WO2004069045A1

WO2004069045A1 - Eyeball examining device and eyeball examining method

Info

Publication number: WO2004069045A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/001309
Authority: WO
Inventors: Isao Nakajima; Masuhisa Ta; Kenji Mugita
Original assignee: Tasada Works Inc.; Japan System Deign Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-02-07
Filing date: 2004-02-09
Publication date: 2004-08-19
Also published as: JP2004329879A

Abstract

A small, lightweight eyeball examining device and an eyeball examining method capable of automatically measuring and quantifying the contracting speed and diameter of a pupil at papillary light reflex from the area and radius of curvature of a pupil. The eyeball examining device (10) approximately comprises a camera head (12), and an image processing device (14) which is mainly provided with a display (40) for displaying imaged eyeballs, a control unit (42) for converting moving image data into digital moving image data, an image processing unit (44) for converting it into a data format displayable on the display (40), an image computing unit (46) for detecting an edge surrounding a pupil from each frame of digital moving image data, then converting it into a pupil area and calculating a time-dependent change in pupil area from a frame-to-frame pupil area and unit time, and an image judging unit (48) for comparing a change with time in pupil area measured and retained in advance with a measured change with time in pupil area.

Description

Description Eye test apparatus and eye test method

The present invention uses an invisible light source in the medical field to examine and photograph the anatomy of the eye, such as the retina, iris, lens, and reticular body, while dilating the pupil without relying on drugs. The present invention relates to an eye test apparatus and an eye test method that can quantify light reflex to determine the degree of cranial nerve and sympathetic nerve disorders such as brain stem disorder, optic nerve and oculomotor nerve. Background art

Conventionally, irradiating visible light to the eye during examination / imaging of the eye causes miosis. For example, a dilated pupil containing tropicamide, a compound similar to a synthetic atorotic pin, as a main component. The pupil was dilated using a computer.

The light reflex is one of the pupil reflexes that occurs when the pupil is irradiated with visible light, and this light reflex reflects the effects of oculomotor nerve disorders, midbrain, brain stem, pons disorders, etc., and the autonomic nervous system. A light irradiation method and apparatus for measuring the light reflection of the pupil by focusing on the light reception is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

Patent document 1 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000- 2 3 8 8 5 1

However, the method of examining and photographing the inside of the eye using a pupil dilator requires time for dilation of the pupil, and there is a problem that the side effect and danger of the drug are present and the subjects are limited. .

In an emergency care setting, light reflection is used to determine the consciousness level of the subject. In other words, it is an important parameter for judging the urgency of treatment, but the necessary emergency treatment is not always effective when the subject does not follow the diagnoser or when the problem is due to the skill and individual differences of the diagnoser. Was not always done. To use the light irradiation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 to solve this problem, it was difficult to reduce the size of the device because of the presence of a half mirror inside the device, that is, it was difficult to use the device because of lack of portability.

Furthermore, with the light irradiation device disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to measure the light reflex when the time required for observing the pupil at the point of emergency medical care or when eyelid drooping occurs is difficult Met. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a first object of the present invention is to provide an ophthalmologic examination apparatus capable of enlarging a pupil and photographing the inside of an eyeball in a short time regardless of administration of a drug. And an eye examination method.

Further, a second object of the present invention is to provide a small and lightweight eye examination apparatus and eye examination which can automatically measure and quantify the pupil contraction speed and pupil diameter in light reflection from the pupil area and the pupil curvature radius. Is to provide a way. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an eyeball inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes a cover that blocks visible light by fitting to a face, and an invisible light. It is characterized by comprising a camera for photographing and an invisible light source.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an eyeball inspection apparatus including an imaging unit and an image processing unit, wherein the plate-shaped base provided at one end of the imaging unit is invisible. It has a light source, a photographing hole, and a light-shielding cover.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, an eyeball inspection apparatus according to The imaging unit is an infrared camera, and the invisible light source is an infrared light source. .

Further, an eyeball inspection apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, according to claim 4, the plate-shaped base further includes a visible light source.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the eyeball inspection apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a visible light power filter is provided in the imaging hole.

Further, according to the eyeball inspection apparatus according to the present invention, according to claim 6, the image processing unit includes: a control unit that converts a moving image of the eyeball captured by the imaging unit into a plurality of eyeball still images; The pupil contour is detected from the eyeball still image, and an image calculation unit that calculates a pupil area and a change per unit time of the pupil area is provided.

Further, according to the eyeball inspection apparatus according to the present invention, according to claim 7, the image processing unit includes: a control unit configured to convert a moving image of an eyeball captured by the imaging unit into a plurality of eyeball still images; An image calculation unit that calculates a pupil curve rate from a part of the pupil contour of the eyeball still image, and calculates a pupil area and a change per unit time of the pupil area from the curve rate. .

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the eyeball examination apparatus according to the present invention includes an image determination unit that determines a change in the pupil area per unit time.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the eyeball inspection apparatus according to the present invention further includes an image display unit.

Further, according to claim 10, the imaging unit for an eyeball inspection apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging unit used for an eyeball inspection apparatus, wherein an invisible light source is provided on a plate-shaped base provided at one end of the imaging unit. It has a shooting hole and a light-shielding cover.

