Ophthalmic devices, their control methods, and recording media

Abstract

An ophthalmic device includes: a first light source; an illumination optics system that generates slit-shaped illumination light using light from the first light source; a light scanner that deflects the illumination light and guides it to the fundus of the eye being examined; an imaging optics system that guides the return light from the fundus to an image sensor configured to acquire the light reception result of the return light of the illumination light using a rolling shutter method; an acquisition unit that acquires a fundus image of the eye being examined using light from a second light source; a flare determination unit that determines whether a flare has occurred based on the fundus image of the eye being examined; a control unit that performs flare optimization control by changing the imaging conditions in a manner that controls the first light source, etc., based on the first determination result obtained by the flare determination unit to prevent flare from occurring; and an image forming unit that, when it is determined that no flare has occurred based on the fundus image obtained under the changed imaging conditions, forms an image of the fundus based on the light reception result obtained by the image sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ophthalmic device, its control method, and a recording medium. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, screening using ophthalmic devices has been conducted. These ophthalmic devices also hold promise for self-testing, with the aim of further miniaturization and weight reduction.

[0003] For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose an ophthalmic device configured to provide patterned illumination to the eye being examined and to receive the reflected light via an image sensor in a rolling shutter manner. This ophthalmic device, by adjusting the illumination pattern and the timing of light reception based on the image sensor, can acquire an image of the eye being examined with a simple structure.

[0004] Patent Document 1: US Patent No. 7831106

[0005] Patent Document 2: US Patent No. 8237835 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the images of the examined eye, what may be called flares may appear. Generally speaking, reducing the amount of illumination light is effective in reducing flares.

[0007] However, in this type of ophthalmic device, there is a trade-off between the amount of illumination light and the imaging time. Specifically, when the amount of illumination light is reduced, the imaging time needs to be extended to compensate for the reduction in light intensity. However, if the imaging time is extended, image quality deteriorates due to fixational micromovements of the examined eye during imaging. Correspondingly, if the amount of illumination light is increased, the imaging time can be shortened. However, with the increase in light intensity, flare is more likely to occur.

[0008] The ease with which such flares occur varies depending on the eye being examined. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain high-quality images of the eye being examined while suppressing flares that occur differently for each eye.

[0009] In view of this situation, the present invention was proposed, one of the objectives of which is to provide a new technique for obtaining high-quality images of the examined eye while suppressing the occurrence of flares.

[0010] A first aspect of some embodiments provides an ophthalmic device, the ophthalmic device comprising: a first light source; an illumination optics system for generating slit-shaped illumination light using light from the first light source; a light scanner for deflecting the illumination light and guiding it to the fundus of an eye being examined; an imaging optics system for guiding the return light of the illumination light from the fundus to an image sensor, the image sensor being configured to acquire, in a rolling shutter manner, the illumination result of the return light of the illumination light corresponding to the illumination position of the illumination light in the fundus; an acquisition unit for acquiring a fundus image of the eye being examined using light from a second light source; and a flare determination unit for determining flare by analyzing the fundus image of the eye being examined. The system determines whether a flare occurs; a control unit performs flare optimization control by controlling at least one of the first light source, the illumination optical system, the light scanner, the imaging optical system, and the image sensor in a manner that prevents the flare from occurring, based on a first determination result obtained by the flare determination unit; and an image forming unit forms an image of the fundus based on the light reception result obtained by the image sensor when it is determined that no flare has occurred, using the fundus image obtained by the acquisition unit under the imaging conditions changed by the flare optimization control and a second determination result obtained by the flare determination unit.

[0011] According to the first aspect, a second aspect of some embodiments of the illumination optical system includes: a slit configured at a fundus conjugate position that is optically conjugate to the fundus and having a slit-shaped first opening that can change its shape; and an iris aperture configured at an iris conjugate position between the first light source and the slit that is optically conjugate to the iris of the examined eye and having a second opening that can change its shape. When it is determined based on the first determination result that the flare has occurred, the control unit controls the illumination optical system in a manner that reduces the size of the opening shape of at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

[0012] A third aspect of some embodiments, based on the first or second aspect, wherein the imaging optical system includes: an imaging aperture configured to be optically conjugate to an iris conjugate position that is substantially conjugate to the iris of the eye being examined, and having a third opening capable of changing its shape; wherein, when it is determined based on the first determination result that the flare has occurred, the control unit controls the imaging optical system in a manner that reduces the size of the opening shape of the third opening.

[0013] A fourth aspect of some embodiments, according to the third aspect, wherein the imaging aperture is configured to couple the optical path of the illumination optical system with the optical path of the imaging optical system disposed in the direction of the optical axis passing through the third opening, and to guide the illumination light reflected in the peripheral region of the third opening to the aperture lens of the fundus.

[0014] A fifth aspect of some implementations is based on any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit repeatedly performs the flare optimization control until it is determined, based on the second determination result, that no flare has occurred.

[0015] According to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a sixth aspect of some embodiments of the ophthalmic device includes: a fixation micromotion determination unit for determining the state of fixation micromotion of the examined eye; and a light intensity determination unit for determining whether the light intensity of light output from the first light source can be increased, wherein the control unit changes the imaging conditions based on the determination result obtained by the fixation micromotion determination unit or the determination result obtained by the light intensity determination unit.

[0016] According to the sixth aspect, in a seventh aspect of some implementations, when the fixation micro-motion determination unit determines that the fixation micro-motion is small, or when the light intensity determination unit determines that the light intensity cannot be increased, the control unit controls at least one of the illumination optical system, the light scanner, and the image sensor in a manner that prolongs the imaging time of the fundus.

[0017] An eighth aspect of some implementations, based on the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein when the fixation micro-motion determination unit determines that the fixation micro-motion is large and the light quantity determination unit determines that the light quantity can be increased, the control unit controls the first light source in a manner that increases the light quantity.

[0018] A ninth aspect of some embodiments, according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the obtaining unit includes the second light source, and the fundus image is obtained based on the illumination result of the return light from the second light source acquired by the image sensor.

[0019] A tenth aspect of some implementations, according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein when it is determined based on the first determination result that the flare has occurred, the control unit performs the flare optimization control; and when it is determined based on the first determination result that the flare has not occurred, the control unit performs shooting time optimization control by changing the shooting conditions in a manner that shortens the shooting time of the fundus by controlling at least one of the illumination optical system, the light scanner, the imaging optical system, and the image sensor.

[0020] According to any one of the first to tenth aspects, in some implementations, the eleventh aspect is a CMOS image sensor.

[0021] A twelfth aspect of some embodiments provides a control method for an ophthalmic device, the ophthalmic device comprising: a first light source; an illumination optics system for generating slit-shaped illumination light using light from the first light source; a light scanner for deflecting the illumination light and guiding it to the fundus of an eye being examined; an imaging optics system for guiding the return light of the illumination light from the fundus to an image sensor, the image sensor being configured to acquire, in a rolling shutter manner, the illumination result of the return light of the illumination light corresponding to the illumination position of the illumination light in the fundus; and an acquisition unit for acquiring a fundus image of the eye being examined using light from a second light source, the control method of the ophthalmic device comprising: a first flare determination step, determining by analyzing the fundus image of the eye being examined... The process includes: determining whether a flare occurs; a control step, which performs flare optimization control by changing the shooting conditions based on a first determination result obtained in the first flare determination step, controlling at least one of the first light source, the illumination optical system, the light scanner, the imaging optical system, and the image sensor to prevent the flare from occurring; a second flare determination step, which determines whether a flare occurs by analyzing the fundus image obtained by the acquisition unit under the shooting conditions changed by the flare optimization control; and an image forming step, which forms an image of the fundus based on the light reception result obtained by the image sensor when it is determined that no flare has occurred based on a second determination result obtained in the second flare determination step.

[0022] According to the 12th aspect, a thirteenth aspect of some embodiments of the illumination optical system includes: a slit configured at a fundus conjugate position substantially optically conjugate to the fundus and having a slit-shaped first opening capable of changing its shape; and an iris aperture configured at an iris conjugate position between the first light source and the slit, substantially optically conjugate to the iris of the examined eye and having a second opening capable of changing its shape, wherein when it is determined based on the first determination result that the flare has occurred, the control step controls the illumination optical system in a manner that reduces the size of the opening shape of at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

[0023] According to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, the fourteenth aspect of some embodiments includes: an imaging aperture configured to be optically conjugate to an iris conjugate position that is substantially conjugate to the iris of the eye being examined, and having a third opening capable of changing its shape; wherein, when it is determined based on the first determination result that the flare has occurred, the control step controls the imaging optical system in a manner that reduces the size of the opening shape of the third opening.

[0024] A fifteenth aspect of some implementations, according to any one of aspects 12 to 14, wherein the control step repeatedly performs the flare optimization control until it is determined, based on the second determination result, that no flare has occurred.

[0025] A sixteenth aspect of some embodiments, according to any one of aspects 12 to 15, wherein the control method of the ophthalmic device includes: a fixation micromotion determination step, determining the state of fixation micromotion of the examined eye; and a light intensity determination step, determining whether the light intensity of light output from the first light source can be increased, wherein the control step changes the imaging conditions based on the determination result obtained by the fixation micromotion determination step or the determination result obtained by the light intensity determination step.

[0026] According to the sixteenth aspect, in some embodiments, the seventeenth aspect of the control step controls at least one of the illumination optical system, the light scanner, and the image sensor in a manner that prolongs the imaging time of the fundus.

[0027] An eighteenth aspect of some implementations, according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect, wherein when it is determined in the fixation micro-motion determination step that the fixation micro-motion is large and in the light quantity determination step that it is possible to increase the light quantity, the control step controls the first light source in a manner that increases the light quantity.

[0028] A nineteenth aspect of some implementations, according to any one of aspects 12 to 18, wherein, when it is determined based on the first determination result that the flare has occurred, the control step performs the flare optimization control; and when it is determined based on the first determination result that the flare has not occurred, the control step performs the shooting time optimization control by changing the shooting conditions in a manner that shortens the shooting time of the fundus by controlling at least one of the illumination optical system, the light scanner, the imaging optical system, and the image sensor.

[0029] A twentieth aspect of some embodiments, according to any one of the twelfth to nineteenth aspects, wherein the image sensor is a CMOS image sensor.

[0030] A twentieth aspect of some embodiments provides a recording medium, which is a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, wherein the recording medium stores a program that causes a computer to execute the steps of the control method of the ophthalmic device according to any one of the twelfth to twentieth aspects.

[0031] Furthermore, it is possible to arbitrarily combine structures based on the above multiple methods.

[0032] According to the present invention, a new technique can be provided for obtaining high-quality images of the examined eye while suppressing the occurrence of flares. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of the optical system of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a control system for an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of the optical system of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4A This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of the optical system of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of the optical system of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of the optical system of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of the optical system of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 6 This is an instructional diagram of the ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 7 This is an instructional diagram of the ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 8 This is an instructional diagram of the ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a control system for an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a control system for an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 13 This is an instructional diagram of the ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 15 This is an instructional diagram of the ophthalmic device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0050] An example of an embodiment of the ophthalmic device and its control method and procedure according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the contents of the documents described in this specification can be appropriately referenced as content for the following embodiments.

