JP7400204B2 - Optometry equipment, optometry programs, and optometry systems - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an optometry device, an optometry program, and an optometry system that examine an eye to be examined.

As an optometry device that examines the eye to be examined, there is an ophthalmology imaging device that takes a tomographic image of the fundus of the eye to be examined (Patent Document 1), an objective optometry device that objectively measures the optical characteristics of the eye to be examined (Patent Document 2), A subjective optometry device (Patent Document 3), etc., which subjectively measures the optical characteristics of the eye to be examined, is used.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-110392 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-33479 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-176893

By the way, during an inspection, it is preferable to set an appropriate inspection environment according to the inspection content. However, the environment in which a subject is guided before or after a test is often different from the environment during the test. In such a case, it is necessary to change the environment as appropriate depending on the situation, which is time consuming.

In view of the above-mentioned conventional technology, the present disclosure has a technical problem of providing an optometric apparatus, an optometric program, and an optometric system that can easily set an environment suitable for an examination.

In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure is characterized by having the following configuration.

(1) An optometric apparatus according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an optometric apparatus that tests an eye to be examined, and includes an anterior segment imaging means for capturing an image of the anterior segment of the eye to be examined. , an inspection means for inspecting the eye to be inspected; a detection means for detecting whether or not the inspection of the eye to be inspected can be started by an operation on the inspection means for using the inspection means; a setting means for setting at least one of a lighting environment, a light shielding environment, and an air conditioning environment of an examination room in which the eye to be examined is tested as the examination environment for the eye to be examined, based on the detection result of the means; , the operation for the inspection means is an operation for detecting a characteristic region of the eye to be examined in the anterior segment image.

(2) The optometry program according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is an optometry program used in an optometry device that tests an eye to be examined, and is executed by a processor of the optometry device to Whether or not the test of the subject's eye can be started through the anterior segment imaging step of capturing an anterior segment image and the operation of the testing unit to use the testing unit in the optometry device. and a detection step of detecting, and based on the detection result of the detection step, setting at least one of a lighting environment, a light shielding environment, and an air conditioning environment of an examination room in which the eye to be examined is examined as an examination environment for the eye to be examined. The optometric apparatus is characterized in that the optometry apparatus executes a setting step for detecting a characteristic region of the subject's eye in the anterior segment image.

(3) An optometry system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is an optometry system that tests an eye to be tested, including an optometry device that tests the eye to be tested, and an optometry device that images the anterior segment of the eye to be tested. Whether or not a state is reached in which the examination of the eye to be examined can be started by operating the anterior segment imaging means for acquiring an image, the examination means for examining the eye to be examined, and the examination means for using the examination means. and a setting means for setting at least one of a lighting environment, a light shielding environment, and an air-conditioning environment of an examination room in which the eye to be examined is examined as an examination environment for the eye to be examined. , the operation for the inspection means is an operation for detecting a characteristic region of the eye to be examined in the anterior segment image.

This is an example of an examination room. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the state of the examination room when the subject's chin is placed on the chin rest. This is an example of an examination room and an operation room. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the state of the examination room when the examiner selects the start switch.

<Summary>
An overview of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. The items classified in <> below can be used independently or in conjunction.

<Optometry device>
The optometry apparatus (for example, OCT apparatus 100) according to this embodiment is an apparatus that examines a subject's eye. The optometry device may be a device that examines the eye to be examined by photographing the eye to be examined. For example, the optometry device may be an ophthalmologic imaging device that photographs the anterior segment of the eye to be examined and obtains image data of the anterior segment of the eye to be examined, the shape of the cornea of the eye to be examined, and the like. Further, for example, the optometry apparatus may be an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus that photographs the fundus of the eye to be examined and obtains fundus front image data of the eye to be examined, fundus tomographic image data of the eye to be examined, and the like.

The optometry device may be a device that tests the eye to be examined by measuring the eye to be examined. As an example, the optometrist may be an objective optometrist that objectively measures the optical characteristics of the eye to be examined. For example, the optical characteristics of the eye to be examined include the eye's refractive power (e.g., spherical power, cylindrical power, astigmatic axis angle, etc.), binocular vision function (e.g., tropism, stereoscopic vision function, etc.), and contrast. An objective optometry device that objectively measures sensitivity, etc. may also be used. Furthermore, as an example, the optometry device may be a subjective optometry device that subjectively measures the optical characteristics of the eye to be examined. For example, it may be a subjective optometry device that subjectively measures the eye refractive power or the like of the eye to be examined as the optical characteristics of the eye to be examined. Further, as an example, the optometry device may be an optometrist that measures the visual field of the subject's eye by obtaining a visual response from the subject.

More specifically, optometry devices include optical coherence tomography (OCT), scanning laser ophthalmoscopes, fundus cameras, intraocular pressure measuring devices, axial length measuring devices, corneal topography measuring devices, and corneal curvature measuring devices. , an ultrasonic optometrist, an eye refractive power measuring device, a phoropter, a perimeter, and the like.

<Inspection means>
In this embodiment, the optometric apparatus includes an examination means (for example, an OCT optical system). The test means is a test means for testing the eye to be examined. The testing means may include an testing system that tests the subject's eye by receiving light. In this case, the examination system may be an imaging optical system for imaging the eye to be examined. Further, in this case, the examination system may be a measurement optical system for measuring the eye to be examined. The inspection means may include at least one of an imaging optical system and a measurement optical system.

The testing means is not limited to an testing system that tests the subject's eye by receiving light, but may be an testing system that tests the subject's eye by receiving ultrasound. In this case, the examination system may be an ultrasonic measurement system for measuring the eye to be examined by emitting ultrasonic waves and detecting the reflected waves.