Further, the imaging unit for an eyeball inspection apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that: According to the above, the imaging unit is an infrared camera, and the invisible light source is an infrared light source.

Further, the imaging unit for an eyeball inspection apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, according to claim 12, the plate-shaped base further includes a visible light source. According to claim 13, the imaging unit for an eyeball inspection apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a visible light power filter is provided in the imaging hole.

According to the eye examination method according to the present invention, according to the present invention, the inside of the eye is photographed while the pupil is dilated by blocking the visible light and irradiating the eye with the invisible light. It is characterized by the following.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an eyeball inspection method according to claim 15, wherein a plate-shaped base having an invisible light source, an imaging hole, and a light-shielding cover is provided at one end of the imaging unit. The light shielding cover of the section is set in the eyes of the subject, the invisible light source is turned on, the eyeball is irradiated with invisible light, the image of the eyeball is shot by the imaging section, and the shot image of the eyeball is displayed on the image display section. The eyeball is examined by doing so.

Further, according to the present invention, the eyeball inspection method according to the present invention is an eyeball in which a plate-shaped base having an invisible light source, a visible light source, a photographing hole, and a light-shielding cover is provided at one end of the imaging unit. The light-shielding cover of the imaging unit for inspection is set on the eyes of the subject, the invisible light source is turned on, the eyeball is irradiated with invisible light, the image of the eyeball is captured by the imaging unit, and the eyeball is turned on by turning on the visible light source. An image of light reflection induced by irradiating visual light is captured by the imaging unit, and the captured image of light reflection is displayed on an image display unit to inspect an eyeball. .

Further, according to the present invention, an eyeball inspection method according to the present invention

A plate-shaped base having an invisible light source, a visible light source, an imaging hole, and a light-shielding cover The light-shielding cover of the eye examination unit provided at one end of the unit is set in the subject's eye, and the invisible light is illuminated by turning on the invisible light source to illuminate the eyeball. An image is taken, and a moving image of light reflection induced by irradiating the eyeball with visible light by turning on a visible light source is taken by the imaging unit, and the moving image data of light reflection is converted into digital moving image data. The pupil contour is detected from each frame of the digital moving image data by image calculation processing, the pupil area is calculated from the number of pixels in the detected pupil contour, and the pupil area of each frame and the unit time of each frame are calculated. The change of the pupil area with time is calculated according to the following formula, and the eyeball is examined by comparing the change with time of the pupil area with the previously measured change in the pupil area with time in the case of disability and normal. It is characterized by.

Further, according to the present invention, the eyeball inspection method according to the present invention, wherein a plate-shaped base having an invisible light source, a visible light source, an imaging hole, and a light-shielding cover is provided at one end of the imaging unit. The light-shielding cover of the ophthalmic examination imaging unit is set in the eyes of the subject, the invisible light is turned on to irradiate the eyeball with invisible light, the imaging unit takes a moving image of the eyeball, and the visible light source is turned on. The moving image of light reflection induced by irradiating the eyeball with visible light is photographed by the imaging unit, the moving image data of light reflection is converted into digital moving image data, and each frame of the digital moving image data is converted. A part of the contour of the pupil is detected by the image calculation processing, the radius of curvature of the pupil is calculated from the part of the detected contour of the pupil, the pupil area is calculated from the calculated radius of curvature of the pupil, and the pupil area is calculated for each frame. Pupil area and each Calculates the change in pupil area with time based on the unit time of the frame, and examines the eyeball by comparing the change in pupil area with time and the previously measured change in pupil area with time during injuries and normal times. It is characterized by doing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an eyeball inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention, and is a partial cross-sectional view of a camera 12.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the eyeball inspection apparatus 10, and is a perspective view of the camera 12.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for examining a subject with the eye examination apparatus 10.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an eyeball when a subject is inspected by the eyeball inspection apparatus 10.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart in the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for examining a subject with the eye examination apparatus 10, and is a schematic configuration diagram of the image processing unit 14.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart in the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an eyeball of a subject having ptosis. FIG. 10 is a flowchart in the fourth embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of an eyeball inspection apparatus and an eyeball inspection method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First Example>

Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the eyeball inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The eyeball inspection apparatus 10 of the present invention is schematically configured by a camera 12 as an imaging unit for photographing an eyeball, and an image processing unit 14 including a display 40. A signal transmission cord 18 connected to the image processing unit 14 is attached to one end of the camera 12, and a plate-like base 16 is attached to the other end. At the approximate center of this plate-like base 16, A hole for photographing is provided, and a visible light power filter 122 is provided in the hole. A visible light source 24 is attached substantially concentrically around the hole, and an invisible light source 26 is attached outside the visible light source 24. Further, a cover 28 is provided on the outer periphery of the plate-shaped base portion 16 so as to abut on the face of the subject to cover the periphery of the eyeball in order to shield external light during the eye examination. .