[0051] An ophthalmic device according to an embodiment illuminates a predetermined area of ​​the eye being examined while moving the illumination position (illumination area, illumination range) of a slit-shaped illumination light. An image sensor with one-dimensional or two-dimensionally arranged light-receiving elements receives the return light from the predetermined area. Synchronously with the timing of the movement of the illumination position, the light-receiving result of the return light is read from the light-receiving element at the light-receiving position corresponding to the illumination position. In some embodiments, the predetermined area is the anterior or posterior part of the eye. The anterior part includes the cornea, iris, lens, ciliary body, ciliary band, etc. The posterior part includes the vitreous body, fundus, or its vicinity (retina, choroid, sclera, etc.).

[0052] The control method for an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment includes one or more steps for implementing processing executed by a processor (computer) in the ophthalmic device according to an embodiment. The program according to an embodiment causes the processor to execute each step of the control method for the ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0053] In this specification, "processor" refers to circuits such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and programmable logic devices (e.g., SPLD (Simple Programmable Logic Device), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). A processor implements the functions according to the embodiment, for example, by reading and executing a program stored in a storage circuit or storage device.

[0054] The following description will primarily focus on the acquisition of fundus images of the examined eye by the ophthalmic device according to the embodiment. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the image capture time using the image sensor corresponds to the exposure time in the light-receiving element of the image sensor, and "capture time" and "exposure time" will be considered equivalent terms.

[0055] [Composition of an optical system]

[0056] Figures 1-10 A schematic diagram of an example structure of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 1 This section illustrates a structural example of the optical system of the ophthalmic device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 A block diagram showing a structural example of the control system (processing system) of the ophthalmic device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 3 , Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B This schematically illustrates the view when viewed from the optical axis O. Figure 1 Example of the structure of iris aperture 21. Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B This schematically illustrates the view when viewed from the optical axis O. Figure 1 Example of a structure with crack 22. Figures 6-8 A diagram illustrating the operation of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment. Figure 9 express Figure 2 A block diagram of the structure of the data processing unit 200. Figure 10 express Figure 9 A block diagram illustrating the structure of the analysis unit 220. Figures 1-10 In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to label the same parts, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0057] The ophthalmic device 1 includes a first light source 10, a second light source 11, an illumination optics system 20, a light scanner 30, a projection optics system 35, an imaging optics system 40, and an imaging device 50. In some embodiments, the illumination optics system 20 includes at least one of the first light source 10, the second light source 11, the light scanner 30, and the projection optics system 35. In some embodiments, the imaging optics system 40 includes the imaging device 50. In some embodiments, the projection optics system 35 or the imaging optics system 40 includes the light scanner 30.

[0058] In one embodiment, while sharing the optical system (illumination optical system 20, light scanner 30, projection optical system 35, and imaging optical system 40) including the imaging device 50, the analysis results of obtaining fundus images using slit-shaped light generated from light from the second light source 11 are used to optimize the imaging conditions for obtaining high-quality fundus images (Ef) using slit-shaped light generated from light from the first light source 10. In some embodiments, the fundus images are obtained from other devices different from the ophthalmic device 1.

[0059] (First light source 10)

[0060] The first light source 10 includes a visible light source for generating light in the visible region. For example, the first light source 10 generates light with a center wavelength in the wavelength range of 420 nm to 700 nm. Such a first light source 10 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an LD (Laser Diode), a halogen lamp, or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, the first light source 10 includes a white light source or a light source capable of outputting various color components of RGB. In some embodiments, the first light source 10 includes a first light source capable of switching and outputting light in the infrared region or light in the visible region. The first light source 10 is positioned at locations that are optically non-conjugate with the fundus (Ef) and the iris, respectively.

[0061] (Second light source 11)

[0062] The second light source 11 includes an infrared light source for generating light in the infrared region. For example, the second light source 11 generates light with a center wavelength in the near-infrared wavelength range of 700 nm to 1000 nm. Such a second light source 11 includes, for example, an LED, LD, halogen lamp, or xenon lamp. In some embodiments, a single light source capable of switching and outputting light in the visible region and the infrared region is used to achieve the functions of the first light source 10 and the second light source 11. The second light source 11 is positioned at optically non-conjugate locations with respect to each of the retinal fossa (Ef) and the iris.

[0063] A semi-reflective mirror 12 is disposed between the first light source 10 and the illumination optical system 20. The light path of the light from the second light source 11 is coupled approximately coaxially with the light path of the light from the first light source 10 through the semi-reflective mirror 12. The light from the first light source 10 passes through the semi-reflective mirror 12 and is guided to the illumination optical system 20. The light from the second light source 11 is reflected by the semi-reflective mirror 12 and is guided to the illumination optical system 20.

[0064] (Illumination Optical System 20)

[0065] The illumination optics system 20 uses light from the first light source 10 or the second light source 11 to generate slit-shaped illumination light. The illumination optics system 20 guides the generated illumination light to the light scanner 30.

[0066] The illumination optical system 20 includes an iris aperture 21, a slit 22, and a relay lens 23. Light from the first light source 10 or the second light source 11 passes through an opening formed in the iris aperture 21, through an opening formed in the slit 22, and through the relay lens 23. The relay lens 23 includes one or more lenses. The light transmitted through the relay lens 23 is guided to the light scanner 30.

[0067] (Iris aperture 21)

[0068] The iris aperture 21 (specifically, the opening described later) can be positioned optically conjugate to the iris (pupil) of the examined eye E. The iris aperture 21 forms more than one opening at a location remote from the optical axis O. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the iris aperture 21 has openings 21A and 21B with a predetermined thickness formed in a circumferential direction centered on the optical axis O. The openings formed in the iris aperture 21 define the incident position (incident shape) of the illumination light in the iris of the examined eye E. For example, by forming as... Figure 3 The openings 21A and 21B shown can allow illumination light to enter the eye from a position offset from the center of the pupil (specifically, a position symmetrical about the center of the pupil) when the center of the pupil of the eye being examined, E, is positioned on the optical axis O.

[0069] Furthermore, by changing the relative position between the first light source 10 and the opening formed in the iris aperture 21, the light quantity distribution of the light passing through the opening formed in the iris aperture 21 can be changed.

[0070] According to the embodiment, the iris aperture 21 can change the size of the opening shape of at least one of the openings 21A and 21B.

[0071] For example, such as Figure 4AAs shown, the iris aperture 21 includes a turntable configured to be approximately orthogonal to a rotation axis O' that is approximately parallel to the optical axis O. The turntable is configured to rotate about the rotation axis O'. Multiple iris apertures are arranged on a circumference around the rotation axis O' within the turntable. By rotating the turntable about the rotation axis O', the multiple iris apertures (…) Figure 4A The iris apertures 211 to 213 are selectively positioned on the optical axis O. The turntable can rotate automatically or manually. For example, a drive mechanism (21D) controlled by the control unit 100 (described later) can rotate the turntable around the rotation axis O'. Figure 4A In the sequence of iris aperture 211 with openings 21A1 and 21B1, iris aperture 212 with openings 21A2 and 21B2, and iris aperture 213 with openings 21A3 and 21B3, the size of the opening shape increases.

[0072] For example, such as Figure 4B As shown, the iris aperture 21 includes: an optical component 21C1 having openings 21A and 21B arranged substantially orthogonal to the optical axis O; and a disc-shaped shielding plate 21C2 arranged substantially orthogonal to the optical axis O with a variable radius. A portion of the circumference of the shielding plate 21C2 constitutes the inner diameter of the openings 21A and 21B. A mechanism (not shown) can change the radius of the shielding plate 21C2. The radius of the shielding plate 21C2 can be changed automatically or manually. For example, a mechanism controlled by the control unit 100 described later can change the radius of the shielding plate 21C2. Thus, by changing the inner diameter of the openings 21A and 21B, the size of the opening shape of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21 can be changed.

[0073] In addition, Figure 4B The description focuses on the configuration where the inner diameters of the openings 21A and 21B are changed. However, the configuration can also be achieved by changing the outer diameters of the openings 21A and 21B. In this case, by changing the outer diameters of the openings 21A and 21B, the opening shapes of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21 can be altered.

[0074] Thus, by reducing the size of the opening shape of at least one of the openings 21A and 21B, the amount of illumination light passing through the iris aperture 21 can be reduced. By increasing the size of the opening shape of at least one of the openings 21A and 21B, the amount of illumination light passing through the iris aperture 21 can be increased.

[0075] In some embodiments, the size of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21 is varied according to the size of the pupil area of ​​the eye being examined, E. For example, in the case of an eye E with a large pupil area, increasing the size of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21 can shorten the exposure time (photographing time) of the image sensor 51. For example, in the case of an eye E with a small pupil area, decreasing the size of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21 can compensate for the reduction in the amount of illumination light by changing the shooting conditions.

[0076] In some implementations, the size of a specific pupil region is determined by analyzing an anterior eye image of the examined eye E, and the size of the opening shape of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21 is changed based on the size of the specific pupil region.

[0077] (Crack 22)

[0078] The slit 22 (specifically, the opening described later) can be positioned optically conjugate to the fundus Ef of the examined eye E. For example, the opening in the slit 22 is formed in a direction corresponding to the linear direction (row direction) read from the image sensor 51 in a rolling shutter manner. The opening formed in the slit 22 defines the illumination pattern of the illumination light in the fundus Ef of the examined eye E.

[0079] The slit 22 is movable along the optical axis of the illumination optical system 20 via a moving mechanism (moving mechanism 22D described later). The moving mechanism is controlled by the control unit 100 described later, causing the slit 22 to move along the optical axis. For example, the control unit 100 controls the moving mechanism based on the state of the examined eye E. Thus, the position of the slit 22 can be moved according to the state of the examined eye E (specifically, the refractive power and the shape of the fundus Ef).

[0080] In some embodiments, the slit 22 is configured to change at least one of the position and shape of the opening according to the state of the examined eye E without moving in the optical axis direction. This function of the slit 22 is achieved, for example, by a liquid crystal shutter.

[0081] According to the embodiment, the size of the opening shape of the slit 22 can be changed.

[0082] For example, such as Figure 5A As shown, the slit 22 includes a turntable arranged approximately orthogonally to a rotation axis O” that is approximately parallel to the optical axis O. The turntable is configured to rotate about the rotation axis O”. Multiple slits are arranged on the circumference of the turntable around the rotation axis O”. By rotating the turntable about the rotation axis O”, multiple slits ( Figure 5AThe gaps 221 to 223 are selectively arranged on the optical axis O. The turntable can rotate automatically or manually. For example, a drive mechanism (22D) controlled by the control unit 100 described later can rotate the turntable around the rotation axis O”. Figure 5A In the sequence of cracks 221, 222, and 223, the size of the opening shape increases.

[0083] Additionally, for example, such as Figure 5B As shown, the slit 22 includes shielding plates 22A and 22B configured to slide in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis O. The shielding plates 22A and 22B slide in opposite directions to each other, such that the slit width changes symmetrically with respect to the slit centerline passing through the optical axis O. The shielding plates 22A and 22B can slide automatically or manually. For example, a drive mechanism (22D) slides the shielding plates 22A and 22B. For example, the drive mechanism (22D), controlled by the control unit 100 described later, slides the shielding plates 22A and 22B.

[0084] Thus, by reducing the width of the slit 22 (the size of the opening shape), the amount of illumination light passing through the slit 22 can be reduced. By increasing the width of the slit 22, the amount of illumination light passing through the slit 22 can be increased.

