Ophthalmologic apparatus and non-contact type sensor operation confirmation method

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmologic apparatus and a non-contact type sensor operation confirmation method which can execute operation confirmation of a non-contact type sensor at a low cost without installing a new installation space.SOLUTION: An ophthalmologic apparatus comprises: a drive mechanism 13 which relatively moves an eye characteristic acquisition unit (non-contact type tonometer 14B) with respect to a subject eye E; a non-contact type sensor (capacitance type sensor 36) which is provided in the eye characteristic acquisition unit and can detect the approach of the eye characteristic acquisition unit to the face of a subject in a non-contact manner; a state switching unit 45a which moves at least one of the eye characteristic acquisition unit and a specific structure (forehead contact part 12b) of the ophthalmologic apparatus and switches a state into a state where the non-contact type sensor can detect the structure; a detection value acquisition unit 45b which acquires a detection value of the non-contact type sensor in at least the detection state; and a determination unit 45c which determines whether or not the non-contact type sensor is normally operated on the basis of the detection value acquired by the detection value acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ophthalmic apparatus including a non-contact sensor and a method for confirming the operation of the non-contact sensor.

Background Art

[0002] As one of ophthalmic apparatuses for acquiring (measuring, photographing, observing, etc.) the eye characteristics of an eye under examination, a non-contact tonometer that non-contact measures the intraocular pressure of the eye under examination or a composite apparatus (composite ophthalmic apparatus) including this non-contact tonometer is known (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). The non-contact tonometer measures the intraocular pressure value of the eye under examination without contacting the cornea by deforming the cornea by blowing air from a nozzle toward the cornea of the eye under examination and detecting the deformed state. Before starting the intraocular pressure measurement of the eye under examination by this non-contact tonometer, alignment of the measurement head with respect to the eye under examination is performed. At this time, it is necessary to prevent contact between the nozzle, the eye under examination, and the face of the subject.

[0003] Patent Document 3 describes a non-contact tonometer provided with a sensor (non-contact sensor) capable of detecting the approach of a measurement head to the face (eye under examination) of a subject on the measurement head. In the non-contact tonometer described in Patent Document 3, when the sensor detects the approach of the measurement head to the face of the subject during alignment, the alignment is aborted. In order to abort the alignment when the measurement head approaches the face of the subject in this way, the sensor needs to be operating correctly.

[0004] Therefore, the non-contact tonometer described in Patent Document 3 is provided with a pseudo reaction part (such as a capacitor) capable of reproducing a proximity state in which the face of the subject is in a state of being sufficiently close to the sensor (less than the operating distance of the non-contact tonometer). Then, the non-contact tonometer described in Patent Document 3 acquires a detection value (detection signal) from the sensor while reproducing a proximity state closer than the pseudo reaction part, and performs an operation confirmation as to whether the sensor operates normally based on this detection signal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-112437 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-099968 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-153907 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Incidentally, the non-contact tonometer described in Patent Document 3 requires a separate simulated reaction unit to verify the operation of the sensor. Therefore, the non-contact tonometer described in Patent Document 3 presents problems such as increased costs and the need to secure space for the simulated reaction unit.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide an ophthalmic device and a method for verifying the operation of a non-contact sensor at low cost without requiring new installation space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An ophthalmic apparatus for achieving the objectives of the present invention comprises: an eye characteristic acquisition unit for acquiring the eye characteristics of an eye under examination; a drive mechanism for moving the eye characteristic acquisition unit relative to the eye under examination; a relative position detection unit for detecting the relative position of the eye under examination with respect to the eye characteristic acquisition unit; an alignment control unit for aligning the eye characteristic acquisition unit with respect to the eye under examination by automatically driving the drive mechanism based on the relative position detection result by the relative position detection unit or by driving the drive mechanism in accordance with manual movement operation; a non-contact sensor provided on the eye characteristic acquisition unit that can detect the approach of the eye characteristic acquisition unit to the face of the person under examination without contact; a state switching unit for moving at least one of the eye characteristic acquisition unit and a specific structure of the ophthalmic apparatus to switch the non-contact sensor to a detection state in which it can detect the structure; a detection value acquisition unit for acquiring the detection value of the non-contact sensor in at least the detection state; and a determination unit for determining whether the non-contact sensor is operating normally based on the detection value acquired by the detection value acquisition unit.

[0009] This ophthalmic device allows for the verification of the operation of non-contact sensors using specific structures within the device.

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, an ophthalmic device moves at least one of the eye characteristic acquisition unit and the structure to switch the non-contact sensor from a non-detection state (where the structure cannot be detected) to a detection state; a detection value acquisition unit acquires a detection value in the non-detection state and a detection value in the detection state; and a determination unit makes a determination based on the difference between the detection value in the detection state and the detection value in the non-detection state. This reduces the influence of ambient temperature and humidity on the operation check of the ophthalmic device, allowing for more accurate operation checks of the non-contact sensor.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the detection state is a facing state in which the non-contact sensor faces the structure, and the non-detection state is a non-facing state in which the non-contact sensor does not face the structure.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the state switching unit, in the opposing state, sets the distance between the non-contact sensor and the structure to be greater than or equal to the working distance of the eye characteristic acquisition unit, within the detection range of the non-contact sensor. This makes it possible to verify the operation of the non-contact sensor without bringing the non-contact sensor close to the structure.

[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, the ophthalmic device switches between a detection state and a non-detection state by driving a drive mechanism to move the eye characteristic acquisition unit. This allows switching between the detection state and the non-detection state to be performed using an existing alignment drive mechanism.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the ophthalmic device includes a base that movably supports an eye characteristic acquisition unit, and a face support unit provided on the base that supports the face of a subject, and includes a chin support unit that receives the subject's chin, and a forehead support unit that contacts the subject's forehead, wherein the structure is the forehead support unit. This makes it possible to verify the operation of a non-contact sensor using an existing forehead support unit.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, in an ophthalmic device, when the side of the eye characteristic acquisition unit that approaches the eye under examination is the front side, the structure is a shutter that can be opened and closed on the front side of the eye characteristic acquisition unit, and the state switching unit closes the shutter when detection is enabled and opens the shutter when no detection is enabled. This allows switching to the opposing state to be performed in a short time.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, an ophthalmic device is provided that, when the distance between the non-contact sensor and the structure in the detection state is known, a sensor calibration unit is included that calibrates the non-contact sensor based on the detection value acquired by the detection value acquisition unit. This prevents the detection value of the non-contact sensor from increasing or decreasing due to differences in temperature and humidity around the ophthalmic device, thereby enabling accurate verification of the operation of the non-contact sensor.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, the ophthalmic apparatus is configured such that the drive mechanism allows the eye characteristic acquisition unit to move along the front-to-back direction toward the eye under examination and toward the rearward direction toward the eye under examination. The apparatus includes a distance acquisition unit that moves the eye characteristic acquisition unit in the front-to-back direction in the detection state and acquires the distance between the non-contact sensor and the structure. The sensor calibration unit repeatedly performs the acquisition of a detected value by the detection value acquisition unit and the acquisition of a distance by the distance acquisition unit each time the front-to-back position of the eye characteristic acquisition unit is changed by the drive mechanism, and performs calibration of the non-contact sensor based on the detected value and distance for each front-to-back position. This enables precise calibration of the non-contact sensor, preventing the detected value of the non-contact sensor from increasing or decreasing due to differences in temperature and humidity around the ophthalmic apparatus, and allowing for accurate verification of the operation of the non-contact sensor.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the ophthalmic device is a non-contact sensor, and the structure is made of a metal material and connected to ground.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, the ophthalmic device is a non-contact tonometer. By verifying the operation of the non-contact sensor of the non-contact tonometer, which has a short working distance, the approach of the non-contact tonometer to the subject's face can be reliably detected using this non-contact sensor.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, the ophthalmic device includes a first ophthalmic characteristic acquisition unit that acquires a first ophthalmic characteristic as an ophthalmic characteristic, and a second ophthalmic characteristic acquisition unit provided above the first ophthalmic characteristic acquisition unit that acquires a second ophthalmic characteristic different from the first ophthalmic characteristic as an ophthalmic characteristic, wherein the second ophthalmic characteristic acquisition unit is a non-contact tonometer. By verifying the operation of the non-contact sensor of a non-contact tonometer with a short working distance, the approach of the non-contact tonometer to the subject's face can be reliably detected using this non-contact sensor.

