Oct device

Abstract

To provide an OCT device having a GUI being easy to operate when repeatedly photographing a subject.SOLUTION: An OCT device comprises: an imaging unit including an OCT optical system for acquiring an OCT image of a subject's eye, and an observation optical system for acquiring an observation image of the subject's eye; and control means for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on a screen and acquiring the observation image and the OCT image by controlling the imaging unit. The control means can continuously photograph OCT images in a plurality of scan patterns. The GUI includes: a first UI group at any end of upper, lower, left, and right ends on the screen, the first UI group in which a plurality of UI elements corresponding to a plurality of pieces of operation required to a user each time a scan pattern is switched, is presented in an order of the operation to be required; and a display area of the observation image and the OCT image, on an opposite side of the screen with respect to the first UI group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to OCT devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of ophthalmology, OCT devices (Optical Coherence Tomography) are used, which are devices that capture tomographic images of tissues in a subject's eye.

[0003] In an OCT device, a graphical user interface (GUI) is used to allow the examiner to input various operations such as setting operations for setting various imaging conditions such as a scan pattern, and trigger operations for starting imaging (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1 shows, as an example of a GUI, a screen 500 shown in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the screen 500 has an anterior eye image display area 510, a fundus image display area 520, and an OCT image display area 530. In addition, a list 540, a first UI group 550, a second UI group 560, a third UI group 570, and the like are provided.

[0005] Here, an anterior eye observation image is displayed in the anterior eye image display area 510. A frontal fundus image such as a fundus observation image is displayed in the fundus image display area 520. The acquisition position of the OCT image (in other words, the scan position) can be confirmed on the frontal fundus image. A live image of an OCT image (B-scan image) acquired at any time is displayed in the OCT image display area 530. The examiner refers to these images to adjust alignment, shooting conditions, scan position, and the like.

[0006] 5, a list 540 selectively displays either a list of scan pattern titles or a list of combination photography titles. By selecting a desired title, photography can be performed with the scan pattern corresponding to the selection. A selection unit for selecting either single photography or combination photography, and widgets for setting a fixation target and sensitivity during photography are arranged in the first UI group 550.

[0007] In the second UI group 560, various buttons are arranged, such as an Optimize button for starting so-called auto-optimization, and an image capture button that serves as a trigger for starting acquisition of an OCT image for imaging.

[0008] The third UI group 570 includes scroll bars and the like for manually adjusting the focus, optical path length, polarization, and the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-90748 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In many facilities, OCT devices are used to repeatedly capture images using multiple scan patterns in one examination. In this case, among the many UIs installed, only a few are frequently operated.

[0011] In the screen 500 shown in FIG. 5, the areas 510, 520, and 530 in which images are displayed and the areas in which the list 540 and UIs (first to third UI groups 550, 560, and 570) are displayed are intertwined with each other. For example, the second UI group 560 and the third UI group 570 are surrounded by the areas 510, 520, and 530 in which images are displayed, and the first UI group 550 and the second UI group 560 and the third UI group 570 are arranged in different columns. Also, in the screen 500 shown in FIG. 5, the buttons are arranged in a horizontal row in the second UI group 560, whereas the UI elements are arranged vertically in the list 540, the first UI group 550, and the third UI group 570. As a result, it is difficult for an inexperienced examiner to intuitively grasp the procedure of operations up to imaging, and the examiner is likely to be confused by the operation.

[0012] In contrast, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of any one of the problems of the conventional technology, and has as its technical objective to provide an OCT device having a GUI that is easy to operate when repeatedly photographing a subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The OCT device according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a photographing unit including an OCT optical system for acquiring an OCT image of the test eye and an observation optical system for acquiring an observation image of the test eye, and a control means for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on a screen and acquiring the observation image and the OCT image by controlling the photographing unit, wherein the control means is capable of photographing OCT images continuously with a plurality of scan patterns, and the GUI has a first UI group at either the top, bottom, left, or right end of the screen, in which a plurality of UI elements corresponding to a plurality of operations requested of the user each time the scan pattern is switched are presented in the order in which the operations are requested, and further has a display area for the observation image and the OCT image on the opposite side of the screen to the first UI group. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an OCT device having a GUI that is easy to operate when repeatedly capturing images of a subject. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a device configuration of an OCT device in an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen configuration in an embodiment, showing a screen before shooting is started. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen configuration in an embodiment, showing a screen during shooting. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen configuration in the embodiment, illustrating a confirmation screen for photographing results. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a screen configuration in the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] "overview" The OCT device of this embodiment has at least a photographing unit and a control unit (control means). The photographing unit includes an OCT optical system for acquiring an OCT image of the subject's eye, and an observation optical system for acquiring an observation image of the subject's eye. The control unit displays a graphical user interface (GUI) on the screen. The control unit also acquires the observation image and the OCT image by controlling the photographing unit.