Note that the testing means may include either an testing system that tests the eye to be examined by receiving light or an testing system that tests the eye to be tested by receiving ultrasonic waves. Of course, it is also possible to have a configuration including both an examination system that examines the eye to be examined by receiving light and an examination system that examines the eye to be examined by receiving ultrasonic waves.

<Detection means>
In this embodiment, the optometry apparatus includes a detection means (for example, the control unit 107). The detection means detects an operation to the test means for using the test means. The inspection means may detect whether or not the test of the subject's eye can be started as an operation for the inspection means for using the inspection means. That is, at least one of the examiner and the examinee performs a predetermined action on the examination means to detect whether or not the examination of the examinee's eye can begin.

The detection means may detect a movement of the examiner with respect to the inspection means for using the detection means. In this case, an action in which the examiner operates the operating unit to start up the testing device, an action in which the examiner operates the operating unit to start the test, and the like are detected. Examples include the action of the examiner approaching the optometry device, the action of the examiner activating the optometry device (e.g., turning on the power of the device, canceling the standby mode that waits for the device to operate, etc.), the action of the examiner approaching the optometry device, the action of the examiner An action to start an examination using a test, etc. may be detected. Further, the detection means may detect the movement of the subject relative to the inspection means for using the detection means. In this case, the motion of the subject moving to an examination position to start the test, the motion of the subject approaching the optometry device, the motion of the subject touching the optometry device, etc. are detected. As an example, a motion of the subject standing in front of the optometry device, a motion of the subject sitting in front of the optometry device, a motion of the subject touching a forehead rest or a chin rest, etc. may be detected.

In this embodiment, the optometry device may include a detector. The detector detects an action on the testing means for using the testing means. In this case, the detection means may detect an operation for the inspection means for using the inspection means based on the detection result of the detector.

The detector may detect that the subject has contacted the optometry device. For example, as the detector, a photographing means (for example, a camera equipped with an image sensor, etc.) capable of detecting a contact of a subject in an optometric apparatus may be used. The detection means may detect the movement of the subject touching the optometry apparatus by analyzing the image taken by the photographing means. Further, for example, a sensor (for example, at least one of a light sensor, a pressure sensor, a load sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc.) capable of detecting a contact of a subject in an optometry device is used as a detector. Good too. The detection means may detect a movement of the examiner or the subject in contact with the optometric apparatus based on a signal emitted from the sensor. As an example, when the detector is a load sensor, the load sensor converts the detected load into an electrical resistance value and outputs it. The inspection means can detect a movement of the examiner or the subject in contact with the optometric apparatus based on the presence or absence of a detection signal from the load sensor (in other words, the presence or absence of an output of an electrical resistance value).

Note that when the optometry apparatus has a forehead rest for abutting the forehead of the subject, the detector may be provided on the forehead rest. The detection means may detect whether the subject's forehead has contacted the forehead rest based on the detection result of the detector. Furthermore, when the optometry apparatus has a chin rest for placing the subject's chin, the detector may be provided on the chin rest. The detection means may detect whether or not the subject's chin is placed on the chin rest based on the detection result of the detector. Of course, if the optometry apparatus has a forehead rest and a chin rest, the detector may be provided on at least one of the forehead rest and the chin rest.

The detector may detect proximity of the subject to the optometry device. For example, as the detector, a photographing means capable of detecting the positional relationship of the examiner or the subject in the optometric apparatus may be used. The detection means may detect whether the optometric apparatus is at a predetermined distance from the examiner or the subject by analyzing an image of the optometric apparatus and the subject taken by the photographing means. Further, for example, a sensor (for example, at least one of a distance sensor, a position sensor, a human sensor, etc.) capable of detecting the positional relationship of the examiner or the examinee in the optometry device is used as the detector. You can. The detection means may detect whether the optometry apparatus and the examiner or subject are at a predetermined distance based on a signal emitted from the sensor.

In this embodiment, the optometry device may include anterior segment imaging means. The anterior segment imaging means captures an image of the anterior segment of the subject's eye to obtain an anterior segment image. In this case, the detection means may detect an operation for the examination means for using the examination means based on the anterior segment image.

For example, the detection means analyzes the anterior segment image and detects characteristic parts of the eye to be examined (e.g., eyelid movement, corneal apex position, pupil position, iris position, etc.). A motion of the subject relative to the testing means may be detected. As an example, when the detection means detects the pupil of the subject's eye by analyzing the anterior segment image, the detection means detects that the subject has moved to the testing position to start the test (in other words, the subject's eye has moved to the test position to start the test). may be detected.

<Setting means>
In this embodiment, the optometry apparatus includes a setting means (for example, the control section 107). The setting means is a setting means for setting an examination environment for the eye to be examined based on the detection result of the detection means. For example, the test environment for the eye to be examined may be the test room environment.

The setting means may set the examination environment for the eye to be examined based on the detection result of the detection means in conjunction with the operation of the examination means for using the examination means. For example, the testing environment for the eye to be examined may be set in conjunction with the examiner's movements with respect to the testing device for using the testing device. Further, for example, the examination environment for the eye to be examined may be set in conjunction with the movement of the examinee with respect to the examination means for using the examination means.

In this embodiment, the optometry device may include communication means. The communication means communicates with a communication means provided in a device other than the optometry apparatus using at least one of wired communication and wireless communication. For example, in the case of wired communication, optical fiber, wired LAN, etc. are used. For example, in the case of wireless communication, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. are used. Note that the communication means may include a receiving means and a transmitting means, and each means may be used in common, or may be provided separately.

