Ophthalmic device, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To provide a new technique that acquires a higher-quality image of a subject eye with a simplified structure.SOLUTION: An ophthalmic device includes: an illumination optical system; an optical scanner; an imaging optical system; and a control unit. The illumination optical system comprises a light source and a slit in which an opening can be positioned optically conjugate to a prescribed portion of a subject eye, and generates slit-shaped illumination light by making the light from the light source pass through the opening. The optical scanner deflects the illumination light to guide it to the prescribed portion of the subject eye. The imaging optical system guides the return light of the illumination light from the prescribed portion to an image sensor that can set an opening range on a light receiving surface. The control unit changes the width of the opening range on the light receiving surface according to the deflection angle of the illumination light by the optical scanner, and controls the optical scanner and image sensor so that the irradiation range on the light receiving surface corresponding to the irradiation region of the illumination light overlaps with the opening range in the imaging region of the prescribed portion, and the light reception result of the return light in the opening range overlapping with the irradiation range is acquired.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ophthalmic apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, screening tests using ophthalmic devices have become common. Since such ophthalmic devices are expected to be used for self-examination, there is a demand for them to be made smaller and lighter.

[0003] For example, Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose an ophthalmic device configured to illuminate the subject's eye in a pattern and obtain the light reception result of the return light by an image sensor using a rolling shutter method. This ophthalmic device can obtain an image of the subject's eye with a simple configuration by adjusting the illumination pattern and the light reception timing by the image sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,831,106 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 8,237,835 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 7,335,898 [Patent Document 4] Special Publication No. 2009-538697 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the conventional method, the amount of illumination light varies depending on the position in the photographing area, and it may not be possible to obtain a high-quality image of the subject's eye. Therefore, a technology that can suppress deterioration in the image quality of the subject's eye without complicating the configuration is desired.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide a new technique for acquiring a higher quality image of a subject's eye with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of some embodiments is an ophthalmic device including an illumination optical system that generates a slit-shaped illumination light, an optical scanner that deflects the illumination light and guides it to a predetermined portion of a test eye, an imaging optical system that guides return light of the illumination light from the predetermined portion to an image sensor that can set an aperture range on a light receiving surface, and a control unit that controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that an illumination range on the light receiving surface corresponding to an illumination area of ​​the illumination light in an imaging area of ​​the predetermined portion overlaps with the aperture range, and a reception result of the return light in the aperture range that overlaps with the illumination range is obtained.

[0008] In a second aspect of some embodiments, in the first aspect, the control unit moves the opening range and controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that the irradiation range overlaps with the opening range after the movement.

[0009] In a third aspect of some embodiments, in the first aspect, the control unit controls the optical scanner and the image sensor to move the irradiation range and so that the opening range overlaps with the irradiation range after the movement.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of some embodiments, in any one of the first to third aspects, the control unit controls the optical scanner to scan the illumination region with the illumination light.

[0011] In a fifth aspect of some embodiments, in the fourth aspect, the control unit controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that, during one frame period in which the image sensor captures the light reception result of the opening range, the opening target area in the specified portion corresponding to the opening range covers the shooting area.

[0012] In a sixth aspect of some embodiments, in the fifth aspect, the control unit controls the optical scanner to deflect the illumination light at a deflection speed corresponding to the position of the illumination light irradiation area at the specified location, and controls the image sensor to set the aperture range having an aperture width corresponding to the position of the irradiation area.

[0013] In a seventh aspect of some embodiments, in the fourth aspect, the control unit changes the opening target area in the irradiation area or the specified portion corresponding to the opening range for each frame period in which the image sensor captures the light reception result of the opening range, and controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that the opening target area covers the shooting area over two or more frame periods.

[0014] In an eighth aspect of some embodiments, in the seventh aspect, the control unit controls the optical scanner to deflect the illumination light at a deflection speed corresponding to the position of the illumination light irradiation area at the specified location for each frame period, and controls the image sensor to set the aperture range having an aperture width corresponding to the position of the irradiation area.

[0015] In a ninth aspect of some embodiments, in the fourth aspect, the control unit controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that, for each frame period in which the image sensor captures the light reception results of the opening range, the irradiation area coincides with an opening target area at the specified location corresponding to the opening range, and the opening target area covers the shooting area over two or more frame periods.

[0016] In a tenth aspect of some embodiments, in the ninth aspect, the control unit controls the optical scanner so that the illumination light irradiates the illumination area at the specified location for an irradiation time corresponding to the position of the illumination light irradiation area, and controls the image sensor to set the opening range to open for an opening time corresponding to the position of the irradiation area, for each frame period.

[0017] In an eleventh aspect of some embodiments, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the control unit acquires a light reception result obtained by the image sensor using a global shutter system.