[0017] The control means of this embodiment is capable of continuously capturing OCT images with a plurality of scan patterns. The GUI has a first UI group at either the top, bottom, left, or right end of the screen, and further has a display area for the observation image and the OCT image on the opposite side of the screen to the first UI group. In the first UI group, a plurality of UI elements corresponding to a plurality of operations required of the user each time the scan pattern is switched are presented in the order in which the operations are requested, so that the user can proceed with the capture by operating the UI elements arranged in the first UI group in the order in which they are presented. In addition, in the first UI group, the plurality of UI elements may be arranged in the order in which the operations are requested, or may be displayed in a switching manner.

[0018] For example, in the first UI group, UI elements corresponding to an operation for adjusting a detection condition of a subject's eye in the OCT optical system and an operation for triggering capture of an OCT image are arranged in at least one row in order. The detection condition in the OCT optical system is any of various conditions related to the detection ability of eye tissue, and specifically includes the optical path length difference (hereinafter, OPL), focus, detection sensitivity, polarization state, etc. An operation for adjusting at least one of the optical path length difference and focus is input via the first UI group. Additionally, an operation for adjusting another detection condition may be input via the first UI group.

[0019] Furthermore, the first UI group may further include UI elements corresponding to an operation for selecting a scan pattern to be used in the current shooting.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the observation image may include an anterior segment observation image, and the peripheral area of ​​the anterior segment observation image may have a second UI group for manual alignment. The observation image may include a fundus observation image, and the peripheral area of ​​the fundus observation image may have a third UI group for adjusting the scan conditions in a predetermined scan pattern. Examples of the scan conditions include the position of the scan pattern on the fundus, the scan length, the angle, and the pitch. The second UI group and the third UI group are arranged around the observation image on which the results of the operations on the respective UI groups are reflected, and therefore have good operability. This is particularly useful when accepting operation input using a touch panel device.

[0021] "Example" An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. An OCT device 1 according to the embodiment acquires OCT data of a subject's eye. For convenience of explanation, in this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the OCT device 1 captures OCT data of the fundus.

[0022] First, the configuration of the OCT device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows the device configuration in a state where OCT data of the fundus can be captured. In the description of the embodiment, the axial direction of the subject's eye E will be the Z direction, the horizontal direction will be the X direction, and the vertical direction will be the Y direction.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an OCT device 1 according to the embodiment includes an imaging unit 2, a driving unit 5, a face support unit 7, and a control unit .

[0024] <Photography Unit> The photographing unit 2 has a main optical system in the OCT device 1. In this embodiment, the photographing unit 2 has an OCT optical system (interference optical system) 10, a light guiding optical system 10a, a fundus observation optical system (SLO optical system) 30, and an anterior eye observation optical system 40 (anterior eye observation optical system). The optical paths of the OCT optical system 10, the fundus observation optical system 30, and the anterior eye observation optical system 40 are branched / combined by beam splitters / combiners 16 and 17.

[0025] <OCT optical system> The OCT optical system 10 detects the spectral interference signal between the measurement light and the reference light irradiated on the fundus of the eye E to be examined. The OCT optical system 10 may be, for example, SD-OCT, SS-OCT, or OCT based on other imaging principles.

[0026] The OCT optical system 10 has at least an OCT light source 11, an optical splitter 12, a reference optical system 20, and a detector 25. Note that the reference optical system 20 in this embodiment will be described as a reflective optical system, but it may also be a transmissive optical system.

[0027] The OCT light source 11 emits low-coherence light. The light emitted from the OCT light source 11 is split by the optical splitter 12 into measurement light and reference light. In this embodiment, a coupler (splitter) is used as the optical splitter 12. The measurement light is guided to the eye E to be examined through the light guiding optical system 10a, and the reference light is guided to the reference optical system 20. In FIG. 1, the polarizer 13 is disposed on the reference optical path. The reference light is reflected by a mirror (not shown) disposed on the reference optical path, and is incident on the detector 25 in a state of being combined with the return light of the measurement light by the optical splitter 12. Thereby, the spectral interference signal between the return light and the reference light is detected. For example, in SD-OCT, a spectrometer is used as the detector 25.

[0028] In this embodiment, the mirror (not shown) on which the reference optical system 20 is disposed is movable along the optical axis, and the optical path length difference between the measurement light and the reference light is adjusted according to the position of the mirror. Also, the polarization of the measurement light and the reference light is adjusted by the polarizer 13.

