by processing the detection result of the interference light by the optical unit 10. The analysis data is data obtained by analyzing OCT image data and the like with an analysis application. The positioning data is data obtained by the positioning signal receiving unit 300 or data generated by processing the data. The personal authentication data is data obtained by the authentication data obtaining unit 400 or data generated by processing the data.

  The data stored in the storage unit 112 in advance includes various programs and data for operating the ophthalmologic examination apparatus 1 and a communication address of the external computer 1000. When the ophthalmologic examination apparatus 1 performs the subject authentication process, regular personal authentication data (subject authentication information) registered for each subject is stored in the storage unit 112 in advance. In this case, the data processing unit 130 has a function (collating unit) for collating the personal authentication data acquired by the authentication data acquiring unit 400 with the subject authentication information stored in the storage unit 112. Furthermore, the examination time information indicating the scheduled examination time registered for each subject and the examination position information indicating the scheduled examination site registered for each subject may be stored in the storage unit 112 in advance. In this case, the data processing unit 130 compares the data of the actual inspection time acquired based on the positioning signal or by the processor (clock function) with the examination time information, or the actual inspection position acquired based on the positioning signal. And a function (collating unit) for collating the data with the inspection position information.

(Image forming unit 120)
The image forming unit 120 forms cross-sectional image data of the eye E based on the detection signal output from the image sensor 23. This processing includes processing such as noise removal (noise reduction), filter processing, dispersion compensation, FFT (Fast Fourier Transform), and the like, similarly to the conventional spectral domain type OCT. When another type of OCT is applied, the image forming unit 120 executes a known process according to the type. Image forming section 120 includes a processor.

(Data processing unit 130)
The data processing unit 130 performs various data processing. For example, the data processing unit 130 performs image processing on the cross-sectional image data formed by the image forming unit 120. As an example, the data processing unit 130 forms three-dimensional image data (stack data, volume data, and the like) based on a plurality of two-dimensional cross-sectional images, and generates an MPR image of an arbitrary cross-section of the three-dimensional image data. (Multi-Planar Reconstruction). Data processing unit 130 includes a processor. The data processing unit 130 includes a signal analysis unit 131 and an association processing unit 132. 3A and 3B show different configuration examples of the data processing unit 130.

(Signal analyzer 131)
3A and 3B, the signal analyzer 131 includes a position data generator 1311. The position data generating unit 1311 analyzes the signal received by the positioning signal receiving unit 300 and generates position data indicating the current position. The process for obtaining the current position from the positioning signal is known. For example, when positioning signal receiving section 300 is configured to receive a radio signal from a navigation satellite system, position data generating section 1311 transmits a plurality of radio signals (for example, at least four radio signals) acquired by positioning signal receiving section 300. It generates position data by analyzing radio signals from navigation satellites.

  When the positioning signal receiving unit 300 can receive signals from two or more positioning systems, the position data generating unit 1311 performs signal analysis corresponding to each positioning system, thereby providing more accurate and accurate signals. High position data can be obtained. Conversely, when the accuracy and the accuracy are not so much required for the position data, it is possible to apply a signal analysis method according to the degree.

  Further, for example, when the positioning signal includes information on time, such as GPS, the signal analysis unit 131 may include a time data generation unit 1312 as illustrated in FIG. 3A. The time data generator 1312 analyzes the signal received by the positioning signal receiver 300 and generates time data indicating the current time. The time data generation unit 1312 corrects the time included in the positioning signal (such as the time of transmission of a radio signal from a navigation satellite) or converts the time included in the positioning signal to the current time in the time zone to which the current location belongs. And so on. Here, the time zone to which the current location belongs may be set as a default, or may be determined based on the position data acquired by the position data generation unit 1311. Since the time data generated from the positioning signal is difficult to falsify, there is an advantage that the reliability of the time data used in the subsequent authentication processing is increased.

  On the other hand, when the positioning signal does not include the time information (the positioning signal may include the time information), a time data generation unit 133 can be provided outside the signal analysis unit 131 as shown in FIG. 3B. Time data generation section 133 includes, for example, a processor having a clock function. Alternatively, the time data generation unit 133 may include a configuration for acquiring the current time from an external device (including a clock function) such as the external computer 1000 or a portable terminal.

  The positioning signal receiving unit 300 and the position data generating unit 1311 (and the time data generating unit 1312) may be externally attached to the ophthalmologic examination apparatus 1 (that is, may be configured as separate housings). For example, a configuration is possible in which position data (and time data) is acquired using a positioning function (such as a GPS function) mounted on the mobile terminal, and the acquired position data is input to the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1.