[0018] In a twelfth aspect of some embodiments, in the fourth aspect, the control unit acquires the light reception results obtained by the image sensor using a rolling shutter method, and controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that, for each frame period in which the light reception results of the opening range are captured by the image sensor, the irradiation area overlaps with the opening target area at the specified location corresponding to the opening range, and the opening target area covers the shooting area over two or more frame periods.

[0019] In a thirteenth aspect of some embodiments, in the twelfth aspect, the control unit controls the optical scanner so that the illumination light irradiates the illumination area at the specified location for an irradiation time corresponding to the position of the illumination light irradiation area at the specified location for each frame period, and controls the image sensor to read out the light reception result of the opening range corresponding to the position of the illumination area using a rolling shutter method.

[0020] A fourteenth aspect of some embodiments, in any of the first to thirteenth aspects, includes an image forming unit that forms an image of the specified area based on the light reception result captured in the opening range that overlaps with the irradiation range.

[0021] In a 15th aspect of some embodiments, in any of the 1st to 14th aspects, the illumination optical system includes a slit whose opening can be positioned at a position approximately optically conjugate with the specified location, and the illumination light is generated by light from a light source passing through the opening, the optical scanner can be positioned at a position approximately optically conjugate with the iris of the test eye, and the light receiving surface can be positioned at a position approximately optically conjugate with the specified location.

[0022] In a 16th aspect of some embodiments, in the 15th aspect, the illumination optical system is arranged between the light source and the slit, and includes an iris diaphragm having an opening formed at a position eccentric to the optical axis of the illumination optical system and capable of being positioned at a position approximately optically conjugate with the iris, and includes a hole mirror having an opening formed therein that can be positioned at a position approximately optically conjugate with the iris, and connecting the optical path of the illumination light deflected by the optical scanner and the optical path of the imaging optical system.

[0023] In a seventeenth aspect of some embodiments, in any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, the predetermined site is a fundus.

[0024] An eighteenth aspect of some embodiments is a method for controlling an ophthalmic apparatus including an illumination optical system that generates a slit-shaped illumination light, an optical scanner that deflects the illumination light and guides it to a predetermined site of a subject's eye, and an imaging optical system that guides return light of the illumination light from the predetermined site to an image sensor that can set an aperture range on a light receiving surface. The control method for the ophthalmic apparatus includes a control step of controlling the optical scanner and the image sensor so that an illumination range on the light receiving surface corresponding to an illumination area of ​​the illumination light in an imaging area of ​​the predetermined site overlaps with the aperture range, and a light receiving result of the return light in the aperture range overlapping with the illumination range is obtained.

[0025] In a 19th aspect of some embodiments, in the 18th aspect, the control step includes an image sensor control step of controlling the image sensor to move the opening range, and an optical scanner control step of controlling the optical scanner so that the irradiation range overlaps the opening range after movement.

[0026] In a twentieth aspect of some embodiments, in the eighteenth aspect, the control step includes an optical scanner control step of moving the illumination range, and an image sensor control step of controlling the image sensor so that the opening range overlaps with the illumination range after the movement.

[0027] In a 21st aspect of some embodiments, in any one of the 18th to 20th aspects, the control step controls the optical scanner to scan the illumination region with the illumination light.

[0028] In a 22nd aspect of some embodiments, in the 21st aspect, the control step controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that, during one frame period in which the image sensor captures the light reception result of the opening range, the opening target area in the specified portion corresponding to the opening range covers the shooting area.

[0029] In a 23rd aspect of some embodiments, in the 21st aspect, the control step changes an opening target area in the irradiation area or the specified portion corresponding to the opening range for each frame period in which the light reception result of the opening range is captured by the image sensor, and controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that the opening target area covers the shooting area over two or more frame periods.

[0030] In a 24th aspect of some embodiments, in the 21st aspect, the control step controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that the irradiation area coincides with an opening target area at the specified location corresponding to the opening range for each frame period in which the image sensor captures the light reception result of the opening range, and the opening target area covers the shooting area over two or more frame periods.

[0031] In a 25th aspect of some embodiments, in any one of the 18th to 24th aspects, the image sensor is capable of acquiring the light receiving result by a global shutter method.

[0032] In a 26th aspect of some embodiments, in the 18th aspect, the image sensor is capable of acquiring the light reception results by a rolling shutter method, and the control step controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that, for each frame period in which the image sensor captures the light reception results of the opening range, the irradiation area includes an opening target area at the specified location corresponding to the opening range, and the opening target area covers the shooting area over two or more frame periods.

[0033] A 27th aspect of some embodiments, in any of the 18th to 26th aspects, further comprises an image forming step of forming an image of the predetermined area based on a result of light reception captured in the opening range.

[0034] In a 28th aspect of some embodiments, in any one of the 18th to 27th aspects, the predetermined site is a fundus.

[0035] A twenty-ninth aspect of some embodiments is a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method for an ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of the eighteenth to twenty-eighth aspects.