[0029] Additionally, a focusing lens 14, a scanning unit (optical scanner) 15, and an objective lens 60 are arranged on the optical path between the light splitter 12 and the subject's eye E. The optical system between the light splitter 12 and the subject's eye E, including the focusing lens 14, the scanning unit (optical scanner) 15, and the objective lens 60, forms a light-guiding optical system 10a in this embodiment.

[0030] In this embodiment, the focus position in the OCT optical system 10 is changed by displacing the focusing lens 14 in the optical axis direction.

[0031] The scanning unit 15 is used to change the acquisition position of the OCT image. The scanning unit 15 may be used to two-dimensionally scan the fundus of the subject's eye E with the measurement light. The scanning unit 15 may include, for example, two optical scanners having different scanning directions. Each optical scanner may be a galvanometer mirror or another optical scanner.

[0032] The objective lens 60 guides the measurement light to the fundus of the subject's eye. The measurement light is rotated via the objective lens 60 with a position conjugate with the scanning unit 15 as the rotation point. As shown in FIG. 1, when the anterior segment of the subject's eye is located at the rotation point, the measurement light reaches the fundus without being vignetted by the iris, and the measurement light scans the fundus based on the driving of the scanning unit 15. In this case, the focusing surface of the measurement light is formed on the fundus.

[0033] <Fundus observation optical system> The fundus observation optical system 30 is used to obtain a front image of the fundus as an observation image. Through the fundus observation optical system 30, a front image of the fundus is obtained as an observation image.

[0034] 1, an SLO optical system is shown as an example of the fundus observation optical system 30. The fundus observation optical system 30 may have at least an irradiation optical system and a light receiving optical system. The irradiation optical system irradiates an imaging site of the subject's eye with observation light. The light receiving optical system receives fundus reflection light due to the observation light by a light receiving element 39. Observation images are sequentially acquired based on an output signal from the light receiving element 30.

[0035] The fundus observation optical system 30 further includes a focus adjustment unit, which includes a focusing lens .

[0036] For example, a laser diode light source is used as the observation light source 31. In addition to the focusing lens 34, a scanning unit 35 and an objective lens 60 are arranged in the observation light path. The scanning unit 35 two-dimensionally scans the imaging site of the subject's eye with light. The scanning unit 35 may include, for example, a combination of a polygon mirror and a galvano scanner.

[0037] A beam splitter 33 is disposed between the observation light source 31 and the focusing lens 34. A confocal aperture 37 and a light receiving element 39 are disposed in the transmission direction of the beam splitter 33.

[0038] The observation light is reflected by the beam splitter 33 and then passes through a focusing lens 34 to reach a scanning unit 35. The light passing through the scanning unit 35 passes through a beam splitter 17 and then passes through an objective lens 60 to be irradiated onto the fundus of the subject's eye.

[0039] The reflected light from the fundus is guided back along the light projection path to the beam splitter 33. The reflected light from the fundus passes through the beam splitter 33 and is received by the light receiving element 39 via the confocal aperture 37. Based on a light receiving signal from the light receiving element 39, a front image of the fundus is formed. The formed front image may be stored in the memory 72.

[0040] <Anterior segment observation optical system> The anterior-segment observation optical system 40 is used to observe a front image (referred to as an observation image) of the anterior segment of the subject's eye E. The anterior-segment observation optical system 40 has at least an image sensor 45. In this embodiment, an image of the anterior segment is formed on the image sensor 45. The observation image of the anterior segment acquired via the anterior-segment observation optical system 40 is used for alignment and tracking control of the photographing unit 2 for the subject's eye E when photographing the fundus.

[0041] <Fixation projection optical system> The OCT device 1 further includes a fixation target projection optical system. The fixation target projection optical system may be an internal fixation lamp. The fixation target projection optical system guides the gaze direction of the subject's eye E by projecting a fixation target (fixation light beam) onto the subject's eye E. In this embodiment, the fixation target projection optical system can change the presentation position of the fixation target two-dimensionally and can guide the subject's eye E in a plurality of directions. As a result, the imaging site is changed. In this embodiment, the fixation projection optical system is shared by the fundus observation optical system 30, which is an SLO optical system. A visible light source different from the observation light source is provided, and the timing of projecting the visible light is controlled, so that the fixation target is projected onto the subject's eye E.

[0042] <Drive unit> The driving unit 5 moves the photographing unit 3 in each of the X, Y and Z directions relative to the subject's eye E. The driving unit 5 has an actuator for moving the photographing unit 2 in each direction, and is driven based on a control signal from the control unit 70.