[0021] In an ophthalmic device according to another aspect of the present invention, during the execution of alignment, when the detection value of the non-contact sensor exceeds a threshold value, a danger avoidance operation control unit is provided that controls the drive mechanism to execute a danger avoidance operation. Thereby, it is possible to reliably prevent the eye characteristic acquisition unit from coming into contact with the subject's face.

[0022] In an ophthalmic device according to another aspect of the present invention, when the determination unit determines that the non-contact sensor does not operate normally, or when the detection value of the non-contact sensor exceeds a threshold value, a notification unit is provided that notifies warning information. Thereby, it is possible to notify the examiner of warning information.

[0023] A method for confirming the operation of a non-contact sensor for achieving the object of the present invention includes an eye characteristic acquisition unit that acquires the eye characteristics of the subject eye, a drive mechanism that relatively moves the eye characteristic acquisition unit with respect to the subject eye, a relative position detection unit that detects the relative position of the subject eye with respect to the eye characteristic acquisition unit, and an alignment control unit that automatically drives the drive mechanism based on the detection result of the relative position by the relative position detection unit or drives the drive mechanism in response to a manual movement operation of the drive mechanism to perform alignment of the eye characteristic acquisition unit with respect to the subject eye, and a non-contact sensor provided on the eye characteristic acquisition unit that can detect the approach of the eye characteristic acquisition unit to the subject's face in a non-contact manner. In the method for confirming the operation of the non-contact sensor of the ophthalmic device, a state switching step of moving at least one of the eye characteristic acquisition unit and a specific structure of the ophthalmic device to switch the non-contact sensor to a detection state in which the structure can be detected, a detection value acquisition step of acquiring the detection value of the non-contact sensor at least in the detection state, and a determination step of determining whether the non-contact sensor operates normally based on the detection value acquired in the detection value acquisition step.

Effects of the Invention

[0024] The present invention can perform the operation confirmation of the non-contact sensor at low cost without providing a new installation space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a side view of the ophthalmic device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a non-contact tonometer and the functions of its control device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the nozzle of a non-contact tonometer, as seen from the patient's side. [Figure 4] This is a front view enlargement of the electrodes of a capacitive sensor. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the directivity of capacitive sensors. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the switching of the measuring head to the opposing state by the state switching unit. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a magnified view of the nozzle and forehead rest area. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of warning information broadcast by the notification control unit. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the forward / backward movement control unit, the distance acquisition unit, and the detected value acquisition unit. [Figure 10] This graph shows the relationship between the Z-direction distance of the measuring head at each Z-direction position acquired during the forward and backward movement of the measuring head, and the detected capacitance value. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the procedure for measuring refractometer and intraocular pressure of an eye examined using the ophthalmic device of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation verification process for the capacitive sensor of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the calibration process for the capacitive sensor of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation verification process for the capacitive sensor of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of the measuring head of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the third embodiment, showing the shutter in an open state. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram of the measuring head of the ophthalmic device according to the third embodiment, showing the shutter in a closed state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a side view of the ophthalmic device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, it is a multi-function device capable of measuring intraocular pressure, refractive power, and corneal curvature of the left and right eyes E of a patient. This ophthalmic device 10 comprises a base 11, a face support unit 12, a drive mechanism 13, a measuring head 14, a monitor 15, and a control device 16.

[0027] In the diagram, of the mutually orthogonal XYZ directions (3 axis directions), the Y direction is the vertical direction, the Z direction is the forward / backward direction (also called the working distance direction) that moves towards or away from the subject (test eye E), and the X direction is the left / right direction perpendicular to both the vertical and forward / backward directions. Furthermore, in the Z direction (forward / backward direction), the side that moves towards the test eye E (subject) is called the Z-direction anterior side, and the side that moves away from the test eye E (subject) is called the Z-direction posterior side.

[0028] A face support section 12 and a drive mechanism 13 are provided on the base 11, extending from the front side in the Z direction to the rear side in the Z direction. The base 11 supports the measuring head 14 so that it can move in the XYZ directions via the drive mechanism 13.

[0029] The face support section 12 is fixed to the base 11. This face support section 12 includes a chin rest section 12a that receives the subject's chin and a forehead rest section 12b that contacts the subject's forehead, and supports the subject's face. The forehead rest section 12b corresponds to the structure of the present invention and is formed by curving a part of a frame 12c made of metal material in the X direction to conform to the forehead, and includes a rubber pad (not shown) that contacts the subject's forehead. The frame 12c is also connected to the ground.

[0030] The drive mechanism 13 is composed of an actuator (not shown), such as a motor. This drive mechanism 13 moves the measuring head 14 in the XYZ direction relative to the base 11. This allows the measuring head 14 to be moved relative to the eye E being examined in the XYZ direction.

[0031] The measuring head 14 is provided with an autorefractor keratometer 14A corresponding to the first eye characteristic acquisition unit of the present invention, and a non-contact tonometer 14B corresponding to the eye characteristic acquisition unit and the second eye characteristic acquisition unit of the present invention.

[0032] The autorefractometer 14A performs refractometer-keratometer measurements to determine the refractive power and corneal curvature of the eye E under examination using various optical systems and sensors. The autorefractometer 14A is equipped with various optical systems used for anterior segment observation, alignment detection, alignment, and refractometer-keratometer measurements of the eye E under examination, although these are not shown in the figures. The specific configuration of the autorefractometer 14A is based on publicly known technology (see, for example, Patent Document 1 above), so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0033] The non-contact tonometer 14B measures the intraocular pressure of the eye E without contact by deforming the cornea by blowing air from a nozzle 31 toward the cornea of ​​the eye E and detecting the state of deformation. The working distance of this non-contact tonometer 14B is shorter than that of the autorefractor keratometer 14A.

[0034] In this embodiment, the intraocular pressure of the eye E being examined is measured using the non-contact tonometer 14B after the refractometer measurement using the autorefractometer 14A. Therefore, the drive mechanism 13 performs a rough alignment, which includes moving the measuring head 14 downward in the Y direction and moving the measuring head 14 forward in the Z direction, after the refractometer measurement using the autorefractometer 14A is completed and before the intraocular pressure measurement using the non-contact tonometer 14B.

[0035] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the non-contact tonometer 14B and the functions of the control device 16. As shown in Figure 2, the non-contact tonometer 14B comprises an anterior segment observation optical system 21, an XY alignment index projection optical system 22, a fixation target projection optical system 23, an applanation detection optical system 24, a Z alignment index projection optical system 25, a Z alignment detection optical system 26, a spraying mechanism 30, and a capacitive sensor 36.

[0036] The anterior segment observation optical system 21 is used to acquire an anterior segment image of the eye E under examination. The anterior segment observation optical system 21 is also used to perform XY alignment of the measurement head 14 in the XY direction relative to the eye E under examination by imaging the corneal reflected light of the XY alignment index light projected onto the eye E under examination by the XY alignment index projection optical system 22 described later.

[0037] The XY alignment indicator projection optical system 22 projects XY alignment indicator light onto the cornea of ​​the eye E being examined from the front. This XY alignment indicator light is used for XY alignment of the measurement head 14 relative to the eye E being examined and for measuring the intraocular pressure of the eye E being examined.

[0038] The fixation target projection optical system 23 projects a fixation target onto the eye E under examination. The applanation detection optical system 24 images the corneal reflected light of the XY alignment index light projected onto the cornea of ​​the eye E under examination from the XY alignment index projection optical system 22, and outputs a detection signal (also called an applanation signal or corneal deformation signal) indicating the amount of this corneal reflected light.

