JP6892540B2 - Ophthalmic equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ophthalmic apparatus for optically acquiring data of an eye to be inspected.

The ophthalmologic apparatus includes an ophthalmologic measuring apparatus for measuring the characteristics of the eye to be inspected and an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus for obtaining an image of the eye to be inspected.

Examples of ophthalmic measuring devices include ophthalmic refraction testing devices (refractometers, keratometers) that measure the refraction characteristics of the eye to be inspected, tonometers, specular microscopes that obtain corneal characteristics (corneal thickness, cell distribution, etc.), and There is a wave front analyzer that obtains error information of the eye to be inspected using a Hartmann-Shack sensor.

Examples of ophthalmologic imaging devices include optical coherence tomography, which uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) to obtain tomographic images, fundus cameras, which take photographs of the fundus, and images of the fundus by laser scanning using a confocal optical system. There are scanning type laser ophthalmoscopes (SLO) and the like.

In an ophthalmic examination using such a device, it is important to align the optical system with the eye to be inspected from the viewpoint of the accuracy and accuracy of the examination. Alignment generally includes an operation of aligning the optical axis of the optical system with the axis of the eye to be inspected (XY alignment) and an operation of adjusting the distance between the eye to be inspected and the optical system to a predetermined working distance (Z alignment). is there.

In Patent Document 1, the anterior segment of the eye to be inspected is photographed substantially simultaneously by two or more cameras, and based on the position of a characteristic portion (center of the pupil, etc.) of the anterior segment depicted in the two or more captured images. A technique for performing alignment is disclosed. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which an anterior segment in which a luminous flux is projected onto the cornea is photographed from the front and alignment is performed based on a bright spot image (Purkinje image) drawn on the obtained anterior segment image. Has been done.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-248376 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-85081

Since the measurement of the refractive power of the eye by the refractometer is performed for prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses, it is necessary to measure the refractive power of the eye with reference to the apex of the cornea. Similarly, in order to ensure the accuracy of corneal curvature measurement with a keratometer, alignment with respect to the corneal apex is required.

There are individual differences in the morphology of the eye to be inspected. For example, the distance from the apex of the cornea to the pupil and the eccentric state between the cornea and the pupil are different for each person. Conventional alignment based on the pupil is effective for a device that acquires data on the fundus through the pupil, but is ineffective in a device that requires alignment accuracy with respect to the cornea, such as a reflex meter and a keratometer.

Further, in the conventional alignment based on the Purkinje image, since the eye to be inspected is photographed from the front, the Z alignment state is determined from the focus state of the Purkinje image, and the alignment takes time.

Further, depending on the condition of the eye to be inspected, a Purkinje image may not be obtained and alignment may not be possible. This problem arises, for example, when there is a disease such as keratoconus or corneal erosion. In this case, it was necessary to perform the alignment manually.

An object of the present invention is to realize smooth alignment according to the condition of the eye to be inspected.

The ophthalmic apparatus of the embodiment includes an optical system, a driving unit, an alignment optical system, two or more imaging units, a first analysis unit, an alignment control unit, and an output control unit. The optical system can acquire data of two or more types of the eye to be inspected. The drive unit moves the optical system. The alignment optical system projects an index for aligning the optical system with respect to the eye to be inspected to the anterior segment of the eye to be inspected. The two or more imaging units photograph the anterior segment of the eye in the state where the index is projected substantially simultaneously from different directions. The first analysis unit identifies the position of the eye to be inspected based on the image of the index in the two or more captured images obtained by the two or more imaging units. The alignment control unit can execute the first alignment mode in which the drive unit is controlled based on the position specified by the first analysis unit. The output control unit causes the display means to display a captured image obtained by one or more of the two or more imaging units or an image of the anterior segment, which is an image based on the captured image, and is an index image. An image showing the search range is overlaid on the anterior segment image. The alignment control unit executes the first alignment mode when the image of the index is included in the range defined by the image representing the search range.

According to the ophthalmic apparatus according to the embodiment, it is possible to realize smooth alignment according to the state of the eye to be inspected.

It is the schematic which shows the example of the structure of the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating the example of the operation of the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating the example of the operation of the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating the example of the operation of the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating the example of the operation of the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating the example of the operation of the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating the example of the operation of the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating the example of the operation of the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the operation of the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the example of the information displayed by the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the example of the information displayed by the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the example of the information displayed by the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the example of the information output by the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the example of the information displayed by the ophthalmic apparatus which concerns on embodiment.

Some embodiments of the present invention will be described. The ophthalmic apparatus of the embodiment may be any ophthalmologic measuring apparatus, any ophthalmologic imaging apparatus, or any multifunction device. Examples of the ophthalmic measuring device include a reflex meter, a keratometer, a visual function test device, and a tonometer. Examples of ophthalmologic imaging devices include OCT devices, fundus cameras, SLOs, and the like.

<Constitution>
A configuration example of the ophthalmic apparatus is shown in FIG. The ophthalmic apparatus 1 has a function of acquiring data of the eye to be inspected E, that is, a function of photographing the eye to be inspected E and / or a function of measuring the characteristics of the eye to be inspected E.

The ophthalmic device 1 outputs a control unit 11, a data processing unit 12, an optical unit 20, a face support unit 70, a first moving mechanism 80A, a second moving mechanism 80B, a user interface (UI) 90, and an output. Including part 95. It should be noted that the configuration may be such that only one of the first moving mechanism 80A and the second moving mechanism 80B is provided.

Each of the control unit 11 and the data processing unit 12 includes a processor. The 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, a SPLD (Simple Programmable Computer)) (Field Programmable Gate Array)) and the like.

The processor realizes the function according to the embodiment by reading and executing a program stored in a storage circuit or a storage device, for example. At least part of the storage circuit or storage device may be included in the processor. Further, at least a part of the storage circuit and the storage device may be provided outside the processor 10. The processing that can be executed by the processor will be described later.

A storage device or the like stores various types of data. The data stored in the storage device or the like includes data (measurement data, imaging data, etc.) acquired by the measurement optical system 30, information on the subject and the eye to be inspected, and the like. Various computer programs and data for operating the ophthalmic apparatus 1 may be stored in the storage device or the like. Various data used / referenced in the processing described later are stored in the storage device or the like.

(Control unit 11)
The control unit 11 controls each unit of the ophthalmic apparatus 1. In particular, the control unit 11 controls the data processing unit 12, the optical unit 20, the first moving mechanism 80A, the second moving mechanism 80B, the user interface 90, and the output unit 95. The control unit 11 includes an alignment control unit 111, a data control unit 112, and an output control unit 113.

(Alignment control unit 111)
The alignment control unit 111 executes control related to alignment. The ophthalmic apparatus 1 can perform alignment based on the index projected on the anterior segment of the eye (index alignment mode) and alignment based on the characteristic portion of the eye E to be inspected (pupil alignment mode). The alignment control unit 111 executes the process of selecting the alignment mode and the control of the first movement mechanism 80A (and / or the second movement mechanism 80B) in the selected alignment mode. A specific example of the process executed by the alignment control unit 111 will be described later.