  Further, the positioning signal receiving unit 300 and the position data generating unit 1311 (and the time data generating unit 1312) may be configured to receive power supply from a power source (dedicated battery or the like) different from the other components. Accordingly, even when the power of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 is off or when the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 is not connected to an external power supply (commercial power supply, hospital power supply, or the like), the position and the current time can be detected. It is. The movement history of the ophthalmologic examination apparatus 1 can be created by accumulating the position data and the time data obtained repeatedly as described above.

(Association processing unit 132)
The association processing unit 132 includes the examination data acquired by the ophthalmologic examination apparatus 1, the personal authentication data acquired by the authentication data acquisition unit 400, the position data generated by the position data generation unit 1311, and the time data generation unit 1312. (Or 133) is associated with the time data acquired.

  The association process executed by the association processing unit 132 is, for example, to give the same information (for example, an examination ID) to these data. As another example of the associating process, when image data is managed in DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) format, authentication data, position data, and time data can be written in a predetermined area of the DICOM tag. As still another example, inspection data, authentication data, position data, and time data can be stored in the same folder.

  In addition to the methods exemplified above, for example, at least one of the authentication data, the position data, and the time data can be embedded in the inspection data (image data). For example, authentication data, position data, and time data can be imaged, converted to spatial frequency domain data, and embedded in inspection data. Alternatively, the authentication data, the position data, and the time data can be embedded in a portion of the image data that does not hinder image interpretation (for example, in the vicinity of the frame). In this case, the area in which the information is embedded may be set by default, or may be determined each time the association processing is performed. As an example of the latter, the image data is analyzed to specify an image region corresponding to a site of interest (a macula, an optic disc, a diseased part, a blood vessel, etc.) of the eye E, and a region other than the image region is set as an embedding region. be able to.

(Communication unit 140)
The communication unit 140 performs data communication with an external device. The data communication method is arbitrary. For example, the communication unit 140 includes a communication interface conforming to the Internet, a communication interface conforming to a LAN, and the like. Data communication may be wire communication or wireless communication. The communication unit 140 performs data communication with the external computer 1000 via the communication line 2000. Any number of external computers 1000 may be provided. The external computer 1000 may be, for example, a server installed at a management center of the present system, a server installed at an image interpretation center, a server installed at a medical institution, or the like. Data transmitted and received by the communication unit 140 may be encrypted. In that case, the control unit 110 (or the data processing unit 130) includes an encryption processing unit that encrypts transmission data.

[About ophthalmic examination system]
A system (ophthalmic examination system) including one or more ophthalmic examination apparatuses as described above will be described. The ophthalmic examination system according to the embodiment has a function of performing an examination of an eye to be inspected by each ophthalmic examination apparatus and a function of authenticating a subject based on data acquired by each ophthalmic examination apparatus.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of such an ophthalmic examination system. 4 includes a plurality of ophthalmic examination apparatuses 1-n (n = 1, 2,..., N) and an information processing apparatus 500. Each ophthalmic examination apparatus 1-n and the information processing apparatus 500 can communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. The ophthalmic examination system is configured so that at least data can be transmitted from each ophthalmic examination apparatus 1-n to the information processing apparatus 500.

  Each ophthalmic examination apparatus 1-n has the same configuration as the above-described ophthalmic examination apparatus 1. Note that all of the plurality of ophthalmic examination apparatuses 1-n may be of the same type. For example, all of the plurality of ophthalmic examination apparatuses 1-n may be OCT apparatuses. Further, the plurality of ophthalmic examination apparatuses 1-n may include two or more different types of apparatuses. For example, the plurality of ophthalmic examination apparatuses 1-n may include one or more OCT apparatuses, a multifunction peripheral of one or more OCT apparatuses and a fundus camera, one or more fundus cameras, and one or more SLOs. .

  The information processing device 500 is an example of the external computer 1000. The information processing device 500 is, for example, a server for managing this ophthalmic examination system, a server installed in an image interpretation center, a server installed in a medical institution, or the like.

  The information processing device 500 includes a control unit 510, a storage unit 520, a collation unit 530, and a communication unit 540. Control unit 510 includes a processor that controls each unit of information processing device 500. Collation unit 530 includes a processor that executes a collation process described later.