[0043] <Facial support unit> The face support unit 7 supports the face of the subject so that the subject's eye E faces the photographing unit 2. The face support unit 7 may include, for example, a chin rest 7a. The subject's face is placed on the chin rest 7a. In this embodiment, the face support unit 7 has an actuator that moves the position of the chin rest 7a in the vertical direction. The chin rest 7a may also have a sensor that detects that the subject's face is placed on it.

[0044] <Control system> Next, the control system of the OCT device 1 will be described.

[0045] The control unit 70 of the OCT device 1 controls various operations in the OCT device 1. In this embodiment, various image processing operations are performed by the control unit 70. That is, the control unit 70 also functions as an image processor. The control unit 70 may be configured with, for example, a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM.

[0046] In this embodiment, the control unit 70 is connected to a monitor 80 and controls the display of the monitor 80. Furthermore, the control unit 70 is connected to a memory 72, an operation unit 85, and the like.

[0047] In this embodiment, the operation unit 85 may have a pointing device such as a mouse. The monitor 80 may be a touch panel display, in which case the monitor 80 also serves as the operation unit 85. The monitor 80 and the operation unit 85 may be located at a remote location from the OCT device 1 via a network or the like.

[0048] <User Interface (GUI)> 2 to 4, a graphical user interface (GUI) used for imaging in the OCT device 1 will be described. On a screen 100, along with display areas (a first area 110, a second area 120, and a third area 130) for an image of the subject's eye E, a GUI for setting imaging conditions and displaying the status of the device is arranged.

[0049] In this embodiment, the screen 100 transitions between Figs. 2 to 4 according to the progress of the photographing. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, in this embodiment, the screen 100 transitions without making a large difference in the display area of ​​the image and the layout of the UI elements. For example, the arrangement of the display areas 110, 120, and 130 on the screen 100 is constant between Figs. 2 to 4. The first area 110 is used to display a front image of the anterior eye. For example, an observation image acquired through the anterior eye observation optical system 40 may be displayed in the first area 110. The second area 120 displays an observation image of the fundus acquired through the fundus observation optical system 30. The third area 130 is used to display an OCT image of the fundus. For example, a B-scan image may be displayed in the third area 130.

[0050] <Before shooting> The screen 100 is used in the form shown in FIG. 2 to accept an operation for setting shooting conditions and an operation for starting shooting.

[0051] <Combination setting section> A combination setting section 210 is disposed at the upper left corner of the screen 100. In this embodiment, a combination of scan settings consisting of one or more scan settings is selected via the combination setting section 210. In this embodiment, a plurality of combinations of scan settings are prepared in advance according to diseases and applications. When any combination including a plurality of scan settings is selected, the subject is continuously photographed with the plurality of scan settings. In this embodiment, a title (subject) corresponding to the application, disease type, etc. is prepared for each combination, and a combination of scan settings for the subject is set by selecting a title via the combination setting section 210. For example, in FIG. 2, a plurality of titles are expanded in a pull-down manner, and an operation to select one of the expanded plurality of titles is accepted.

[0052] In this embodiment, in each scan setting, one scan pattern and a photographing position photographed with the scan pattern are specified. Various scan patterns are known, such as line, cross, multi, map, radial, circle, etc., and the scanning unit 15 is controlled according to the scan pattern during photographing. Examples of the photographing position include the macula and the optic disc. The presentation position of the fixation light and / or the scanning unit 15 are controlled according to the photographing position. Additionally, in this embodiment, an object eye (either the left or right) is specified for each scan setting. The subject is photographed with the scan setting corresponding to the combination selected via the combination setting unit 210. Additionally, in each scan setting, the number of images to be added (the number of times the scan is repeated for one scan line), the detection sensitivity, the target position of the zero delay position, etc. may be specified. In the case of SD-OCT, as in this embodiment, the detection sensitivity may be changed by adjusting the exposure time.

[0053] When information indicating a combination of scan settings used in a previous imaging of a subject is stored in advance, the combination may be automatically set based on the information. In addition, when follow-up imaging is selectable in the combination setting unit 210 and follow-up imaging is selected, a combination of scan patterns (scan settings) previously used in imaging may be set.

[0054] <First UI group> 2, in this embodiment, a first UI group 220 is arranged on the left edge of the screen 100. The first UI group 220 includes a plurality of UI elements corresponding to a plurality of operations required of the user each time the scan setting (scan pattern) is switched.

[0055] In FIG. 2, a list 221, a detection condition controller 222, and a Capture button 227 are displayed on the screen 100 as a first UI group 220.