The communication means provided in the optometry apparatus and the communication means provided in a device different from the optometry apparatus may be configured to communicate directly through each other's communication means. In this case, the setting means sets the test environment for the eye to be examined based on the detection result of the detection means via the communication means. Further, the communication means provided in the optometry apparatus and the communication means provided in a device different from the optometry apparatus may be configured to communicate indirectly through a device or the like between the communication means. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which communication is performed indirectly via a shared server, an IoT (Internet of Things) device, or the like. That is, the optometric apparatus and a device different from the optometric apparatus may be connected via a device or the like. In this case, the setting means sets the test environment for the eye to be examined based on the detection result of the detection means via the communication means and the device.

The setting means may set an examination environment such as a lighting environment, a light shielding environment, an air conditioning environment, etc. of an examination room in which the eye is examined, as the examination environment of the eye to be examined. For example, the setting means may set the lighting environment of the examination room by adjusting the illuminance and color temperature of a lighting device (for example, a ceiling light, a stand light, etc.) installed in the examination room. In this case, the setting means may control the illuminating device to turn on or off the power, or change the setting conditions of the illuminating device.

Further, for example, the setting means may set the light-shielding environment of the examination room by adjusting the opening and closing of a light-shielding device (for example, a blackout curtain, automatic curtain, etc.) installed in the examination room. In this case, the setting means may control the light shielding device to turn on or turn off the power.

For example, the setting means may set the air-conditioned environment of the examination room by adjusting the temperature, air volume, air direction, etc. of an air conditioner (e.g., air conditioner, blower, etc.) installed in the examination room. good. In this case, the setting means may control the air conditioner to turn on or off, or change the setting conditions of the air conditioner.

For example, in this embodiment, the setting means sets the examination environment of the subject's eye to night vision based on the detection result of the detection means. As an example, the setting means controls the illumination device to turn off the power (in other words, controls the illumination device to turn on and off) based on the detection result of the detection means, and controls the examination environment of the eye to be examined. The configuration may be such that the camera is set under night vision. Further, as an example, the setting means controls the light shielding device to turn on the power of the light shielding device (in other words, controls the light shielding device to switch between opening and closing) based on the detection result of the detection means, and The examination environment may be set under night vision.

More specifically, for example, in the present embodiment, the detection means detects whether or not the subject's chin is placed on the chin rest as an operation for the testing means for using the testing means, and the setting means However, a configuration may also be adopted in which the lights in the examination room in which the optometry apparatus is placed are turned off based on the detection result of the detection means.

Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the optometry system described in this embodiment. For example, terminal control software (program) that performs the functions of the above embodiments is supplied to an optometry device or optometry system via a network or various storage media, and the control unit (e.g., CPU) of the optometry device or optometry system is However, it is also possible to read and execute programs.

<First example>
A first example of this embodiment will be described. Here, an example will be described in which an optometry system is constructed in an examination room for examining the eyes of a subject.

FIG. 1 is an example of an examination room 10. In the examination room 10, an optometry device 100 included in the optometry system is installed. Furthermore, a lighting device 20 is installed in the examination room 10.

<Optometry device>
The optometric apparatus 100 is used to examine the eye E of the subject P. In this embodiment, an ophthalmologic imaging device is illustrated as the optometry device 100. The ophthalmologic imaging device may be an OCT device having a configuration of a so-called ophthalmologic optical coherence tomography device. Hereinafter, the optometry apparatus 100 will be referred to as an OCT apparatus 100.

The OCT apparatus 100 has an OCT optical system that detects an interference signal caused by the measurement light and reference light irradiated onto the eye E, and acquires OCT data of the eye E by processing the interference signal. The OCT apparatus 100 includes an operation section (joystick) 101, a moving table 102, a measurement section 103, a face support unit 104, a monitor 106, a control section 107, and the like.

The operation unit 101 moves the measurement unit 103 relative to the eye E in the up-down direction (Y direction), the left-right direction (X direction), and the front-back direction (Z direction). By operating the operation unit 101, the X movement mechanism and the Z movement mechanism provided on the moving table 102 are driven, and the measuring unit 103 arranged at the top of the moving table 102 is moved in the left-right direction and the front-back direction. . Furthermore, by operating the operation unit 101, a Y movement mechanism provided in the measurement unit 103 is driven, and the measurement unit 103 is moved in the vertical direction.

The measurement unit 103 houses an anterior segment imaging optical system, an OCT optical system, and the like. The anterior segment imaging optical system images the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined. The anterior segment imaging optical system may be configured to include a light source that illuminates the anterior segment, an image sensor that captures an image of the anterior segment, and the like. Of course, the anterior segment imaging optical system may have a configuration different from these. The OCT optical system includes a light source that emits low-coherent light, a light splitter that splits the light emitted from the light source into measurement light and reference light, a measurement optical system that guides the measurement light to the eye E, and a measurement on the fundus of the eye E. The configuration may include a scanning unit that scans light in the transverse direction, a reference optical system that generates reference light, a detector that detects an interference signal resulting from the combination of measurement light and reference light, and the like. Of course, the OCT optical system may have a configuration different from these.

The face support unit 104 supports the face of the subject P. The face support unit 104 includes a forehead rest 104a and a chin rest 104b. The forehead of the subject P is brought into contact with the forehead rest 104a. The chin of the subject P is placed on the chin rest 104b. A detector 105 is provided on the chinrest 104b.

The detector 105 detects whether the subject P's chin is placed on the chin rest 104b. The detector 105 may include at least one of an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, a load sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and the like. For example, in this embodiment, a load sensor is used as the detector 105, and the load sensor detects the load caused by the subject P's chin being placed on the chin rest 104b. The detection result of the detector 105 is output to the control section 107.

The monitor 106 displays a setting screen for obtaining OCT data using the OCT optical system (for example, a setting screen for setting the scanning position of measurement light, scanning pattern, area in the depth direction, etc.), and a tomographic image generated from the OCT data. , an anterior segment image captured by the anterior segment imaging optical system, and the like are displayed. The monitor 106 may be a touch panel, or the monitor 106 may also serve as an operation unit.