[0039] The Z-alignment index projection optical system 25 projects Z-alignment index light for Z-alignment onto the cornea of ​​the eye E being examined from an oblique direction.

[0040] The Z-alignment detection optical system 26 detects the corneal reflected light of the Z-alignment indicator light and detects the Z-direction positional relationship between the non-contact tonometer 14B and the eye E (cornea) based on the detected signal of the corneal reflected light.

[0041] The spraying mechanism 30 blows air from the nozzle 31 toward the cornea of ​​the eye E being examined. The spraying mechanism 30 is also equipped with a pressure sensor, although not shown in the figure, which acquires the air pressure when air is blown from the nozzle 31 toward the cornea of ​​the eye E being examined.

[0042] The detailed configurations of the anterior segment observation optical system 21, the XY alignment index projection optical system 22, the fixation target projection optical system 23, the applanation detection optical system 24, the Z alignment index projection optical system 25, the Z alignment detection optical system 26, and the spraying mechanism 30 are known technologies (see, for example, Patent Document 1 above), so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0043] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the nozzle 31 of the non-contact tonometer 14B as seen from the patient's side. Figure 4 is a front view enlargement of the electrode 36a of the capacitive sensor 36 in Figure 3. In the figure, the symbol AX indicates the central axis of the nozzle 31 parallel to the Z direction, and the symbol HL indicates a parallel line that is a straight line parallel to the X direction.

[0044] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the front side of the measuring head 14 facing the subject is provided with a convex glass holding portion 34 for holding the anterior eye window glass 32, and a capacitive sensor 36 corresponding to the non-contact sensor of the present invention.

[0045] The capacitive sensor 36 detects the approach of the nozzle 31 to the subject's face (including the eye E) under the control of the control device 16, which will be described later. This capacitive sensor 36 is, for example, of a self-capacitive type and has an electrode 36a and a detection circuit 36b.

[0046] The electrode 36a is provided on the glass holder 34 and forms a pseudo-condenser with the subject's face. When viewed from the tip side of the nozzle 31, the electrode 36a is formed in the region below the parallel line HL within the annular region surrounding the nozzle 31, that is, it is formed in a substantially semi-annular shape. The phrase "formed in the region below the parallel line HL" here includes both cases where it is formed in the entire region below the parallel line HL, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and cases where it is formed in a part of the region below the parallel line HL.

[0047] The detection circuit 36b is provided, for example, inside (or outside) the measurement head 14 and is connected to the electrode 36a via wiring 36c. This detection circuit 36b detects the capacitance generated by the pseudo-capacitor described above and outputs the detected value to the control device 16. The capacitance of the pseudo-capacitor increases as the distance between the electrode 36a and the subject's face decreases, and conversely, the capacitance of the pseudo-capacitor decreases as the distance between the electrode 36a and the subject's face increases. Therefore, the distance between the electrode 36a (nozzle 31) and the subject's face can be detected based on the capacitance detected by the detection circuit 36b. As a result, the approach of the nozzle 31 to the subject's face can be detected by the capacitive sensor 36.

[0048] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the directivity of the capacitive sensor 36. The symbol RD in the figure indicates the detection range of the capacitive sensor 36. The detection range RD shown in Figure 5 is just one example, and its range can be changed as needed.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, by forming the electrode 36a in a substantially semi-annular shape, the detection range RD of the capacitive sensor 36 is limited above the central axis AX when the nozzle 31 and glass holding portion 34 are viewed from any one direction in the X direction. As a result, the capacitive sensor 36 has directionality towards the front of the nozzle 31, but when the nozzle 31 is viewed from any one direction in the X direction, the directionality above the central axis AX is weaker than that below it.

[0050] By weakening the directivity of the capacitive sensor 36 towards the upper side of the central axis AX in this way, even when the nozzle 31 is brought close to the eye E under examination, a sufficient distance is ensured between the electrode 36a and the subject's forehead. Therefore, even if the subject's forehead is prominent (i.e., the subject has deep facial features), the capacitive sensor 36 is prevented from falsely detecting the examiner's forehead. Furthermore, even when the examiner is performing an eyelid-opening procedure to open the subject's eyelids, a sufficient distance is ensured between the electrode 36a and the examiner's fingers, thus preventing the capacitive sensor 36 from falsely detecting the examiner's fingers.

[0051] In this embodiment, the electrode 36a is formed in a substantially semi-annular shape to weaken the directivity of the capacitive sensor 36 with respect to the upper side of the central axis AX. However, the position and shape of the electrode 36a can be changed as appropriate, as long as it is possible to detect the approach of the subject's face or the like to the nozzle 31.

[0052] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, the monitor 15 is a touch panel monitor mounted on the back of the measurement head 14. Under the control of the control device 16 (described later), the monitor 15 displays various images, including the captured image (observation image) of the eye E taken by the autorefractometer 14A or non-contact tonometer 14B, the measurement results of the eye characteristics of the eye E (refractive power, corneal curvature, and intraocular pressure), and an operation menu screen for performing various operations. These operations include manual movement of the measurement head 14 in the XYZ directions. The monitor 15 also displays various warning information under the control of the control device 16 (see Figure 8).

[0053] The control device 16 provides overall control over the operation of the ophthalmic device 10. The control device 16 includes an arithmetic circuit composed of various processors and memory. The various processors include CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and programmable logic devices [e.g., SPLDs (Simple Programmable Logic Devices), CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays)]. The various functions of the control device 16 may be implemented by a single processor, or by multiple processors of the same or different types.

[0054] The control device 16 is connected to the aforementioned drive mechanism 13, measuring head 14 (auto refractometer 14A, non-contact tonometer 14B), and monitor 15, etc. This control device 16 provides overall control of the operation of the ophthalmic device 10, such as alignment detection, alignment, refractometer measurement, intraocular pressure measurement, and operation confirmation of the capacitive sensor 36.

[0055] The control device 16 functions as a first alignment control unit 40, a first measurement control unit 41, a second alignment control unit 42, a hazard avoidance operation control unit 43, a second measurement control unit 44, an operation confirmation control unit 45, a notification control unit 46, and a calibration control unit 47 by reading and executing a control program (not shown). Note that the "~unit" described in relation to the control device 16 may also be a "~circuit," a "~device," or a "~equipment." In other words, the "~unit" described may consist of firmware, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

[0056] The first alignment control unit 40 controls the auto-alignment of the auto-refractometer 14A in the XYZ direction relative to the eye E before the start of refractometer measurement of the eye E under examination. The first alignment control unit 40 first controls the various optical systems of the auto-refractometer 14A and performs XYZ alignment detection to detect the relative position of the eye E under examination in the XYZ direction relative to the auto-refractometer 14A using a known method (see, for example, Patent Document 1 above).

[0057] Next, the first alignment control unit 40 automatically drives the drive mechanism 13 based on the detection result of the XYZ alignment detection to perform automatic alignment of the autorefractometer 14A in the XYZ direction for the eye E under examination.

[0058] The first measurement control unit 41 performs refractometer measurement of the eye E under examination using the autorefractometer 14A after the auto-alignment of the autorefractometer 14A is completed. Since refractometer measurement using the autorefractometer 14A is also a known technique (see, for example, Patent Document 1 above), a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0059] The second alignment control unit 42 controls the auto-alignment (coarse alignment, precise alignment) of the non-contact tonometer 14B in the XYZ directions for the eye E after refractory keratometry measurement and before intraocular pressure measurement begins. First, the second alignment control unit 42 drives the drive mechanism 13 to perform coarse alignment, including downward and forward movement of the measurement head 14 as described above, to move the non-contact tonometer 14B (measurement head 14) to a position where alignment detection before intraocular pressure measurement is possible.