The visible light source 24 is, for example, a white LED or a white light bulb. By irradiating the visible light to the retina in the eyeball, pupil reflex can be induced. The invisible light source 26 is, for example, an infrared light emitting diode or an infrared lamp that does not induce pupil reflex. By using the camera 12 as an infrared camera, it is possible to photograph an eyeball without inducing pupil reaction. it can.

In FIG. 2, six visible light sources 24 and four invisible light sources 26 are mounted, but this number does not limit the present invention at all, and visible light sources 24 and invisible light sources 2 Any number can be used as long as the required functions are satisfied.

A method for photographing an eyeball using the eyeball inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Cover the subject's eyes with the cover 28 of the camera 12 as shown in Figure 3. The cover 28 is made of, for example, natural rubber or a soft synthetic resin, and is fitted to the face when covering the eyes of the subject so as to block external light. As described above, since external light does not enter the subject's eyes when capturing an eyeball with the eyeball inspection apparatus 10, the pupil is enlarged.

With the pupil dilated as indicated by the arrow in the figure, the invisible light source 26 is turned on to emit invisible light. The pupil does not shrink because infrared light or the like is used for the invisible light. For this reason, as shown in Fig. 4, infrared light, which is invisible light, reaches the retina deep in the eyeball sufficiently, and is captured by the infrared camera (Camera 12). Can be shadowed.

The video captured by the infrared camera is sent to the image processing unit 14 via the signal transmission code 18. The image sent to the image processing unit 14 can be displayed on the display 40 so that the diagnostician can determine whether the subject is normal or abnormal, or can perform recording using a recording device (not shown).

The method of diagnosing a subject using the above-mentioned eye examination apparatus will be described in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. First, the cover 28 of the camera 12 is set so as to cover the eyes of the subject (S10). Next, the invisible light source 26 is turned on to irradiate the eyeball with invisible light (S12). In addition, this lighting does not matter by a method of providing a switch linked to the set of the cover 28 or a method of manually turning on the switch.

Next, start shooting the eyeball with the infrared camera, and then use the image processing

14 is displayed on the display 40 (S14). Regarding the method of starting to shoot the eyeball with the infrared camera, any method such as a method of providing a switch that is linked to the setting of the cover 28 or the lighting of the invisible light source 26 or a method of manually turning on the switch may be used. Absent.

The photographed image of the eyeball is displayed on the display 40 so that the diagnostician can judge whether the subject is normal or abnormal or record the image with a recording device (not shown).

Thus, by using the eye test apparatus 10 according to the present invention,

The pupil can be easily dilated without the need for drug administration, etc., invasive, and without side effects, and imaging and examination of the eyeball can be performed without any physiological burden on the subject. it can.

The camera 12 of the eyeball inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention can be a commercially available small infrared camera or infrared light emitting diode. Because of this, Can be used on the side. In addition, if the depth of the cover 28 is made to correspond to the focal length of the infrared camera, it is possible to reliably perform imaging and inspection regardless of the skill level or experience of the diagnostician. Furthermore, since the camera 12 can be moved while irradiating infrared rays and the image from the infrared camera is displayed on the display 40, the diagnostician can check whether the periphery of the pupil is correctly in the field of view of the camera. Confirmation is possible, and imaging and inspection can be performed quickly and reliably without depending on the skill level or experience of the diagnostician.

Next, a method of measuring light reflection using the eyeball inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described. The same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Cover the subject's eyes with the cover 28 of the camera 12 as shown in FIG. The cover 28 fits on the subject's face and blocks external light, so that when the eye is photographed with the eye tester 10, external light does not enter the subject's eyes and the pupil is enlarged. Become.

With the pupil dilated, the invisible light source 26 is turned on to emit invisible light. The pupil does not shrink because infrared light or the like is used for the invisible light. In this state, shooting is started with the camera 12 which is an infrared camera. At this time, if the image from the infrared force camera is displayed on the display 40, the diagnostician can confirm that the area around the pupil is correctly in the field of view of the camera by moving the camera 12.

After confirming on the display 40 that the subject's pupil is sufficiently open, the diagnostician turns on the switch of the visible light source 24 (not shown), irradiates visible light to the eyeball, and measures light reflection. Since the visible light source 24 is mounted around the camera shooting hole provided in the approximate center of the plate-like base 16, when the subject's pupil area is correctly in the camera's field of view, , visible light Visible light from source 24 is directed onto the subject's retina, eliciting light reflex. At this time, the light is irradiated from the visible light source 24 and reflected by the surface of the subject's eyeball by the visible light cut filter 22 provided in the hole for infrared camera photographing provided at the approximate center of the plate-like base 16. Visible light can be prevented.

Although six visible light sources 24 are attached in FIG. 2, any number can be used as long as a sufficient amount of light can be given to the retina to induce light reflection. Also, the visible light source 24 is said to be mounted on the inner side of the invisible light source 26 in a substantially concentric manner around the camera shooting hole provided at the approximate center of the plate-like base 16. As long as a sufficient amount of light to induce light reflection can be given, there is no limitation on the position or arrangement of the invisible light source 26, such as outside.