The control unit 107 includes a general CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM, ROM, and the like. The CPU controls the OCT apparatus 100. The RAM temporarily stores various information. The ROM stores programs and the like for controlling the operation of the OCT apparatus 100. The control unit 107 includes an operation unit 101, a drive unit for the movement mechanism (X movement mechanism, Y movement mechanism, Z movement mechanism), a detector 105, a monitor 106, a light source and an image sensor provided in the anterior segment imaging optical system, and an OCT. A light source, a detector, a storage unit (memory) 108, a communication unit 109, etc. included in the optical system are electrically connected.

The storage unit 108 may be a non-transitory storage medium that can retain stored contents even if the power supply is cut off. For example, the storage unit 108 may be a hard disk drive, a flash ROM, a removable USB memory, or the like. The storage unit 108 may store information related to settings for obtaining OCT data, OCT data, and the like.

The communication unit 109 includes a transmitter and a receiver, and is capable of transmitting signals to other communication units (for example, the communication unit 23 included in the lighting device 20) and receiving signals transmitted from other communication units. ,I do. Note that the communication section 109 in this embodiment only needs to include at least a transmitting section, and does not necessarily need to include a receiving section. That is, the communication unit 109 in this embodiment only needs to be able to transmit at least a signal, and does not necessarily need to be able to receive a signal.

<Lighting device>
The lighting device 20 illuminates the examination room 10. The lighting device 20 includes a control section 21 and the like. The control unit 21 is equipped with a general CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and is electrically connected to a light source 22, a communication unit 23, etc.

The communication unit 23 includes a transmitter and a receiver, and is capable of transmitting signals to other communication units (for example, the communication unit 109 included in the OCT apparatus 100) and receiving signals transmitted from other communication units. ,I do. Note that the communication section 23 in this embodiment only needs to include at least a receiving section, and does not necessarily need to include a transmitting section. That is, the communication unit 23 in this embodiment only needs to be able to receive at least a signal, and does not necessarily need to be able to transmit a signal.

<Communication between OCT device and lighting device>
In this embodiment, the communication section 109 of the OCT apparatus 100 and the communication section 23 of the illumination device 20 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless network, and transmit and receive signals. More specifically, in the OCT apparatus 100, a signal input by the control unit 107 to the communication unit 109 is outputted to the outside of the OCT apparatus 100 by the communication unit 109. The communication unit 23 of the lighting device 20 receives the signal output from the communication unit 109 and inputs it to the control unit 21 .

For example, in this embodiment, the control unit 107 in the OCT apparatus 100 inputs a light-off signal to the communication unit 109 to turn off the light source 22, and the communication unit 109 outputs the light-off signal to the outside of the OCT apparatus 100. The communication unit 23 of the lighting device 20 receives the lights-off signal output from the communication unit 109 and inputs it to the control unit 21 . For example, in the present embodiment, the control unit 107 in the OCT apparatus 100 inputs a lighting signal for lighting the light source 22 to the communication unit 109, and the lighting signal is output by the communication unit 109 to the outside of the OCT apparatus 100. Ru. The communication unit 23 of the lighting device 20 receives the lighting signal output from the communication unit 109 and inputs it to the control unit 21 . The control unit 21 of the lighting device 20 controls the light source 22 based on the received light-off signal or light-on signal, and turns the light source 22 off or on.

<Control operation>
In the optometry system having the above configuration, a control operation for testing the eye E to be examined using the OCT apparatus 100 will be described.

<Placement of the jaw on the chin rest by the subject and its detection>
The control unit 107 of the OCT apparatus 100 issues an audio announcement (for example, "Please place your chin on the chin rest") from a speaker (not shown) to guide the subject P to the apparatus. Following the instructions, the subject P sits in front of the OCT apparatus 100 and places his or her chin on the chin rest 104b. When the detector 105 provided on the chin rest 104b detects an external load, it converts this load into an electrical signal and outputs it to the control unit 107. When the electric signal is input from the detector 105, the control unit 107 detects that the chin of the subject P is placed on the chin rest 104b.

Note that the control unit 107 may detect that the chin of the subject P is placed on the chin rest 104b when the electric signal from the detector 105 is continuously input for a predetermined period of time or more. For example, the predetermined time may be any time that can be distinguished from a case where the subject P repositions his or her chin on the chinrest 104b. For example, the duration may be 5 seconds or more. Thereby, the control unit 107 can detect that the chin of the subject P is placed on the chin rest 104b and that the test of the subject's eye E can be started.

<Lights off in the examination room>
FIG. 2 shows the state of the examination room 10 when the chin of the subject P is placed on the chin rest 104b. When the control unit 107 detects that the chin of the subject P is placed on the chin rest 104b, the control unit 107 transmits a signal for setting the examination environment for the eye E to the communication unit 109. For example, a light-off signal for turning off the light source 22 of the lighting device 20 is transmitted to the communication unit 109 .

When the communication unit 109 of the OCT apparatus 100 issues a lights-off signal, the communication unit 23 of the lighting device 20 receives the lights-off signal and inputs the lights-off signal to the control unit 21 . The control unit 21 turns off the light source 22 based on the input of the turn-off signal. As a result, the examination room 10 changes from the state shown in FIG. 1 to the state shown in FIG. 2, and the examination environment for the eye E to be examined is set under night vision.