[0036] The configurations according to the above-described multiple aspects can be combined in any desired manner. Effect of the Invention

[0037] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new technique for acquiring a higher quality image of a subject's eye with a simple configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an optical system of an ophthalmic apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an optical system of an ophthalmic apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5A] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6B] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7A] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7B] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8A] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8B] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] An example of an embodiment of an ophthalmic apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the contents of the documents described in this specification can be appropriately used as the contents of the following embodiment.

[0040] The ophthalmic apparatus according to the embodiment deflects slit-shaped illumination light using an optical scanner, irradiates (scans) the deflected illumination light onto a predetermined portion of the subject's eye, and receives return light from the predetermined portion using an image sensor whose aperture range (position, shape, etc.) on the light-receiving surface can be set arbitrarily. A control unit that controls the ophthalmic apparatus controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that the illumination range on the light-receiving surface corresponding to the illumination area of ​​the illumination light overlaps with the aperture range in a predetermined shooting area set on the predetermined portion of the subject's eye. The control unit also controls the image sensor to obtain a reception result of the return light in the aperture range overlapping with the illumination range.

[0041] In some embodiments, the light reception results of the return light obtained by the image sensor are read out by a global shutter method. In some embodiments, the light reception results of the return light obtained by the image sensor are read out by a rolling shutter method.

[0042] In some embodiments, the predetermined site is the anterior segment or the posterior segment of the eye. The anterior segment of the eye includes the cornea, iris, lens, ciliary body, Zonula zure, etc. The posterior segment of the eye includes the vitreous body, fundus, or nearby areas (retina, choroid, sclera, etc.).

[0043] The control method of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the embodiment includes one or more steps for implementing processing executed by a processor (computer) in the ophthalmic apparatus according to the embodiment. The program according to the embodiment causes the processor to execute each step of the control method of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0044] In this specification, the term "processor" refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc. The processor realizes the functions according to the embodiment by, for example, reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit or a storage device.

[0045] Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the embodiment mainly acquires an image of the fundus of the subject's eye.

[0046] First Embodiment [Optical system configuration] 1 and 2 show schematic diagrams of an example of the configuration of an ophthalmic apparatus according to the first embodiment. Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of an optical system of an ophthalmic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the configuration of an iris diaphragm 21 in Fig. 1 as viewed from the direction of an optical axis O. In Figs. 1 and 2, similar parts are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0047] The ophthalmic apparatus 1 includes a light source 10, an illumination optical system 20, an optical scanner 30, a projection optical system 35, a photographing optical system 40, and an imaging device 50. In some embodiments, the illumination optical system 20 includes at least one of the light source 10, the optical scanner 30, and the projection optical system 35. In some embodiments, the photographing optical system 40 includes the imaging device 50. In some embodiments, the projection optical system 35 or the photographing optical system 40 includes the optical scanner 30.

[0048] (light source 10) The light source 10 includes a visible light source that generates light in the visible region. For example, the light source 10 generates light having a central wavelength in a wavelength range of 420 nm to 700 nm. Such light source 10 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an LD (Laser Diode), a halogen lamp, or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, the light source 10 includes a white light source or a light source capable of outputting light of each color component of RGB. In some embodiments, the light source 10 includes a light source capable of switching between outputting light in the infrared region or light in the visible region. The light source 10 is disposed at a position optically non-conjugate with each of the fundus Ef and the iris.

[0049] (Illumination optical system 20) The illumination optical system 20 generates a slit-shaped illumination light using the light from the light source 10. The illumination optical system 20 guides the generated illumination light to the optical scanner 30.

[0050] The illumination optical system 20 includes an iris diaphragm 21, a slit 22, and a relay lens 23. Light from the light source 10 passes through an opening formed in the iris diaphragm 21, passes through an opening formed in the slit 22, and is transmitted through the relay lens 23. The relay lens 23 includes one or more lenses. The light transmitted through the relay lens 23 is guided to the optical scanner 30.

[0051] (Iris Diaphragm 21) The iris diaphragm 21 (specifically, an opening described later) can be disposed at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the iris (pupil) of the subject's eye E. The iris diaphragm 21 has one or more openings formed at a position away from the optical axis O. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the iris diaphragm 21 has openings 21A and 21B formed therein. The openings 21A and 21B are formed symmetrically with respect to a line that passes through the position of the optical axis O and extends in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the slit 22. The shape of the inner diameter of the openings 21A and 21B is defined by a straight line connecting two points on the inner diameter of the openings 21A and 21B so that the distance in the direction corresponding to the lateral direction of the slit 22 does not change.

[0052] That is, each of the openings 21A and 21B has an arch (circular segment) shape. The arch is a region surrounded by a minor arc of a circle or an ellipse and a chord of the minor arc. The direction of the chord of the arch shape is approximately parallel to the direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the opening formed in the slit 22.