  The storage unit 520 stores various data. In particular, the storage unit 520 previously stores the subject authentication information, the examination time information, and the examination position information for each of the plurality of subjects. The subject authentication information is legitimate personal authentication data registered for each subject. For example, the subject ID and predetermined biometric authentication information (the biometric authentication data actually acquired and registered from the subject) ). The examination time information indicates the scheduled examination time registered for each subject. The examination position information indicates the examination site registered for each subject.

  In this example, each ophthalmic examination apparatus 1-n transmits a predetermined data set to the information processing apparatus 500. The data set includes examination data, personal authentication data, time data, and position data associated by the association processing unit 132. Upon receiving the data set input from any of the ophthalmologic examination apparatuses 1-n, the matching unit 530 performs at least the following three processes: the personal authentication data included in this data set is compared with the subject authentication information. Checking process; checking time data included in this data set with inspection time information; checking position data included in this data set with inspection position information.

  These matching processes are executed, for example, as follows. As a premise, it is assumed that the storage unit 520 stores biometric authentication information, examination time information, and examination position information of each subject in association with the subject ID of each subject. The biometric information is, for example, biometric data acquired and registered in advance from the subject. The examination time information is, for example, a scheduled examination date and time set in response to a request for examination from a subject. The scheduled inspection date and time may be set, for example, as a period of about several ten minutes to several hours. The examination position information indicates, for example, an examination room set in response to an application for examination from a subject. The examination position information may be, for example, the name of the examination site, the latitude and longitude of the examination site, the name of the land or area where the examination site is located, or the like. The inspection position information is information in a form that can be converted to and from a coordinate system of position data obtained from a positioning signal received from the positioning system. Further, it is assumed that the data set input from the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1-n includes the subject ID, biometric authentication data, time data, and examination data.

  The matching unit 530 searches the storage unit 520 for the same subject ID as the subject ID included in the input data set. If the target subject ID is not retrieved, the subsequent processing is not performed. When the target subject ID is searched, the matching unit 530 performs the following three processes: the biometric data included in the data set is replaced with the biometric information associated with the searched subject ID. A process of matching time data included in this data set with examination time information associated with the searched subject ID; and a process of matching position data included in this data set with the searched subject. Processing for collating with inspection position information associated with the ID.

  The collation unit 530 outputs a final collation result based on the results of these three collation processes. At this time, the matching unit 530 can obtain the final matching result by combining at least two of the three matching processes, or based on the result of the predetermined priority matching process among the three matching processes. You can also get For example, the collation unit 530 can determine that the collation has been successful when the collation is successful in all three processes. This corresponds to a case where a correct subject performs an examination at a correct place at a correct date and time (day or day and time (period)). Alternatively, the collation unit 530 can determine that “the collation is successful” when the biometric authentication and the examination position are collated. This is equivalent to a case where a correct subject performs an examination at a correct place (in consideration of a possibility that the examination time may be shifted due to a flow of a medical examination or the like).

  The communication unit 540 performs data communication with an external device. The data communication method is arbitrary. For example, the communication unit 540 includes a communication interface compliant with the Internet, a communication interface compliant with a LAN, and the like.

[Usage form]
A usage pattern of the ophthalmic examination system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 shows an example of the usage form.

(S1: Start receiving the positioning signal and generating position data and time data)
The ophthalmic examination apparatus 1-n starts receiving the positioning signal by the positioning signal receiving unit 300, generating the position data by the position data generating unit 1311, and generating the time data by the time data generating unit 1312 (or 133). . The positioning signal receiving section 300 receives a positioning signal at predetermined time intervals and inputs the received positioning signal to the control section 110, for example. The control unit 110 sequentially sends the positioning signals input at the time intervals to the data processing unit 130. The position data generation unit 1311 repeats generation of position data at the time interval. The time data generation unit 1312 repeats generation of time data at the time interval. The time interval is set in advance, and is, for example, one second interval, one minute interval, or the like.

(S2: Enter subject ID)
The subject ID is input to the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1-n. The subject ID is manually input by the subject or the examiner, or is read from a recording medium. The input subject ID is sent to the association processing unit 132.

(S3: Associating position data and time data with subject ID)
When the subject ID is input in step S2, control unit 110 sends a control signal to data processing unit 130. Upon receiving this control signal, the association processing unit 132 acquires the position data and the time data generated immediately thereafter, and associates the position data and the time data with the subject ID.

(S4: Obtain biometric authentication data)
The authentication data acquisition unit 400 acquires the biometric authentication data of the subject. The acquired biometric authentication data is sent to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 sends the biometric authentication data to the association processing unit 132.