[0085] Light from the first light source 10 or the second light source 11, passing through the opening formed in the iris aperture 21, passes through the opening formed in the slit 22, thereby being output as slit-shaped illumination light. The slit-shaped illumination light passes through the relay lens 23 and is guided to the light scanner 30.

[0086] (Light Scanner 30)

[0087] The optical scanner 30 is positioned approximately optically conjugate to the iris of the eye being examined, E. The optical scanner 30 deflects the slit-shaped illumination light (light passing through the opening of the slit 22) that passes through the relay lens 23. Specifically, the optical scanner 30 deflects the slit-shaped illumination light, which sequentially illuminates a predetermined area of ​​the fundus Ef, within a predetermined deflection angle range with the iris of the eye being examined, or its vicinity, as the scanning center, and guides it to the projection optical system 35. The optical scanner 30 is capable of deflecting the illumination light in one or two dimensions.

[0088] When performing one-dimensional deflection, the optical scanner 30 includes a current scanner that deflects the illumination light within a predetermined deflection angle range based on a predetermined deflection direction. When performing two-dimensional deflection, the optical scanner 30 includes a first current scanner and a second current scanner. The first current scanner deflects the illumination light in a manner that moves the illumination position of the illumination light in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the illumination optical system 20. The second current scanner deflects the illumination light deflected by the first current scanner in a manner that moves the illumination position of the illumination light in a vertical direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the illumination optical system 20. Scanning methods for moving the illumination position of the illumination light using the optical scanner 30 include, for example, horizontal scanning, vertical scanning, cross scanning, radial scanning, circular scanning, concentric circle scanning, spiral scanning, etc.

[0089] (Projection Optical System 35)

[0090] The projection optics system 35 guides the illumination light deflected by the light scanner 30 to the fundus Ef of the examined eye E. In this embodiment, the projection optics system 35 guides the illumination light deflected by the light scanner 30 to the fundus Ef via the light path coupled to the imaging optics system 40 through the aperture lens 45, which is described later as a light path coupling member.

[0091] The projection optical system 35 includes a relay lens 41, a black dot plate 42, a reflector 43, and a relay lens 44. Each of the relay lenses 41 and 44 includes more than one lens.

[0092] (Black dot board 42)

[0093] The black dot plate 42 is positioned optically conjugate to or near the lens surface of the objective lens 46. This prevents reflected light from the lens surface of the objective lens 46 from being directed to the imaging device 50.

[0094] In this projection optical system 35, the illumination light deflected by the light scanner 30 passes through the relay lens 41, through the black dot plate 42, and through the reflector 43 to the aperture mirror 45.

[0095] (Filming optical system 40)

[0096] The imaging optical system 40 guides the illumination light from the projection optical system 35 to the fundus Ef of the examined eye E, while simultaneously guiding the return light from the fundus Ef to the imaging device 50.

[0097] In the imaging optical system 40, the optical path of the illumination light from the projection optical system 35 and the optical path of the return light of the illumination light from the fundus Ef are coupled. By using the aperture lens 45 as an optical path coupling member to couple these optical paths, the illumination light and its return light can be pupil-segmented.

[0098] The imaging optical system 40 includes an aperture lens 45, an objective lens 46, a focusing lens 47, a relay lens 48, and an imaging lens 49. Each of the relay lenses 48 includes more than one lens.

[0099] (Puncture 45)

[0100] An aperture portion is formed in the aperture lens 45, which is aligned with the optical axis of the imaging optical system 40. The aperture portion of the aperture lens 45 is positioned approximately optically conjugate to the iris of the examined eye E. The aperture lens 45 reflects illumination light from the projection optical system 35 toward the objective lens 46 in the peripheral region of the aperture portion. This aperture lens 45 functions as an imaging aperture.

[0101] That is, the aperture lens 45 is configured to couple the optical path of the illumination optical system 20 (projection optical system 35) with the optical path of the imaging optical system 40 arranged in the direction of the optical axis passing through the aperture, and guide the illumination light reflected in the peripheral area of ​​the aperture to the fundus Ef.

[0102] According to the embodiments, the aperture lens 45 can change the size of the opening shape of the aperture portion (opening portion) using a known mechanism. In some embodiments, the size of the opening shape of the aperture portion of the aperture lens 45 is changed by a known mechanism controlled by the control unit 100 described later. In some embodiments, the aperture lens 45 includes a reflective member having an aperture portion formed in a central region and an aperture member disposed inside or near the aperture portion of the reflective member, and the size of the opening shape of the aperture portion is changed by driving the aperture member using a known mechanism controlled by the control unit 100 described later.

[0103] Thus, by reducing the size of the aperture shape of the aperture lens 45, the amount of light returning through the aperture can be reduced. By increasing the size of the aperture shape of the aperture lens 45, the amount of light returning through the aperture can be increased.

[0104] (Focusing lens 47)

[0105] The focusing lens 47 can be moved along the optical axis of the imaging optical system 40 via a moving mechanism (not shown). The moving mechanism is controlled by the control unit 100 (described later) to move the focusing lens 47 along the optical axis. Thus, depending on the state of the eye being examined E, the reflected light from the aperture of the aperture lens 45 can be imaged onto the light-receiving surface of the image sensor 51 of the imaging device 50.

[0106] In this imaging optical system 40, illumination light from the projection optical system 35 is reflected by the objective lens 46 in the peripheral region of the aperture formed in the aperture lens 45. The illumination light reflected in the peripheral region of the aperture lens 45 is refracted by the objective lens 46, thereby entering the eye through the pupil of the eye being examined E and illuminating the fundus Ef of the eye being examined E.

[0107] The reflected light from the illumination light from the fundus Ef is refracted by the objective lens 46, passes through the aperture of the aperture lens 45, passes through the focusing lens 47, passes through the relay lens 48, and is imaged onto the light-receiving surface of the image sensor 51 of the imaging device 50 by the imaging lens 49.

[0108] (Camera device 50)

[0109] The imaging device 50 includes an image sensor 51 that receives reflected light from the illumination light guided from the fundus Ef of the examined eye E by the imaging optical system 40. The imaging device 50 is controlled by the control unit 100 (described later) and is capable of outputting the illumination result of the reflected light.

[0110] (Image sensor 51)

[0111] The image sensor 51 functions as a pixelated light receiver. The light-receiving surface (detection surface, imaging surface) of the image sensor 51 can be configured at a position that is optically conjugate to the fundus Ef.

[0112] The light reception result based on image sensor 51 is acquired and read using a rolling shutter method. In some embodiments, the control unit 100, described later, controls the reading of the light reception result by controlling image sensor 51. In some embodiments, image sensor 51 can automatically output a predetermined row-corresponding light reception result along with information indicating the light reception position.

[0113] This image sensor 51 includes a CMOS image sensor. In this case, the multiple pixel (light-receiving element) groups arranged in the row direction of the image sensor 51 include multiple pixels arranged in the column direction. Specifically, the image sensor 51 includes multiple pixels arranged in two dimensions, multiple vertical signal lines, and horizontal signal lines. Each pixel includes a photodiode (light-receiving element) and a capacitor. Multiple vertical signal lines are provided in each pixel group in the column direction (vertical direction) orthogonal to the row direction (horizontal direction). Each vertical signal line is selectively electrically connected to a pixel group that has accumulated a charge corresponding to the light-receiving result. The horizontal signal lines are selectively electrically connected to the multiple vertical signal lines. Each pixel accumulates a charge corresponding to the light-receiving result of the returned light, and the accumulated charge is read sequentially, for example, in each pixel group in the row direction. For example, a voltage corresponding to the charge accumulated in each pixel is provided to the vertical signal lines for each row in the row direction. The multiple vertical signal lines are selectively electrically connected to the horizontal signal lines. By sequentially performing the reading operation in each row direction in the vertical direction, the light-receiving result of the multiple pixels arranged in two dimensions can be read.

[0114] This image sensor 51 acquires (reads) the received light in a rolling shutter manner, thereby obtaining a received image corresponding to the desired virtual opening shape extending in the row direction. This control is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,237,835.

[0115] Figure 6 An instructional diagram illustrating the operation of the ophthalmic device 1 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 6 The diagram schematically represents the illumination range IP of the slit-shaped illumination light illuminating the fundus Ef and the virtual opening range OP in the light-receiving surface SR of the image sensor 51.

[0116] For example, the control unit 100, described later, uses the light scanner 30 to deflect the slit-shaped illumination light formed by the illumination optical system 20. As a result, in the fundus Ef, the illumination range IP of the slit-shaped illumination light moves (displaces) sequentially in a direction orthogonal to the slit direction (e.g., the row direction, the horizontal direction) in a direction (e.g., the vertical direction).

[0117] In the light-receiving surface SR of the image sensor 51, for example, the control unit 100 (described later) changes the number of pixels of the acquired object in row units, thereby setting a virtual aperture range OP. Ideally, the aperture range OP should be the light-receiving range IP' of the illumination light returning from the light-receiving surface SR, or a range wider than the light-receiving range IP'. For example, the control unit 100 (described later) performs movement control of the aperture range OP synchronously with the movement control of the illumination range IP. Therefore, without being affected by unwanted scattered light, a high-quality image of the fundus Ef with strong contrast can be obtained with a simple structure.

[0118] Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 An example of control timing for a rolling shutter mode of image sensor 51 is illustrated schematically. Figure 7 This represents an example of timing for reading control of image sensor 51. Figure 8 Is Figure 7 The image is formed by superimposing the movement control timing of the illumination range IP (illuminated range IP') onto the reading control timing. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the number of rows in the image sensor 51, and the vertical axis represents time.

[0119] exist Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 For ease of explanation, the case where the image sensor 51 has 1920 rows has been described, but the structure according to the embodiment is not limited to the number of rows. Furthermore, in Figure 8 For ease of explanation, the slit width (width in the row direction) of the slit-shaped illumination light is set to approximately 40 rows.

[0120] The horizontal readout control includes reset control, exposure control, charge transfer control, and output control. Reset control initializes the amount of charge accumulated in the pixels along the horizontal direction. Exposure control directs light onto the photodiode and stores the corresponding charge in the capacitor. Charge transfer control transfers the charge accumulated in the pixel to the vertical signal lines. Output control outputs the amount of charge accumulated in multiple vertical signal lines via the horizontal signal lines. That is, as... Figure 7 As shown, the reading time T of the charge accumulated in the pixels in the row direction is the sum of the reset control time Tr, the exposure control time (exposure time) Te, the charge transfer control time Tc, and the output control time Tout.

[0121] exist Figure 7 In this process, the read (acquisition) start timing (the start timing of time Tc) is shifted in row units, thereby acquiring the light-receiving result (charge amount) in pixels within a desired range accumulated in the image sensor 51. For example, when Figure 7 When the pixel range shown is equivalent to a single frame of an image, the frame rate FR is uniquely determined.

[0122] In this embodiment, the illumination position of the illumination light having a slit width equivalent to a plurality of rows in the fundus Ef is sequentially shifted in the fundus Ef in a direction corresponding to the column direction. When the width of the illumination range IP' (the area corresponding to the illumination area in the fundus Ef) in the light-receiving surface of the image sensor 51 in the shift direction has a width equivalent to two or more rows, the control unit 100, described later, controls the light scanner 30 to shift the opening range OP (opening area) in the shift direction by a predetermined number of rows.