As for the light reflection of the pupil due to the visible light, the contraction of the iris is photographed by an infrared camera with infrared rays from the invisible light source 26 and displayed on the display 40 as the pupil contraction. By observing the light reflection of the pupil displayed on the display 40, the diagnoser can determine whether the subject is normal or abnormal, or make a recording using a recording device (not shown). . The method of measuring a subject by the above-described light reflection will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the cover 28 of the camera 12 is set so as to cover the eyes of the subject (S20). Next, the invisible light source 26 is turned on to irradiate the eyeball with invisible light (S22). The lighting can be performed by any method such as a method of providing a switch linked to the cover 28 or a method of manually turning on the switch.

Next, the photographing of the eyeball is started with the infrared camera, and the image of the eyeball is displayed on the display 40 (S24). The method of starting to shoot the eyeball with the infrared camera is linked to the setting of the cover 28 or the lighting of the invisible light source 26. There is no limitation on the method of installing the switch or manually inserting the switch.

Next, the switch of the visible light source 24 is turned on, the visible light is irradiated to the eyeball, and the light reflection is measured (S26). The method of turning on the visible light source 24 does not matter, such as a method of turning on the switch at a preset time, a method of turning on the switch by a program, or a method of turning on the switch manually.

An image of the measured light reflection is displayed on the display 40 (S28). By observing the light reflection of the pupil displayed on the display 40, the diagnostician can determine whether the subject is normal or abnormal, or perform recording using a recording device (not shown). .

Thus, by using the eye test apparatus 10 according to the present invention,

In addition, it is possible to photograph and examine the light reflex of the subject without being affected by external light and without requiring administration of a drug, etc., simply, noninvasively, and without side effects.

Further, as the camera 12 of the eye test apparatus 10 according to the present invention, a commercially available small infrared camera or infrared light emitting diode can be applied, so that the diagnostician can easily handle the camera during imaging and inspection. Therefore, it can be used at emergency medical sites and bedside. In addition, if the depth of the cover 28 is made to correspond to the focal length of the infrared camera, it is possible to reliably perform imaging and inspection regardless of the skill level or experience of the diagnostician. Furthermore, the diagnostician can check the light reflex while confirming that the area around the pupil is correctly in the field of view of the camera, so that the diagnosis can be performed quickly and reliably regardless of the skill or experience of the diagnostician. Photographing and inspection can be performed.

Next, a method for quantitatively measuring the pupil contraction speed and the pupil diameter in light reflection using the eye test apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described. In addition, The same components as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description is omitted. As shown in Fig. 7, cover the subject's eyes with the cover 12 of the camera 12. The cover 28 fits on the face of the subject and blocks external light, so that when the eye is photographed with the eye tester 10, external light does not enter the subject's eyes and the pupil is enlarged. Become.

In the state where the pupil is dilated, the invisible light source 26 is turned on to irradiate the invisible light. The pupil does not contract because the infrared light or the like is used for the invisible light. In this state, photographing is started with the camera 12 which is an infrared camera, and the moving image data of the eyeball is transmitted to the image processing section 14 via the signal transmission code 18 connected to the camera 12. At this time, if the moving image data from the infrared camera is displayed on the display 40, the diagnostician can confirm that the area around the pupil is correctly in the field of view of the kinella by moving the chin 12 be able to.

The diagnostician confirms that the subject's pupil is sufficiently open on the display 40, turns on the visible light source 24 (not shown), irradiates the eye with visible light, and measures the light reflection. Since this visible light source 24 is attached around the camera shooting hole provided at the approximate center of the plate-like base 16, when the subject's pupil area is correctly in the camera's field of view, The visible light from the visible light source 24 is directly applied to the subject's retina. The light reflection of the pupil due to this visible light is caused by the signal that the iris contraction is captured by an infrared camera with infrared rays from the invisible light source 26 and connected to the camera 12 as moving image data of pupil contraction. It is transmitted to the image processing unit 14 via the transmission code 18. The image processing section 14 mainly includes a display 40, a control section 42, an image processing section 44, an image calculation section 46, and an image determination section 48. Further, the control unit 42 includes a CPU for controlling the image processing unit 14 and performing various calculations, a ROM storing control programs and the like, and storing various programs and moving image data. It mainly consists of a RAM and hard disk (HD) to perform measurement, and an input unit (I / F) for inputting a command to start and end measurement and for turning on and off the power of the invisible light source and visible light source.

The moving image data of light reflection transmitted from the camera 12 which is an infrared camera is received by the control unit 42. The moving image data received by the control unit 42 is sent to the image processing unit 44 and converted into a data format that can be displayed on the display 40 (analog data for an analog display, digital data for a digital display, etc.). Is converted. The moving image data converted by the image processing unit 44 is sent to the display 40, and is displayed on the display 40 when the infrared camera starts shooting.

In addition to sending the moving image data to the image processing unit 44, the control unit 42 converts the moving image data into digital moving image data of, for example, 30 frames per second, and transmits the digital moving image data to the image calculation unit 44. I do. It should be noted that the number of frames of the moving image data per unit time is not limited to 30 frames per second, but can be changed according to the use and capability of the eye examination apparatus 10.