(Data control unit 112)
The data control unit 112 associates the information indicating the applied alignment mode (alignment mode information) with the data of the eye E to be inspected acquired after the alignment. In the present embodiment, the data acquired in the state of being aligned by the index alignment mode is associated with the alignment information indicating the index alignment mode. Further, the data acquired in the state of being aligned by the pupil alignment mode is associated with the alignment information indicating the pupil alignment mode. The mode of the process of associating the alignment information with the data of the eye E to be inspected is arbitrary. Typical examples of associations will be described below, but are not limited thereto.

As a first example, alignment information can be included in the data of the eye E to be inspected. For example, it is possible to embed alignment information in image data or embed alignment information in a part of measurement data.

As a second example, alignment information can be attached to the data of the eye E to be inspected. For example, the alignment information can be recorded in the DICOM tag of the image data, or the alignment information can be attached to the measurement data in a predetermined format.

As a third example, it is possible to associate the data of the eye E to be inspected with the alignment information by using predetermined information. For example, the alignment information can be recorded in an electronic medical record, and the image data can be stored in the image archiving device, and these can be associated with each other by using the patient ID, the imaging date information, and the like.

(Output control unit 113)
The output control unit 113 executes control for outputting information. The information output mode is arbitrary, and typical examples thereof include display output, audio output, print output, lighting of a light emitting diode, and the like. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the output control unit 113 executes control of the display unit 91 of the user interface 90 and control of the output unit 95. Specific examples of the processing executed by the output control unit 113 will be described later.

(Data processing unit 12)
The data processing unit 12 executes various data processing. In particular, the data processing unit 12 analyzes the image acquired by the anterior segment camera 60. The data processing unit 12 is provided with a first analysis unit 13 and a second analysis unit 14. These operations will be described later.

(Optical unit 20)
The optical unit 20 stores a configuration for measuring and / or photographing the eye E to be inspected, and a configuration for preparing the configuration. The former includes a measurement optical system 30, and the latter includes an alignment optical system 40. The optical path of the alignment optical system 40 is combined with the optical path of the measurement optical system 30 by the beam splitter 50. Although not shown, various optical members such as an objective lens are provided between the beam splitter 50 and the eye E to be inspected.

Two or more front eye cameras 60 are provided at different positions. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the measurement optical system 30 or the like is provided at a position deviated from the optical path, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the measurement optical system 30 is provided with an image sensor, one of two or more anterior segment cameras may be this image sensor.

In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the optical unit 20 may be provided with an optical system (observation optical system, photographing optical system, etc.) for photographing the eye E to be inspected from the front. Further, a configuration for focusing the measurement optical system 30 may be provided. Further, the optical unit 20 may include a light source (anterior eye portion illumination light source) for illuminating the anterior segment of the eye E to be inspected.

(Measurement optical system 30)
The measurement optical system 30 includes a configuration for measuring the characteristics of the eye E to be inspected and / or a configuration for photographing the eye E to be inspected. The measurement optical system 30 is configured according to the functions (measurement function, imaging function, etc.) provided by the ophthalmic apparatus 1. The measurement optical system 30 is provided with a light source, an optical element (optical member, an optical device), an actuator, a mechanism, a circuit, a display device, a light receiving element, an image sensor, and the like. The configuration of the measurement optical system 30 may be similar to that of the conventional ophthalmic apparatus. At least a part of the measurement optical system 30 may be arranged outside the optical path synthesized in the alignment optical system 40. For example, when a keratometer function for measuring the curvature of the cornea is provided, a light source (keratling light source) for projecting a ring-shaped luminous flux or a concentric luminous flux onto the cornea is arranged at a position immediately before the eye E to be inspected.

The measurement optical system 30 may have a configuration for providing a function associated with the inspection. For example, an fixation optical system for projecting an optotype (fixation target) for fixing the eye E to be inspected on the fundus of the eye E may be provided.

(Alignment optical system 40)
The alignment optical system 40 projects a luminous flux onto the eye E to be inspected. As a result, an index for alignment is projected on the anterior segment of the eye. This index is detected, for example, as a Purkinje image. The alignment using the index includes, for example, the Z alignment in the optical axis direction (Z direction) of the measurement optical system 30 and the XY alignment in the X direction (horizontal direction) and the Y direction (vertical direction) orthogonal to the Z direction. Including at least one of.

The Z alignment is performed by analyzing two or more captured images obtained substantially simultaneously by the two or more anterior segment cameras 60. XY alignment is an optical system for photographing two or more captured images obtained substantially simultaneously by two or more anterior segment cameras 60, or for photographing the eye E to be inspected from the front (observation optical system, It is executed by analyzing an image (front image of the anterior segment of the eye) obtained by an imaging optical system or the like. The front image is acquired by using, for example, an image sensor provided in the measurement optical system 30.

The XY alignment based on the frontal image of the anterior segment of the eye is performed based on the position of the Purkinje image (index image) drawn on the frontal image in the XY direction as in the conventional case. For example, the XY alignment based on the front image of the anterior segment of the eye is performed by manually or automatically moving the optical unit 20 so as to guide the index image within the allowable range (alignment mark) of the misalignment. In the case of manual alignment, the output control unit 113 displays the front image and the alignment mark on the display unit 91, and the user operates the operation unit 92 so as to satisfy the above conditions. In the case of auto alignment, the data processing unit 12 calculates the displacement of the index image with respect to the alignment mark, and the alignment control unit 111 moves the optical unit 20 in the XY direction so as to cancel this displacement.

(Anterior segment camera 60)
As described above, two or more front eye cameras 60 are provided at different positions. Each anterior segment camera 60 is, for example, a video camera that shoots a moving image at a predetermined frame rate. The two or more anterior segment cameras 60 capture the anterior segment from different directions substantially simultaneously.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, two anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B are provided. Note that FIG. 2 is a top view, in which the + Y direction indicates a vertically upward direction, and the + Z direction indicates an optical axis direction of the measurement optical system 30 and a direction from the measurement optical system 30 toward the eye E to be inspected. Further, the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B are provided at positions deviating from the optical path of the measurement optical system 30, respectively. In the present embodiment, the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B are provided below the optical path of the measurement optical system 30. As a result, the reflected light of the luminous flux (index) projected on the cornea is less likely to be vignetting on the eyelashes and eyelids. Hereinafter, the two anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B may be collectively represented by reference numeral 60.

The number of anterior segment cameras may be any number of 2 or more, but any configuration can be used as long as the anterior segment can be photographed substantially simultaneously from two different directions. Further, one anterior segment camera may be arranged coaxially with the measurement optical system 30.

“Substantially at the same time” means that, for example, in imaging with two or more anterior segment cameras, a shift in imaging timing to the extent that eye movements can be ignored is allowed. Thereby, an image when the eye E to be inspected is in substantially the same position (orientation) can be acquired by two or more anterior eye cameras.