[0123] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, at predetermined shift times Δt, the illumination position of the illumination light in the fundus Ef is shifted in row units in the direction corresponding to the column direction. The shift time Δt is obtained by dividing the exposure time Te of the pixels in the image sensor 51 by the slit width of the illumination light (e.g., the number of rows of the slit width = 40) (Δt = Te / 40). Synchronously with the timing of this movement of the illumination position, a timing delay of the start of reading each row of pixels per row is initiated in units of shift time Δt. Thus, a high-quality image of the fundus Ef with strong contrast can be obtained with simple control and in a short time.

[0124] In some implementations, the image sensor 51 is composed of more than one line sensor.

[0125] [Structure of the Control System]

[0126] like Figure 2As shown, the control system of the ophthalmic device 1 is configured with the control unit 100 as its center. Furthermore, at least a portion of the structure of the control system may be included in the ophthalmic device 1.

[0127] (Control Unit 100)

[0128] The control unit 100 controls each part of the ophthalmic device 1. The control unit 100 includes a main control unit 101 and a storage unit 102. The main control unit 101 includes a processor and executes processing according to a program stored in the storage unit 102, thereby performing control processing on each part of the ophthalmic device 1.

[0129] (Main Control Unit 101)

[0130] The main control unit 101 controls the first light source 10, the second light source 11, the moving mechanism 10D, the illumination optical system 20, the light scanner 30, the imaging optical system 40, the imaging device 50, and the data processing unit 200.

[0131] The control of the first light source 10 includes turning the light source on and off (or switching the wavelength range of the light) and controlling the change in the amount of light from the light source.

[0132] The control of the second light source 11 includes turning the light source on and off (or switching the wavelength range of the light) and controlling the change in the amount of light from the light source.

[0133] When the functions of the first light source 10 and the second light source 11 are realized by a single light source, the main control unit 101 can switch between the functions of the first light source 10 and the second light source.

[0134] The moving mechanism 10D changes at least one of the position and orientation of the first light source 10 using a known mechanism. The main control unit 101 is capable of changing at least one of the relative position and relative orientation of the first light source 10 with respect to the iris aperture 21 and the slit 22.

[0135] The control of the illumination optical system 20 includes the control of drive mechanisms 21D and 22D. Drive mechanism 21D changes the size of the opening shape of at least one of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21. The main control unit 101 can change the size of the opening shape of at least one of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21 by controlling drive mechanism 21D.

[0136] The drive mechanism 22D moves the slit 22 in the direction of the optical axis of the illumination optics system 20, or changes the slit width of the slit 22.

[0137] The main control unit 101 controls the drive mechanism 22D according to the state of the examined eye E, thereby positioning the slit 22 at a position corresponding to the state of the examined eye E. The state of the examined eye E includes the shape of the fundus Ef, refractive power, axial length, etc. The refractive power can be obtained by a known ocular refractive power measuring device, such as those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 61-293430 or Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-259495. The axial length can be obtained by a known axial length measuring device or by measurement using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanner.

[0138] For example, first control information, which pre-associates the position of the slit 22 on the optical axis of the illumination optical system 20 with respect to the refractive power, is stored in the storage unit 102. The main control unit 101 refers to the first control information to specify the position of the slit 22 corresponding to the refractive power, and controls the moving mechanism 22D in such a way that the slit 22 is positioned at the specified position.

[0139] Here, as the slit 22 moves, the light distribution through the opening of the slit 22 changes. At this time, as described above, the main control unit 101 can change the position and orientation of the first light source 10 by controlling the moving mechanism 10D.

[0140] In addition, the main control unit 101 can change the size of the crack width of the crack 22 by controlling the drive mechanism 22D.

[0141] The control of the optical scanner 30 includes controlling the angle of the deflection surface that deflects the illumination light. By controlling the angle range of the deflection surface, the scanning range (scan start position and scan end position) can be controlled. By controlling the rate at which the deflection surface angle changes, the scanning speed can be controlled.

[0142] The control of the imaging optical system 40 includes the control of the moving mechanism 47D. The moving mechanism 47D moves the focusing lens 47 along the optical axis of the imaging optical system 40. The main control unit 101 can control the moving mechanism 47D based on the analysis results of the image obtained using the image sensor 51. In addition, the main control unit 101 can control the moving mechanism 47D based on the user's operation content using the operation unit 110 described later.

[0143] The control of the imaging device 50 includes the control of the image sensor 51. The control of the image sensor 51 includes control for reading the light-receiving results in a rolling shutter manner (e.g., setting the light-receiving size corresponding to the size of the illumination pattern). Additionally, the control of the image sensor 51 includes reset control, exposure control, charge transfer control, and output control. The reset control time Tr, the exposure control time (exposure time) Te, the charge transfer control time Tc, and the output control time Tout can be changed.

[0144] The control of the data processing unit 200 includes various image processing and analysis processing of the lighting results obtained by the image sensor 51. Image processing includes noise reduction processing of the lighting results and brightness correction processing for easy identification of predetermined areas drawn in the lighting image based on the lighting results. Analysis processing includes specific processing of the focus state, etc.

[0145] (Data Processing Department 200)

[0146] like Figure 9 As shown, the data processing unit 200 includes an image forming unit 210 and an analysis unit 220.

[0147] (Image forming unit 210)

[0148] The image forming unit 210 can form a light-receiving image corresponding to any opening range based on the light-receiving results read from the image sensor 51 via a rolling shutter method. The image forming unit 210 can sequentially form light-receiving images corresponding to the opening range, and form an image of the examined eye E based on the multiple light-receiving images formed.

[0149] The image forming unit 210 illuminates the fundus Ef with illumination light generated from the first light source 10, and forms an image of the fundus Ef (captured image) based on the illumination result of the returned light acquired by the image sensor 51 using a rolling shutter method. Alternatively, the image forming unit 210 illuminates the fundus Ef with illumination light generated from the second light source 11, and forms a fundus image (IR image) based on the illumination result of the returned light acquired by the image sensor 51 using a rolling shutter method.

[0150] (Analysis Department 220)

[0151] The analysis unit 220 performs predetermined analysis processing on, for example, the fundus image formed by the image forming unit 210. The predetermined analysis processing includes determination processing for changing shooting conditions. Specifically, the analysis unit 220 analyzes the IR image and performs determination processing for changing shooting conditions to obtain a higher quality captured image.

[0152] like Figure 10 As shown, such an analysis unit 220 includes a flare determination unit 221, a fixation micro-motion determination unit 222, and a light quantity determination unit 223.

[0153] (Flare Determination Section 221)

[0154] The flare determination unit 221 determines whether a flare has occurred by analyzing an image. Specifically, the flare determination unit 221 analyzes a fundus image (IR image) formed based on the light reception result obtained by the image sensor 51 using light from the second light source 11, thereby determining whether a flare has occurred.

[0155] In some embodiments, the flare determination unit 221 identifies regions of pixels with a predetermined brightness level or higher based on the brightness components of pixels in the fundus image. When the size of the identified region is greater than or equal to a predetermined size, the flare determination unit 221 determines that a flare has occurred; when the size of the identified region is smaller than the predetermined size, the flare determination unit 221 determines that no flare has occurred. In some embodiments, when the shape of the identified region is substantially consistent with a predetermined shape, the flare determination unit 221 determines that a flare has occurred; when the shape of the identified region is not substantially consistent with the predetermined shape, the flare determination unit 221 determines that no flare has occurred.

[0156] (Fixed-focus micro-motion detection unit 222)

[0157] The fixation micromotion determination unit 222 determines whether the fixation micromotion is large (or small) by analyzing the image. Specifically, the fixation micromotion determination unit 222 analyzes the fundus image (IR image) formed based on the light reception result obtained by the image sensor 51 using light from the second light source 11, thereby determining whether the fixation micromotion is large (or small).

[0158] In some embodiments, the fixation micromotion determination unit 222 identifies a specific feature region in the fundus image and determines whether the fixation micromotion is large based on the displacement of that specific feature region. For example, when the displacement of the feature region is greater than a predetermined amount, the fixation micromotion determination unit 222 determines that the fixation micromotion is large; when the displacement of the feature region is less than the predetermined amount, the fixation micromotion determination unit 222 determines that the fixation micromotion is small. The feature region includes the optic nerve head, macula, blood vessels, lesions, etc. in the fundus.

[0159] (Light Quantity Determination Unit 223)

[0160] The light intensity determination unit 223 determines whether the light intensity output from the first light source 10 can be increased. Based on a predetermined maximum output light intensity of the first light source 10 and its current output light intensity, the light intensity determination unit 223 determines whether there is a margin in the light source capability, and thus determines whether the light intensity output from the first light source 10 can be increased. For example, when it is determined that the light source capability of the first light source 10 has a margin, the light intensity determination unit 223 determines that the light intensity output from the first light source 10 can be increased. Conversely, when it is determined that the light source capability of the first light source 10 has no margin, the light intensity determination unit 223 determines that the light intensity output from the first light source 10 cannot be increased.

[0161] The data processing unit 200 includes a processor and performs processing according to a program stored in a storage unit or the like, thereby achieving the above-described functions. In some embodiments, it includes processors corresponding to each unit constituting the data processing unit 200, each processor implementing the functions of each unit constituting the data processing unit 200.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first light source 10 includes two or more light sources. In this case, each of the two or more light sources is correspondingly provided with two or more openings formed in the iris aperture 21 or two or more openings formed in the slit 22. The main control unit 101 can change at least one of the position and orientation (orientation in the direction of maximum light distribution) of each light source by controlling the moving mechanism corresponding to each of the two or more light sources.

[0163] (Storage Department 102)

[0164] Storage unit 102 stores various computer programs and data. The computer programs include arithmetic programs and control programs for controlling the ophthalmic device 1.

[0165] (Operations Department 110)

[0166] The operation unit 110 includes operating devices or input devices. The operation unit 110 includes buttons, switches (e.g., operating handles, operating knobs, etc.) and operating devices (mouse, keyboard, etc.) disposed on the ophthalmic device 1. Alternatively, the operation unit 110 may include any operating device or input device such as a trackball, operation panel, switch, button, or dial.

[0167] (Display unit 120)

[0168] The display unit 120 displays an image of the examined eye E generated by the data processing unit 200. The display unit 120 is configured as a display device including a flat panel display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). In addition, the display unit 120 may include various display devices such as a touch panel disposed in the housing of the ophthalmic device 1.

[0169] Furthermore, the operation unit 110 and the display unit 120 do not need to be configured as separate devices. For example, a device that integrates display and operation functions, such as a touch panel, can be used. In this case, the operation unit 110 is configured to include the touch panel and a computer program. Operation content for the operation unit 110 is input to the control unit 100 as an electrical signal. Alternatively, operation and information input can be performed using a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the display unit 120 and the operation unit 110. In some embodiments, the functions of the display unit 120 and the operation unit 110 are implemented via a touch screen.

[0170] (Other structures)

[0171] In some embodiments, the ophthalmic device 1 also includes a fixation projection system. For example, in Figure 1 In the illustrated optical system structure, the optical path of the fixation projection system is coupled to the optical path of the imaging optical system 40. The fixation projection system can present either an internal fixed target or an external fixed target to the examined eye E. When the internal fixed target is presented to the examined eye E, the fixation projection system includes an LCD that displays the internal fixed target under the control of the control unit 100, and projects the fixation beam output from the LCD onto the fundus of the examined eye E. The LCD is configured to change the display position of the fixed target on its screen. By changing the display position of the fixed target on the LCD, the projection position of the fixed target on the fundus of the examined eye E can be changed. The display position of the fixed target on the LCD can be specified by the user using the operation unit 110. In some embodiments, the fixation projection system is provided with an OLED instead of an LCD.