The digital moving image data received by the image operation unit 46 is converted into a two-dimensional continuous space signal as a still image for each frame. The two-dimensional continuous space signal is a signal in an XY-dimensional continuous space z = g (x, y). By performing a Fourier transform such as a two-dimensional discrete Fourier transform on the two-dimensional continuous space signal, the amplitude of the still image for each frame increases at low frequencies and decreases as the frequency increases. In addition, it is possible to detect the contour of the pupil in the still image. Thereafter, the edge around the pupil is detected from the still image of each frame by performing a Laplacian transform as needed.

The number of pixels in the contour of the pupil obtained above, or the number of pixels around the pupil The number of pixels (pixels) in the edge is converted as the pupil area, and the pupil area is calculated by the pupil area for each frame and the unit time of one frame (1 frame = 1 Z30 seconds for 30 frames per second). Find changes over time.

The data of the change with time of the pupil area obtained in this way is transmitted from the image calculation unit 46 to the image determination unit 48 via the control unit 42. In addition, data on time-dependent changes in pupil area when a brain stem disorder, optic nerve, oculomotor nerve, or other cerebral nerve or sympathetic nerve disorder, which is stored in the RAM or HD of the control unit 42, is measured, and in a normal state. The change of the pupil area over time is also transmitted to the image determination unit 48. The image judging unit 48 obtains the data of the change of the pupil area with time, which is measured in advance and stored in the RAM or HD of the control unit 42, and the pupil area of the subject calculated by the image calculating unit 46. The data is compared with the change over time, and the subject is quantitatively diagnosed by the light reflection.

In the above-described quantitative diagnosis of the subject based on the light reflection, the change with time of the pupil area is used.However, the pupil area is converted from the pupil area into a pupil diameter that is easy for a clinician or the like to understand. It is also possible to make a quantitative diagnosis of the subject based on changes in the pupil diameter over time. This is because the pupil is distorted rather than an accurate circle in the first place, so if the pupil diameter is directly converted from the contour of the pupil or the edge around the pupil, the error is large, and the error is smaller when the pupil diameter is calculated from the pupil area. This is because it is realistic in the quantitative diagnosis of the subject by the light reflection.

The method for quantitatively diagnosing a subject by the above-described light reflection will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. First, the cover 28 of the camera 12 is set so as to cover the eyes of the subject (S30). Next, the invisible light source 26 is turned on to irradiate the eyeball with invisible light (S32). In addition, this lighting is performed by a method such as a method of providing a switch linked to the set of the cover 28 or a method of manually turning on the switch. Does not matter.

Next, the photographing of the eyeball is started by the infrared camera, and the moving image of the eyeball is displayed on the display 40 via the control unit 42 and the image processing unit 44 of the image processing unit 14 (S34). The method of starting to shoot the eyeball with the infrared camera is not limited to the method of setting the cover 28 or providing a switch that is linked to the lighting of the invisible light source 26, or the method of manually turning on the switch. . Next, the switch of the visible light source 24 is turned on, the visible light is irradiated to the eyeball, and the light reflection is measured (S36). The method of turning on the visible light source 24 does not matter, such as a method of turning on the switch at a preset time, a method of turning on the switch by a program, or a method of turning on the switch manually.

The measured moving image of light reflection is displayed on the display 40 via the control unit 42 and the image processing unit 44 of the image processing unit 14 and the control unit 42 of the image processing unit 14 is displayed. For example, it is converted into digital video data of 30 frames per second (S38). The number of frames of moving image data per unit time is not limited to 30 frames per second.

The light reflection moving image converted to digital moving image data is sent to the image processing unit 46 as a still image for each frame, and converted to a two-dimensional continuous space signal, image processing such as Fourier transform or Laplacian transform After the processing, the contour of the pupil or the edge around the pupil is detected (S40). The method of detecting the contour of the pupil or the like is not limited to a method using calculus or another image processing method.

Next, the image calculation unit 46 calculates the number of pixels (pixels) in the outline of the detected pupil or the number of pixels (pixels) in the edge around the pupil as the pupil area (S42), and calculates the pupil for each frame. The change with time of the pupil area is calculated based on the area and the unit time of one frame (S44). In addition, within the contour of the pupil The number of pixels (pixels) or the number of pixels (pixels) within the edge around the pupil may be converted as the pupil diameter, and the change in the pupil diameter over time may be calculated from the pupil diameter for each frame and the unit time of one frame.

Next, the thus measured and calculated change in the pupil area of the subject over time is transmitted to the image determination unit 48 via the control unit 42, and is also stored in the RAM or HD of the control unit 42. The stored changes in the pupil area at the time of the failure and the normal state, which are measured in advance, are also transmitted from the control unit 42 to the image determination unit 48, and the image determination unit 48 stores the subject's change. Normal or abnormal, and the type of abnormality at the time of abnormality are determined (S46).

Thus, by using the eye test apparatus 10 according to the present invention,

It is simple, non-invasive, and has no side effects that are not affected by external light and do not require the administration of drugs.