(S5: Associate biometric data with subject ID etc.)
The association processing unit 132 associates the biometric authentication data input from the control unit 110 with the subject ID, position data, and time data associated with each other in step S3.

(S6: Examining the eye to be examined)
An examination of the eye E is performed using the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1-n. In the present embodiment, OCT measurement is performed on the subject's eye E to acquire image data (inspection data). The acquired image data is sent to the association processing unit 132.

(S7: Associate test data with subject ID etc.)
The association processing unit 132 associates the test data acquired in step S6 with the subject ID, biometric authentication data, position data, and time data associated with each other in step S5.

(S8: Transmit data set)
The control unit 110 creates a data set including the subject ID, the biometric authentication data, the position data, the time data, and the examination data associated with each other in step S7. Further, the control unit 110 transmits this data set to the information processing device 500 by controlling the communication unit 140.

(S9: The information processing device receives the data set)
The information processing device 500 receives the data set transmitted from the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1-n. The received data set is managed by a database such as an image management system, for example.

(S10: Execute collation processing)
The control unit 510 of the information processing device 500 sends the subject ID, biometric authentication data, position data, and time data included in the data set received in step S9 to the matching unit 530. The matching unit 530 reads the biometric authentication information, examination position information, and examination time information associated with the subject ID from the storage unit 520, compares the biometric authentication data with the biometric authentication information, and compares the position data with the examination position information. , And the comparison between the time data and the examination time information, respectively, and a final collation result is obtained from the result of the collation processing.

(S11: Output the final collation result)
Control unit 510 sends the final collation result obtained in step S10 to an information processing device (not shown). This information processing apparatus is, for example, a computer in a facility where the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1-n or the information processing apparatus 500 is installed, a server managing the present system, and the like. For example, in the case where image interpretation is performed based on the inspection data (image data), if the final verification is successful, the image interpretation is performed as it is. On the other hand, if the final collation fails, no image interpretation is performed. For example, a report is generated by the data processing unit 130 to the effect that the inspection may have been performed improperly.

  Note that the timing for acquiring the position data and the time data is not limited to the above timing, and may be any timing, for example, when examining the subject's eye. In the present embodiment, the information associating process is executed at a plurality of timings. However, the timing of the associating process is not limited to these, and may be any timing.

[Action / Effect]
The operation and effect of the embodiment will be described.

  The ophthalmic examination apparatus (1) according to the embodiment includes an examination unit (the optical unit 10, the image forming unit 120, and the like), an authentication data acquisition unit (400), a time data generation unit (1312, 133, and the like), and a positioning signal reception. Unit (300), a position data generation unit (1311), and an association processing unit (132). The inspection unit generates inspection data by optically inspecting the subject's eye. The authentication data acquisition unit acquires personal authentication data of the subject. The time data generation unit generates time data indicating the time at which the examination of the subject's eye was performed. The positioning signal receiving unit receives a signal from the positioning system. The position data generating unit generates position data indicating the current position by analyzing the signal received by the positioning signal receiving unit. The associating processing unit includes: the inspection data generated by the inspection unit; the personal authentication data obtained by the authentication data obtaining unit; the time data generated by the time data generation unit; and the position data generated by the position data generation unit. And associate

  Further, the ophthalmic examination system according to the embodiment includes a plurality of ophthalmic examination apparatuses (1-n) and an information processing apparatus (500) capable of communicating with each of these ophthalmic examination apparatuses. Each ophthalmologic examination apparatus includes the same examination unit, authentication data acquisition unit, time data generation unit, positioning signal reception unit, position data generation unit, and association processing unit as described above. Further, each ophthalmic examination apparatus includes a communication unit (140) for transmitting a data set including examination data, personal authentication data, time data, and position data associated by the association processing unit to the information processing apparatus. On the other hand, the information processing device includes a storage unit (520), a communication unit (540), and a collation unit (530). The storage unit stores in advance subject authentication information, examination time information, and examination position information for each of the plurality of subjects. The communication unit receives a data set transmitted from any of the plurality of ophthalmic examination apparatuses. The collating unit collates the personal authentication data included in the data set received by the communication unit with the subject authentication information, collates the time data with the examination time information, and collates the position data with the examination position information. And processing to be performed.

  According to such an embodiment, even when the ophthalmic examination apparatus is installed at an arbitrary place in a medical form such as remote use, rental, and traveling diagnosis, personal authentication data such as biometric authentication and examination are not performed. It is possible to execute an authentication process for confirming the validity of the inspection based on the executed position and time.