Further, the shooting with two or more front eye cameras may be a moving image shooting or a still image shooting, but in the present embodiment, a case where the moving image shooting is performed will be described in particular detail. In the case of moving image shooting, by controlling the shooting start timing to be adjusted, and controlling the frame rate and the shooting timing of each frame, it is possible to realize the above-mentioned substantially simultaneous front eye shooting. On the other hand, in the case of still image shooting, this can be realized by controlling the shooting timing to be adjusted.

(Face support 70)
The face support portion 70 includes a member for supporting the face of the subject. For example, the face support portion 70 includes a forehead pad on which the forehead of the subject is abutted and a chin rest on which the chin of the subject is placed. The face support portion 70 may include only one of the forehead pad and the chin rest, and may include members other than these.

(Movement mechanism 80A and 80B)
The moving mechanism 80A moves the optical unit 20 under the control of a control unit 11 (alignment control unit 111 or the like). The moving mechanism 80A can move the optical unit 20 three-dimensionally. The moving mechanism 80A includes, for example, a mechanism for moving the optical unit 20 in the X direction, a mechanism for moving the optical unit 20 in the Y direction, and a mechanism for moving the optical unit 20 in the Z direction, as in the conventional case. Further, the moving mechanism 81A may include a rotating mechanism that rotates the optical unit 20 in a plane (horizontal plane, vertical plane, etc.) including the optical axis of the optical unit 20.

The moving mechanism 80B moves the face support unit 70 under the control of the control unit 11 (alignment control unit 111 or the like). The moving mechanism 80B can move the face support portion 70 three-dimensionally. The moving mechanism 80B includes, for example, a mechanism for moving the face support portion 70 in the X direction, a mechanism for moving the face support portion 70 in the Y direction, and a mechanism for moving the face support portion 70 in the Z direction. Further, the moving mechanism 81B may include a rotating mechanism for changing the direction of the face support portion 70 (or a member included therein). When a plurality of members are provided on the face support portion 70, the moving mechanism 80B may be configured to move these members individually. For example, the moving mechanism 80B may be configured to move the forehead rest and the chin rest individually. As described above, generally, at least one of the moving mechanisms 80A and 80B is provided.

(User interface 90)
The user interface 90 provides functions for exchanging information between the ophthalmic apparatus 1 and the user, such as displaying information, inputting information, and inputting operation instructions. The user interface 90 provides an output function and an input function.

A display unit 91 is a typical example of a configuration that provides an output function. The display unit 91 includes a display device such as a flat panel display. Other examples of configurations related to output functions include audio output devices and light emitting diodes. The output function is controlled by the output control unit 113.

An operation unit 92 is a typical example of a configuration that provides an input function. The operation unit 92 includes operation devices such as levers, buttons, keys, and pointing devices. Further, as another example of the configuration related to the input function, there is a microphone and a data writer.

The user interface 90 may include a device such as a touch panel display in which an output function and an input function are integrated. The user interface 90 may also include a graphical user interface (GUI) for inputting and outputting information.

(Output unit 95)
The output unit 95 includes a configuration for outputting information to the outside of the ophthalmic apparatus 1. Typical examples thereof include a printing device, a data writer that writes data to a recording medium, and a communication device that transmits data to an external device (computer, ophthalmic device, etc.). The user interface 90 may include at least a part of the output unit 95.

(Details of data processing unit 12)
The details of the data processing unit 12 will be described. As described above, the data processing unit 12 is provided with a first analysis unit 13 and a second analysis unit 14.

(1st analysis unit 13)
The first analysis unit 13 identifies the position of the eye E to be inspected based on the index images in the two or more captured images obtained by the anterior eye camera 60A and 60B. An example of the process executed by the first analysis unit 13 will be described. In the present embodiment, the first analysis unit 13 includes, for example, an index image detection unit 131 and a position identification unit 132.

(Index image detection unit 131)
The index image detection unit 131 detects the index image drawn on each captured image by analyzing two or more captured images obtained substantially simultaneously by the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B. When the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B take a moving image, the index image detection unit 131 detects the index image from each frame. The index image detection unit 131 detects the index image by analyzing the pixel value of the captured image. When the captured image is a luminance image, the index image detection unit 131 identifies an image region (pixel) corresponding to the indicator image based on the distribution of the luminance values in the captured image. This process includes, for example, a process of selecting a pixel having a brightness value higher than a predetermined threshold value. When the captured image is a color image, the index image detection unit 131 includes, for example, a process of selecting a pixel having a brightness value higher than a predetermined threshold value, or a process of selecting a pixel representing a predetermined color.

(Positioning part 132)
The position specifying unit 132 identifies the position of the eye E to be inspected based on the two index images detected by the index image detecting unit 131. The position specifying unit 132 calculates at least the distance between the eye to be inspected E and the measurement optical system 30 in the Z direction. Z alignment is executed based on this calculation result. Further, the position specifying unit 132 may calculate the displacement between the eye to be inspected E and the measurement optical system 30 in the XY direction. XY alignment is executed based on this calculation result.

The process executed by the position specifying unit 132 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view showing the positional relationship between the eye to be inspected E and the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B. The distance (baseline length) between the two anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B in the XY direction is represented by "B". The distance (index image distance) between the baselines of the two front eye cameras 60A and 60B and the index image P is represented by "H". The distance (screen distance) between the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B and the screen plane thereof is represented by "f". Generally, when the index luminous flux is projected as a parallel luminous flux with respect to the eye E to be inspected, the index image (Pulkiner image) P is located at a position displaced from the corneal surface in the + Z direction by half of the radius of curvature of the cornea of the eye E to be inspected. It is formed.

In such an arrangement state, the resolution of the images captured by the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B is expressed by the following equation. Here, Δp represents the pixel resolution.

Resolution in the XY direction: ΔXY = H × Δp / f
Resolution in the Z direction: ΔZ = H × H × Δp / (B × f)

The position specifying unit 132 has a positional relationship shown in FIG. 2 (and FIG. 1) with respect to the positions (known) of the two front eye cameras 60A and 60B and the position of the index image P in the two captured images. By applying a known trigonometry in consideration of the above, the position of the index image P, that is, the position of the eye E to be inspected is specified. The identified position includes at least a position in the Z direction and may further include a position in the XY direction.

The position of the eye E to be inspected specified by the position specifying unit 132 is sent to the control unit 11. The alignment control unit 111 sets the drive mechanism 80A and / or 80B so that the distance between the eye to be inspected E and the measurement optical system 30 in the Z direction matches a predetermined working distance based on the Z position of the eye to be inspected E. Control. Further, the alignment control unit 111 controls the drive mechanism 80A and / or 80B so that the optical axis of the measurement optical system 30 and the axis of the eye E to be inspected are aligned with each other based on the XY position of the eye E to be inspected. The working distance is a distance between the eye E to be inspected and the measurement optical system 30 set in advance for measurement by the measurement optical system 30.