[0056] The list 221 lists the scan settings included in the combination selected via the combination setting unit 210. In this embodiment, text indicating the scan settings for each scan is displayed in the list 221. The text includes, as the scan settings, the eye to be photographed (either the left or right), the part to be photographed, and the scan pattern.

[0057] The photographing is performed sequentially according to the scan settings displayed in the list 221. Usually, the photographing is performed while the scan settings are changed in order from the top to the bottom of the list 221. When the scan settings for the next photographing (which will be performed the next time the Capture button 227 is operated) are selected, the text corresponding to the selected scan settings is highlighted on the list 221. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the photographing unit 2 is moved left and right so that the subject eye to be photographed is photographed in the selected scan settings. Also, the examiner can arbitrarily change the scan settings to be used in the next photographing by performing a selection operation on the text corresponding to the desired scan setting.

[0058] The detection condition controller 222 is operated to adjust the detection conditions of the subject's eye E by the OCT optical system 10. The detection conditions are any of various conditions related to the detection ability of eye tissue, and specifically include the optical path length difference (hereinafter, OPL), focus, detection sensitivity, polarization state, and the like.

[0059] In FIG. 2, the detection condition controller 222 includes an Optimize button 223, a focus controller 224, an OPL controller 225, and a sensitivity setting button 226.

[0060] When the Optimize button 223 is operated, the control unit 70 executes an adjustment process of the OCT optical system 10. In this embodiment, as an example, each of the OPL, focus, and polarization is adjusted to a predetermined state.

[0061] The focus controller 224 and the OPL controller 225 are each operated to manually adjust the detection conditions. In this embodiment, the focus controller 224 and the OPL controller 225 are sliders, and the position of the "knob" is moved based on a drag operation or the like. The respective detection conditions are set according to the position of the knob. For example, the slider of the focus controller 224 and / or the OPL controller 225 is operated according to the depth position of the layer region to be photographed with higher sensitivity.

[0062] The Capture button 227 accepts an operation that serves as a trigger for starting image capture. By operating the Capture button 227, a scan for image capture is executed with a preselected scan setting.

[0063] As will be described later, the multiple UI elements included in the first UI group 220 are arranged in a row (in FIG. 2, from the top down) in the order in which operations are required.

[0064] Note that a UI element for selecting the left eye, the right eye, or both eyes as the image capturing target eye may be additionally arranged in the first UI group 220. For example, when both eyes are set in advance as the image capturing target eyes, it is possible to omit imaging of one of the left and right examinee's eyes that the examiner determines not to be imaged.

[0065] <Second UI group> 2 is used to adjust the positional relationship between the subject's eye E and the photographing unit 2. In this embodiment, an alignment method selection button 241, a chin rest height adjustment button 242, and a front-rear adjustment button 243 are arranged on the screen 100 as the second UI group 240. The second UI group 240 is arranged around the first area 110 in which the observed image of the anterior eye is displayed. Therefore, the examiner can easily manually adjust the positional relationship while grasping the positional relationship between the subject's eye E and the photographing unit 2 via the observed image of the anterior eye. In this embodiment, the first area 110 is also used as a part of the second UI group 240.

[0066] The alignment method selection button 241 is operated to select either automatic alignment or manual alignment. Depending on the operation, the automatic alignment function is switched on / off. In this embodiment, the automatic alignment function is enabled by default.

[0067] For example, when photographing a patient with cataracts, it may be possible to photograph the fundus better by shifting the position of the optical axis to a position that is not affected by opacity. In such a case, the automatic alignment function can be disabled by operating the alignment method selection button 241.

[0068] The chin rest height adjustment button 242 is operated to change the position of the chin rest 7a in the face support unit 7 up or down. The chin rest height adjustment button 242 includes a pair of buttons corresponding to up and down, and while a selection operation is being performed on a button corresponding to a desired direction of movement, the chin rest 7a is moved up or down in the corresponding direction. Since the eye level (the height from the chin to the eye to be examined) differs for each subject, it may be necessary to adjust the height of the chin rest 7a for each subject.

[0069] In this embodiment, when a sensor (not shown) of the face support unit 7 detects that the chin is not placed on the chin rest 7a, the head icon arranged next to the chin rest height adjustment button 242 flashes. This makes it easy to know whether the subject's posture is appropriate or not.

[0070] The front-rear adjustment button 243 is operated to change the position of the photographing unit 2 in the front-rear direction. The front-rear adjustment button 243 includes a pair of buttons corresponding to front and rear, and while a selection operation is being performed on the button corresponding to the desired direction of movement, the photographing unit 2 is moved in the corresponding direction. In addition, in this embodiment, when the photographing section 2 and the subject's eye are too close to each other, the head icon arranged above the front-rear adjustment button 243 flashes in a warning color (e.g., yellow). This makes it possible to appropriately prompt the subject to move the photographing section 2 backward via the front-rear adjustment button 243.