Further, as the camera 12 of the eyeball inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention, a commercially available small infrared power camera or infrared light emitting diode can be applied, so that a diagnostician can easily manage the imaging and inspection. Because of its simplicity, it can be used at emergency medical sites and bedside. Also, if the depth of the cover 28 is made to correspond to the focal length of the infrared camera, it is possible to reliably perform imaging and inspection regardless of the skill level or experience of the diagnostician. Furthermore, the diagnostician can check the light reflex while confirming that the area around the pupil is correctly in the field of view of the camera, so that the diagnosis can be performed quickly and reliably regardless of the skill or experience of the diagnostician. Photographing and inspection can be performed at the same time.

Further, by using the image processing unit 14 of the eyeball inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the contraction speed, contraction amount, and contraction state of light reflection, which were conventionally measured by the diagnostician with the naked eye, can be reduced. Since it can be quantitatively measured as the data of the hole area, pupil diameter and their change with time, it is possible to perform the test quickly and reliably without depending on the skill level or experience of the diagnostician. · <Fourth embodiment>

Next, a method for quantitatively measuring the pupil contraction speed and pupil diameter in light reflection from the part of the pupil of the subject with ptosis using the eye test apparatus 10 according to the present invention is described. explain. The same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. As shown in Fig. 7, cover the subject's eyes with the cover 28 of the camera 12. Since the cover 28 fits on the subject's face and blocks external light, the pupil is dilated because external light does not enter the subject's eyes when the eye is photographed with the eye tester 10. .

With the pupil dilated, the invisible light source 26 is turned on to emit invisible light. The pupil does not shrink because infrared light or the like is used for the invisible light. In this state, shooting is started with the camera 12 which is an infrared camera, and is transmitted as moving image data of the eyeball to the image processing unit 14 via the signal transmission code 18 connected to the camera 12. At this time, if the moving image data from the infrared camera is displayed on the display 40, the diagnostician can confirm that the area around the pupil is correctly in the field of view of the camera by moving the camera 12. .

After confirming on the display 40 that the subject's pupil is sufficiently open, the diagnostician turns on the switch of the visible light source 24 (not shown), irradiates visible light to the eyeball, and measures light reflection. Since this visible light source 24 is attached around the camera shooting hole provided in the approximate center of the plate-like base 16, the subject's pupil is properly in the field of view of the force camera. In, the visible light from the visible light source 24 is directly applied to the subject's retina. The light reflection of the pupil due to the visible light is caused by the signal transmission core connected to the camera 12 as the moving image data of the pupil contraction, in which the iris contraction is photographed by an infrared camera using infrared rays from the invisible light source 26. Sent to the image processing unit 14 via The image processing section 14 mainly includes a display 40, a control section 42, an image processing section 44, an image calculation section 46, and an image determination section 48. The control unit 42 includes a CPU that controls the image processing unit 14 and performs various calculations, a ROM that stores control programs and the like, and a RAM and a hard disk (HD) that store various programs and video data. It mainly consists of an input section (IZF) for inputting measurement start / end commands, invisible light source, visible light source power on / off input, etc. '

The moving image data of light reflection transmitted from the camera 12 which is an infrared camera is received by the control unit 42. The moving image data received by the control unit 42 is sent to the image processing unit 44 and converted into a data format that can be displayed on the display 40 (analog data for an analog display, digital data for a digital display, and the like). You. The moving image data converted by the image processing unit 44 is sent to the display 40, and is displayed on the display 40 when the infrared camera starts shooting.

In addition to sending the moving image data to the image processing unit 44, the control unit 42 converts the moving image data into, for example, 30 frames per second digital moving image data. Send to Note that the number of frames of moving image data per unit time is not limited to 30 frames per second, but can be changed depending on the use and capability of the eye examination apparatus 10.

The digital moving image data received by the image operation unit 46 is converted into a two-dimensional continuous space signal as a still image for each frame. The two-dimensional continuous space signal is a signal in an XY-dimensional continuous space z = g (x, x), where x is the number of horizontal pixels in the still image, y is the number of vertical pixels, and z is the luminance information (gradation). y). By performing a Fourier transform such as a two-dimensional discrete Fourier transform on the two-dimensional continuous space signal, the static for each frame is obtained. Since the amplitude of the still image increases at low frequencies and decreases at higher frequencies, the contour of the pupil in the still image can be detected. Thereafter, the edge around the pupil is detected from the still image of each frame by performing a Laplacian transform as needed.

Since the subject with eyelid droop can photograph only a part of the pupil indicated by arrow A in FIG. 9, the contour of the pupil of this arrow A or the edge around the pupil is detected. Next, the radius of curvature of the pupil is obtained from the contour of the pupil of the arrow A or the edge around the pupil, and from this radius of curvature, the radius of curvature of the arrow B in FIG. Further, the pupil area is calculated from the radii of curvature of the arrows A and B in FIG. 9 and the pupil area for each frame and the unit time of one frame (1 frame = 1/30 second for 30 frames per second) are obtained. The change with time of the pupil area is determined.