As described above, the first analysis unit 13 can obtain the position of the index image P (Purkinje image) as the position of the eye E to be inspected (approximate position thereof). Further, the first analysis unit 13 can obtain the position of the cornea (vertex) of the eye E to be inspected based on the position of the specified index image P and the separately measured radius of curvature of the cornea. In the state where the XYZ alignment is correct, it is considered that the corneal apex is arranged at a position displaced in the −Z direction by half of the radius of curvature of the cornea from the index image P. Therefore, the Z coordinate value of the corneal apex (XYZ coordinate value including it) can be estimated by subtracting the value of half of the radius of curvature of the cornea from the Z coordinate value of the index image P.

The radius of curvature of the cornea is measured using a keratometer, a corneal topographer, or anterior segment OCT. When the ophthalmic apparatus 1 does not have the function of measuring the radius of curvature of the cornea, the measured value of the radius of curvature of the cornea obtained in the past is input to the ophthalmic apparatus 1. The first analysis unit 13 can obtain the position of the corneal apex using this measured value. On the other hand, when the ophthalmic apparatus 1 has a function of measuring the radius of curvature of the cornea, for example, it is possible to measure the radius of curvature of the cornea after performing the alignment and perform the alignment again using the obtained measured value. it can. Further, even when the ophthalmic apparatus 1 has a function of measuring the radius of curvature of the cornea, it is possible to use the measured value of the radius of curvature of the cornea obtained in the past.

(Other processing examples of the first analysis unit 13)
Another example of the process of identifying the position of the eye E to be inspected based on the two captured images obtained by the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B will be described.

In FIG. 3A, the figure on the left shows a state in which the XYZ alignments match, and the figure on the right shows two captured images obtained at that time. When all XYZ alignments match the index image P, that is, the position where the optical axis of the right front eye camera 60A and the optical axis of the right front eye camera 60B intersect (optical axis intersection position). ), The captured image GA is obtained by the right anterior segment camera 60A, and the captured image GB is obtained by the left anterior segment camera 60B. In the captured image GA, the index image PA is arranged on (or near) the center position AC in the left-right direction of the frame. Similarly, in the captured image GB, the index image PB is arranged on (or near) the center position BC in the left-right direction in the frame.

FIG. 3B shows a case where the eye E to be inspected is too close to the ophthalmic apparatus 1, that is, the index image P is located closer to the ophthalmic apparatus 1 than the optical axis crossing position. In the captured image GA obtained by the front eye camera 60A on the right side, the index image PA is arranged on the right side of the center position AC. On the other hand, in the captured image GB obtained by the front eye camera 60B on the left side, the index image PB is arranged on the left side of the center position BC. That is, the distance between the two index images PA and PB in the two captured images GA and GB is widened.

On the contrary, FIG. 3C shows a case where the eye E to be inspected is too far from the ophthalmic apparatus 1. In the captured image GA obtained by the front eye camera 60A on the right side, the index image PA is arranged on the left side of the center position AC. On the other hand, in the captured image GB obtained by the front eye camera 60B on the left side, the index image PB is arranged on the right side of the center position BC. That is, the distance between the index images PA and PB in the two captured images GA and GB is narrowed.

In this way, the relative positions of the two index images PA and PB in the two captured images GA and GB change according to the state of Z alignment. The Z-alignment deviation direction (proximity / distance) appears as a change direction (interval increase / interval decrease) of the relative positions of the two index images PA and PB. Further, the amount of deviation of Z alignment appears as the amount of change in the relative positions of the two index images PA and PB.

Information representing this relationship is stored in advance in the first analysis unit 13 (or control unit 11 or the like). This information is associated with, for example, the relative positions (intervals) of the two index images, the deviation direction of the Z alignment, and the deviation amount. The index image detection unit 131 detects the index images PA and PB by analyzing the captured images GA and GB, respectively. The position specifying unit 132 obtains the positions (relative positions) of the two index images PA and PB detected by the index image detecting unit 131. Further, the position specifying unit 132 obtains the deviation direction and the deviation amount of the Z alignment corresponding to the positions of the two obtained index images PA and PB with reference to the above-mentioned stored information.

In FIG. 4A, similarly to FIG. 3A, the figure on the left shows a state in which the XYZ alignments are matched, and the figure on the right shows two captured images obtained at that time.

FIG. 4B shows a case where the eye E to be examined is shifted to the right side with respect to the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B, that is, a case where the index image P is located on the right side of the optical axis crossing positions of the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B. Is shown. In the captured image GA obtained by the front eye camera 60A on the right side, the index image PA is arranged on the left side of the center position AC. Similarly, in the captured image GB obtained by the front eye camera 60B on the left side, the index image PB is arranged on the left side of the center position BC. That is, the distance between the two index images PA and PB in the two captured images GA and GB does not substantially change, and these are displaced to the left by substantially equidistants.

On the contrary, FIG. 4C shows a case where the eye E to be inspected is shifted to the left side with respect to the front eye cameras 60A and 60B. In the captured image GA obtained by the front eye camera 60A on the right side, the index image PA is arranged on the right side of the center position AC. Similarly, in the captured image GB obtained by the front eye camera 60B on the left side, the index image PB is arranged on the right side of the center position BC. That is, the distance between the two index images PA and PB in the two captured images GA and GB does not substantially change, and these are displaced to the right by substantially equidistants.

In this way, depending on the state of X alignment, the two index images PA and PB in the two captured images GA and GB are displaced in the same direction by substantially the same distance. The deviation direction (right / left) of the X alignment appears as an integral displacement direction of the two index images PA and PB. Further, the amount of deviation of the X alignment appears as an integrated amount of displacement of the two index images PA and PB.

Information representing this relationship is stored in advance in the first analysis unit 13 (or control unit 11 or the like). This information is associated with, for example, the left-right displacement (displacement direction and displacement amount) of the two index images with respect to the center of the frame, and the deviation direction and deviation amount of the X alignment. The index image detection unit 131 detects the index images PA and PB by analyzing the captured images GA and GB, respectively. The position specifying unit 132 obtains the positions of the two index images PA and PB detected by the index image detecting unit 131, and obtains the displacement direction and the displacement amount with respect to the center positions AC and BC. Then, the position specifying unit 132 obtains the displacement direction and the displacement amount of the X alignment corresponding to the displacement directions and the displacement amounts of the two obtained index images PA and PB with reference to the above-mentioned stored information.

Similarly, the deviation of Y alignment is calculated based on the correspondence between the vertical displacement (displacement direction and displacement amount) of the two index images with respect to the frame center and the deviation direction and deviation amount of Y alignment. Will be done.

(2nd analysis unit 14)
The second analysis unit 14 identifies the position of the eye to be inspected based on the feature positions in the two or more captured images obtained by the anterior eye camera 60A and 60B. The characteristic position is the position of the characteristic portion of the eye E to be inspected. An example of the process executed by the second analysis unit 14 will be described. In the present embodiment, the second analysis unit 14 includes, for example, a feature position detection unit 141 and a position identification unit 142.

As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-248376, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 can perform alignment based on the position of a characteristic portion of the anterior segment of the eye. The data processing for that purpose is executed by the second analysis unit 14.