[0053] The openings 21A and 21B formed in the iris diaphragm 21 define the incident position (incident shape) of the illumination light on the iris of the subject's eye E. For example, by forming the openings 21A and 21B as shown in Fig. 2, when the pupil center of the subject's eye E is positioned on the optical axis O, it is possible to cause the illumination light to enter the eye from a position eccentric from the pupil center (specifically, a position that is linearly symmetrical with respect to a straight line passing through the pupil center).

[0054] In some embodiments, the iris diaphragm 21 is formed with openings 21A and 21B having a predetermined thickness along the circumferential direction centered on the optical axis O.

[0055] In addition, by changing the relative position between the light source 10 and the opening formed in the iris diaphragm 21, it is possible to change the light amount distribution of the light passing through the opening formed in the iris diaphragm 21.

[0056] (Slit 22) The slit 22 (specifically, an opening described later) can be arranged at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E. An opening is formed in the slit 22. The opening formed in the slit 22 defines the irradiation pattern of the illumination light on the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E. For example, the opening is formed in the slit 22 so that the longitudinal direction of a slit image on the light receiving surface of an image sensor 51 described later, which is formed by light passing through the opening, is perpendicular to the movement direction of the opening range on the light receiving surface.

[0057] The slit 22 can be moved in the optical axis direction of the illumination optical system 20 by a moving mechanism (moving mechanism 22D described below). The moving mechanism moves the slit 22 in the optical axis direction under the control of a control unit 100 described below. For example, the control unit 100 controls the moving mechanism depending on the state of the subject's eye E. This makes it possible to move the position of the slit 22 depending on the state of the subject's eye E (specifically, the refractive power and the shape of the fundus Ef).

[0058] In some embodiments, the slit 22 is configured to be able to change at least one of the position and the shape of the opening without being moved in the optical axis direction according to the state of the subject's eye E. Such a function of the slit 22 is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal shutter.

[0059] In some embodiments, at least one of the size, location, and shape of the opening formed in the slit 22 can be varied.

[0060] The light from the light source 10 passes through an opening formed in the iris diaphragm 21 and is output as slit-shaped illumination light by passing through an opening formed in the slit 22. The slit-shaped illumination light passes through a relay lens 23 and is guided to the optical scanner 30.

[0061] (Optical Scanner 30) The optical scanner 30 is disposed at a position that is optically approximately conjugate with the iris of the subject's eye E. The optical scanner 30 deflects slit-shaped illumination light (slit-shaped light that has passed through an opening formed in the slit 22) that passes through the relay lens 23. Specifically, the optical scanner 30 deflects the slit-shaped illumination light for sequentially illuminating a predetermined illumination range (illumination light irradiation area) of the fundus Ef while changing the deflection angle within a predetermined deflection angle range with the iris of the subject's eye E or its vicinity as the scanning center position, and guides the slit-shaped illumination light to the projection optical system 35. The optical scanner 30 is capable of deflecting the illumination light one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally.

[0062] In the case of one-dimensional deflection, the optical scanner 30 includes a galvano scanner that deflects the illumination light within a predetermined deflection angle range based on a predetermined deflection direction. For example, the optical scanner 30 deflects the illumination light so that the illumination light moves in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting with) the longitudinal direction of a slit image formed by the illumination light on the fundus Ef of the subject's eye.

[0063] In the case of two-dimensional deflection, the optical scanner 30 includes a first galvanometer scanner and a second galvanometer scanner. The first galvanometer scanner deflects the illumination light so as to move the irradiation position of the illumination light in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the illumination optical system 20. The second galvanometer scanner deflects the illumination light deflected by the first galvanometer scanner so as to move the irradiation position of the illumination light in a vertical direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the illumination optical system 20.

[0064] Examples of the scanning mode in which the irradiation position of the illumination light by the optical scanner 30 is moved include horizontal scanning, vertical scanning, cross scanning, radial scanning, circular scanning, concentric circular scanning, and spiral scanning.

[0065] (Projection optical system 35) The projection optical system 35 guides the illumination light deflected by the optical scanner 30 to the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E. In the embodiment, the projection optical system 35 guides the illumination light deflected by the optical scanner 30 to the fundus Ef via an optical path coupled to the optical path of the imaging optical system 40 by a hole mirror 45 serving as an optical path coupling member described later.

[0066] The projection optical system 35 includes a relay lens 41, a black dot plate 42, a reflecting mirror 43, and a relay lens 44. Each of the relay lenses 41, 44 includes one or more lenses.

[0067] (black dot plate 42) The black dot plate 42 is disposed at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the lens surface of the objective lens 46 or its vicinity. This makes it possible to prevent the reflected light from the lens surface of the objective lens 46 from being guided to the light source 10 (illumination optical system 20).

[0068] In such a projection optical system 35 , the illumination light deflected by the optical scanner 30 passes through the relay lens 41 , passes through the black dot plate 42 , and is reflected by the reflecting mirror 43 toward the hole mirror 45 .