[0071] In this embodiment, an operation input for changing the position of the photographing unit 2 is received via the first area 110 in which the anterior eye observation image is displayed. For example, the control unit 70 receives an operation input for specifying a position on the front image of the anterior eye in the second area via a pointing device. The control unit 70 may move the photographing unit 2 in the XY directions relative to the subject's eye E so that the tissue of the anterior eye displayed at the specified position is displayed at a predetermined position (for example, the center) in the first area 110. However, other operation inputs may be adopted as the operation input via the pointing device. For example, when the front image of the anterior eye displayed in the first area is dragged by the pointing device, the driving unit may be controlled so that the photographing unit 2 is moved in the opposite direction to the drag movement direction according to the drag movement direction and the movement amount. Furthermore, the position of the photographing unit 2 may be moved in the Z direction based on an operation input different from the operation input for changing the position of the photographing unit 2 in the XY directions.

[0072] <Third UI group> The third UI group 250 is used to change the scan conditions in a preselected scan pattern. As shown in FIG. 2, the third UI group 250 is arranged around the second area 120 in which the fundus observation image is displayed. In the second area 120, a graphic 121 corresponding to the presentation position of the fixation target and a graphic 122 indicating the scan position are displayed on the fundus observation image. This allows the examiner to manually adjust the scan conditions while properly grasping the scan position via the fundus observation image. In this embodiment, the second area 120 is also used as a part of the second UI group 240.

[0073] As the third UI group 250, a fixation target setting section 251 and a scan condition changing section 252 are arranged.

[0074] In this embodiment, the fixation target setting unit 251 accepts a switching operation between an internal fixation light and an external fixation light (not shown). It also accepts an operation to change the size of the internal fixation target. It may also accept an operation to change the presentation position of the internal fixation light via the second area 120 where the fundus observation image is displayed. The position of the graphic 121 can be changed on the second area 120 by, for example, a drag operation, and the presentation position of the internal fixation target may be changed depending on the position of the graphic 121.

[0075] The scan condition changing unit 252 accepts changing operations of the scan length, angle, and pitch as the scan conditions. The changing operations of the scan length, angle, and pitch may be accepted via the second area 120. For example, the scan length, angle, and pitch may be adjusted by moving the graphic 122 on the second area 120 where the fundus observation image is displayed.

[0076] A graphic (hereinafter, referred to as a scan line SL) indicating a scan position (scan line) is superimposed on the fundus observation image in the first area 110. The scan line SL is superimposed on a scan position corresponding to a selected scan setting (scan pattern). In this embodiment, an operation for moving the position of the scan line SL may be input on the first area 110, and the scan position on the fundus may be changed based on the operation. As an operation for moving the position of the scan line SL, any of the following may be used: translation, rotation, movement of an end point, or movement of an intersection point (of multiple scan lines).

[0077] For example, the presentation position of a fixation target may be changeable via the fundus observation image in the first area 110. For example, when the examiner selects one point on the fundus observation image, the presentation position of the fixation target may be controlled so that the one point is located at the center of the image in the first area 110.

[0078] Also, in this embodiment, as the third UI group 250, a reset button 253 is arranged. The reset button 253 resets various parameters changed based on operations on the fixation mark setting unit 251 and the scan condition changing unit 252 to the specified values.

[0079] <Display area of OCT image> Also, in the third region 130 and the auxiliary regions 131, 132, 133 above the third region 130, OCT observation images are displayed. Since the third region 130 and the auxiliary regions 131, 132, 133 above the third region 130 occupy the right side of the screen 100, as a result of the improved imaging range in the depth direction, a vertically elongated tomographic image can be more appropriately and easily displayed than before. In this embodiment, an OCT observation image obtained by a reference scan line is displayed in the third region 130. In the first auxiliary region 131, when the scan pattern is any one of cross, multi, radial, and map, an OCT observation image obtained by a scan line orthogonal to the reference scan line is displayed. Also, in the second auxiliary region 132 and the third auxiliary region 133, when the scan pattern is a map, OCT observation images corresponding to the start line and the end line of the map scan are respectively displayed.

[0080] <Mode during imaging> As shown in FIG. 3, during the execution of the scan for imaging, a Cancel button 228 and a Skip button 229 are arranged in the first UI group 220 arranged at the left end of the screen 100.