The feature position detection unit 141 identifies the feature position corresponding to the feature portion of the anterior segment by analyzing each of the two captured images obtained substantially at the same time by the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B. The characteristic site of the anterior segment is, for example, the center of the pupil (center of gravity of the pupil).

The position specifying unit 142 identifies the position of the eye E to be inspected based on the feature position specified by the feature position detecting unit 141.

In this example, the position of the center of the pupil represents the position of the eye E to be inspected. The position of the corneal apex by using the distance between the corneal apex and the pupil in the eye E to be inspected or the distance between the corneal apex and the pupil in a standard eye (model eye, average value, etc.) Can be obtained as the position of the eye to be inspected E. The distance in the eye E to be inspected is measured by using, for example, an OCT or an ultrasonic measuring device.

The second analysis unit 14 may be capable of executing the same processing as the processing of the first analysis unit 13 described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 4C. In this case, the center of the pupil (or other feature position) is used instead of the index image P in FIGS. 3A-4C.

<motion>
The operation of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 will be described. An example of the operation of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 is shown in FIG.

(S1: Index projection / anterior segment imaging started)
Corresponding to the instruction to start the alignment by the user or the control unit 11, the alignment control unit 111 controls the alignment optical system 40 to set an index for alignment as the anterior segment of the eye E to be inspected. Project to.

Further, the control unit 11 controls the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B to start acquisition of a moving image of the anterior segment. The anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B form captured images (frames) at a predetermined frame rate. The captured images are sequentially input to the data processing unit 12.

The projection of the index is continued until, for example, the end of the index alignment (end of alignment or switching to pupillary alignment). Anterior segment imaging is continued, for example, until the end of alignment.

(S2: Is the index image detected?)
The index image detection unit 131 of the first analysis unit 13 analyzes each of the two captured images GA and GB obtained substantially simultaneously by the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B in order to detect the index image. When no index image is detected from at least one of the two captured images GA and GB (S2: NO), the process proceeds to step S5. On the contrary, when the index image is detected from both the two captured images GA and GB (S2: YES), the process proceeds to step S3.

For example, any of the following can be applied to determine whether or not the index image has been detected. In the first example, it is determined whether or not the captured image GA (GB) contains an index image. That is, whether or not the index image is extracted from the captured image GA (GB) is a determination criterion. In the second example, it is determined whether or not the index image is included in the predetermined range in the captured image GA (GB). That is, whether or not the index image is extracted by searching within a predetermined range of the captured image GA (GB) is a determination criterion. The predetermined range is, for example, a region near the center of the frame of the captured image, and the position and size thereof are preset (may be the same as that of a conventional ophthalmic apparatus).

(S3: Index alignment mode)
When the index image is detected from both the two captured images GA and GB in step S2 (S2: YES), the alignment control unit 111 starts the control for the index alignment mode. The ophthalmic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment repeatedly executes the following series of processes based on the pair of captured images GA and GB (pair of frames) sequentially acquired by the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B.

First, the index image detection unit 131 of the first analysis unit 13 detects the index images PA and PB by analyzing each of the captured images GA and GB. Next, the position specifying unit 132 identifies the position of the eye E to be inspected based on the index images PA and PB detected by the index image detecting unit 131. Subsequently, the alignment control unit 111 controls the first drive mechanism 80A (and / or the second drive mechanism 80B) based on the position of the eye E to be inspected specified by the position identification unit 132. In this control, for example, the optical unit 20 (and / or face support) cancels the displacement between the identified position of the eye E to be inspected and the center position of a predetermined range representing the permissible range of misalignment. Part 70) is moved.

Further, upon the start of the index alignment mode, the output control unit 113 causes the display unit 91 to display information (alignment mode information) indicating the index alignment mode, which is the current alignment mode. An example of the information displayed at the stage of step S3 is shown in FIG. 6A.

The output control unit 113 causes the display unit 91 to display the window 200. The alignment information display area 210 and the anterior segment image 220 are displayed on the window 200. Alignment information is displayed in the alignment information display area 210. In the stage of step S3, for example, the character string "CORNEA" representing the index alignment mode (cornea reference alignment mode) executed with reference to the cornea using the index projected on the anterior segment of the eye is displayed as the alignment information 210a. Will be done. The storage device of the control unit 11 or the like stores the alignment information provided for each alignment mode in advance.

The anterior segment image 220 is an image acquired by at least one of the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B, or an image based on the images. For example, an image acquired by one of the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B or an image obtained by processing the image can be displayed. Further, it is possible to display a pair of images acquired substantially simultaneously by the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B side by side, or to display a composite image of the pair of images. The anterior segment image 220 may be a still image or a moving image.

The anterior segment image 220 includes an index image 223 in addition to the iris image 221 and the pupil image 222 of the eye E to be inspected. The index image 223 is an index image (PA and / or PB) detected from at least one of a pair of images acquired substantially simultaneously by the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B, or an image based on the index image (PA and / or PB). .. As an example of the latter, there is a mark indicating the position of the index image.

The method of notifying the current alignment mode is not limited to the display of alignment information. For example, when a light emitting diode or the like for each alignment mode is provided in the housing or the like of the ophthalmic apparatus 1, the output control unit 113 can light the light emitting diode corresponding to the current alignment mode. Further, when a single light emitting diode is provided, the output control unit 113 can light the light emitting diode in a mode (color, blinking, etc.) corresponding to the current alignment mode. Further, when the voice output device is provided, the output control unit 113 can output the voice information corresponding to the current alignment mode to the voice output device. It is also possible to combine two or more notification methods as illustrated here.

(S4: Alignment OK?)
The operation of step S3 is repeatedly executed until the alignment is met (S4: NO). If the alignment is successful (S4: YES), the process proceeds to step S13.

The determination of whether or not the alignment is correct is performed, for example, by determining whether or not the index image detected after the movement of the optical unit 20 is included in the predetermined range. In this case, when the index image is not included in the default range, the alignment operation is executed again, and the process proceeds to step S13 in response to the index image being included in the default range.

It is possible to output a warning or shift to manual alignment in response to the fact that the number of repetitions has reached a predetermined number of times or that the repetition process has continued for a predetermined time.

(S5: Pupil image detected)
When the index image is not detected in step S2 (S2: NO), the feature position detection unit 141 of the second analysis unit 14 is a pair of captured image GAs obtained substantially simultaneously by the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B. The pupil image is detected by analyzing each of the GB and GB.

(S6: Did the pupil image be detected?)
When the pupil image is detected in step S5 (S6: YES), the process proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, if the pupil image is not detected in step S5 (S6: NO), the process proceeds to step S7. The cause of not detecting the pupil image is blinking, eye movement, or misalignment so that the anterior segment of the eye E to be inspected does not fall within the imaging range.

(S7: Manual alignment)
When the pupil image is not detected in step S6 (S6: NO), the output control unit 113 causes the display unit 91 to display information for shifting to manual alignment. For example, the output control unit 113 can display a message that the pupil is not detected and a message instructing that the optical unit 20 and / or the face support unit 70 is moved so that the pupil is photographed. When the manual alignment is started, the process returns to step S2.