[0060] Next, the second alignment control unit 42 controls the anterior segment observation optical system 21 and the XY alignment index projection optical system 22 described above to perform XY alignment detection to detect the relative position of the eye E in the XY direction with respect to the non-contact tonometer 14B. The second alignment control unit 42 also controls the Z alignment index projection optical system 25 and the Z alignment detection optical system 26 to perform Z alignment detection to detect the relative position of the eye E in the Z direction with respect to the non-contact tonometer 14B. In this case, the second alignment control unit 42 functions together with the anterior segment observation optical system 21, the XY alignment index projection optical system 22, the Z alignment index projection optical system 25, and the Z alignment detection optical system 26 as the relative position detection unit of the present invention. Note that the specific methods for these XYZ alignment detections are also known technologies (see, for example, Patent Document 1 above), so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0061] Then, based on the detection results of the XYZ alignment detection, the second alignment control unit 42 drives the drive mechanism 13 to perform precise XYZ alignment of the non-contact tonometer 14B with respect to the eye E under examination. In this case, the second alignment control unit 42 functions as the alignment control unit of the present invention.

[0062] The hazard avoidance action control unit 43 operates the capacitive sensor 36 while the second alignment control unit 42 is performing auto-alignment in the XYZ directions (especially during the forward movement of the head during rough alignment) and repeatedly acquires capacitance detection values ​​from the capacitive sensor 36. When the detection value acquired from the capacitive sensor 36 exceeds a predetermined threshold, that is, when the nozzle 31 approaches the subject's face, the hazard avoidance action control unit 43 controls the drive mechanism 13 to execute a predetermined hazard avoidance action. This hazard avoidance action is not particularly limited as long as it stops the movement of the measurement head 14 (non-contact tonometer 14B), especially in the forward direction in the Z direction, and examples include stopping the drive mechanism 13 or moving the measurement head 14 backward in the Z direction.

[0063] The second measurement control unit 44 activates the blowing mechanism 30 after the auto-alignment by the second alignment control unit 42 is completed, causing the blowing mechanism 30 to blow air onto the cornea of ​​the eye E under examination. While air is being blown onto the cornea of ​​the eye E under examination from the nozzle 31, the second measurement control unit 44 continuously performs the projection of XY alignment index light onto the cornea by the XY alignment index projection optical system 22, and the imaging of the corneal reflection of the XY alignment index light by the applanation detection optical system 24 and the output of a detection signal for this corneal reflection. The second measurement control unit 44 then calculates the intraocular pressure value of the eye E under examination using a known method based on the detection signal continuously output from the applanation detection optical system 24 and the detection result of a pressure sensor (not shown) provided on the blowing mechanism 30.

[0064] The operation confirmation control unit 45 controls the operation confirmation of the capacitive sensor 36, that is, the determination of whether or not the capacitive sensor 36 is operating normally. This operation confirmation of the capacitive sensor 36 is performed at any time, for example, immediately after the power of the ophthalmic device 10 is turned on, after refractometer measurement (before intraocular pressure measurement), after intraocular pressure measurement, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed (after a predetermined number of intraocular pressure measurements have been performed), or each time the subject changes (after the previous measurement results have been reset). In this embodiment, the operation confirmation of the capacitive sensor 36 is described as being performed immediately after the power is turned on.

[0065] The operation confirmation control unit 45 confirms the operation of the capacitive sensor 36 by having the capacitive sensor 36 detect a specific structure of the ophthalmic device 10. The specific structure referred to here is an existing structure provided on the ophthalmic device 10 for a purpose other than confirming the operation of the capacitive sensor 36 (determining whether or not it is operating normally), and in this embodiment, it is the forehead rest 12b (frame 12c).

[0066] The operation confirmation control unit 45 functions as a state switching unit 45a, a detected value acquisition unit 45b, and a determination unit 45c when confirming the operation of the capacitive sensor 36.

[0067] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the switching of the measuring head 14 to the opposing state by the state switching unit 45a. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the nozzle 31 and forehead rest 12b in Figure 6.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6, the state switching unit 45a drives the drive mechanism 13 to move the measuring head 14 in the XYZ direction (especially the Y direction), thereby switching the measuring head 14 (non-contact tonometer 14B) between an opposing state in which the capacitive sensor 36 faces the forehead rest 12b and a non-opposing state in which the capacitive sensor 36 does not face the forehead rest 12b (see Figure 1). The opposing state corresponds to the detection state of the present invention, and the non-opposing state corresponds to the non-detection state of the present invention. At the timing of confirming the operation of the capacitive sensor 36, if the measuring head 14 is in the non-opposing state, the state switching unit 45a drives the drive mechanism 13 to switch the measuring head 14 to the opposing state.

[0069] Here, since the forehead rest portion 12b is fixed to the base 11, the position of the forehead rest portion 12b on the rear side in the Z direction is also fixed. For this reason, when the state switching unit 45a switches the measuring head 14 to the opposing state, it drives the drive mechanism 13 so that the capacitive sensor 36 moves to a predetermined position on the rear side in the Z direction of the forehead rest portion 12b, thereby adjusting the position of the measuring head 14 in the XYZ directions. As a result, when the capacitive sensor 36 is switched to the opposing state, the relative position of the capacitive sensor 36 with respect to the forehead rest portion 12b is always at a constant position.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7, when the measuring head 14 is switched to the opposing position, the relative position of the capacitive sensor 36 with respect to the forehead rest 12b is always constant, so the Z-direction distance DZ between the capacitive sensor 36 and the forehead rest 12b is also always constant. In this case, the Z-direction detection range RD of the capacitive sensor 36 is longer than the working distance of the non-contact tonometer 14B, so even if the Z-direction distance DZ is longer than the working distance, the detected capacitance value of the normally functioning capacitive sensor 36 will be sufficiently large. For this reason, in this embodiment, the Z-direction distance DZ is set to be longer than the working distance within the range of the detection range RD, and more preferably within the effective detection range of the detection range RD from which a sufficient capacitance detection value can be obtained with a normal capacitive sensor 36.

[0071] Therefore, when the state switching unit 45a switches the measuring head 14 to the opposing state, the forehead rest 12b is included within the effective range of the detection range RD of the capacitive sensor 36. As previously described, the forehead rest 12b is formed of a metal frame 12c and this frame 12c is connected to ground, so the capacitive sensor 36 becomes able to detect the forehead rest 12b. Here, "detectable" includes the fact that a sufficient capacitance detection value can be obtained if the capacitive sensor 36 is functioning correctly.

[0072] On the other hand, when the state switching unit 45a switches the measuring head 14 to a non-facing state, the forehead rest 12b is no longer included within the effective detection range RD of the capacitive sensor 36, so the capacitive sensor 36 becomes unable to detect the forehead rest 12b. In this case, "unable to detect" includes the fact that even a normal capacitive sensor 36 cannot obtain a sufficient capacitance detection value.

[0073] Returning to Figure 2, the detection value acquisition unit 45b acquires the capacitance detection value from the capacitive sensor 36 and outputs it to the determination unit 45c when the measurement head 14 is switched to the non-facing state by the state switching unit 45a.

[0074] The determination unit 45c determines whether the capacitive sensor 36 is functioning correctly based on whether the detected capacitance value input from the detected value acquisition unit 45b is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold. Here, the detected capacitance value output from the capacitive sensor 36 is affected by the distance DZ in the Z direction and the temperature and humidity (temperature, humidity) of the surrounding environment of the ophthalmic device 10. For this reason, the determination threshold is determined in advance by conducting experiments or simulations based on, for example, the type of capacitive sensor 36, the distance DZ in the Z direction, the temperature and humidity of the installation environment of the ophthalmic device 10, and the material of the forehead rest 12b. This allows for verification of the operation of the capacitive sensor 36.

[0075] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the notification of warning information 50 and 52 by the notification control unit 46. As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 2 described above, the notification control unit 46, together with the monitor 15, constitutes the notification unit of the present invention. When the determination unit 45c determines that the capacitive sensor 36 is not operating normally, the notification control unit 46 displays warning information 50 to that effect on the monitor 15 (see reference numeral 8A in Figure 8).