  In the embodiment, the time data generation unit (1312) may be configured to generate time data by analyzing a signal received by the positioning signal reception unit. According to this configuration, an accurate time can be obtained from the positioning signal. Another advantage is that it is relatively difficult to falsify time data.

  As described above, the ophthalmic examination apparatus according to the embodiment may include the communication unit (140). The communication unit functions to transmit a data set including test data, personal authentication data, time data, and position data associated by the association processing unit to an external computer (the external computer 1000, the information processing device 500, and the like). . According to this configuration, the authentication processing can be performed remotely and in real time. When the communication unit is not provided in the ophthalmic examination apparatus, the data group associated by the association processing unit is stored in the storage unit 112. Then, these data groups are read out at an arbitrary timing and subjected to the above-described collation processing.

[Modification]
The embodiments described above are merely typical examples of the present invention. Therefore, arbitrary modifications (omission, substitution, addition, etc.) within the scope of the gist of the present invention can be appropriately made.

  The ophthalmic examination apparatus and the ophthalmic examination system according to the embodiment not only detect and prevent a mistake in data or impersonation by the patient by authenticating the subject as described above, but also detect a fraud by the examiner (doctor or the like).・ Can also be used to prevent. For example, in a medical form such as rental or on-site inspection, even if it appears as if an inspection was performed and fraudulent billing of medical fees is made, according to the embodiment, when, where, and by whom inspection was performed Since it is possible to confirm, it is possible to detect and prevent such fraud.

  Depending on the installation location of the ophthalmic examination apparatus, its communication function may be limited. For example, when installed in a hospital, the electromagnetic wave for communication emitted from the ophthalmic examination apparatus may affect the medical equipment, so that the communication function is limited. In order to cope with such a case, it is possible to provide a function of switching the communication method. For example, a configuration capable of communicating with an external computer (information processing device 500 or the like) via a server (local server function, home server function, or the like) installed in a hospital may be provided. The communication between the ophthalmic examination apparatus and the server may be an optional short-range wireless communication. The ophthalmic examination apparatus sends data to an external computer (such as the information processing apparatus 500) using the server as a relay.

  The ophthalmic examination apparatus may have a function of automatically switching the communication method. This automatic switching function can be realized, for example, as follows. The processor (control unit 110) of the ophthalmic examination apparatus determines whether or not the current position of the ophthalmic examination apparatus is in a hospital based on the position data generated by the position data generation unit and map information stored in advance. . When it is determined that the user is outside the hospital, the processor controls the communication unit to use a communication method using a wide area communication network such as the Internet. On the other hand, if the processor is determined to be in a hospital, the processor controls the communication unit to use the communication method of the relay device in the hospital.

  As another method of automatically switching the communication method, the communication method of each receivable radio wave is specified, and any one of the specified communication methods (for example, one having high reception strength) is selected and used. Is possible.

1, 1-n Ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 Optical unit 110 Control unit 112 Storage unit 1311 Position data generation units 1312, 133 Time data generation unit 132 Association processing unit 140 Communication unit 300 Positioning signal reception unit 400 Authentication data acquisition unit

Claims (3)

An inspection unit that generates inspection data by optically inspecting the eye to be inspected,
An authentication data acquisition unit that acquires the personal authentication data of the subject;
A time data generation unit that generates time data indicating the time at which the examination of the subject's eye was performed,
A positioning signal receiving unit that receives a signal from the positioning system,
By analyzing the received signal, a position data generating unit that generates position data indicating a current position,
An association processing unit that associates the inspection data, the personal authentication data, the time data, and the position data,
Preliminarily stored subject authentication information on the subject , test time information indicating a scheduled test time registered for the subject, and test position information indicating a scheduled test site registered for the subject. Storage unit,
A matching unit that executes a process of matching the personal authentication data with the subject authentication information, a process of matching the time data with the examination time information, and a process of matching the position data with the examination position information. With
The ophthalmologic examination apparatus, wherein the time data generation unit generates the time data by analyzing the signal received by the positioning signal receiving unit. 2. The examination time information is a scheduled examination date and time set in response to an application for a circuit diagnosis from the subject, and is set as a period ranging from tens of minutes to several hours. An ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 1. The subject is a subject in a medical mode involving movement of the ophthalmic examination apparatus,
The examination time information represents a scheduled examination time of the subject in the medical form,
The ophthalmologic examination apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the examination position information represents a scheduled examination time of the subject in the medical form .

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