(S8: Pupil alignment mode)
When the pupil image is detected in step S6 (S6: YES), the alignment control unit 111 starts the control for the pupil alignment mode. The ophthalmic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment repeatedly executes the following series of processes based on the pair of captured images GA and GB (pair of frames) sequentially acquired by the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B.

First, the feature position detection unit 141 of the second analysis unit 14 detects the center of the pupil by analyzing each of the captured images GA and GB. Next, the position specifying unit 142 identifies the position of the eye E to be inspected based on the pair of pupil centers detected by the feature position detecting unit 141. Subsequently, the alignment control unit 111 controls the first drive mechanism 80A (and / or the second drive mechanism 80B) based on the position of the eye E to be inspected specified by the position identification unit 142. In this control, for example, the optical unit 20 (and / or face support) cancels the displacement between the identified position of the eye E to be inspected and the center position of a predetermined range representing the permissible range of misalignment. Part 70) is moved.

Further, when the pupil alignment mode is started, the output control unit 113 causes the display unit 91 to display information (alignment mode information) indicating the pupil alignment mode, which is the current alignment mode. An example of the information displayed in step S8 is shown in FIG. 6B.

The window 200 of FIG. 6B is the same window as the window 200 of FIG. 6A, but the display contents are different. In the alignment information display area 210 of the window 200 shown in FIG. 6B, the character string “PUPIL” representing the pupil alignment mode executed based on the feature position (pupil center) in the anterior segment image is displayed as the alignment information 210b. Will be done.

Alignment information can also be displayed on the anterior segment image 220. In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the annular image 224a showing the outline of the pupil image and the cross-shaped image 224b showing the center of the pupil are overlaid on the anterior segment image 220.

Similar to the case described above, the current alignment mode (pupil alignment mode) can be notified by using a method other than the display of the alignment information (for example, a light emitting diode or an audio output device).

(S9: Alignment OK?)
If the alignment in step S8 fails (S9: NO), the process proceeds to step S7, and the same processing as described above is executed. On the other hand, if the alignment in step S8 is successful (S9: YES), the process proceeds to step S10.

The determination of whether or not the alignment is correct is performed, for example, by determining whether or not the pupil center detected after the movement of the optical unit 20 is included in the predetermined range. In this case, for example, the alignment operation is repeatedly executed so that the center of the pupil is included in the predetermined range. Then, when the number of repetitions reaches a predetermined number of times, or when the repetition process continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the alignment has failed (S9: NO), and the process proceeds to the manual alignment in step S7.

(S10: Is the index image detected?)
When the alignment in step S8 fails (S9: NO), the alignment control unit 111 sends the two captured images GA and GB obtained substantially simultaneously by the anterior segment cameras 60A and 60B to the first analysis unit 13. .. The index image detection unit 131 analyzes each of the captured images GA and GB in order to detect the index image.

When an index image is detected from both the captured images GA and GB (S10: YES), the process proceeds to step S3 and alignment in the index alignment mode is executed. On the contrary, when the index image is not detected from either one of the captured images GA and GB (S10: NO), the process proceeds to step S11. The determination of whether or not the index image is detected is executed in the same manner as in step S2, for example.

(S11: Select pupil alignment?)
When the index image is not detected in step S10 (S10: NO), the output control unit 113 displays information for allowing the user to select whether or not to perform measurement in the alignment state achieved by the pupil alignment mode. It is displayed on 91.

When the pupil alignment mode is selected (S11: YES), the alignment in the pupil alignment mode is continued as it is, and after the completion, the process proceeds to step S13. On the contrary, when the pupil alignment mode is not selected (S11: NO), the process proceeds to step S12.

An example of the information displayed in step S11 is shown in FIG. 6C. The window 200 of FIG. 6C is the same window as the window 200 of FIGS. 6A and 6B, but the display contents are different. Similar to the case of FIG. 6B, the character string "PUPIL" representing the pupil alignment mode is displayed as the alignment information 210b in the alignment information display area 210, but the display mode is different. For example, in FIG. 6C, the alignment information display area 210 and the alignment information 210b are blinking and displayed in order to prompt the user to select the alignment mode.

Alignment information can also be displayed on the anterior segment image 220. In the example shown in FIG. 6C, the frame-shaped image 225 showing the search range of the index image is overlaid. Further, a message 226 indicating that the index image was not detected in step S10, that is, the position of the corneal apex of the eye E to be inspected could not be detected is displayed.

A method other than these can be used to prompt the user to select an alignment mode. For example, it is possible to have the voice output device output a voice message for that purpose.

By operating the operation unit 92, the user specifies whether or not to select the pupil alignment mode based on the information displayed on the display unit 91. For example, when the window 200 of FIG. 6C is displayed on the touch panel display, the user can select the pupil alignment mode by tapping (touching) the blinking alignment information display area 210. When the pupil alignment mode is not selected, for example, other touch operations (eg, swipe) can be performed.

(S12: Manual alignment)
If the pupil alignment mode is not selected in step S11 (S11: NO), manual alignment is performed in the same manner as in step S7. After the manual alignment is completed, the process proceeds to step S13.

(S13: Measurement)
When the alignment of the index alignment mode is completed in step S4 (S4: YES), when the pupil alignment mode is selected and the alignment is completed in step S11 (S11: YES), or when the manual alignment in step S12 is completed. , The control unit 11 executes a preparatory operation such as focusing as necessary, and controls the measurement optical system 30 to execute the measurement (imaging) of the eye E to be inspected.

(S14: Alignment mode information is attached)
When the measurement of the eye E to be inspected is completed, the data control unit 112 associates the information indicating the alignment mode applied immediately before the measurement (alignment mode information) with the data acquired by this measurement.

When the measurement in step S13 is performed after the alignment of the index alignment mode is completed in step S4, the alignment mode information indicating the index alignment mode is associated with the measurement data. Further, when the measurement in step S13 is performed after the pupil alignment mode is selected in step S11 and the alignment is completed, the alignment mode information indicating the pupil alignment mode is associated with the measurement data. Further, when the measurement in step S13 is performed after the manual alignment in step S12 is completed, the alignment mode information indicating the manual alignment mode is associated with the measurement data.

(S15: Display measurement data)
The output control unit 113 causes the display unit 91 to display the measurement data acquired in step S13 and the information based on the alignment mode information attached to the measurement data.

For example, when the eye E to be examined is photographed in step S13, the image acquired by the image and the information (character string or the like) indicating the alignment mode applied immediately before the image can be displayed. Further, when the characteristic of the eye E to be inspected is measured in step S13, the measured value, the map, and the like, and the information (character string, etc.) indicating the alignment mode applied immediately before the measurement can be displayed.