[0069] (Photographic optical system 40) The photographing optical system 40 guides the illumination light guided through the projection optical system 35 to the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E, and also guides the return light of the illumination light from the fundus Ef to the imaging device 50.

[0070] In the photographing optical system 40, the optical path of the illumination light from the projection optical system 35 and the optical path of the return light of the illumination light from the fundus Ef are combined. By using a hole mirror 45 as an optical path combining member that combines these optical paths, it is possible to perform pupil division of the illumination light and its return light.

[0071] The photographing optical system 40 includes a hole mirror 45, an objective lens 46, a focusing lens 47, a relay lens 48, and an imaging lens 49. Each of the relay lenses 48 includes one or more lenses.

[0072] (hole mirror 45) The hole mirror 45 has a hole formed therein, which is located on the optical axis of the photographing optical system 40. The hole of the hole mirror 45 is located at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the iris of the subject's eye E. The hole mirror 45 reflects illumination light from the projection optical system 35 toward the objective lens 46 in the peripheral area of ​​the hole. The hole mirror 45 functions as a photographing aperture.

[0073] (Focusing lens 47) The focusing lens 47 can be moved in the optical axis direction of the photographing optical system 40 by a moving mechanism (not shown). The moving mechanism moves the focusing lens 47 in the optical axis direction under the control of a control unit 100 (described later). This allows the return light of the illumination light that has passed through the hole of the hole mirror 45 to be imaged on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 of the imaging device 50 according to the state of the subject's eye E.

[0074] In such an imaging optical system 40, the illumination light from the projection optical system 35 is reflected toward the objective lens 46 at the peripheral region of the hole formed in the hole mirror 45. The illumination light reflected at the peripheral region of the hole mirror 45 is refracted by the objective lens 46, enters the eye through the pupil of the subject's eye E, and illuminates the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E.

[0075] The return light of the illumination light from the fundus Ef is refracted by the objective lens 46, passes through the hole in the hole mirror 45, transmits through the focusing lens 47, transmits through the relay lens 48, and is imaged by the imaging lens 49 on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 of the imaging device 50.

[0076] (Imaging device 50) The imaging device 50 includes an image sensor 51 that receives return light of the illumination light guided from the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E through the photographing optical system 40. The imaging device 50 is controlled by a control unit 100 described later and is capable of outputting a result of receiving the return light.

[0077] (Image Sensor 51) The image sensor 51 functions as a pixelated light receiver. The light receiving surface (detection surface, imaging surface) of the image sensor 51 can be disposed at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the fundus Ef.

[0078] The position and shape of the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 can be arbitrarily set under the control of the control unit 100 described later. For example, by changing the position of the aperture range according to the position of the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus Ef, it is possible to obtain the light receiving result of the return light from the irradiation area without being affected by unnecessary scattered light. For example, by reducing the size of the aperture range, the frame period during which the light receiving result of the return light at the light receiving elements within the aperture range is captured is shortened.

[0079] The light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements within the aperture range of the image sensor 51 are captured and read out by a global shutter method. That is, the exposure start timing and the exposure end timing are the same for all the light receiving elements within the aperture range of the image sensor 51. Examples of such an image sensor 51 include known image sensors such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor and a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxcide Semiconductor) image sensor. In some embodiments, a control unit 100 described later controls the image sensor 51 to control the reading out of the light reception results.

[0080] 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an illumination area IP of a slit-shaped illumination light irradiated onto the fundus Ef and a virtual aperture range OP on the light receiving surface SR of the image sensor 51.

[0081] For example, the control unit 100 described later uses the optical scanner 30 to deflect the slit-shaped illumination light formed by the illumination optical system 20. As a result, the irradiation area IP of the slit-shaped illumination light is sequentially moved (shifted) in a direction (e.g., vertical direction) perpendicular to the slit direction (e.g., horizontal direction) on the fundus Ef, which is the imaging site.

[0082] On the light receiving surface SR of the image sensor 51, for example, the control unit 100 described later changes the position of the aperture range OP to be taken in as the result of receiving the return light from the fundus Ef. At this time, the position (or the position and shape) of the aperture range OP is set according to the position of the irradiation area IP of the illumination light on the fundus Ef. Specifically, the control unit 100 described later controls the optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51 so that the irradiation area IP' on the light receiving surface SR corresponding to the irradiation area IP of the illumination light on the fundus Ef overlaps with the aperture range OP. In other words, the control unit 100 described later controls the optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51 so that the irradiation area IP of the illumination light on the fundus Ef overlaps with the aperture target area on the fundus Ef corresponding to the opening range OP on the light receiving surface SR. It is desirable that the opening range OP is a range that coincides with the irradiation area IP' of the return light of the illumination light on the light receiving surface SR, or a range that is wider than the irradiation area IP'. For example, the control unit 100 described later executes movement control of the aperture range OP for the image sensor 51 in synchronization with movement control of the illumination light irradiation area IP for the optical scanner 30. This makes it possible to acquire a high-quality image of the fundus Ef with strong contrast with a simple configuration without being affected by unnecessary scattered light.