The data of the change with time of the pupil area obtained in this way is transmitted from the image calculation unit 46 to the image determination unit 48 via the control unit 42. In addition, data on changes in the pupil area with time when brain brain disorders such as optic nerves and oculomotor nerves and sympathetic nerve disorders are stored in the RAM or HD of the control unit 42 and in the normal state. The change of the pupil area over time is also transmitted to the image determination unit 48. The image judging unit 48 obtains the data of the change of the pupil area with time, which is measured in advance and stored in the RAM or HD of the control unit 42, and the pupil area of the subject calculated by the image calculating unit 46. The data is compared with the change over time, and the subject is quantitatively diagnosed by the light reflection.

In the above-described quantitative diagnosis of the subject based on the light reflection, the pupil area is obtained from the radius of curvature of the pupil, and the change with time of the pupil area is used. By converting the pupil diameter over time by converting it to the pupil diameter or directly from the pupil radius of curvature to the pupil diameter. It may be a quantitative diagnosis of a subject. This is because the pupil is distorted rather than an accurate circle in the first place, so if the pupil diameter is directly converted from the contour of the pupil or the edge around the pupil, there is a large error. This makes it possible to reduce the error, and it becomes practical in the quantitative diagnosis of the subject by light reflection.

The method of quantitatively diagnosing a subject by the above-described light reflection will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. First, the cover 28 of the camera 12 is set so as to cover the eyes of the subject (S50). Next, the invisible light source 26 is turned on to irradiate the eyeball with invisible light (S52). In addition, this method does not matter, such as a method of providing a switch interlocking with the cover 28 or a method of manually turning on the switch.

Next, the photographing of the eyeball is started by the infrared camera, and the moving image of the eyeball is displayed on the display 40 via the control unit 42 and the image processing unit 44 of the image processing unit 14 (S54). The method of starting the photographing of the eyeball with the infrared camera does not matter, such as a method of providing a switch linked to the setting of the cover 28 or the lighting of the invisible light source 26 or a method of manually turning on the switch. Next, the switch of the visible light source 24 is turned on, the visible light is irradiated to the eyeball, and the light reflection is measured (S56). The method of turning on the visible light source 24 does not matter, such as a method of turning on the switch at a preset time, a method of turning on the switch by a program, or a method of turning on the switch manually.

The measured moving image of light reflection is displayed on the display 40 via the control unit 42 and the image processing unit 44 of the image processing unit 14 and the control unit 42 of the image processing unit 14 is displayed. For example, it is converted into digital video data of 30 frames per second (S58). The number of frames of moving image data per unit time is not limited to 30 frames per second. The moving image of light reflection converted into digital moving image data is sent to the image operation unit 46 as a still image for each frame, and is converted into a two-dimensional continuous space signal, such as a Fourier transform or a Laplacian transform. In response to the image calculation processing, the contour of the pupil is detected or the edge around the pupil is detected in the arrow A portion (pupil portion not hidden by the eyelid droop) in Fig. 9 and the radius of curvature is calculated (S6). 0). The method of detecting the contour of the pupil or the method of detecting the edge around the pupil is not limited to a calculus method or another image processing method.

Next, the image calculation unit 46 calculates the radius of curvature of the arrow B portion (pupil portion hidden by the eyelid droop) from the calculated radius of curvature of the arrow A portion in FIG. The pupil area is determined from the radius of curvature of the pupil (S62), and the time-dependent change in the pupil area is calculated from the pupil area for each frame and the unit time of one frame (S64). Note that the radius of curvature may be converted into a pupil diameter, and a change in the pupil diameter over time may be calculated from the pupil diameter for each frame and the unit time of one frame.

Next, the data of the change of the subject's pupil area with time measured and calculated in this manner is transmitted to the image determination unit 48 via the control unit 42, and is also stored in the RAM or HD of the control unit 42 '. The pre-measured data of the change of the pupil area with time at the time of failure and at the time of normality are also transmitted from the control unit 42 to the image judgment unit 48, and the image judgment unit 48 judges whether the subject is normal or normal. The abnormality and the type of abnormality at the time of the abnormality are determined (S66).

Thus, by using the eye test apparatus 10 according to the present invention,

It is possible to photograph and examine the subject's light reflex without being affected by external light, and without the need for administration of a drug, which is simple, non-invasive, and has no side effects.

In addition, as the camera 12 of the eyeball inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention, a commercially available small infrared camera or infrared light emitting diode can be applied, so that it is easy for a diagnostician to take a picture at the time of imaging and inspection. For emergency medical treatment It can be used on the side. In addition, if the depth of the cover 28 is matched to the focal length of the infrared camera, it is possible to reliably perform imaging and inspection regardless of the skill level and experience of the diagnostician. Furthermore, the diagnostician can check the light reflex while confirming that the area around the pupil is correctly in the field of view of the camera, so that the diagnosis can be performed quickly and reliably regardless of the skill or experience of the diagnostician. Photographing and inspection can be performed at the same time.

Furthermore, by using the image processing unit 14 of the eyeball inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the contraction speed, contraction amount, and contraction state of light reflection, which were conventionally measured by the diagnostician with the naked eye, can be determined by the pupil. Since it can be quantitatively measured as the data of the area, pupil diameter, and their change with time, it is possible to perform the test quickly and reliably without depending on the skill and experience of the diagnostician.