[0076] Furthermore, the notification control unit 46 displays warning information 52 on the monitor 15 indicating that the nozzle 31 is close to the subject's face when the capacitance detection value obtained by the aforementioned danger avoidance operation control unit 43 from the capacitive sensor 36 exceeds a threshold (see reference numeral 8B in Figure 8).

[0077] Alternatively, the notification control unit 46 may display the warning information 50 and 52 on the monitor 15, or it may do so in addition to outputting the warning information 50 and 52 as sound from a speaker (not shown), or vibrate a part of the ophthalmic device 10.

[0078] Returning to Figure 2, the calibration control unit 47 performs calibration of the capacitive sensor 36, whose capacitance detection value changes according to the temperature and humidity surrounding the ophthalmic device 10. This calibration of the capacitive sensor 36 is performed, for example, at the same time as the operation check of the capacitive sensor 36. Alternatively, the calibration of the capacitive sensor 36 may be performed only when the determination unit 45c determines that the capacitive sensor 36 is operating normally. The calibration control unit 47 causes the capacitive sensor 36 to detect the forehead rest 12b, and performs calibration of the capacitive sensor 36 based on the detection value of the capacitive sensor 36 that detected the forehead rest 12b.

[0079] The calibration control unit 47 functions as a forward / backward movement control unit 47a, a distance acquisition unit 47b, a detected value acquisition unit 47c, and a sensor calibration unit 47d when calibrating the capacitive sensor 36.

[0080] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the forward / backward movement control unit 47a, the distance acquisition unit 47b, and the detected value acquisition unit 47c. As shown in Figure 9 and Figure 2 described above, the forward / backward movement control unit 47a drives the drive mechanism 13 to perform forward / backward movement, moving the measuring head 14 (non-contact tonometer 14B) by a predetermined distance in the Z direction within the range in which the forehead rest 12b is included within the detection range RD of the capacitive sensor 36.

[0081] The distance acquisition unit 47b repeatedly acquires the Z-direction distance DZ between the capacitive sensor 36 and the forehead rest 12b while the forward / backward movement control unit 47a is performing forward / backward movement of the measuring head 14. For example, the Z-direction position of the measuring head 14 while it is moving forward / backward along the Z-direction can be detected based on a position detection sensor (not shown) or the number of drive pulses of a stepping motor (not shown) that constitutes the drive mechanism 13. Furthermore, the position of the capacitive sensor 36 within the measuring head 14 is fixed, and the position of the forehead rest 12b relative to the base 11 is also fixed. Therefore, the distance acquisition unit 47b repeatedly detects the Z-direction position of the measuring head 14 while it is moving forward / backward, and each time a new Z-direction position is detected, it calculates the Z-direction distance DZ based on that Z-direction position and the known positions of the capacitive sensor 36 and the forehead rest 12b. In this way, the distance acquisition unit 47b can repeatedly acquire the Z-direction distance DZ while the measuring head 14 is moving forward / backward.

[0082] The detection value acquisition unit 47c acquires the capacitance detection value from the capacitive sensor 36 in conjunction with the acquisition of the Z-direction distance DZ by the distance acquisition unit 47b while the measuring head 14 is moving back and forth. As a result, each time the Z-direction position of the measuring head 14 changes due to back and forth movement, the acquisition of the Z-direction distance DZ by the distance acquisition unit 47b and the acquisition of the capacitance detection value by the detection value acquisition unit 47c are repeatedly performed.

[0083] Figure 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the Z-direction distance DZ of the measuring head 14 at each Z-direction position acquired during the forward and backward movement of the measuring head 14, and the detected capacitance value. As shown in Figure 10 and Figure 2 described above, the sensor calibration unit 47d performs calibration of the capacitive sensor 36 based on the Z-direction distance DZ and the detected capacitance value at each Z-direction position of the measuring head 14, for example, so that the amount of change in the detected capacitance value of the capacitive sensor 36 in response to the change in the Z-direction distance DZ matches a predetermined reference change amount. The calibration method for the capacitive sensor 36 is not particularly limited, and known methods such as adjusting the voltage supplied to the capacitive sensor 36 (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-23608) can be used.

[0084] In this embodiment, precise calibration of the capacitive sensor 36 is performed by acquiring the Z-direction distance DZ and the detected capacitance value for each Z-direction position of the measuring head 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the capacitive sensor 36 may be calibrated based on the detected capacitance value acquired from the capacitive sensor 36 located at a known Z-direction distance DZ. In this case, the detection value acquisition unit 47c acquires the detected capacitance value from the capacitive sensor 36, for example, when the measuring head 14 is switched to the opposing state. The sensor calibration unit 47d then calibrates the capacitive sensor 36 so that the detected capacitance value acquired by the detection value acquisition unit 47c matches the reference value of capacitance in the opposing state (known Z-direction distance DZ). In this case, the calibration of the capacitive sensor 36 can be performed in a short time.

[0085] [Operation of the First Embodiment] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of refractometer measurement and intraocular pressure measurement of the eye E under examination using the ophthalmic device 10 of the first embodiment. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation verification process of the capacitive sensor 36 of the first embodiment according to the non-contact sensor operation verification method of the present invention. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the calibration process of the capacitive sensor 36 of the first embodiment.

[0086] As shown in Figure 11, when the power to the ophthalmic device 10 is turned ON (step S1), the operation confirmation control unit 45 of the control device 16 is activated and the operation confirmation process of the capacitive sensor 36 is started (step S2).

[0087] As shown in Figure 12, in the operation confirmation step of the capacitive sensor 36 in step S2, the state switching unit 45a drives the drive mechanism 13 to switch the measuring head 14 to the opposing state, as shown in Figures 6 and 7 described above (step S2A, corresponding to the state switching step of the present invention). As a result, the capacitive sensor 36 of the non-contact tonometer 14B is positioned opposite the rear side in the Z direction of the forehead rest 12b. At this time, the non-contact tonometer 14B is located above the autorefractometer keratometer 14A in the Y direction, and the forehead rest 12b is also located above the face support unit 12 in the Y direction. Therefore, the amount of movement (movement time) of the measuring head 14 required to move the capacitive sensor 36 to the position opposite the forehead rest 12b can be reduced.

[0088] When the measuring head 14 is switched to the opposing position, the detection value acquisition unit 45b activates the capacitive sensor 36 (step S2B) and then acquires the capacitance detection value from the capacitive sensor 36 (step S2C, corresponding to the detection value acquisition step of the present invention). The detection value acquisition unit 45b then outputs the acquired capacitance detection value to the determination unit 45c.

[0089] Next, the determination unit 45c determines whether the capacitive sensor 36 is operating normally based on whether the detected capacitance value input from the detected value acquisition unit 45b is equal to or greater than the determination threshold (step S2D, corresponding to the determination step of the present invention).

[0090] If the determination unit 45c determines that the capacitive sensor 36 is not functioning correctly (NO in step S2E), the notification control unit 46 displays warning information 50 on the monitor 15 as shown by reference numeral 8A in Figure 8 (step S2F). This notifies the examiner that the capacitive sensor 36 is not functioning correctly and prompts the examiner to take appropriate action (check, replace, repair, etc., the capacitive sensor 36).

[0091] On the other hand, if the determination unit 45c determines that the capacitive sensor 36 is operating normally (YES in step S2E), the operation verification process for the capacitive sensor 36 is completed, and the calibration control unit 47 is activated to proceed to the calibration process for the capacitive sensor 36 in step S3 (see Figure 1) (step S2G).

[0092] As shown in Figure 13, in the calibration process of the capacitive sensor 36 in step S3, the forward / backward movement control unit 47a drives the drive mechanism 13 to start the forward / backward movement of the measuring head 14 (step S3A).

[0093] Next, as shown in Figure 9 above, each time the position of the measuring head 14 in the Z direction is changed, the distance acquisition unit 47b acquires the distance DZ in the Z direction (step S3B), and the detection value acquisition unit 47c acquires the capacitance detection value from the capacitive sensor 36 (step S3C), and these operations are repeatedly performed (NO in step S3D). Then, when the measuring head 14 has moved a predetermined distance in the Z direction, the forward / backward movement control unit 47a stops driving the drive mechanism 13 and ends the forward / backward movement of the measuring head 14 (YES in step S3D).