[0081] The Cancel button 228 is operated to cancel the currently executing scan and perform imaging again with the same scan settings. For example, when the examiner determines that the currently executing scan is unnecessary, the Cancel button 228 is operated. Based on the operation of the Cancel button 228, the currently executing scan is cancelled, and the OCT data obtained by the scan is discarded. Also, the screen mode transitions to the one shown in FIG. 2, and the cancelled scan settings are selected.

[0082] The Skip button 229 is operated when fundus tracking photography is being performed and it is determined that fundus tracking is not necessary or when it is desired to complete photography earlier. In fundus tracking photography, the quality of photography is determined based on an OCT image acquired at any time and / or a fundus observation image acquired in parallel with the OCT image, and rescanning is performed according to the determination result. For this reason, for example, the time required for photography may be prolonged due to an unstable fixation of the subject. In such a case, the examiner operates the Skip button 229. When the Skip button 229 is operated, fundus tracking is turned off and OCT data in a default scan line is acquired. The acquired OCT data is held, and the screen transitions to the screen 100 in FIG. 4.

[0083] While the scan for imaging is being performed, a progress bar 260 is displayed above the third area 130 of the screen 100. The progress of imaging is displayed on the progress bar 260. In addition, anterior segment observation images, fundus observation images, and OCT observation images obtained at any time are displayed at any time in the first area 110, the second area 120, and the third area 130, respectively. Based on these images and the progress bar 260, the user can check whether imaging is proceeding smoothly.

[0084] <How to check the shooting results> In the third area 130, the captured OCT data is displayed.

[0085] In FIG. 4, the first UI group 220 includes a Retry button 230 and a Save button 231.

[0086] The Retry button is operated to retake an image. In this embodiment, when the Retry button 230 is operated, the captured OCT data is discarded and the screen transitions to the screen in Fig. 2. In this case, the same scan settings as those used in the most recent image capture are selected in the list 221.

[0087] The Save button is operated to save the photographing results. When the Save button 231 is operated, the screen transitions to the screen in Fig. 2. In this case, if there are scan settings before photographing in the list 221, the next scan setting in the order is selected.

[0088] 4, information about the image quality of the captured OCT image is arranged around the first region 110. Specifically, various information such as SSI, SQI, the number of added images, and detection sensitivity is arranged.

[0089] 4, an Autoplay button 271 and an OCT fundus overlay button 272 are arranged around the second area 120. Additionally, a setting button for setting / not setting a baseline for use in follow-up imaging may be arranged.

[0090] The Autoplay button 271 is operated to execute Autoplay using multiple OCT images in the third area 130. In Autoplay, when OCT images are captured using a scan pattern in which multiple images are captured, switching and displaying of the OCT images is automatically executed.

[0091] The OCT fundus overlay button 272 is operated to switch whether or not to superimpose an OCT front image on the observation image of the fundus displayed in the second area 120 (in this embodiment, a front image by SLO).

[0092] <Operation description> Next, the flow of the imaging operation in the OCT device 1 having the above-mentioned device configuration and GUI will be described. First, the examiner places the subject's chin on the chin rest 7a of the face support unit 7. Next, the examiner operates the chin rest height adjustment button 242 to change the height of the chin rest 7a so that the anterior segment of the subject's eye is displayed on the first area 110. In addition, the examiner operates the combination setting unit 210 to select a combination of scan settings according to the disease and purpose.

[0093] Thereafter, if there are no problems with auto-alignment, fixation, etc., there is no need to input any operations to the second UI group 240 and the third UI group 250, and the imaging can be carried out using the pre-selected combination of scan settings by operating the UI elements arranged in the first UI group 220 in the order in which they are presented.

[0094] In detail, first, the examiner checks on the list 221 whether a scan setting that is considered to be necessary for imaging has been selected, and selects another scan setting if necessary.

[0095] Next, the detection condition controller 222 is operated to adjust the detection conditions of the subject's eye in the OCT optical system 10. The examiner operates the Optimize button 223 to adjust the OPL, focus, and polarization to a predetermined state. The adjustment result of the detection condition is reflected in the OCT observation image in the third area 130. For example, the adjustment result of the OPL is reflected in the image position of the fundus in the Z direction in the third area 130. In addition, the brightness of the layer area on the side closer to the zero delay in the fundus becomes relatively high. In addition, the resolution of the tissue at the focus position becomes relatively high. The examiner checks the OCT observation image in the third area 130, and operates the focus controller 224 and / or the OPL controller 225 when the automatic adjustment has failed or when the examiner wants to capture a desired layer area in detail. For example, when the examiner wants to capture the choroid side with higher sensitivity than the retinal surface side, the zero delay position and the focus position may be changed manually.