[0083] In FIG. 3, the control unit 100 described later controls the optical scanner 30 to move the irradiation range IP' on the light receiving surface SR. The control unit 100 described later controls the image sensor 51 in conjunction with the movement of the irradiation range IP' to move the opening range OP so that it overlaps with the moved irradiation range IP'. In some embodiments, the control unit 100 described later controls the image sensor 51 to move the opening range OP. The control unit 100 described later controls the optical scanner 30 in conjunction with the movement of the opening range OP to move the irradiation region on the fundus Ef corresponding to the irradiation range IP' so that the irradiation range IP' overlaps with the moved opening range OP.

[0084] [Control system configuration] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an example of the configuration of a control system (processing system) of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0085] The control system of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 is mainly configured with a control unit 100. Note that at least a part of the configuration of the control system may be included in the ophthalmic apparatus 1.

[0086] (Control unit 100) The control unit 100 controls each unit of the ophthalmic apparatus 1. The control unit 100 includes a main control unit 101 and a storage unit 102. The main control unit 101 includes a processor, and executes control processing of each unit of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 by executing processing according to a program stored in the storage unit 102.

[0087] (Main control unit 101) The main control unit 101 controls the light source 10 , the moving mechanism 10 D, the illumination optical system 20 , the optical scanner 30 , the imaging optical system 40 , the imaging device 50 , and the data processing unit 200 .

[0088] The control of the light source 10 includes switching the light source on and off (or the wavelength region of the light), controlling the lighting time, and controlling changes in the light amount of the light source.

[0089] The movement mechanism 10D uses a known mechanism to change at least one of the position and the orientation of the light source 10. The main control unit 101 can change at least one of the relative position and the relative orientation of the light source 10 with respect to the iris diaphragm 21 and the slit 22.

[0090] The control of the illumination optical system 20 includes the control of the moving mechanism 22D. The moving mechanism 22D moves the slit 22 in the optical axis direction of the illumination optical system 20. The main controller 101 controls the moving mechanism 22D in accordance with the state of the subject's eye E to place the slit 22 at a position corresponding to the state of the subject's eye E. The state of the subject's eye E includes the shape of the fundus Ef, the refractive power, and the axial length. The refractive power can be obtained from a known eye refractive power measuring device such as those disclosed in JP-A-61-293430 or JP-A-2010-259495. The axial length can be obtained from the measurement value of a known axial length measuring device or an optical coherence tomography.

[0091] For example, first control information in which the position of the slit 22 on the optical axis of the illumination optical system 20 is previously associated with the refractive power is stored in the storage unit 102. The main control unit 101 refers to the first control information to specify the position of the slit 22 corresponding to the refractive power, and controls the moving mechanism 22D so that the slit 22 is located at the specified position.

[0092] Here, the light amount distribution of the light passing through the opening formed in the slit 22 changes with the movement of the slit 22. At this time, as described above, the main control unit 101 can change the position and orientation of the light source 10 by controlling the movement mechanism 10D.

[0093] In some embodiments, the master controller 101 changes at least one of the shape, position, and size of the opening formed in the slit 22.

[0094] The control of the optical scanner 30 includes controlling the angle of the deflection surface that deflects the illumination light. By controlling the angle range of the deflection surface, it is possible to control the scan range (scan start position and scan end position). By controlling the speed at which the angle of the deflection surface is changed, it is possible to control the scan speed.

[0095] In some embodiments, the main controller 101 controls the optical scanner 30 so that the deflection angle of the deflection surface of the optical scanner 30 is a predetermined deflection angle and the illumination light is scanned over the irradiation area on the fundus Ef.

[0096] In some embodiments, the main controller 101 deflects the slit-shaped illumination light by controlling the optical scanner 30, and changes the position (or position and shape) of the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus Ef. In some embodiments, the main controller 101 changes the position (or position and shape) of the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus Ef by changing at least one of the shape, position, and size of the opening formed in the slit 22. In some embodiments, the main controller 101 changes the position (or position and shape) of the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus Ef by controlling each of the slit 22 and the optical scanner 30 as described above.

[0097] In some embodiments, the main controller 101 controls at least one of the light source 10 and the optical scanner 30 to change the irradiation time of the illumination light onto the fundus Ef.

[0098] The control of the photographing optical system 40 includes the control of the moving mechanism 47D. The moving mechanism 47D moves the focusing lens 47 in the optical axis direction of the photographing optical system 40. The main control unit 101 can control the moving mechanism 47D based on the analysis result of the image acquired by using the image sensor 51. The main control unit 101 can also control the moving mechanism 47D based on the operation content of the user using the operation unit 110 described later.