<Start of examination of the eye to be examined>
The control unit 107 of the OCT apparatus 100 issues an audio announcement (for example, "Please observe the visual target.") from a speaker (not shown), and causes the subject P to observe the fixation target. The subject P follows the instructions and gazes at a fixation target displayed on a monitor (not shown) included in the measurement unit 103. In addition, the control unit 107 of the OCT apparatus 100 issues an audio announcement (for example, "The examination will begin. Please press the start switch.") from a speaker (not shown), and prompts the subject P to start the examination. Operate a switch (not shown). Subject P operates the switch according to the instructions.

The control unit 107 controls the anterior segment imaging optical system in response to a start signal input from the switch, captures an anterior segment image of the eye E to be examined, and projects an alignment index onto the cornea of the eye E to be examined. . The control unit 107 uses the alignment index image to detect a positional deviation of the corneal apex position (approximately the corneal apex position) of the eye E to be examined with respect to the measurement optical axis of the measurement unit 103, and performs automatic alignment.

When the alignment between the OCT device 100 and the eye E is completed, the examiner D performs optimization control (for example, adjusting the optical path length and adjusting the focus) to observe the desired fundus part of the eye E with high sensitivity and high resolution. , adjustment of polarization state, etc.) and acquisition of OCT data.

<Removal of the jaw from the jaw rest by the subject and its detection>
The control unit 107 of the OCT apparatus 100 issues a voice announcement (for example, "The test is finished. Thank you for your hard work.") from a speaker (not shown) to notify the subject P of the end of the test. The subject P moves his or her chin away from the chin rest 104b. At this time, the detector 105 provided on the chin rest 104b becomes unable to detect the external load and stops outputting the electrical signal to the control unit 107. The control unit 107 detects that the subject P's chin has left the chin rest 104b when the input of the electrical signal from the detector 105 is interrupted.

Note that the control unit 107 may detect that the chin of the subject P has left the chin rest 104b when the input of the electrical signal by the detector 105 is continuously interrupted for a predetermined period of time or more. Thereby, the control unit 107 can detect that the chin of the subject P has moved away from the chin rest 104b and that the examination of the subject's eye E has been completed.

<Lighting in the examination room>
When the control unit 107 detects that the subject's P's chin has left the chin rest 104b, the control unit 107 transmits a lighting signal to the communication unit 109 to turn on the light source 22 of the lighting device 20. When the communication unit 109 of the OCT apparatus 100 issues a lighting signal, the communication unit 23 of the lighting device 20 receives the lighting signal and inputs the lighting signal to the control unit 21 . The control unit 21 lights up the light source 22 based on the input of the lighting signal. As a result, the examination room 10 changes from the state shown in FIG. 2 to the state shown in FIG. 1, and the examination environment for the eye E to be examined is set under clear vision.

<Second example>
A second example of this embodiment will be described. Here, an example will be described in which an optometry system is constructed with an examination room 10 for testing the eye of the subject P and an operation room 50 for operating the OCT device 100. Note that configurations similar to those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 3 is an example of the examination room 10 and the operation room 50. In the examination room 10, an optometry device 100 included in the optometry system is installed. Furthermore, the examination room 10 is equipped with a light shielding device 30, a photographing device 40, and the like. A remote control unit 200 in the optometric apparatus 100 is installed in the operation room 50 .

<Shading device>
The light shielding device 30 shields the examination room 10 from light. The light shielding device 30 may be at least one of a blackout curtain, an automatic curtain, etc., and FIG. 3 shows a blackout curtain 31 as an example. The light shielding device 30 includes a control section 32 and the like. The control unit 32 is equipped with a general CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and is electrically connected to a driving unit of an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing the blackout curtain 31, a communication unit 33, and the like.

The communication unit 33 includes a transmitter and a receiver, and is capable of transmitting signals to other communication units (for example, the communication unit 109 included in the OCT apparatus 100) and receiving signals transmitted from other communication units. ,I do. Note that the communication section 33 in this embodiment only needs to include at least a receiving section, and does not necessarily need to include a transmitting section. That is, the communication unit 33 in this embodiment only needs to be able to receive at least a signal, and does not necessarily need to be able to transmit a signal.

<Photography equipment>
The photographing device 40 photographs the examination room 10. The photographing device 40 includes a control section 41 and the like. The control unit 41 is equipped with a general CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and is electrically connected to a detector 42, a communication unit 43, etc. The detector 42 may be an imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor).

The communication unit 43 is composed of a transmitter and a receiver, and transmits signals to other communication units (for example, the communication unit 204 of the remote control unit 200 included in the OCT apparatus 100) and receives signals transmitted from other communication units. and receive the signal. Note that the communication section 34 in this embodiment only needs to include at least a transmitting section, and does not necessarily need to include a receiving section. That is, the communication unit 43 in this embodiment only needs to be able to transmit at least a signal, and does not necessarily need to be able to receive a signal.

In this embodiment, the photographing device 40 may include a night vision camera (for example, a high-sensitivity camera, an infrared camera, etc.) that can be used even under night vision. Thereby, the examination room 10 can be photographed even under night vision. The photographing device 40 may photograph the examination room 10 as a moving image, or may photograph the examination room 10 as still images at regular intervals.

Further, in this embodiment, the photographing device 40 may be equipped with a microphone and a speaker (not shown). For example, the voice of the subject P picked up by the microphone of the imaging device 40 may be output from a speaker (not shown) of the remote control unit 200 and transmitted to the examiner D. Furthermore, for example, the voice of the examiner D picked up by a microphone (not shown) of the remote control unit 200 may be output from a speaker (not shown) of the imaging device 40 and transmitted to the subject P.

<Remote control section>
The remote control unit 200 of the OCT device 100 guides the subject P to the OCT device 100 and puts the OCT device 100 in a state where the test eye E can be examined (in other words, it is not possible to start testing the test eye E). possible). The remote control unit 200 includes a control unit 201 and the like. The control unit 201 is equipped with a general CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and is electrically connected to a monitor 202, an operation unit (mouse) 203, a communication unit 204, etc.