Furthermore, even if the subject suffers from ptosis in the emergency medical setting, it is possible to measure the light reflection in a short time and reliably. Industrial applicability

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an eyeball inspection apparatus and an eyeball inspection method capable of photographing the inside of the eyeball in a short time by dilating the pupil regardless of the administration of a drug.

Also, according to the present invention, the light reflection can be measured and quantified automatically in a short time regardless of the skill level or experience of the diagnostician, and it is small and lightweight that can be used in an ambulance or on a bedside. An eye test apparatus and an eye test method can be provided.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A cover that blocks visible light by fitting to the face,

A camera that captures invisible light,

An eye tester consisting of an invisible light source.

2. In an eyeball inspection apparatus including an imaging unit and an image processing unit,

An eyeball examination apparatus, wherein a plate-like base provided at one end of the imaging unit has an invisible light source, a photographing hole, and a light-shielding cover.

3. The eye test apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging unit is an infrared camera, and the invisible light source is an infrared light source.

4. The eye examination apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plate-shaped base further includes a visible light source.

5. The eyeball inspection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a visible light cut filter is provided in the photographing hole.

6. The image processing unit includes: a control unit that converts a moving image of an eyeball captured by the imaging unit into a plurality of eyeball still images; and detects a contour of a pupil from the eyeball still image, and calculates a pupil area and a pupil area. The eyeball inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising an image calculation unit that calculates a change per unit time.

7. The image processing unit includes: a control unit configured to convert a moving image of an eyeball captured by the imaging unit into a plurality of eyeball still images; and a curve ratio of the pupil from a part of a pupil contour of the eyeball still image. The eye examination apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising: an image calculation unit that calculates the pupil area and a change in the pupil area per unit time from the curve ratio.

8. The eye examination apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an image determination unit configured to determine a change in the pupil area per unit time.

9. The eyeball inspection apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an image display unit.

10. In the imaging unit used in the eye test device,

An imaging unit for an eyeball inspection apparatus, comprising: a plate-like base provided at one end of the imaging unit; an invisible light source, an imaging hole, and a light-shielding cover.

11. The imaging unit for an eye inspection apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the imaging unit is an infrared camera, and the invisible light source is an infrared light source.

12. The imaging unit for an eye examination apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the plate-shaped base further includes a visible light source.

13. The imaging unit for an eye examination apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein a visible light cut filter is provided in the imaging hole.

1 4. An ophthalmologic examination method in which the visible light is blocked and the eyeball is illuminated with invisible light so that the pupil is enlarged and the inside of the eyeball is photographed.

15. A plate-like base having an invisible light source, a photographing hole, and a light-shielding cover is set on the subject's eye with the light-shielding cover of the eye examination imaging unit provided at one end of the imaging unit,

By illuminating the invisible light to the eyeball by turning on the invisible light source, an image of the eyeball is taken by the imaging unit,

An eyeball inspection method in which the eyeball is inspected by displaying a captured image of the eyeball on an image display unit.

16. A plate-shaped base having an invisible light source, a visible light source, a photographing hole, and a light-shielding cover is set on the subject's eye with the light-shielding cover of the imaging unit for eye examination provided at one end of the imaging unit,

By illuminating the invisible light to the eyeball by turning on the invisible light source, an image of the eyeball is taken by the imaging unit, An image of light reflection induced by irradiating an eyeball with visible light by turning on a visible light source is taken by the imaging unit,

An eyeball inspection method in which an eyeball is inspected by displaying a captured image of light reflection on an image display unit.

17. A plate-like base having an invisible light source, a visible light source, a photographing hole, and a light-shielding cover is set at the subject's eye with the light-shielding cover of the eye-ball inspection imaging unit provided at one end of the imaging unit,

The invisible light source is turned on to irradiate invisible light to the eyeball, and the moving image of the eyeball is photographed by the imaging unit,

A moving image of light reflection induced by irradiating the eyeball with visible light by turning on the visible light source is captured by the imaging unit,

It converts the moving image data of light reflection into digital moving image data, and detects the outline of the pupil by performing image arithmetic processing on each frame of the digital moving image data.

Calculate the pupil area from the number of pixels in the contour of the detected pupil,

Calculate the change in pupil area with time based on the pupil area of each frame and the unit time of each frame,

An eyeball examination method for examining an eyeball by comparing a change in pupil area with time and a previously measured change in pupil area with time during an injury and in a normal state.

18 8. An invisible light source and a visible light source, a plate-like base having a photographing hole and a light-shielding cover are provided at one end of the imaging unit. ,

Illuminating the invisible light to the eyeball by turning on the invisible light source and capturing a moving image of the eyeball by the imaging unit,

Induced by irradiating the eyeball with visible light by turning on the visible light source A moving image of light reflection is photographed by the imaging unit,

It converts the moving image data of light reflection into digital moving image data, detects each frame of the digital moving image data by image processing and detects a part of the contour of the pupil,

Calculating a pupil radius of curvature from a part of the detected pupil contour; calculating a pupil area from the calculated pupil radius of curvature;