[0099] The control of the imaging device 50 includes the control of the image sensor 51. The control of the image sensor 51 includes the setting of the aperture range on the light receiving surface and the control for reading out the light receiving result by the global shutter method.

[0100] The main controller 101 changes the position (or arrangement and shape) of the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 in synchronization with the movement of the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus oculi Ef.

[0101] In some embodiments, the main controller 101 identifies the position of the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus Ef based on the deflection angle of the optical scanner 30, and controls the illumination area or the aperture range of the image sensor 51 based on the identified position. In this case, the position or size (width) of the illumination area (illumination range) or the aperture range, the irradiation time of the illumination light, or the opening time of the aperture range is changed. The deflection angle of the optical scanner 30 can be identified based on the detection result obtained by a separately provided angle detector, or a signal indicating the deflection state from the optical scanner 30.

[0102] In some embodiments, the main control unit 101 executes control corresponding to the control content for each range obtained by dividing a predetermined deflection angle range of the optical scanner 30, on the optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51, based on sequence information representing the control content for each range.

[0103] The control of the data processing unit 200 includes various image processing and analysis processing for the light reception results obtained from the image sensor 51. The image processing includes noise removal processing for the light reception results, and brightness correction processing for making it easier to identify a specific part depicted in the light reception image based on the light reception results. The analysis processing includes processing for identifying the focus state.

[0104] The data processing unit 200 can form a light receiving image corresponding to the aperture range based on the light receiving result read out from the image sensor 51 by the global shutter method. The data processing unit 200, as an image forming unit, can sequentially form light receiving images corresponding to the aperture range and form an image of the subject's eye E from the formed multiple light receiving images.

[0105] The data processing unit 200 includes a processor, and performs processing according to a program stored in a storage unit or the like to realize the above functions.

[0106] In some embodiments, the light source 10 includes two or more light sources. In this case, each of the two or more light sources is provided corresponding to two or more openings formed in the iris diaphragm 21. The main control unit 101 can change at least one of the position and the orientation (the orientation in the direction in which the light quantity distribution is maximized) of each light source by controlling a movement mechanism provided corresponding to each of the two or more light sources.

[0107] (Storage unit 102) The storage unit 102 stores various computer programs and data. The computer programs include a calculation program and a control program for controlling the ophthalmic apparatus 1.

[0108] (Operation unit 110) The operation unit 110 includes an operation device or an input device. The operation unit 110 includes buttons and switches (e.g., an operation handle, an operation knob, etc.) and operation devices (a mouse, a keyboard, etc.) provided on the ophthalmic apparatus 1. The operation unit 110 may also include any operation device or input device, such as a trackball, an operation panel, a switch, a button, or a dial.

[0109] (Display section 120) The display unit 120 displays the image of the subject's eye E generated by the data processing unit 200. The display unit 120 includes a display device such as a flat panel display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 120 may also include various display devices such as a touch panel provided on the housing of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1.

[0110] It is not necessary for the operation unit 110 and the display unit 120 to be configured as separate devices. For example, it is possible to use a device in which a display function and an operation function are integrated, such as a touch panel. In that case, the operation unit 110 is configured to include this touch panel and a computer program. The operation content on the operation unit 110 is input to the control unit 100 as an electric signal. In addition, operations and information input may be performed using a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the display unit 120 and the operation unit 110. In some embodiments, the functions of the display unit 120 and the operation unit 110 are realized by a touch screen.

[0111] (Other configurations) In some embodiments, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 further includes a fixation projection system. For example, the optical path of the fixation projection system is coupled to the optical path of the photographing optical system 40 in the optical system configuration shown in FIG. 1. The fixation projection system can present an internal fixation target or an external fixation target to the subject's eye E. When presenting an internal fixation target to the subject's eye E, the fixation projection system includes an LCD that displays the internal fixation target under the control of the control unit 100, and projects the fixation light beam output from the LCD onto the fundus of the subject's eye E. The LCD is configured to be able to change the display position of the fixation target on its screen. By changing the display position of the fixation target on the LCD, it is possible to change the projection position of the fixation target on the fundus of the subject's eye E. The display position of the fixation target on the LCD can be specified by the user using the operation unit 110.

[0112] In some embodiments, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 includes an alignment system. In some embodiments, the alignment system includes an XY alignment system and a Z alignment system. The XY alignment system is used to align the device optical system and the subject's eye E in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the device optical system (objective lens 46). The Z alignment system is used to align the device optical system and the subject's eye E in the direction of the optical axis of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 (objective lens 46).

[0113] For example, the XY alignment system projects a bright spot (a bright spot in the infrared region or near-infrared region) onto the subject's eye E. The data processing unit 200 acquires an anterior segment image of the subject's eye E onto which the bright spot is projected, and determines the displacement between the bright spot image depicted in the acquired anterior segment image and the alignment reference position. The control unit 100 relatively moves the device optical system and the subject's eye E in a direction intersecting with the direction of the optical axis using a moving mechanism (not shown) so that the determined displacement is cancelled.