The monitor 202 displays an operation screen 210 for operating the OCT device 100 (for example, an anterior segment image, a tomographic image generated from OCT data, etc.), a captured image 220 captured by the imaging device 40, and the like. be done. An operation signal for the examiner D to operate the OCT apparatus 100 is input from the operation unit 203 .

The communication unit 204 includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, and includes other communication units (for example, the communication unit 109 included in the OCT apparatus 100, the communication unit 33 included in the light shielding device 30, the communication unit 43 included in the imaging device 40, etc.). The communication unit transmits signals to the communication unit and receives signals sent from other communication units.

<Communication between OCT device and light shielding device>
In this embodiment, the communication section 109 of the OCT apparatus 100 and the communication section 33 of the light shielding device 30 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless network, and transmit and receive signals. More specifically, in the OCT apparatus 100, a signal input by the control unit 107 to the communication unit 109 is outputted to the outside of the OCT apparatus 100 by the communication unit 109. The communication unit 33 of the light shielding device 30 receives the signal output from the communication unit 109 and inputs it to the control unit 32 .

For example, in this embodiment, the control unit 107 in the OCT apparatus 100 inputs a close signal for closing the blackout curtain 31 to the communication unit 109, and the close signal is output by the communication unit 109 to the outside of the OCT apparatus 100. The communication section 33 of the light shielding device 30 receives the close signal output from the communication section 109 and inputs it to the control section 32 . For example, in this embodiment, the control unit 107 in the OCT apparatus 100 inputs an opening signal for opening the blackout curtain 31 to the communication unit 109, and the opening signal is outputted to the outside of the OCT apparatus 100 by the communication unit 109. . The communication section 33 of the light shielding device 30 receives the open signal output from the communication section 109 and inputs it to the control section 32 . The control unit x33 of the light shielding device 30 controls a drive unit of an opening/closing mechanism (not shown) based on the received close signal or open signal, and closes or opens the blackout curtain 31.

<Control operation>
In the optometry system having the above configuration, a control operation for testing the eye E to be examined using the OCT apparatus 100 will be described.

<Power on the OCT device and imaging unit>
Examiner D turns on the power of the OCT apparatus 100. For example, examiner D operates the operation unit 203 of the remote control unit 200 to select a power switch (not shown) for starting the OCT apparatus 100 displayed on the monitor 202. The control unit 201 of the remote control unit 200 inputs the activation signal input from the power switch to the communication unit 204, and the communication unit 204 transmits the activation signal. The communication unit 109 of the OCT apparatus 100 receives the activation signal and inputs the activation signal to the control unit 107. The control unit 107 activates the OCT apparatus 100 in response to the input of the activation signal. When the OCT apparatus 100 is activated, a completion signal indicating that the OCT apparatus 100 has been activated is issued.

Furthermore, the examiner D turns on the power of the imaging device 40. For example, examiner D operates the operation unit 203 to select a power switch (not shown) for starting the imaging device 40 displayed on the monitor 202. The control unit 201 of the remote control unit 200 inputs the activation signal input from the power switch to the communication unit 204, and the communication unit 204 transmits the activation signal. The communication unit 43 of the photographing device 40 receives the activation signal and inputs the activation signal to 202 . The control unit 41 activates the photographing device 40 in response to the input of the activation signal. When the photographing device 40 is activated, a completion signal indicating that the photographing device 40 has been activated is issued.

<Screen display on the remote control unit>
The control unit 107 of the OCT apparatus 100 transmits an operation screen for operating the OCT apparatus 100 to the control unit 201 of the remote control unit 200 in response to the completion signal. Further, the control unit 41 of the imaging device 40 starts imaging the examination room 10 in response to the completion signal, and transmits the captured images sequentially captured by the detector 42 to the control unit 201 of the remote control unit 200. In this way, the operation screen 210 of the OCT apparatus 100 and the captured image 220 of the examination room 10 captured by the imaging device 40 are displayed on the monitor 202 of the remote control unit 200 observed by the examiner D.

<Guiding the patient and setting test conditions>
Examiner D observes the photographed image 220 displayed on the monitor 202 and, when confirming that the patient P has entered the examination room 10, guides the patient P to the apparatus and places the chin on the chinrest 104b. Give instructions to put it on. Following the instructions, the subject P sits in front of the OCT apparatus 100 and places his or her chin on the chin rest 104b. A detector 105 provided on the chinrest 104b detects an external load and inputs an electrical signal to the control unit 107.

When the electrical signal is input, the control unit 107 detects that the chin of the subject P is placed on the chin rest 104b, and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 201. In response to the detection signal, the control unit 201 of the remote control unit 200 causes the monitor 202 to display a message prompting the examiner D to start the examination.

After confirming the message, examiner D operates the operation screen 210 displayed on the monitor 202 to set examination conditions for the OCT apparatus 100. The control unit 201 of the remote operation unit 200 transmits a selection signal generated by selecting each condition to the control unit 107 of the OCT apparatus 100. The control unit 107 of the OCT apparatus 100 sets inspection conditions for the OCT apparatus 100 according to the received selection signal.

<Detection of movement by examiner, lowering of blackout curtain, and start of examination>
After setting the test conditions for the OCT apparatus 100, the examiner D starts testing the eye E to be examined. For example, examiner D operates the operation unit 203 of the remote control unit 200 to select a start switch (not shown) for starting the alignment and examination displayed on the monitor 202. The control unit 201 of the remote control unit 200 inputs a start signal input from the start switch to the communication unit 204, and the communication unit 204 transmits the start signal.