[0172] In some embodiments, the ophthalmic device 1 includes an alignment system. In some embodiments, the alignment system includes an XY alignment system and a Z alignment system. The XY alignment system is used to align the device optics and the examined eye E in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the device optics (objective lens 46). The Z alignment system is used to align the device optics and the examined eye E in the direction of the optical axis of the ophthalmic device 1 (objective lens 46).

[0173] For example, the XY alignment system projects a bright spot (a bright spot in the infrared or near-infrared region) onto the eye being examined, E. The data processing unit 200 acquires an anterior eye image of the eye being examined, after the bright spot is projected, and calculates the displacement between the bright spot image plotted on the acquired anterior eye image and the alignment reference position. The control unit 100 moves the optical system of the device and the eye being examined relative to each other in a direction intersecting the optical axis via a movement mechanism (not shown) to eliminate the calculated displacement.

[0174] For example, the Z-alignment system projects alignment light from an infrared or near-infrared region from a position offset from the optical axis of the device's optical system and receives the alignment light reflected at the anterior portion of the eye being examined, E. The data processing unit 200 specifies the distance between the eye being examined and the device's optical system based on the position of the alignment light received, which varies according to the distance between the eye being examined and the device's optical system. The control unit 100 moves the device's optical system and the eye being examined relative to each other in the optical axis direction via a movement mechanism (not shown) so that the specified distance becomes the desired working distance.

[0175] In some embodiments, the alignment system functions via two or more anterior eye cameras positioned offset from the optical axis of the device's optical system. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-248376, the data processing unit 200 analyzes anterior eye images of the examined eye E acquired substantially simultaneously by two or more anterior eye cameras, and uses known triangulation to determine the three-dimensional position of the examined eye E. The control unit 100 moves the device's optical system and the examined eye E three-dimensionally relative to each other via a movement mechanism (not shown), such that the optical axis of the device's optical system is substantially aligned with the axis of the examined eye E, and the distance between the device's optical system and the examined eye E becomes a predetermined working distance.

[0176] As described above, in the ophthalmic device 1, the slit 22 (opening), the imaging area (fundus Ef), and the image sensor 51 (light-receiving surface) are arranged in optically conjugate positions. By moving the light-receiving opening in the image sensor 51 in conjunction with the illumination position based on the illumination light, the ophthalmic device 1 can suppress the influence of unwanted scattered light while obtaining a clear image of the imaged area.

[0177] The aperture lens 45 is an example of the "shooting aperture" according to the embodiment. The second light source 11, the semi-reflective mirror 12, the illumination optical system 20, the light scanner 30, the projection optical system 35, the shooting optical system 40, the imaging device 50, the control unit 100, and the image forming unit 210 are examples of the "acquisition unit" according to the embodiment. The openings 21A and 21B formed in the iris aperture 21 are examples of the "second opening" according to the embodiment. The opening formed in the slit 22 is an example of the "first opening" according to the embodiment. The aperture formed in the aperture lens 45 is an example of the "third opening" according to the embodiment.

[0178] [Work]

[0179] Next, the operation of ophthalmic device 1 will be explained.

[0180] Figure 11 , Figure 12 as well as Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the ophthalmic device 1 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 13 as well as Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the ophthalmic device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 11 , Figure 12 as well as Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the ophthalmic device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 12 express Figure 11 The flowchart for step S7 is shown below. Figure 14 express Figure 11 The flowchart for step S8 is shown. Figure 13 express Figure 12 The diagram illustrates a working example. Figure 15 express Figure 14 The diagram illustrates the working example. Storage unit 102 stores data for implementing... Figure 11 , Figure 12 as well as Figure 14 The computer program shown is used for processing. The main control unit 101 operates according to this computer program, thereby executing... Figure 11 , Figure 12 as well as Figure 14 The processing shown.

[0181] (S1: Start emitting light from the second light source)

[0182] First, in order to optimize the shooting conditions for obtaining high-quality images using the first light source 10, the ophthalmic device 1 uses the second light source 11 to obtain IR images.

[0183] Specifically, the main control unit 101 controls the second light source 11 to start emitting light. At this time, it is also possible that, with the subject's face fixed to a face support (not shown), the examiner performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 110, thereby the main control unit 101 projects the fixed target onto a predetermined fixation position in the fundus Ef of the fixation projection system (not shown).

[0184] (S2: Begin acquiring IR images)

[0185] Next, the main control unit 101 begins to acquire an IR (infrared) image by controlling the light scanner 30, the imaging device 50, and the image forming unit 210. At this time, the main control unit 101 can control the light scanner 30 to scan the imaging area used to acquire the IR image with illumination light. In some embodiments, the main control unit 101 controls the light scanner 30 to scan the same area as the imaging area used to acquire the image described later with illumination light.

[0186] (S3: Align)

[0187] Next, the main control unit 101 performs alignment (XY alignment, Z alignment).

[0188] For example, the main control unit 101 controls an alignment system (not shown) to project a bright spot onto the eye being examined, E. The main control unit 101 specifically utilizes the bright spot image in the IR image obtained by the image sensor 51 and controls the movement mechanism (not shown) based on the amount of movement of the optical system corresponding to the displacement of the bright spot image relative to a predetermined alignment reference position (reference range), causing the optical system to move relative to the eye being examined, E, by the corresponding amount. The main control unit 101 repeats this process.

[0189] In some embodiments, alignment is performed manually. For example, the main control unit 101 causes the display unit 120 to display a composite image, which is an image representing a predetermined alignment reference position (reference range) superimposed on an IR image. While viewing the composite image displayed on the display unit 120, a user such as an inspector operates the operation unit 110. The user operates the operation unit 110 to eliminate displacement of the desired portion in the image relative to the predetermined alignment reference position. The main control unit 101 controls a movement mechanism (not shown) based on an operation signal corresponding to the operation performed on the operation unit 110.

[0190] (S4: Focusing)

[0191] Next, the main control unit 101 performs focusing.

[0192] In some implementations, after the alignment in step S3 is completed, the processing in step S4 is executed automatically. For example, when the displacement of the desired part relative to the alignment reference position is below a predetermined threshold, the main control unit 101 determines that the alignment in step S3 is completed and executes the processing in step S4.

[0193] In some embodiments, the main control unit 101 performs the processing of step S4 by having the user perform a predetermined operation on the operation unit 110 in step S3.

[0194] For example, the main control unit 101 acquires an IR image of the fundus Ef and the data processing unit 200 determines the focus state of the acquired IR image. The data processing unit 200 can determine the focus state of the IR image using known methods. For example, the data processing unit 200 determines the focus state of the IR image based on the gradient of the brightness component of the edge region of a predetermined location in the feature region of the IR image. Based on the focus state determination result obtained by the data processing unit 200, the main control unit 101 determines the amount of movement of the focusing lens 47 in the optical axis direction and controls the moving mechanism 47D based on the determined amount of movement. When the focus state of the IR image is determined to be inappropriate based on the determination result obtained by the data processing unit 200, the main control unit 101 controls the moving mechanism 47D again and repeats this process until the focus state is determined to be appropriate.

[0195] In some embodiments, focusing is performed manually. For example, the main control unit 101 causes the display unit 120 to display an IR image. While viewing the IR image displayed on the display unit 120, the user operates the operation unit 110. The user operates the operation unit 110 in a manner that appropriately focuses the IR image. The main control unit 101 controls the movement mechanism 47D based on operation signals corresponding to the operation performed on the operation unit 110.

[0196] (S5: Solar Flare Detection)

[0197] Next, the main control unit 101 causes the flare determination unit 221 to perform flare determination.

[0198] In some implementations, after the focusing in step S4 is completed, the processing in step S5 is executed automatically. For example, when it is determined that the focusing state is appropriate, the main control unit 101 determines that the focusing in step S4 is completed and executes the processing in step S5.

[0199] In some embodiments, the main control unit 101 executes the processing of step S5 by having the user perform a predetermined operation on the operation unit 110 in step S4.

[0200] The flare determination unit 221 determines whether a flare has occurred by analyzing the IR image as described above.

[0201] (S6: Was a solar flare occurring?)

[0202] The main control unit 101 determines whether a flare has occurred in the IR image based on the determination result obtained through the flare determination process in step S5.

[0203] In step S6, if it is determined that a flare has occurred in the IR image (S6: Yes), the processing of the ophthalmic device 1 proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if it is determined that no flare has occurred in the IR image (S6: No), the processing of the ophthalmic device 1 proceeds to step S8.

[0204] (S7: Flare Optimization Control)

[0205] In step S6, when it is determined that a flare has occurred in the IR image (S6: Yes), the main control unit 101 performs flare optimization control. In flare optimization control, the imaging conditions of the fundus Ef are optimized so that no flare occurs in the IR image (imported image) of the fundus Ef. Details of step S7 will be described later.

[0206] After step S7, the processing of step S9 is performed.

[0207] (S8: Optimal control of shooting time)

[0208] In step S6, when it is determined that no flare occurs in the IR image (S6: No), the main control unit 101 performs image capture time optimization control. In image capture time optimization control, the image capture conditions of the fundus Ef are optimized to shorten the image capture time using the image sensor 51 within the range where no flare occurs in the IR image (captured image) of the fundus Ef. Details of step S8 will be described later.

[0209] After step S8, the processing of step S9 is performed.

[0210] (S9: Stop the second light source from emitting light)

[0211] After step S7 or S8, the main control unit 101 executes step S9. In step S9, the main control unit 101 controls the second light source 11 to stop emitting light. This stops the acquisition of the IR image that began in step S2.

[0212] (S10: Start emitting light from the first light source)

[0213] Next, in step S7 or step S8, the ophthalmic device 1 begins to acquire images of the fundus Ef under optimized imaging conditions.

[0214] Specifically, the main control unit 101 controls the first light source 10 to start the first light source 10 to emit light.

[0215] (S11: Obtain an image of the fundus)

[0216] Next, the main control unit 101 controls the light scanner 30, the camera device 50, and the image forming unit 210 to begin acquiring an image of the fundus Ef using the first light source 10. At this time, the main control unit 101 controls the light scanner 30 to scan a predetermined imaging area in the fundus Ef with illumination light, and causes the image forming unit 210 to form an image of the fundus Ef.

[0217] The operation of ophthalmic device 1 is now complete.

[0218] exist Figure 11 In step S7, perform as follows Figure 12 The processing shown.

[0219] (S21: Control of reduced light intensity)

[0220] First, the main control unit 101 controls at least one of the illumination optical system 20 and the imaging optical system 40 to reduce the amount of light received by the return light of the illumination light in the image sensor 51.

[0221] Control of the illumination optics system 20 includes control of the iris aperture 21 and control of the slit 22. Control of the imaging optics system 40 includes control of the aperture lens 45.

[0222] In the first example of controlling the reduction of light intensity, the main control unit 101 performs control over the iris aperture 21. Specifically, as follows: Figure 4A or Figure 4BAs shown, the main control unit 101 controls the drive mechanism 21D to reduce the size of the opening shape of at least one of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21 by a predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the size of the opening shape is reduced by increasing the inner diameter of at least one of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21. In some embodiments, the size of the opening shape is reduced by decreasing the outer diameter of at least one of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21.