[0094] Once the forward and backward movement of the measuring head 14 is complete, the sensor calibration unit 47d calibrates the capacitive sensor 36 based on the Z-direction distance DZ and the detected capacitance value for each Z-direction position of the measuring head 14 (step S3E). This prevents the detected capacitance value output from the capacitive sensor 36 from increasing or decreasing due to differences in temperature and humidity around the ophthalmic device 10. This completes the calibration process for the capacitive sensor 36.

[0095] Returning to Figure 11, once the calibration process of the capacitive sensor 36 in step S3 is completed, the first alignment control unit 40 controls the various optical systems of the autorefractometer 14A to perform XYZ alignment detection. Next, based on the detection result of the XYZ alignment detection, the first alignment control unit 40 drives the drive mechanism 13 to perform auto-alignment of the autorefractometer 14A with respect to the eye E under examination (step S4).

[0096] Once the auto-alignment of the auto-refractometer 14A is complete, the first measurement control unit 41 causes the auto-refractometer 14A to perform refractometer measurement of the eye E under examination (step S5).

[0097] Once the refractometer measurement of the eye E is complete, the second alignment control unit 42 drives the drive mechanism 13 to start the auto-alignment of the non-contact tonometer 14B to the eye E (step S6).

[0098] First, the second alignment control unit 42 drives the drive mechanism 13 to perform rough alignment of the measurement head 14 (head downward movement, head forward movement) to move the non-contact tonometer 14B (measurement head 14) to a position where alignment detection is possible. Next, the second alignment control unit 42 controls the anterior segment observation optical system 21 and the XY alignment index projection optical system 22 to perform XY alignment detection, and also controls the Z alignment index projection optical system 25 and the Z alignment detection optical system 26 described above to perform Z alignment detection. Then, based on the detection results of the XYZ alignment detection, the second alignment control unit 42 drives the drive mechanism 13 to perform precise XYZ alignment of the non-contact tonometer 14B with respect to the eye E under examination.

[0099] While the auto-alignment (coarse alignment, precise alignment) of the non-contact tonometer 14B is being performed, the hazard avoidance action control unit 43 activates the capacitive sensor 36 and repeatedly acquires capacitance detection values ​​from the capacitive sensor 36 (NO in step S7, NO in step S8). If the detection value acquired from the capacitive sensor 36 exceeds a threshold (YES in step S7), the hazard avoidance action control unit 43 controls the drive mechanism 13 to perform a hazard avoidance action (stop, retreat) (step S9). By using the operationally confirmed and calibrated capacitive sensor 36 to detect the approach of the nozzle 31 etc. to the subject's face (including the eye E), contact between the nozzle 31 etc. and the subject's face is reliably prevented.

[0100] Next, the notification control unit 46 displays warning information 52 on the monitor 15, as shown by reference numeral 8B in Figure 8 (step S10). This notifies the examiner that the nozzle 31, etc., is approaching the subject's face.

[0101] If the capacitance detection value does not exceed the threshold and the auto-alignment of the non-contact tonometer 14B is completed (NO in step S7, YES in step S8), the second measurement control unit 44 controls the spraying mechanism 30, the XY alignment index projection optical system 22, and the applanation detection optical system 24 to perform intraocular pressure measurement of the eye E under examination (step S11).

[0102] As described above, in the first embodiment, the operation of the capacitive sensor 36 is verified and calibrated using the existing forehead rest portion 12b, eliminating the need to separately provide a component for verifying and calibrating the operation of the capacitive sensor 36 in the ophthalmic device 10. As a result, the operation of the capacitive sensor 36 can be verified and calibrated at low cost without requiring new installation space.

[0103] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the ophthalmic device 10 of the present invention will be described. In the ophthalmic device 10 of the first embodiment described above, the capacitive sensor 36 is determined to be operating normally based on whether the detected capacitance value obtained from the capacitive sensor 36 of the measuring head 14, which is in a facing position, is equal to or greater than a determination threshold. As previously described, the detected capacitance value output from the capacitive sensor 36 is affected by the temperature and humidity around the ophthalmic device 10, so if a change in temperature and humidity occurs, the detected capacitance value may increase or decrease, and it may not be possible to accurately confirm the operation of the capacitive sensor 36.

[0104] Therefore, in the ophthalmic device 10 of the second embodiment, the detected capacitance value output from the capacitive sensor 36 of the measuring head 14 in a non-facing state and the detected capacitance value of the capacitive sensor 36 of the measuring head 14 in a facing state are acquired, and the operation of the capacitive sensor 36 is checked based on whether the difference between the two is greater than or equal to a predetermined difference threshold.

[0105] Furthermore, the ophthalmic apparatus 10 of the second embodiment has basically the same configuration as the ophthalmic apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, except that it performs a different operational verification process (step S100, see Figure 14). Therefore, components that are functionally or structurally identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0106] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation verification process for the capacitive sensor 36 of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, in the operation verification process (step S100) for the capacitive sensor 36 of the second embodiment, the state switching unit 45a drives the drive mechanism 13 to switch the measuring head 14 to the non-facing state (step S101), as shown in Figure 1 described above. If the measuring head 14 is in the non-facing state from the beginning, step S101 is omitted.

[0107] Once the switching of the measuring head 14 to the non-facing state is complete, the detection value acquisition unit 45b activates the capacitive sensor 36 (step S102), acquires the capacitance detection value from the capacitive sensor 36, and outputs this detection value to the determination unit 45c (step S103).

[0108] Next, the state switching unit 45a drives the drive mechanism 13 to switch the measuring head 14 to the opposing state (step S104). Once the measuring head 14 is switched to the opposing state, the detection value acquisition unit 45b acquires the capacitance detection value from the capacitive sensor 36, as in the first embodiment described above (see Figure 12), and outputs this detection value to the determination unit 45c (step S105).

[0109] Then, the determination unit 45c of the second embodiment calculates the difference between the detected capacitance value in the facing state and the detected capacitance value in the non-facing state (step S106), and determines whether the capacitive sensor 36 is operating normally based on whether this difference is greater than or equal to the difference threshold (step S107). Here, the difference threshold is determined in advance by conducting experiments or simulations based on, for example, the type of capacitive sensor 36, the distance DZ in the Z direction, and the material of the forehead rest part 12b.

[0110] Hereafter, as in the first embodiment described above (see Figure 12), if the determination unit 45c determines that the capacitive sensor 36 is not operating normally (NO in step S108), the notification control unit 46 displays warning information 50 on the monitor 15 (step S109). On the other hand, if the determination unit 45c determines that the capacitive sensor 36 is operating normally (YES in step S108), the process proceeds to the calibration process of the capacitive sensor 36 in step S3 shown in Figure 13 (step S110).

[0111] As described above, in the second embodiment, the operation of the capacitive sensor 36 can be verified based on the difference between the detected capacitance value under facing conditions and the detected capacitance value under non-facing conditions, thereby reducing the influence of the ambient temperature and humidity around the ophthalmic device 10 on the operation verification. This allows for more accurate verification of the operation of the capacitive sensor 36.

[0112] [Third Embodiment] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the measuring head 14 of the ophthalmic device 10 of the third embodiment, showing the shutter 64 in the open state. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the measuring head 14 of the ophthalmic device 10 of the third embodiment, showing the shutter 64 in the closed state. In each of the above embodiments, the operation of the capacitive sensor 36 is confirmed using the existing forehead rest 12b, but in the ophthalmic device 10 of the third embodiment, the operation of the capacitive sensor 36 is confirmed using the existing shutter 64 provided on the measuring head 14.