FIG. 4 shows the state of the examination room 10 when examiner D selects a start switch (not shown). When the communication section 204 of the remote control section 200 issues a start signal, the communication section 33 of the light shielding device 30 receives the start signal and inputs the start signal to the control section 32 . The control unit 32 closes the blackout curtain 31 based on the input of the start signal. As a result, the examination room 10 changes from the state shown in FIG. 3 to the state shown in FIG. 4, and the examination environment for the eye E to be examined is set under night vision.

Furthermore, when the communication section 204 of the remote control section 200 issues a start signal, the communication section 109 of the OCT apparatus 100 receives the start signal and inputs the start signal to the control section 107 . The control unit 107 performs the above-mentioned automatic alignment based on the input of the start signal.

When the alignment between the OCT device 100 and the eye E to be examined is completed, the control unit 107 performs optimization control (for example, optical path length adjustment) for observing the fundus part of the eye E to be examined with high sensitivity and high resolution as desired by the examiner D. adjustment, focus adjustment, polarization state adjustment, etc.) and acquisition of OCT data.

In this embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which the lowering of the blackout curtain 31 in the light shielding device 30 and the start of the examination in the OCT device 100 are executed in conjunction with the input of the start switch by the examiner. but is not limited to this. For example, the blackout curtain 31 in the light shielding device 30 may be lowered in conjunction with the input of a start switch by the examiner. In this case, the light shielding device 30 may issue a completion signal when the blackout curtain 31 has finished lowering, and the OCT device 100 may perform automatic alignment based on this completion signal.

<Detection of motion by the examiner and raising of the blackout curtain>
After acquiring the OCT data, examiner D finishes the examination of the subject's eye. For example, examiner D operates the operation unit 203 of the remote control unit 200 to select an end switch (not shown) for ending the examination displayed on the monitor 202. The control unit 201 of the remote control unit 200 inputs the termination signal input from the termination switch to the communication unit 204, and the communication unit 204 transmits the termination signal.

When the communication unit 204 of the remote control unit 200 issues an end signal, the communication unit 33 of the light blocking device 30 receives the end signal and inputs the end signal to the control unit 32. The control unit 32 opens the blackout curtain 31 based on the input of the end signal. As a result, the examination room 10 changes from the state shown in FIG. 4 to the state shown in FIG. 3, and the test environment for the eye E to be examined is set under clear vision.

In this embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the blackout curtain 31 of the light shielding device 30 is raised in conjunction with the input of the end switch by the examiner, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a series of tests using the OCT device 100 is completed, the control unit 107 automatically issues an end signal indicating the end of the test, and the light shielding device 30 automatically controls the blackout curtain 31 based on this completion signal. may be increased.

As explained above, for example, the optometry apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an inspection means for inspecting the subject's eye, a detection means for detecting an operation for the inspection means for using the inspection means, and a detection result of the detection means. and a setting means for setting an examination environment for the eye to be examined based on the test result. Previously, the examiner had to set the test environment as appropriate to the situation, or guide the test subject in a preset environment for the test, which was time-consuming and difficult to guide. . However, by providing the optometry apparatus with such a configuration, it is possible to easily set the optimum examination environment for the eye to be examined in conjunction with the operation of the examination means. The examiner can start the examination with the examination environment in place, and can obtain more accurate examination results.

Further, for example, in the optometry apparatus according to the present embodiment, the detection means detects the movement of the subject with respect to the examination means for using the examination means. This allows the examiner to start the examination smoothly, with the optimal examination environment set at each timing: guiding the examinee before or after the examination, and at the start of the examination. can. Furthermore, even if there is no examiner in the examination room and an optometry device is used that fully automatically controls the process from the start to the end of the examination (e.g. alignment operation, imaging operation, etc.), With the optimal testing environment set for optometry, the test can start smoothly.

Further, for example, in the optometry apparatus according to the present embodiment, the detection means detects, as an operation for the examination means, whether or not the examination of the subject's eye can be started. By setting the test environment for the eye to be examined based on such detection results, the examiner can easily understand whether or not the test subject is ready for examination.

Further, for example, in the optometry apparatus according to the present embodiment, the setting means sets the examination environment to night vision based on the detection result of the detection means. In the field of ophthalmology, a dark room is sometimes created when examining an eye to be examined in order to reduce the influence of changes in ambient light, such as lighting equipment in the examination room, on examination accuracy. By setting the testing environment of the eye to be examined under night vision by the setting means, the eye to be examined can be tested with high accuracy.

Further, for example, the optometry apparatus in this embodiment includes a face support unit for supporting at least a part of the face of the subject, and the detection means performs an operation on at least one part of the face of the subject as an operation for the examination means. The setting means detects whether or not the part is supported by the face support unit, and the setting means turns off the light of the examination room in which the optometry apparatus is placed, based on the detection result of the detection means. For example, it detects whether the examinee's chin is placed on the chin rest, whether the examinee's forehead touches the forehead rest, etc., and the lighting in the examination room is adjusted based on the detection results. Lights out. Thereby, the test environment of the test eye is automatically set to night vision in accordance with the timing of starting the test of the test eye, so that the test eye can be efficiently tested.

<Transformation example>
In this embodiment, the OCT device 100 and the illumination device 20 or the light shielding device 30 each include a control section and communicate with each other, so that the control section 107 of the OCT device 100 controls the illumination device 20 or the light shielding device 30. Although the configuration to be set has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by electrically connecting the light source 22 of the illumination device 20, the drive unit (not shown) of the light shielding device 30, etc. to the control unit 107 of the OCT apparatus 100, the control unit 107 of the OCT apparatus 100 can control the eye to be examined. A configuration may also be adopted in which an inspection environment (that is, a lighting environment or a light shielding environment) is set.