[0223] In the second example of controlling the reduction of light intensity, the main control unit 101 performs control over the crack 22. Specifically, as follows: Figure 5A or Figure 5B As shown, the main control unit 101 controls the drive mechanism 22D to reduce the size of the opening (crack width) of the crack 22 by a predetermined amount.

[0224] In the third example of controlling the reduction of light intensity, the main control unit 101 controls the aperture lens 45. Specifically, the main control unit 101 controls a mechanism (not shown) to reduce the opening shape of the aperture (opening portion) formed in the aperture lens 45 by a predetermined amount.

[0225] In some embodiments, the main control unit 101 reduces the amount of light received by combining two or more of the first to third examples described above. In some embodiments, the main control unit 101 reduces the amount of light received by combining any one or two or more of the first to third examples, based on the flare determination result obtained in step S5.

[0226] (S22: Determination of fixation micro-motion)

[0227] Next, the main control unit 101 causes the fixation micro-motion determination unit 222 to determine the fixation micro-motion.

[0228] The fixation micro-motion determination unit 222 determines, as described above, whether the fixation micro-motion is small (or large) based on the IR image.

[0229] (S23: Is the fixation micro-motion small?)

[0230] Based on the determination result obtained through the fixation micromotion determination process in step S22, the main control unit 101 determines that the fixation micromotion of the tested eye E is small.

[0231] In step S23, if it is determined that the fixational micro-motion is small (S23: Yes), the operation of the ophthalmic device 1 proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the fixational micro-motion is small (when it is determined that the fixational micro-motion is large) (S23: No), the operation of the ophthalmic device 1 proceeds to step S24.

[0232] (S24: Determine the amount of light)

[0233] In step S23, when there is no determination of fixed micro-motion (S23: No), the main control unit 101 causes the light quantity determination unit 223 to determine the light quantity of the first light source 10.

[0234] The light quantity determination unit 223 determines, as described above, whether the light quantity output from the first light source 10 can be increased.

[0235] (S25: Can it increase the amount of light from the light source?)

[0236] Based on the determination result obtained through the light source light quantity determination process in step S24, the main control unit 101 determines whether it is possible to increase the light quantity output from the first light source 10.

[0237] In step S25, if it is determined that the amount of light output from the first light source 10 can be increased (S25: Yes), the operation of the ophthalmic device 1 proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount of light output from the first light source 10 cannot be increased (S25: No), the operation of the ophthalmic device 1 proceeds to step S26.

[0238] (S26: Extend shooting time)

[0239] When it is determined in step S23 that the fixed micro-motion is small (S23: Yes), or when it is determined in step S25 that the amount of light output from the first light source 10 cannot be increased (S25: No), the main control unit 101 controls the image sensor 51 to extend the shooting time by a predetermined amount.

[0240] Specifically, the main control unit 101 controls the shooting time of the image sensor 51 by controlling the light scanner 30 and the image sensor 51.

[0241] Figure 13 An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of controlling the image capture time using the image sensor 51 in step S26 is shown. Figure 13 In the diagram, the vertical axis represents the number of pixels (rows) of the image sensor 51, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0242] exist Figure 13 In the example of controlling the shooting time shown, with the slit width Sw fixed, the main control unit 101 controls the scanning of the illumination area in the fundus Ef and the timing of the light receiving surface in the image sensor 51 by controlling the light scanner 30 and the image sensor 51.

[0243] That is, the main control unit 101 can shorten the image capture time using the image sensor 51 (when the exposure time is changed from St1 to St0) by increasing the scanning speed of the illumination area in the fundus Ef. Conversely, the main control unit 101 can extend the image capture time using the image sensor 51 (when the exposure time is changed from St0 to St1) by decreasing the scanning speed of the illumination area in the fundus Ef.

[0244] In step S26, the main control unit 101 can extend the image capture time using the image sensor 51 by reducing the scanning speed of the illumination area in the fundus Ef.

[0245] (S27: Increase the amount of light from the light source)

[0246] In step S25, when it is determined that the amount of light output from the first light source 10 can be increased (S25: Yes), the main control unit 101 controls the first light source 10 to increase the amount of light output from the first light source 10 by a predetermined increment.

[0247] That is, in steps S23 to S27, when it is determined that the fixation micro-motion is large and the first light source 10 has a margin to increase the light amount, the light amount of the first light source 10 is increased in step S27. On the other hand, when it is determined that the fixation micro-motion is small, or when it is determined that the first light source 10 has no margin to increase the light amount, control is performed in step S26 by extending the shooting time using the image sensor 51.

[0248] (S28: Solar Flare Detection)

[0249] After step S26 or step S27, the main control unit 101 causes the flare determination unit 221 to perform flare determination.

[0250] The flare determination unit 221 determines whether a flare has occurred by analyzing the IR image obtained at the beginning of step S2. Therefore, it can be determined whether a flare has occurred in the IR image processed in step S26 or S27.

[0251] (S29: Was a solar flare occurring?)

[0252] The main control unit 101 determines whether a flare has occurred in the IR image based on the determination result obtained through the flare determination process in step S28.

[0253] In step S29, if it is determined that a flare has occurred in the IR image (S29: Yes), the processing of the ophthalmic device 1 proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if it is determined that no flare has occurred in the IR image (S29: No), the ophthalmic device 1 ends. Figure 11 The processing of step S7.

[0254] As mentioned above, repeat Figure 11 The flare optimization control in step S7 continues until it is determined that no flare has occurred.

[0255] exist Figure 11 In step S8, execute as follows Figure 14 The processing shown.

[0256] (S31: Controlled by increasing the amount of light received)

[0257] First, the main control unit 101 controls at least one of the illumination optical system 20 and the imaging optical system 40 to increase the amount of light received by the return light of the illumination light in the image sensor 51.

[0258] Control of the illumination optics system 20 includes control of the iris aperture 21 and control of the slit 22. Control of the imaging optics system 40 includes control of the aperture lens 45.

[0259] In the first example of controlling the increase in the amount of light received, the main control unit 101 performs control over the iris aperture 21. Specifically, as follows: Figure 4A or Figure 4B As shown, the main control unit 101 controls the drive mechanism 21D to increase the size of the opening shape of at least one of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21 by a predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the size of the opening shape is increased by decreasing the inner diameter of at least one of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21. In some embodiments, the size of the opening shape is increased by increasing the outer diameter of at least one of the openings 21A and 21B of the iris aperture 21.

[0260] In the second example where the light intensity is increased for control, the main control unit 101 controls the crack 22. Specifically, as follows: Figure 5A or Figure 5B As shown, the main control unit 101 controls the drive mechanism 22D to increase the size of the opening (crack width) of the crack 22 by a predetermined amount.

[0261] In the third example of controlling the increase in the amount of light received, the main control unit 101 controls the aperture lens 45. Specifically, the main control unit 101 controls a mechanism (not shown) to increase the opening shape of the aperture portion (opening portion) formed in the aperture lens 45 by a predetermined amount.

[0262] In some embodiments, the main control unit 101 controls the increase in the amount of light received by combining two or more of the first to third examples described above. In some embodiments, the main control unit 101 controls the increase in the amount of light received by combining any one or two or more of the first to third examples, based on the flare determination result obtained in step S5.

[0263] (S32: Shorten shooting time)

[0264] Next, the main control unit 101 controls the image sensor 51 to shorten the shooting time by a predetermined amount.

[0265] Specifically, the main control unit 101 controls the shooting time using the image sensor 51 by controlling at least one of the illumination optical system 20, the light scanner 30, and the image sensor 51.

[0266] Figure 15 An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of controlling the image capture time using the image sensor 51 in step S32 is shown. Figure 15 In the diagram, the vertical axis represents the number of pixels (rows) of the image sensor 51, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0267] exist Figure 15 In the example of shooting time control shown, under a fixed exposure time St, the main control unit 101 controls the scanning of the illumination area in the fundus Ef and the timing of the light receiving surface in the image sensor 51 by controlling the illumination optical system 20, the light scanner 30 and the image sensor 51.

[0268] That is, the main control unit 101 controls the slit 22 in the illumination optical system 20 to increase the slit width, thereby accelerating the scanning speed of the illumination area in the fundus Ef (when the slit width Swl changes to the slit width Sw0). In this case, the main control unit 101 controls the deflection angle of the light scanner 30 and the illumination timing in the image sensor 51 according to the change in slit width. This shortens the image capture time using the image sensor 51. Conversely, the main control unit 101 controls the slit 22 in the illumination optical system 20 to decrease the slit width, thereby reducing the scanning speed of the illumination area in the fundus Ef (when the slit width Sw0 changes to the slit width Sw1). In this case, the main control unit 101 controls the deflection angle of the light scanner 30 and the illumination timing in the image sensor 51 according to the change in slit width. This extends the image capture time using the image sensor 51.

[0269] In step S32, the main control unit 101 increases the slit width of the slit 22 in the illumination optical system 20 by controlling the slit 22, thereby accelerating the scanning speed of the illumination area in the fundus Ef. As a result, the image capture time using the image sensor 51 can be shortened.

[0270] (S33: Solar Flare Detection)

[0271] Next, the main control unit 101 causes the flare determination unit 221 to perform flare determination.

[0272] The flare determination unit 221 determines whether a flare has occurred by analyzing the IR image obtained at the beginning of step S2. Therefore, it can be determined whether a flare has occurred in the IR image processed in step S32.

[0273] (S34: Was a solar flare occurring?)

[0274] The main control unit 101 determines whether a flare has occurred in the IR image based on the determination result obtained through the flare determination process in step S33.

[0275] In step S34, if it is determined that a flare has occurred in the IR image (S34: Yes), the processing of the ophthalmic device 1 proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, if it is determined that no flare has occurred in the IR image (S34: No), the processing of the ophthalmic device 1 proceeds to step S31.

[0276] (S35: Return to the shooting conditions before the change)

[0277] In step S34, when it is determined that a flare has occurred in the IR image (S34: Yes), the main control unit 101 returns the current shooting conditions to the shooting conditions before the change. That is, the main control unit 101 returns the current shooting conditions to the shooting conditions immediately before it was determined that no flare has occurred in the IR image.

[0278] As mentioned above, repeat Figure 11 The shooting time is optimized in step S8 until a flare is determined to have occurred.

[0279] As described above, in step S6, when it is determined that a flare has occurred in the IR image, the main control unit 101 performs flare optimization control, and when it is determined that no flare has occurred in the IR image, the main control unit 101 performs shooting time optimization control.

[0280] In flare optimization control, the main control unit 101 controls at least one of the first light source 10, the illumination optical system 20, the light scanner 30, the imaging optical system 40, and the image sensor 51 to change the imaging conditions in a way that prevents flare from occurring. When it is determined in step S28 that no flare has occurred using the IR image obtained under the imaging conditions changed by flare optimization control, the image forming unit 210 forms an image of the fundus Ef based on the light reception result obtained by the image sensor 51 under the imaging conditions changed by flare optimization control.

[0281] In the optimal control of shooting time, the main control unit 101 changes the shooting conditions by controlling at least one of the first light source 10, the illumination optical system 20, the light scanner 30, the shooting optical system 40, and the image sensor 51 to shorten the shooting time of the fundus Ef. When it is determined in step S34 that a flare has occurred using the IR image obtained under the shooting conditions changed by the optimal control of shooting time, the image forming unit 210 returns to the shooting conditions before the change and forms an image of the fundus Ef based on the light reception results obtained by the image sensor 51 under the shooting conditions before the change.