[0113] The ophthalmic apparatus 10 of the third embodiment has basically the same configuration as the ophthalmic apparatus 10 of each of the above embodiments, except that the measuring head 14 is equipped with an opening 60, a shift mechanism 62, a shutter 64, and a shutter opening / closing mechanism 66, and that the functions of the operation confirmation control unit 45 and the calibration control unit 47 are different. For this reason, components that are functionally or structurally identical to those of each of the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0114] The opening 60 is formed on the front surface of the measuring head 14 on the Z-direction front side. This opening 60 exposes the non-contact tonometer 14B inside the measuring head 14 when the front surface of the measuring head 14 is viewed from the Z-direction front side.

[0115] The shift mechanism 62 is composed of an actuator (not shown), such as a motor, and holds the non-contact tonometer 14B so that it can move freely in the Z direction. This shift mechanism 62 selectively moves the measuring head 14 between a usage position (see Figure 15) and a storage position (see Figure 16). When measuring intraocular pressure, the shift mechanism 62 moves the non-contact tonometer 14B to the usage position, causing at least the nozzle 31 (glass holder 34) to protrude forward in the Z direction from the front of the measuring head 14. When not measuring intraocular pressure, such as during refractory keratometry, the shift mechanism 62 moves the non-contact tonometer 14B to the storage position, storing the non-contact tonometer 14B inside the measuring head 14.

[0116] The shutter 64 is made of, for example, a metal material and is attached to the opening 60 on the front of the measuring head 14 so as to be able to open and close. The shutter 64 is also connected to ground, although this is not shown in the figure.

[0117] The shutter opening / closing mechanism 66 is composed of an actuator (not shown), such as a motor, and opens and closes the shutter 64. When measuring intraocular pressure, the shutter opening / closing mechanism 66 opens the shutter 64, thereby opening the opening 60. This allows the shift mechanism 62 to move the non-contact tonometer 14B to the usage position. When not measuring intraocular pressure, the shutter opening / closing mechanism 66 closes the shutter 64, thereby closing the opening 60. This prevents dust and other debris from entering the inside of the measuring head 14.

[0118] In the third embodiment, the operation confirmation control unit 45 confirms the operation of the capacitive sensor 36 by causing the capacitive sensor 36 to detect the shutter 64. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the shutter 64 corresponds to a specific structure of the present invention.

[0119] In the third embodiment, the state switching unit 45a can switch the non-contact tonometer 14B between a facing state where the capacitive sensor 36 faces the forehead rest 12b (see Figure 16) and a non-facing state where the capacitive sensor 36 does not face the forehead rest 12b (see Figure 15) by driving the shift mechanism 62 and the shutter opening / closing mechanism 66. Specifically, when switching the non-contact tonometer 14B to the facing state, the state switching unit 45a drives the shift mechanism 62 to move the non-contact tonometer 14B to the storage position, and then drives the shutter opening / closing mechanism 66 to close the shutter 64. Also, when switching the non-contact tonometer 14B to the non-facing state, the state switching unit 45a drives at least the shutter opening / closing mechanism 66 to open the shutter 64.

[0120] In the third embodiment as well, when the measuring head 14 is switched to the opposing state, the relative position of the capacitive sensor 36 with respect to the forehead rest 12b is always constant, so the Z-direction distance DZ between the capacitive sensor 36 and the shutter 64 is also always constant. The Z-direction distance DZ in the third embodiment is also set to be within the detection range RD of the capacitive sensor 36 in the Z direction and to be longer than or equal to the working distance of the non-contact tonometer 14B. Therefore, when the state switching unit 45a switches the non-contact tonometer 14B to the opposing state, the shutter 64 is included within the detection range RD of the capacitive sensor 36. As previously described, the shutter 64 is made of a metal material and is connected to ground, so the capacitive sensor 36 can detect the shutter 64. Accordingly, in the third embodiment as well, the detection value acquisition unit 45b acquires the detected capacitance value of the capacitive sensor 36 in the opposing state, allowing the determination unit 45c to make a determination.

[0121] On the other hand, when the state switching unit 45a switches the non-contact tonometer 14B to the non-facing state, the shutter 64 is no longer included within the detection range RD (effective detection range) of the capacitive sensor 36, so the capacitive sensor 36 becomes unable to detect the forehead rest 12b. As a result, as in the second embodiment described above, the capacitance detection value of the capacitive sensor 36 in the non-facing state can be obtained. Thus, in the third embodiment as well, as in the second embodiment described above, the operation of the capacitive sensor 36 can be confirmed based on the difference between the capacitance detection value in the facing state and the capacitance detection value in the non-facing state.

[0122] In the third embodiment, the calibration control unit 47 causes the capacitive sensor 36 to detect the shutter 64, and performs calibration of the capacitive sensor 36 based on the detected value of the capacitive sensor 36 that detected the shutter 64.

[0123] In the third embodiment, the forward / backward movement control unit 47a drives the shift mechanism 62 to perform forward / backward movement of the non-contact tonometer 14B by a predetermined distance in the Z direction within the range in which the shutter 64 is included within the detection range RD of the capacitive sensor 36. Hereafter, as in the above embodiments, each time the Z-direction position of the non-contact tonometer 14B is changed by the forward / backward movement, the acquisition of the Z-direction distance DZ by the distance acquisition unit 47b and the acquisition of the detected capacitance value by the detected value acquisition unit 47c are repeatedly performed. Then, the sensor calibration unit 47d calibrates the capacitive sensor 36 based on the Z-direction distance DZ and the detected capacitance value for each Z-direction position of the non-contact tonometer 14B.

[0124] Alternatively, the capacitive sensor 36 may be calibrated based on the capacitance detection value obtained from the capacitive sensor 36 located at a known Z-direction distance DZ, without moving the non-contact tonometer 14B forward or backward.

[0125] As described above, in the third embodiment, the operation of the capacitive sensor 36 can be verified using the existing shutter 64, thus achieving the same effects as in the above embodiments. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the non-contact tonometer 14B can be switched to the opposing state without moving the measurement head 14 as in the above embodiments, so for example, operation verification and calibration of the capacitive sensor 36 can be performed in parallel during refractory keratometry, and the switch to the opposing state can be performed in a short time.

[0126] In the third embodiment described above, the non-contact tonometer 14B is moved to the usage position by the shift mechanism 62 when measuring the intraocular pressure of the eye E under examination. However, the non-contact tonometer 14B may be kept permanently stored in the measuring head 14, and the shutter opening / closing mechanism 66 may open the shutter 64 only when measuring intraocular pressure. In this case, the state switching unit 45a drives the shutter opening / closing mechanism 66 to open and close the shutter 64, thereby switching the non-contact tonometer 14B between a non-facing state and a facing state.

[0127] [others] In the first and second embodiments described above, the state switching unit 45a drives the drive mechanism 13 to move the measuring head 14 in the XYZ direction, thereby switching the measuring head 14 between an opposing state and a non-opposing state. However, if the face support unit 12 has a lifting function, this lifting function may be used to switch the measuring head 14 between an opposing state and a non-opposing state. That is, the opposing state and the non-opposing state may be switched by moving at least one of the measuring head 14 and the forehead rest unit 12b.

[0128] In the embodiments described above, the forehead rest portion 12b and the shutter 64 were given as examples of specific structures of the present invention. However, other structures may be used to verify and calibrate the operation of the capacitive sensor 36, as long as they can be detected by the capacitive sensor 36. In this case as well, the measuring head 14 is switched between an opposing state and a non-opposing state by moving at least one of the measuring head 14 and the specific structure. Furthermore, the specific structure of the present invention may be made of a material other than metal, as long as it can be detected by the capacitive sensor 36.

[0129] In each of the above embodiments, the capacitive sensor 36 is positioned facing the forehead rest 12b or shutter 64 during operation verification and calibration. However, as long as the capacitive sensor 36 can detect the forehead rest 12b or shutter 64, it is not necessary to position the capacitive sensor 36 facing the forehead rest 12b or shutter 64.