Further, the result obtained by analyzing the data of the eye E to be inspected acquired in step S13 by the data processing unit 12 and the information (character string or the like) indicating the alignment mode applied immediately before the measurement or photographing are displayed. Can be made to. For example, when OCT of the fundus is executed in step S13, the data processing unit 12 can analyze the acquired OCT data to obtain the network thickness distribution. Then, the output control unit 113 can display the map showing the network thickness distribution on the display unit 91 together with the information (character string or the like) indicating the alignment mode applied immediately before the photographing.

(S16: Output measurement data)
By controlling the output unit 95, the output control unit 113 outputs the measurement data acquired in step S13 together with the alignment mode information attached in step S14.

For example, when the output unit 95 includes a printing device, alignment mode information (character string or the like) can be printed on paper together with measurement data. An example of the information to be printed is shown in FIG. Reference numeral 300 indicates printing paper. On the printing paper 300, in order from the top, the letter "R" indicating that the measurement target is the right eye, the character string "REF" indicating the measurement result by the reflex meter, and the measured value of the sphericality (S). , The measured value of the degree of dysphoria (C), the measured value of the axis of dysfunction (A), the character string "KRT" indicating the measurement result by the keratometer, the measured value of the weak main meridian (R1), and the strong main meridian (R2). ), The measured value of the angle (A), the letter "L" indicating that the measurement target is the left eye, and the character string "REF" indicating the measurement result by the refractometer, ... Is printed.

On the right side of the character string "REF" of the right eye "R", the character string "ALIGNMENT: PUPIL" as the alignment mode information 310 is printed. This indicates that the reflex measurement of the right eye was performed by applying the pupil alignment mode. Similarly, the character string "ALIGNMENT: PUPIL" as the alignment mode information 320 is printed on the right side of the character string "KRT" of the right eye "R". This indicates that the kerato measurement of the right eye was performed by applying the pupil alignment mode. Further, on the right side of the character string "REF" of the left eye "L", the character string "ALIGNMENT: CORNEA" as the alignment mode information 330 is printed. This indicates that the reflex measurement of the left eye was performed by applying the corneal reference alignment mode (index alignment mode).

When the output unit 95 includes a data writer, the alignment mode information can be written to the recording medium together with the measurement data. Further, when the output unit 95 includes a communication device, the alignment mode information can be transmitted to the external device together with the measurement data. This completes the processing of this operation example (end).

<Other operation examples>
Another example of the operation of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 will be described.

The alignment mode can be selected according to the type of inspection (measurement, imaging, etc.) to be performed. For example, the index alignment mode can be selected when kerato measurement is performed, which requires accuracy of alignment with respect to the corneal apex. In addition, the pupil alignment mode can be selected when the reflex measurement for projecting a luminous flux to the fundus through the pupil is performed.

In such a case, the measurement optical system 30 is configured to be able to acquire two or more types of data. That is, the measurement optical system 30 is configured to be capable of performing two or more types of measurement. The type of measurement performed is specified manually or automatically. For manual designation, for example, the user interface 90 is used. As an example of automatic designation, one or more measurement types (and their order) may be predetermined, for example, a medical examination or a clinical pathway. Further, when one or more measurement types are assigned in advance for each disease type, the control unit 11 or the like can select the measurement type corresponding to the disease type input from the electronic medical record or the like. When the measurement type is determined, the control unit 11 (alignment control unit 111, etc.) can select the alignment mode according to the measurement type.

Alternatively, the output control unit 113 can display the window 400 as shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 91. In the alignment information display area 410 of the window 400, the character string "PUPIL" representing the pupil alignment mode is displayed as the alignment information 411. The alignment information display area 410 and the alignment information 411 are blinking to prompt the user to select the alignment mode.

Further, on the anterior segment image 420, a frame-shaped image 430 showing the search range of the index image is overlaid. Further, the index image 440 is presented in the anterior segment image 420. When the index image 440 is included in the range defined by the frame-shaped image 430, the alignment control unit 111 can select the index alignment mode. Further, when the index image 440 is not included in the range defined by the frame-shaped image 430, the output control unit 113 determines that the index image was not detected (within the predetermined range) (that is, the position of the corneal apex of the eye E to be inspected). A message indicating (not detected) can be displayed (see FIG. 6C).

Further, for example, when performing kerato measurement, an operation for selecting an index alignment based on the corneal apex can be performed. This operation may be, for example, a tap operation of the index image 440. Further, for example, when performing a ref measurement, an operation for selecting a pupil alignment can be performed. This operation may be, for example, a tap operation of the alignment information display area 410 or the frame-shaped image 430.

<Action / effect>
The operation and effect of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.

The first aspect of the ophthalmic apparatus of the embodiment is an optical system (for example, measurement optical system 30), a drive unit (for example, first drive mechanism 80A), an alignment optical system (for example, alignment optical system 40), and two or more. An imaging unit (for example, front eye camera 60), a first analysis unit (for example, first analysis unit 13), a second analysis unit (for example, second analysis unit 14), and an alignment control unit (for example, alignment control unit 111). And a first notification unit (for example, an output control unit 113, a user interface 90, and an output unit 95).

The optical system acquires the data of the eye to be inspected. The drive unit moves the optical system. The alignment optical system projects an index for aligning the optical system with respect to the eye to be inspected to the anterior segment of the eye to be inspected. The two or more imaging units photograph the anterior segment of the eye in the state where the index is projected substantially simultaneously from different directions. The first analysis unit identifies the position of the eye to be inspected based on the image of the index in the two or more captured images obtained by the two or more imaging units. The second analysis unit identifies the position of the eye to be inspected based on the feature positions in the two or more captured images obtained by the two or more imaging units. The alignment control unit controls the drive unit based on the first alignment mode that controls the drive unit based on the position of the eye to be inspected specified by the first analysis unit and the position of the eye to be inspected specified by the second analysis unit. It is possible to selectively execute the second alignment mode. The first notification unit notifies information (alignment mode information) indicating the alignment mode executed by the alignment control unit.

According to such an ophthalmic apparatus, the first and second alignment modes can be selectively executed, and it is possible to notify which alignment mode is applied, so that it depends on the condition (disease, etc.) of the eye to be inspected. The alignment mode can be easily selected. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the alignment.

In the embodiment, the first notification unit can display the alignment mode information on the display means. The display means includes either one built in the ophthalmic apparatus (for example, the display unit 91) or one provided outside the ophthalmic apparatus.

According to this configuration, the alignment mode information can be visually recognized. The notification of the alignment mode information is not limited to the visual method, and may be a method using other sensory functions such as an auditory method.

The ophthalmic apparatus of the embodiment may further include a data control unit (for example, a data control unit 112). The data control unit associates the information indicating the alignment mode executed by the alignment control unit with the data acquired by the optical system after the alignment.

According to this configuration, it is possible to manage the data of the eye to be inspected acquired by the optical system and the alignment mode information in an integrated manner. For example, when reading or outputting the data of the eye to be inspected, the alignment mode information associated with this data can also be read or output. This makes it possible to recognize which alignment mode was applied to acquire this data.