[0282] [Function / Effect]

[0283] The following will explain the function and effect of the ophthalmic device, its control method, and the procedure according to the embodiments.

[0284] An ophthalmic device (1) according to some embodiments includes a first light source (10), an illumination optical system (20), a light scanner (30), an imaging optical system (40), an acquisition unit (a second light source 11, a semi-reflective mirror 12, an illumination optical system 20, a light scanner 30, a projection optical system 35, an imaging optical system 40, an imaging device 50, a control unit 100, and an image forming unit 210), a flare determination unit (221), a control unit (100, a main control unit 101), and an image forming unit (220). The illumination optical system generates slit-shaped illumination light using light from the first light source. The light scanner deflects the illumination light and guides it to the fundus (Ef) of the examined eye (E). The imaging optical system guides the return light from the fundus to an image sensor (51), which is configured to acquire the light reception result of the return light of the illumination light corresponding to the illumination position in the fundus in a rolling shutter manner. The acquisition unit acquires a fundus image (IR image) of the examined eye using light from the second light source (11). The flare determination unit determines whether a flare has occurred by analyzing the fundus image of the examined eye. The control unit performs flare optimization control, which controls at least one of the first light source, illumination optical system, light scanner, imaging optical system, and image sensor to prevent flare from occurring based on a first determination result obtained by the flare determination unit (the determination result obtained in step S5). When it is determined that no flare has occurred based on the fundus image acquired by the acquisition unit under the imaging conditions changed by the flare optimization control and a second determination result obtained by the flare determination unit (the determination result obtained in step 28), the image forming unit forms a fundus image based on the light reception result acquired by the image sensor.

[0285] According to this structure, since the shooting conditions are changed in a way that prevents flare by controlling at least one of the first light source, the illumination optical system, the light scanner, the imaging optical system, and the image sensor, an image of the eye being examined can be formed using a rolling shutter method within the desired shooting time. Thus, high-quality images of the eye being examined can be obtained while suppressing flare that occurs differently depending on the eye being examined.

[0286] In some embodiments, the illumination optical system includes: a slit (22) configured to be located at a fundus conjugate position that is optically conjugate to the fundus and having a slit-shaped first opening that can change the opening shape; and an iris aperture (21) configured to be located at an iris conjugate position that is optically conjugate to the iris of the eye being examined between the first light source and the slit and having a second opening (openings 21A, 21B) that can change the opening shape. When it is determined based on a first determination result that a flare has occurred, the control unit controls the illumination optical system in a manner that reduces the size of the opening shape of at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

[0287] Based on this structure, by controlling at least one of the slit and the iris aperture, the amount of illumination light can be reduced with a simple structure and control, thereby suppressing flare occurrence while obtaining a high-quality image of the examined eye.

[0288] In some embodiments, the imaging optical system includes: an imaging aperture (aperture lens 45) that can be configured at an iris conjugate position that is optically conjugate to the iris of the eye being examined, and has a third opening that can change its shape. When a flare is determined to have occurred based on a first determination result, the control unit controls the imaging optical system by reducing the size of the opening shape of the third opening.

[0289] Based on this structure, by controlling the shooting aperture, the amount of light returning from the illumination light can be reduced with a simple structure and control, which can suppress the occurrence of flare while obtaining a high-quality image of the eye being examined.

[0290] In some embodiments, the shooting aperture is configured to couple the optical path of the illumination optics system with the optical path of the shooting optics system disposed in the direction of the optical axis passing through the third opening, and to guide the illumination light reflected in the peripheral region of the third opening to the fundus via a lens (45).

[0291] Based on this structure, since the aperture lens that couples the optical paths of the illumination optical system and the imaging optical system is used to realize the function of the imaging aperture, it is possible to illuminate the fundus with illumination light through pupil splitting while simplifying the structure of the optical system and obtaining a high-quality image of the examined eye.

[0292] In some implementations, the control unit repeatedly performs flare optimization control until it determines, based on a second determination result, that no flare has occurred.

[0293] Based on this structure, it is possible to obtain high-quality images of the examined eye while suppressing flare occurrence with simple processing.

[0294] Some embodiments of the ophthalmic device include: a fixation micromotion determination unit (222) for determining the state of fixation micromotion in the examined eye; and a light intensity determination unit (223) for determining whether the light intensity output from the first light source can be increased, and a control unit for changing the imaging conditions based on the determination result obtained by the fixation micromotion determination unit or the determination result obtained by the light intensity determination unit.

[0295] Based on this structure, since shooting conditions can be changed to take into account the possibility of fixed micro-motion or increased light intensity from the first light source, flare occurrence can be suppressed with high precision.

[0296] In some embodiments, when the fixation micro-motion determination unit determines that the fixation micro-motion is small, or when the light intensity determination unit determines that the light intensity cannot be increased, the control unit controls at least one of the illumination optical system, the light scanner, and the image sensor in a manner that extends the fundus imaging time.

[0297] Based on this structure, since the illumination optical system can be controlled to extend the fundus imaging time according to the degree of fixation micromotion or the possibility of increasing the amount of light from the first light source, it is possible to reliably suppress flares that occur in different ways depending on the eye being examined while obtaining a high-quality image of the eye being examined.

[0298] In some implementations, when the fixation micro-motion determination unit determines that the fixation micro-motion is large and the light quantity determination unit determines that the light quantity can be increased, the control unit controls the first light source in a manner that increases the light quantity.

[0299] Based on this structure, since the amount of illumination light is increased according to the degree of fixation micromotion or the possibility of an increase in the amount of light from the first light source, it is possible to reliably suppress flares that occur in different ways depending on the eye being examined while obtaining a high-quality image of the eye being examined.

[0300] In some implementations, the obtaining unit includes a second light source, and obtains a fundus image based on the light reception result of the light returned from the second light source acquired by the image sensor.

[0301] Based on this structure, an ophthalmic device can be provided that can suppress flare occurrence with a simple structure while obtaining high-quality images of the examined eye.

[0302] In some implementations, when a flare is determined to have occurred based on a first determination result, the control unit performs flare optimization control; when a flare is determined not to have occurred based on the first determination result, the control unit performs shooting time optimization control by changing the shooting conditions in a manner that shortens the shooting time of the fundus by controlling at least one of the illumination optical system, the light scanner, the imaging optical system, and the image sensor.

[0303] Based on this structure, when it is determined that no flare has occurred, the fundus can be photographed in a short time and a high-quality image of the examined eye can be obtained.

[0304] In some implementations, the image sensor is a CMOS image sensor.

[0305] Based on this structure, it is possible to suppress flares that occur in different ways depending on the eye being examined, while obtaining high-quality images of the eye being examined, with a simple structure and low cost.

[0306] According to a control method of an ophthalmic device (1) according to some embodiments, the ophthalmic device (1) includes a first light source (10), an illumination optical system (20), a light scanner (30), an imaging optical system (40), and an acquisition unit (a second light source 11, a semi-reflective mirror 12, an illumination optical system 20, a light scanner 30, a projection optical system 35, an imaging optical system 40, an imaging device 50, a control unit 100, and an image forming unit 210). The illumination optical system generates slit-shaped illumination light using light from the first light source. The light scanner deflects the illumination light and guides it to the fundus (Ef) of the examined eye (E). The imaging optical system guides the return light from the fundus to an image sensor (51), which is configured to acquire the illumination result of the return light of the illumination light corresponding to the illumination position in the fundus in a rolling shutter manner. The acquisition unit acquires an image of the fundus (IR image) of the examined eye using light from the second light source (11). The control method for the ophthalmic device includes: a first flare determination step, which determines whether a flare has occurred by analyzing a fundus image of the examined eye; a control step, which performs flare optimization control to change the shooting conditions in a manner that prevents flare from occurring by controlling at least one of a first light source, an illumination optical system, a light scanner, an imaging optical system, and an image sensor based on a first determination result obtained in the first flare determination step (the determination result obtained in step S5); a second flare determination step, which determines whether a flare has occurred by analyzing a fundus image obtained by an acquisition unit under the shooting conditions changed by the flare optimization control; and an image forming step, which forms a fundus image based on the light reception result obtained by the image sensor when it is determined that no flare has occurred based on a second determination result obtained in the second flare determination step (the determination result obtained in step S28).

[0307] According to this method, by changing the shooting conditions in a way that prevents flare by controlling at least one of the first light source, the illumination optical system, the light scanner, the imaging optical system, and the image sensor, an image of the eye being examined can be formed using a rolling shutter within the desired shooting time. Thus, high-quality images of the eye being examined can be obtained while suppressing flare that occurs differently depending on the eye being examined.

[0308] In some embodiments, the illumination optical system includes: a slit (22) configured at a fundus conjugate position that is optically conjugate to the fundus and having a slit-shaped first opening that can change the opening shape; and an iris aperture (21) configured at an iris conjugate position that is optically conjugate to the iris of the eye being examined between the first light source and the slit and having a second opening (openings 21A, 21B) that can change the opening shape. When it is determined based on a first determination result that a flare has occurred, the control step controls the illumination optical system in a manner that reduces the size of the opening shape of at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

[0309] According to this method, by controlling at least one of the slit and the iris aperture, the amount of illumination light can be reduced with a simple structure and control, thereby suppressing flare occurrence while obtaining a high-quality image of the examined eye.

[0310] In some embodiments, the imaging optical system includes: an imaging aperture (aperture lens 45) configured at an iris conjugate position that is optically conjugate to the iris of the eye being examined, and having a third opening with a shape that can be changed; when a flare is determined to have occurred based on a first determination result, a control step controls the imaging optical system to reduce the size of the opening shape of the third opening.

[0311] According to this method, by controlling the shooting aperture, the amount of light returning from the illumination light can be reduced with a simple structure and control, which can suppress the occurrence of flare while obtaining a high-quality image of the eye being examined.

[0312] In some implementations, the control step repeatedly performs flare optimization control until a second determination result indicates that no flare has occurred.

[0313] According to this method, high-quality images of the examined eye can be obtained while suppressing flare occurrence with simple processing.

[0314] Some implementations of the ophthalmic device control method include: a fixation micromotion determination step, determining the state of fixation micromotion in the examined eye; and a light intensity determination step, determining whether the light intensity output from a first light source can be increased, wherein the control step changes the imaging conditions based on the determination result obtained by the fixation micromotion determination step or the determination result obtained by the light intensity determination step.

[0315] According to this method, by changing the shooting conditions to take into account the possibility of fixed micro-motion or an increase in the amount of light from the first light source, the occurrence of flare can be suppressed with high precision.

[0316] In some implementations, when it is determined that the fixation micromotion is small in the fixation micromotion determination step, or when it is determined that the light amount cannot be increased in the light amount determination step, the control step controls at least one of the illumination optical system, the light scanner, and the image sensor in a manner that prolongs the fundus imaging time.

[0317] According to this method, since the illumination optical system is controlled to extend the fundus imaging time based on the degree of fixation micromotion or the possibility of increasing the light intensity of the first light source, it is possible to reliably suppress flares that occur in different ways depending on the eye being examined while obtaining a high-quality image of the eye being examined.