[0130] In the embodiments described above, auto-alignment was used as an example for aligning the measurement head 14 (autorefractometer 14A, non-contact tonometer 14B) to the eye E being examined. However, the present invention can also be applied to manual alignment. In manual alignment, the alignment status of the measurement head 14 to the eye E being examined is displayed on the monitor 15 based on the detection result of XYZ alignment detection. The examiner then operates the operation screen on the monitor 15 according to this display to adjust the position of the measurement head 14 in the XYZ directions.

[0131] In each of the above embodiments, a capacitive sensor 36 is used to detect the approach of the nozzle 31 to the subject's face. However, various known non-contact sensors (proximity sensors), such as ultrasonic sensors and infrared proximity sensors, may also be used. In this case, the operation and calibration of the non-contact sensor are performed using a specific structure (shape and material are not particularly limited) of the ophthalmic device 10 that can be detected by the non-contact sensor.

[0132] In the embodiments described above, a combined device comprising an autorefractometer 14A and a non-contact tonometer 14B was used as an example for the ophthalmic device 10, but the present invention can also be applied to a standalone non-contact tonometer 14B. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to ophthalmic devices and combined devices thereof that acquire various ocular characteristics of the eye E under examination (refractive power, corneal curvature, intraocular pressure, corneal endothelial cell count, fundus image, tomographic image, etc.). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0133] 10...Ophthalmological equipment 11…Bass 12…Face support section 12a... Jaw support 12b... Forehead area 12c...frame 13…Drive mechanism 14… Measuring head 14A... Autorefractor / keratometer 14B...Non-contact tonometer 15…Monitor 16...Control device 21...Anterior segment observation optical system 22…XY Alignment Indicative Projection Optical System 23…Fixation target projection optical system 24…Approach detection optical system 25…Z-alignment index projection optics 26…Z-alignment detection optical system 30...Spraying mechanism 31…Nozzle 32…Anterior eye window glass 34...Glass holding part 36…Capacitive Sensor 36a...electrode 36b...Detection circuit 36c...Wiring 40…First Alignment Control Unit 41...First Measurement Control Unit 42...Second Alignment Control Unit 43... Danger Avoidance Action Control Unit 44...Second Measurement Control Unit 45... Operation Confirmation Control Unit 45a...State switching section 45b...Detection value acquisition unit 45c...judgment section 46…Notification Control Unit 47…Calibration Control Unit 47a...Movement control unit 47b…Distance acquisition section 47c...Detection value acquisition unit 47d...Sensor calibration unit 50…Warning Information 52…Warning Information 60…Opening 62... Shift mechanism 64... Shutter 66...Shutter opening and closing mechanism AX…Central axis DZ…Z direction distance E...Eye being examined HL…Parallel line RD...Detection range

Claims

1. an eye characteristic acquisition unit that acquires eye characteristics of the subject's eye; a drive mechanism that moves the eye characteristic acquisition unit relative to the subject's eye; a relative position detection unit that detects a relative position of the subject's eye with respect to the eye characteristic acquisition unit; an alignment control unit that automatically drives the drive mechanism based on a detection result of the relative position by the relative position detection unit or drives the drive mechanism in response to a manual movement operation, thereby aligning the eye characteristic acquisition unit with the subject's eye; a non-contact sensor provided in the eye characteristic acquisition unit, capable of detecting the approach of the eye characteristic acquisition unit to the face of the subject in a non-contact manner; a state switching unit that switches the non-contact sensor to a detection state in which the non-contact sensor can detect the structure by moving at least one of the eye characteristic acquisition unit and a specific structure of the ophthalmologic device; a detection value acquisition unit that acquires a detection value of the non-contact sensor at least in the detection state; a determination unit that determines whether the non-contact sensor operates normally based on the detection value acquired by the detection value acquisition unit; An ophthalmic device comprising:

2. the state switching unit moves at least one of the eye characteristic acquisition unit and the structure, and switches the non-contact sensor from a non-detection state in which the non-contact sensor cannot detect the structure to the detection state; the detection value acquisition unit acquires the detection value in the non-detection state and the detection value in the detection state; The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit makes the determination based on a difference between the detection value in the detection state and the detection value in the non-detection state.

3. the detection state is a facing state in which the non-contact sensor faces the structure, The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the non-detection state is a non-facing state in which the non-contact sensor does not face the structure.

4. The ophthalmic device according to claim 3 , wherein the state switching unit, in the facing state, sets the distance between the non-contact sensor and the structure to be equal to or greater than the operating distance of the eye characteristic acquisition unit within the detection range of the non-contact sensor.

5. The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the state switching unit switches between the detection state and the non-detection state by driving the drive mechanism to move the eye characteristic acquisition unit.

6. a base that movably supports the eye characteristic acquisition unit; a face support portion provided on the base and supporting the face of the subject, the face support portion including a chin rest portion for receiving the subject's chin and a forehead rest portion against which the subject's forehead abuts; Equipped with The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the structure is the forehead rest.

7. When a side of the eye characteristic acquisition unit that approaches the subject's eye is defined as a front side, the structure is a shutter that is provided on the front side of the eye characteristic acquisition unit in an openable and closable manner, The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the state switching unit closes the shutter in the detection state and opens the shutter in the non-detection state.

8. 8. The ophthalmic device according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor calibration unit that calibrates the non-contact sensor based on the detection value acquired by the detection value acquisition unit when the distance between the non-contact sensor and the structure in the detection state is known.

9. the drive mechanism is capable of moving the eye characteristic acquisition unit in a front-to-back direction to a front side approaching the subject's eye and a rear side moving away from the subject's eye, and moves the eye characteristic acquisition unit in the front-to-back direction in the detection state; a distance acquisition unit that acquires a distance between the non-contact sensor and the structure; each time the position of the eye characteristic acquisition unit in the front-rear direction is changed by the drive mechanism, acquisition of the detection value by the detection value acquisition unit and acquisition of the distance by the distance acquisition unit are repeatedly performed; The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a sensor calibration unit that calibrates the non-contact sensor based on the detection value and the distance for each position in the front-rear direction.

10. the non-contact sensor is a capacitance sensor, The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the structure is made of a metal material and is connected to ground.

11. The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the eye characteristic acquisition unit is a non-contact tonometer.

12. the eye characteristic acquisition unit includes a first eye characteristic acquisition unit that acquires a first eye characteristic as the eye characteristic, and a second eye characteristic acquisition unit that is provided above the first eye characteristic acquisition unit and acquires a second eye characteristic different from the first eye characteristic as the eye characteristic, The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second eye characteristic acquisition unit is a non-contact tonometer.

13. The ophthalmologic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a danger avoidance operation control unit that controls the drive mechanism to perform a danger avoidance operation when the detection value of the non-contact sensor exceeds a threshold value during the alignment.

14. The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 13 , further comprising an alarm unit that issues a warning when the determination unit determines that the non-contact sensor is not operating normally or when the detection value of the non-contact sensor exceeds a threshold value.

15. an eye characteristic acquisition unit that acquires eye characteristics of the subject's eye; a drive mechanism that moves the eye characteristic acquisition unit relative to the subject's eye; a relative position detection unit that detects a relative position of the subject's eye with respect to the eye characteristic acquisition unit; an alignment control unit that automatically drives the drive mechanism based on a detection result of the relative position by the relative position detection unit or drives the drive mechanism in response to a manual movement operation, thereby aligning the eye characteristic acquisition unit with the subject's eye; a non-contact sensor provided in the eye characteristic acquisition unit, capable of detecting the approach of the eye characteristic acquisition unit to the face of the subject in a non-contact manner; A method for checking the operation of a non-contact sensor in an ophthalmic apparatus, comprising: a state switching step of moving at least one of the eye characteristic acquisition unit and a specific structure of the ophthalmologic apparatus to switch the non-contact sensor to a detection state in which the structure can be detected; a detection value acquisition step of acquiring a detection value of the non-contact sensor at least under the detection state; a determination step of determining whether the non-contact sensor operates normally based on the detection value acquired in the detection value acquisition step; A method for checking the operation of a non-contact sensor.

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