In this embodiment, the OCT apparatus 100 and the illumination apparatus 20 or the OCT apparatus 100 and the light shielding apparatus 30 communicate with each other to set the examination environment for the eye to be examined. Not limited. The OCT device 100 sets the examination environment for the eye to be examined by communicating with at least one of the devices installed in the examination room, such as a lighting device 20, a light shielding device 30, and an air conditioner (for example, an air conditioner). It is also possible to have a configuration in which That is, a configuration may be adopted in which at least any one of the lighting environment, light shielding environment, air conditioning environment, etc. of the examination room is set as the examination environment for the eye to be examined.

In this embodiment, the OCT apparatus 100 and a device other than the OCT apparatus communicate with each other to set the examination environment for the eye to be examined. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The OCT device 100 and a device different from the OCT device may communicate with each other to output information related to the test to the subject. For example, the next operation of the OCT device 100 may be notified by communication between the OCT device 100 and a guidance device (for example, a smart speaker, etc.). As an example, when it is detected that the subject has placed their chin on the chinrest 104b, the guidance device may issue a voice prompt according to the test (for example, "The lights in the room will be turned off", "The device will move", etc.). It is also possible to make it emit a message such as "I'm here".

In this embodiment, the examiner D is in the operation room 50 and the examinee P is in the examination room 10, and the examiner D gives instructions to the examinee P while observing the captured image 220. Although the description has been given above, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, there is an examiner D in the operation room 50, a patient P and an assistant who assists the patient P in the examination room 10, and the examiner D gives instructions to the assistant while observing the captured image 220. Good too. In this case, the control unit 107 of the OCT apparatus 100 may detect that the assistant operates the operation unit 101 or the monitor 106 of the OCT apparatus 100 and selects the test start switch. The control unit 107 inputs the start signal input from the start switch to the communication unit 109, and the communication unit 109 transmits the start signal. The illumination device 20 and the light shielding device 30 may receive the start signal, and based on this, may set the examination environment to night vision.

In this embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the light source 22 of the illumination device 20 is turned on upon detecting that the chin of the subject P has left the chin rest 104b, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if an abnormality is detected in the OCT device 100 during the examination of the eye E, the light source 22 of the illumination device 20 is turned on even if the chin of the patient P is placed on the chinrest 104b. You may also do so. Further, in this embodiment, when the examiner D selects an end switch (not shown) to end the examination, the blackout curtain 31 opens. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Similarly, for example, if an abnormality in the OCT apparatus 100 is detected during the examination of the eye E, the blackout curtain 31 may be opened even if the end switch is not selected.

In addition, for example, when multiple optometry devices are installed in the examination room 10 and tests are started on multiple subjects, it may occur that the examinee's chin is placed on the chin rest in a certain optometry device. Even if this is detected, the light source 22 of the illumination device 20 may not be turned off if another optometry device detects that the examinee's chin is away from the chin rest. For example, the light source 22 of the illumination device 20 may be turned off when it is detected that the subject's chin is placed on the chin rest in all optometry devices.

Similarly, even if one eye examination device detects that the examinee's chin has left the chin rest after the examination of the patient, another eye examination device may detect that the patient's chin has left the chin rest. If it is detected that the lighting device 20 is turned on, the light source 22 of the lighting device 20 may not be turned on. For example, the light source 22 of the illumination device 20 may be turned on when it is detected in all optometry apparatuses that the examinee's chin has left the chin rest.

10 Examination room 20 Illumination device 30 Light shielding device 40 Imaging device 50 Control room 100 OCT device 200 Remote control section

Claims (4)

An optometry device that examines an eye to be examined,
Anterior segment imaging means that captures an image of the anterior segment of the subject's eye to obtain an anterior segment image;
Testing means for testing the subject's eye;
Detection means for detecting whether or not the examination of the subject's eye can be started by the operation of the examination means for using the examination means;
a setting means for setting at least one of a lighting environment, a light shielding environment, and an air conditioning environment of an examination room in which the eye to be examined is tested as an examination environment for the eye to be examined, based on a detection result of the detection means;
Equipped with
The optometry apparatus is characterized in that the operation of the inspection means is an operation of detecting a characteristic region of the eye to be examined in the anterior segment image. The optometry device according to claim 1,
comprising a detector for detecting an operation with respect to the inspection means,
The optometry apparatus is characterized in that the detection means detects an operation with respect to the inspection means based on a detection result of the detector. An optometry program used in an optometry device that examines an eye to be examined,
being executed by the processor of the optometry device;
An anterior segment imaging step of capturing an anterior segment image of the subject's eye to obtain an anterior segment image;
a detection step of detecting whether or not a state has been reached in which an examination of the eye to be examined can be started by an operation on the examination means for using the examination means in the optometry apparatus;
a setting step for setting at least one of a lighting environment, a light shielding environment, and an air conditioning environment of an examination room in which the eye to be examined is tested as the examination environment for the eye to be examined, based on the detection result of the detection step;
causing the optometry device to execute
An optometry program characterized in that the operation for the inspection means is an operation for detecting a characteristic part of the eye to be examined in the anterior segment image. An optometry system that examines an eye to be examined,
an optometry device that tests the eye to be examined;
Anterior segment imaging means that captures an image of the anterior segment of the subject's eye to obtain an anterior segment image;
Testing means for testing the subject's eye;
Detection means for detecting whether or not the examination of the subject's eye can be started by the operation of the examination means for using the examination means;
a setting means for setting at least one of a lighting environment, a light-shielding environment, and an air conditioning environment of an examination room in which the eye to be examined is examined as an examination environment for the eye to be examined;
Equipped with
The optometry system is characterized in that the operation of the inspection means is an operation of detecting a characteristic region of the eye to be examined in the anterior segment image.