[0318] In some implementations, when it is determined in the fixation micro-motion determination step that the fixation micro-motion is large and in the light quantity determination step that it can increase the light quantity, the control step controls the first light source in a manner that increases the light quantity.

[0319] According to this method, by increasing the amount of illumination light based on the degree of fixational micromotion or the likelihood of an increase in the amount of light from the first light source, it is possible to reliably suppress flares that occur in different ways depending on the eye being examined, while simultaneously obtaining a high-quality image of the eye being examined.

[0320] In some implementations, when a flare is determined to have occurred based on a first determination result, the control step performs flare optimization control; when a flare is determined not to have occurred based on the first determination result, the control step performs shooting time optimization control by changing the shooting conditions in a manner that shortens the shooting time of the fundus by controlling at least one of the illumination optical system, the light scanner, the imaging optical system, and the image sensor.

[0321] According to this method, when it is determined that no flare has occurred, the fundus can be photographed in a short time and a high-quality image of the examined eye can be obtained.

[0322] In some implementations, the image sensor is a CMOS image sensor.

[0323] According to this method, it is possible to suppress flares that occur in different ways depending on the eye being examined with a simple structure and at low cost, while obtaining high-quality images of the eye being examined.

[0324] According to some implementations, the computer executes the steps of the control method for any of the above-described ophthalmic devices.

[0325] According to this procedure, by changing the shooting conditions in a way that prevents flare by controlling at least one of the first light source, the illumination optical system, the light scanner, the imaging optical system, and the image sensor, an image of the eye being examined can be formed using a rolling shutter within the desired shooting time. Thus, high-quality images of the eye being examined can be obtained while suppressing flare that occurs differently depending on the eye being examined.

[0326] The embodiments or variations thereof shown above are merely examples for implementing the present invention. Those wishing to implement the present invention may make any modifications, omissions, additions, etc., within the scope of the present invention.

[0327] In the above embodiments, the ophthalmic device may have any function applicable to the field of ophthalmology, such as axial length measurement, intraocular pressure measurement, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and ultrasound examination. Furthermore, the axial length measurement function can be implemented using an optical coherence tomography machine, etc. Alternatively, the axial length measurement function can also be implemented by projecting light onto the examined eye, adjusting the position of the optical system relative to the examined eye in the Z-direction (anteroposterior direction), and detecting the reflected light from the fundus, thereby determining the axial length of the examined eye. The intraocular pressure measurement function is implemented using a tonometer, etc. The OCT function is implemented using an optical coherence tomography machine, etc. The ultrasound examination function is implemented using an ultrasound diagnostic device, etc. The present invention can also be applied to devices (multifunction devices) having two or more of these functions.

[0328] In some embodiments, a program is provided for causing a computer to execute a control method for the ophthalmic device. This program can be stored in any non-transitory recording medium that is computer-readable. The recording medium can be an electronic medium utilizing magnetic, optical, opto-magnetic, semiconductor, or similar technologies. Typically, the recording medium is magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical disk, optical disc, flash memory, solid-state drive, etc. Furthermore, the program can be sent and received via a network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN).

[0329] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram)

[0330] 1: Ophthalmic device

[0331] 10: Light source

[0332] 20: Illumination Optical System

[0333] 21: Iris Aperture

[0334] 22: Crack

[0335] 23, 41, 44, 48: Relay lenses

[0336] 30: Light Scanner

[0337] 35: Projection Optical System

[0338] 40: Imaging Optical System

[0339] 42: Black Dot Board

[0340] 43: Reflector

[0341] 45: Endoscope

[0342] 46: Objective lens

[0343] 47: Focusing lens

[0344] 49: Imaging Lens

[0345] 50: Camera device

[0346] 51: Image sensor

[0347] 100: Control Department

[0348] 101: Main Control Unit

[0349] 102: Storage Department

[0350] 200: Data Processing Department

[0351] 210: Image forming unit

[0352] 220: Analysis Department

[0353] 221: Solar Flare Determination Department

[0354] 222: Fixation Micromotion Detection Unit

[0355] 223: Light Quantity Determination Department

[0356] E: The eye being examined

[0357] Ef: Fundus

Claims

1. An ophthalmic device, characterized by, include: First light source; An illumination optical system that uses light from the first light source to generate slit-shaped illumination light; An optical scanner deflects the illumination light and directs it to the fundus of the eye being examined. An optical imaging system guides the return light of the illumination light from the fundus to an image sensor, the image sensor being configured to acquire the illumination result of the return light of the illumination light corresponding to the illumination position of the illumination light in the fundus using a rolling shutter method; The acquisition unit uses light from a second light source to acquire a fundus image of the examined eye; The flare determination unit determines whether a flare has occurred by analyzing the fundus image of the examined eye; The control unit performs flare optimization control by controlling at least one of the first light source, the illumination optical system, the light scanner, the imaging optical system, and the image sensor to change the amount of light received by the returned light in the image sensor and the imaging time of the fundus using the image sensor, so as to prevent the flare from occurring, based on the first determination result obtained by the flare determination unit. When the image forming unit determines that no flare has occurred based on the fundus image obtained by the acquisition unit under shooting conditions changed by the flare optimization control and the second determination result obtained by the flare determination unit, the image forming unit forms an image of the fundus based on the light reception result obtained by the image sensor. The fixation micromotion determination unit determines the state of fixation micromotion in the examined eye; as well as The light intensity determination unit determines whether it is possible to increase the light intensity output from the first light source. The control unit changes the shooting conditions based on the determination result obtained by the fixation micro-motion determination unit or the determination result obtained by the light quantity determination unit.

2. The ophthalmic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The illumination optical system includes: A slit, which can be positioned at a fundus conjugate location optically conjugate to the fundus, and forms a slit-shaped first opening whose shape can be varied; and The iris aperture can be configured at an optically conjugate position to the iris of the examined eye between the first light source and the slit, and has a second opening whose shape can be changed. When it is determined that the flare has occurred based on the first determination result, the control unit controls the illumination optical system in a manner that reduces the size of the opening shape of at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

3. The ophthalmic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The imaging optical system includes: The imaging aperture can be configured at an iris conjugate position that is optically conjugate to the iris of the eye being examined, and a third opening with a shape that can be modified is formed. When it is determined that the flare has occurred based on the first determination result, the control unit controls the imaging optical system by reducing the size of the opening shape of the third opening.

4. The ophthalmic device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shooting aperture is configured to couple the optical path of the illumination optical system with the optical path of the shooting optical system disposed in the direction of the optical axis passing through the third opening, and to guide the illumination light reflected in the peripheral region of the third opening to the aperture lens of the fundus.

5. The ophthalmic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit repeatedly executes the flare optimization control until it determines, based on the second determination result, that no flare has occurred.

6. The ophthalmic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the fixation micro-motion determination unit determines that the fixation micro-motion is small, or when the light amount determination unit determines that the light amount cannot be increased, the control unit controls at least one of the illumination optical system, the light scanner, and the image sensor in a manner that extends the imaging time of the fundus.

7. The ophthalmic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the fixation micro-motion determination unit determines that the fixation micro-motion is large and the light quantity determination unit determines that the light quantity can be increased, the control unit controls the first light source in a manner that increases the light quantity.

8. The ophthalmic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The acquisition unit includes the second light source, and acquires the fundus image based on the light reception result of the return light from the second light source acquired by the image sensor.

9. The ophthalmic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When it is determined that the flare has occurred based on the first determination result, the control unit performs the flare optimization control. When it is determined that the flare has not occurred based on the first determination result, the control unit performs the shooting time optimization control by changing the shooting conditions in a manner that shortens the shooting time of the fundus by controlling at least one of the illumination optical system, the light scanner, the shooting optical system and the image sensor.

10. The ophthalmic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The image sensor is a CMOS image sensor.

11. A control method for an ophthalmic device, characterized in that, The ophthalmic device includes: First light source; An illumination optical system that uses light from the first light source to generate slit-shaped illumination light; An optical scanner deflects the illumination light and directs it to the fundus of the eye being examined. An optical imaging system guides the return light of the illumination light from the fundus to an image sensor, the image sensor being configured to acquire the illumination result of the return light of the illumination light corresponding to the illumination position of the illumination light in the fundus using a rolling shutter method; The acquisition unit uses light from a second light source to acquire fundus images of the examined eye. The control method for the ophthalmic device includes: The first flare determination step involves analyzing the fundus image of the examined eye to determine whether a flare has occurred. The control step executes a flare optimization control that controls at least one of the first light source, the illumination optical system, the light scanner, the imaging optical system, and the image sensor to change at least one of the amount of light received by the returned light in the image sensor and the imaging time of the fundus using the image sensor in a manner that prevents the flare from occurring, based on the first determination result obtained in the first flare determination step. The second flare determination step determines whether a flare has occurred by analyzing the fundus image obtained by the acquisition unit under the shooting conditions changed by the flare optimization control. In the image formation step, when it is determined that no flare has occurred based on the second determination result obtained in the second flare determination step, an image of the fundus is formed based on the light reception result obtained by the image sensor. The fixation micromotion determination step determines the state of fixation micromotion in the examined eye; and The light intensity determination step determines whether it is possible to increase the light intensity output from the first light source. The control steps change the shooting conditions based on the determination results obtained through the fixation micro-motion determination step or the determination results obtained through the light quantity determination step.

12. The control method for the ophthalmic device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The illumination optical system includes: A slit, which can be positioned at a fundus conjugate location optically conjugate to the fundus, and forms a slit-shaped first opening whose shape can be varied; and The iris aperture can be configured at an optically conjugate position to the iris of the examined eye between the first light source and the slit, and has a second opening whose shape can be changed. When it is determined that the flare has occurred based on the first determination result, the control step controls the illumination optical system in a manner that reduces the size of the opening shape of at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

13. The control method for the ophthalmic device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The imaging optical system includes: The imaging aperture can be configured at an iris conjugate position that is optically conjugate to the iris of the eye being examined, and a third opening with a shape that can be modified is formed. When it is determined that the flare has occurred based on the first determination result, the control step controls the imaging optical system in a manner that reduces the size of the opening shape of the third opening.

14. The control method for the ophthalmic device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The control steps are repeated to perform the flare optimization control until it is determined, based on the second determination result, that no flare has occurred.

15. The control method for the ophthalmic device according to claim 11, characterized in that, When it is determined in the fixation micro-motion determination step that the fixation micro-motion is small, or when it is determined in the light amount determination step that the light amount cannot be increased, the control step controls at least one of the illumination optical system, the light scanner, and the image sensor in a manner that prolongs the imaging time of the fundus.

16. The control method for the ophthalmic device according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the fixation micro-motion determination step determines that the fixation micro-motion is large and the light quantity determination step determines that the light quantity can be increased, the control step controls the first light source in a manner that increases the light quantity.

17. The control method for the ophthalmic device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, When it is determined that the flare has occurred based on the first determination result, the control step performs the flare optimization control. When it is determined that the flare has not occurred based on the first determination result, the control step performs the shooting time optimization control by changing the shooting conditions in a manner that shortens the shooting time of the fundus by controlling at least one of the illumination optical system, the light scanner, the shooting optical system and the image sensor.

18. The control method for the ophthalmic device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The image sensor is a CMOS image sensor.

19. A recording medium, said recording medium being a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium, characterized in that, The recording medium stores a program that causes a computer to execute the steps of the control method for the ophthalmic device according to claim 11 or 12.

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