A second aspect of the ophthalmic apparatus of the embodiment is an optical system (for example, measurement optical system 30), a drive unit (for example, first drive mechanism 80A), an alignment optical system (for example, alignment optical system 40), and two or more. An imaging unit (for example, anterior optical camera 60), a first analysis unit (for example, first analysis unit 13), a second analysis unit (for example, second analysis unit 14), and an alignment control unit (for example, alignment control unit 111). And a data control unit (for example, a data control unit 112).

The optical system acquires the data of the eye to be inspected. The drive unit moves the optical system. The alignment optical system projects an index for aligning the optical system with respect to the eye to be inspected to the anterior segment of the eye to be inspected. The two or more imaging units photograph the anterior segment of the eye in the state where the index is projected substantially simultaneously from different directions. The first analysis unit identifies the position of the eye to be inspected based on the image of the index in the two or more captured images obtained by the two or more imaging units. The second analysis unit identifies the position of the eye to be inspected based on the feature positions in the two or more captured images obtained by the two or more imaging units. The alignment control unit controls the drive unit based on the first alignment mode that controls the drive unit based on the position of the eye to be inspected specified by the first analysis unit and the position of the eye to be inspected specified by the second analysis unit. It is possible to selectively execute the second alignment mode. The data control unit associates information indicating the alignment mode executed by the alignment control unit (alignment mode information) with the data acquired by the optical system after the alignment.

According to such an ophthalmic apparatus, the first and second alignment modes can be selectively executed, and the data of the eye to be inspected acquired by the optical system and the alignment mode information can be managed in an integrated manner. it can. This makes it possible to recognize which alignment mode was applied to acquire this data.

The ophthalmic apparatus of the embodiment may further include an output unit (for example, an output unit 95) that outputs the data of the eye to be inspected acquired by the optical system and the alignment mode information.

According to this configuration, it is possible to print the data of the eye to be inspected and the alignment mode information, transmit it to an external device, or record it on a recording medium.

In the embodiment, when the first analysis unit does not detect the image of the index from any of the two or more captured images, the alignment control unit can execute the second alignment mode. That is, it is possible to automatically shift to the pupil alignment mode when the index image is not drawn on the captured image.

Alternatively, when the first analysis unit does not detect the image of the index from any predetermined range of the two or more captured images, the alignment control unit can execute the second alignment mode. That is, it is possible to automatically shift to the pupil alignment mode when the index image is not drawn within the predetermined search range that is a part of the captured image.

When the image of the index is not detected from the entire captured image or its predetermined range, the alignment control unit causes the second analysis unit to detect the feature position and identify the position of the eye to be inspected, and the position of the eye to be inspected is determined. Based on this, the second alignment mode can be executed.

According to this configuration, it is possible to control so that the second alignment mode (pupil alignment mode) is automatically executed when the first alignment mode (index alignment mode) cannot be performed.

The ophthalmic apparatus of the embodiment has a second notification unit (for example, output control unit 113, user interface 90, output) that notifies when an index image is not detected from the entire captured image or a predetermined range thereof by the first analysis unit. Part 95) may be further provided.

According to this configuration, it is possible to notify that the first alignment mode (index alignment mode) cannot be performed. Therefore, the user can recognize it and can perform preparations and operations for shifting to the second alignment mode (pupil alignment mode).

In the embodiment, the second notification unit can display the software key for shifting to the second alignment mode on the display means. When the software key is operated, the alignment control unit can start the second alignment mode. Examples of this software key include the alignment information display area 210 and alignment information 210b of FIG. 6C, the alignment information display area 410 and alignment information 411 of FIG. 8, and the frame-shaped image 430 of FIG.

According to this configuration, the user can decide whether or not to shift to the second alignment mode. It is also possible to provide a means for shifting to the first alignment mode, such as a tap operation on the index image 440 of FIG.

In an embodiment, the optical system may be capable of acquiring two or more types of data. The ophthalmic apparatus of such an embodiment may further include a designation unit for (automatically or manually) designating the type of data acquired by the optical system. The designation unit that can be automatically designated is, for example, the control unit 11. The designation unit for manual designation is, for example, the user interface 90. The alignment control unit can select one of the first alignment mode and the second alignment mode based on the type specified by the designated unit.

According to this configuration, it is possible to select an alignment mode according to the type of examination (measurement, imaging, etc.) performed on the eye to be inspected.

In the embodiment, the first analysis unit identifies the position of the eye to be inspected in the optical axis direction (Z direction) of the optical system based on the relative positions of the two or more images of the indexes detected from the two or more captured images. be able to. Further, the first analysis unit can specify the position of the eye to be inspected in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction (XY direction) of the optical system based on the positions of two or more images of the index in the two or more captured images. it can.

When a plurality of measurements (photographs) are performed in sequence, alignment can be performed immediately before each measurement. For example, when corneal curvature measurement (kerato measurement), ocular refractive force measurement (ref measurement), and subjective test (vision measurement) are performed in this order, before the kerato measurement, between the kerato measurement and the reflex measurement, and , It is possible to perform alignment between the reflex measurement and the subjective test, respectively. In addition, alignment may be performed immediately before a part of a plurality of measurements.

The embodiments described above are merely typical examples of the present invention. Therefore, any modification (omission, substitution, addition, etc.) within the scope of the gist of the present invention can be appropriately applied.

1 Ophthalmic apparatus 11 Control unit 111 Alignment control unit 112 Data control unit 113 Output control unit 12 Data processing unit 13 First analysis unit 14 Second analysis unit 30 Measurement optical system 40 Alignment optical system 60 Front eye camera 80A First movement mechanism 90 User interface 95 Output

Claims (3)

An optical system that can acquire two or more types of data for the eye to be inspected,
A drive unit that moves the optical system and
An alignment optical system that projects an index for aligning the optical system with respect to the eye to be inspected onto the anterior segment of the eye to be inspected.
Two or more imaging units that photograph the anterior segment of the eye in a state where the index is projected substantially simultaneously from different directions.
A first analysis unit that identifies the position of the eye to be inspected based on the image of the index in the two or more captured images obtained by the two or more imaging units.
An alignment control unit capable of executing a first alignment mode for controlling the drive unit based on the position specified by the first analysis unit, and an alignment control unit.
The display means displays the captured image obtained by one or more of the two or more imaging units or the image of the anterior segment that is an image based on the captured image, and the search range of the image of the index is set. It is provided with an output control unit that overlays the image to be represented on the anterior segment image.
The ophthalmic apparatus, wherein the alignment control unit executes the first alignment mode when the image of the index is included in the range defined by the image representing the search range. A second analysis unit that identifies the position of the eye to be inspected based on the feature positions in the two or more captured images obtained by the two or more imaging units is further provided.
The alignment control unit
A second alignment mode that controls the drive unit based on the position specified by the second analysis unit can be further executed, and the second alignment mode can be further executed.
The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the image of the index is not included in the range defined by the image representing the search range, the second alignment mode is executed. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the image of the index is not included in the range defined by the image representing the search range, the output control unit causes the display means to display a message.

Images