[0096] After the detection conditions in the OCT optical system 10 are appropriately adjusted, the examiner operates the Capture button 227. This starts a scan for capturing images with the scan settings selected on the list 221.

[0097] When the scan for imaging is started, the screen 100 transitions to the state shown in Fig. 3. In the first UI group 220, a Cancel button 228 and a Skip button 229 are arranged at the positions where the Optimize button 223 and the Capture button 227 were arranged in the state of Fig. 2. However, since the Cancel button 228 and the Skip button 229 are buttons for stopping imaging midway, the examiner does not necessarily need to operate them.

[0098] When the shooting is completed, the screen 100 transitions to the state shown in FIG. 4. As the first UI group 220, a Retry button 230 and a Save button 231 are arranged at the positions where the Optimize button 223 and the Capture button 227 were arranged in the state of FIG. 2 (the positions where the Cancel button 228 and the Skip button 229 were arranged in the state of FIG. 3). The examiner selects one of them depending on the shooting result displayed in the third area 130. Regardless of the selection, the screen 100 transitions to the state shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, the examiner can proceed with shooting for all the scan settings shown in the list 221 by checking the scan settings again on the list 221 and operating the UI elements that are arranged in the order of operation on the left end of the screen 100 as the first UI group 220 and further switched and displayed in chronological order. Therefore, in this embodiment, in many cases, a plurality of operations required of the user each time the scan setting is switched can be performed by operating the UI elements arranged in the first UI group 220 in the order in which they are presented, thereby proceeding with imaging. In particular, when operating using a mouse, the range of pointer movement is sufficient to move the pointer in the up and down directions within the range of the first UI group 220, and movement in the left and right directions is not necessarily required, so that operation becomes smooth. It is also said that humans tend to move their gaze on the screen from the upper left to the lower right. In contrast, in this embodiment, the first UI group 220 is arranged at the left end of the screen, so that the examiner can easily recognize it.

[0099] Furthermore, the second UI group 240 and the third UI group 250, which are operated less frequently than the first UI group 220, are arranged around the observation image in which the results of operations on each UI group are reflected, so that operability is good even when receiving operation input using a touch panel device.

[0100] In this embodiment, the screen 100 is divided horizontally into three areas: an area for the first UI group 220, an area for the second UI group 240, an area for the first region 110 (anterior eye observation image), an area for the second region 120 (fundus observation image), an area for the third region 130 (OCT image), and an area for the first to third auxiliary regions 131, 132, 133. As a result, as described above, the operability is good, and the improved resolution in the depth direction makes it easier to appropriately display a tomographic image that is longer vertically than before in the third region 130.

[0101] <Modification> While the present disclosure has been described based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications are possible.

[0102] For example, in the aspect shown in Fig. 2 of the above embodiment, a detection condition change operation may be input via the second area 120 and the third area 130. For example, in a case where a mouse is used as a pointing device, the focus may be changed in response to a mouse wheel operation on the second area 120. Also, the OPL may be changed in response to a mouse wheel operation on the third area 130. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 OCT device 2. Shooting Unit 10 OCT optical system 30 Fundus observation optical system 40 Anterior segment observation optical system 70 Control section 100 screens 110 1st area 120 Second area 130 Third area 220 First UI Group

Claims

1. An imaging unit including an OCT optical system for acquiring an OCT image of an eye to be examined and an observation optical system for acquiring an observation image of the eye to be examined; Control means for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on a screen and acquiring the observation image and the OCT image by controlling the imaging unit; The control means is capable of continuously capturing OCT images with a plurality of scan patterns; The GUI has a first UI group in which a plurality of UI elements corresponding to a plurality of operations required of the user each time the scan pattern is switched are presented in the order in which the operations are required, at one of the upper, lower, left, or right ends of the screen. Further, on the side of the screen opposite to the first UI group, the OCT apparatus has a display area for the observation image and the OCT image.

2. The OCT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the first UI group, UI elements corresponding to an operation for adjusting detection conditions of the eye to be examined in the OCT optical system and an operation for triggering the capture of the OCT image are arranged at least in a row in order.

3. The OCT apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the first UI group, a UI element corresponding to an operation for selecting a scan pattern used in the current capture is arranged.

4. The OCT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the observation image includes an anterior segment observation image, and a second UI group for manual alignment is provided in a peripheral region of the anterior segment observation image.

5. The OCT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the observation image includes a fundus observation image, and a third UI group for adjusting scan conditions in the scan pattern is provided in a peripheral region of the fundus observation image.

Images