[0114] For example, the Z alignment system projects alignment light in the infrared or near-infrared region from a position off the optical axis of the device optical system, and receives the alignment light reflected by the anterior segment of the subject's eye E. The data processing unit 200 specifies the distance of the subject's eye E from the device optical system based on the receiving position of the alignment light, which changes depending on the distance of the subject's eye E from the device optical system. The control unit 100 moves the device optical system and the subject's eye E relatively in the direction of the optical axis using a moving mechanism (not shown) so that the specified distance becomes the desired working distance.

[0115] In some embodiments, the function of the alignment system is realized by two or more anterior eye cameras arranged at a position off the optical axis of the device optical system. For example, as disclosed in JP 2013-248376 A, the data processing unit 200 analyzes anterior eye images of the subject eye E acquired substantially simultaneously by two or more anterior eye cameras, and specifies the three-dimensional position of the subject eye E using a known trigonometric method. The control unit 100 moves the device optical system and the subject eye E three-dimensionally relative to each other by a moving mechanism (not shown) so that the optical axis of the device optical system approximately coincides with the axis of the subject eye E and the distance of the device optical system to the subject eye E is a predetermined working distance.

[0116] As described above, in the ophthalmic apparatus 1, the slit 22 (opening), the photographing site (fundus oculi Ef), and the image sensor 51 (light receiving surface) are arranged at positions that are approximately optically conjugate. The ophthalmic apparatus 1 moves the illumination range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51, which corresponds to the illumination light illumination area on the fundus oculi Ef, and the aperture range in a coordinated manner. That is, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 moves the illumination light illumination area on the fundus oculi Ef and the aperture target area on the fundus oculi Ef, which corresponds to the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51, in a coordinated manner. This makes it possible to obtain a clear image of the photographing site while suppressing the influence of unnecessary scattered light.

[0117] The data processing unit 200 is an example of the "image forming unit" according to the embodiment.

[0118] [Operation] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. In the following operation example, it is assumed that alignment has been completed and the movement of the slit 22 has been completed in accordance with the refractive power of the subject's eye E. In addition, in the following, an example will be described in which the photographing area (fundus photographing target area) has a deflection angle range of ±22.5° based on the center of the scan, but the deflection angle range may be wider than ±22.5° or narrower than ±22.5°.

[0119] (First operation example) Fig. 5A is an explanatory diagram of a first operation example of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 5A, the vertical axis represents the deflection angle range (±22.5°) based on the scan center as the photographing area (fundus photographing target area) on the fundus Ef, and the horizontal axis represents the time axis. Note that the position where the deflection angle is 0° corresponds to the position where the optical axis of the illumination optical system 20 (photographing optical system 40) intersects with the fundus Ef after the alignment is completed.

[0120] In the first operation example, during one frame period in which the image sensor 51 captures the light reception result of the aperture range, the aperture target area on the fundus Ef corresponding to the aperture range is within the photographing area R IMG The shooting area R IMGis illuminated with slit-shaped illumination light. For example, one frame period corresponds to the sum of the opening time during which the opening range is open and the data transmission time during which the light reception result of the opening range is transmitted. Specifically, the control unit 100 detects an image capturing area R in the range of +22.5° to −22.5° on the fundus Ef. IMG The optical scanner 30 is controlled so that the illumination light irradiation area is scanned (moved) at a constant speed.

[0121] In the image sensor 51, the photographing area RIMG In accordance with the movement of the irradiation area in the fundus oculi Ef, an aperture range having a predetermined aperture width and opening for a predetermined opening time is moved sequentially. Specifically, the control unit 100 sequentially controls the image sensor 51 so that an aperture range having an aperture width Wd1 opens for a predetermined opening time so as to overlap an irradiation area ILR1 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus oculi Ef.

[0122] Here, since the distance between the ophthalmic apparatus 1 and the subject's eye during shooting and the optical magnification of the optical system of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 are known, the shooting area RIMG The position of the object to be photographed in the can be specified from the deflection angle of the optical scanner 30. That is, the control unit 100 that controls the optical scanner 30 can specify the position of the object to be photographed corresponding to the deflection angle of the optical scanner 30 and the position of the irradiation range ILR1 on the light receiving surface.

[0123] For example, when the deflection angle range is DR1 (=+22.5° to +(22.5-f(Wd1))°), the control unit 100 sets the image sensor 51 so that the aperture range OR1 having the aperture width Wd1 opens for a predetermined aperture time at a position on the light receiving surface corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1. Here, f(Wd1) corresponds to the deflection angle of the optical scanner 30 when the deflection angle is deflected in the direction of 0° from the position of the photographing target area corresponding to 22.5° to the position on the light receiving surface corresponding to the aperture width Wd1.

[0124] Similarly, when the deflection angle range is DR2 (=(22.5-f(Wd1))° to (22.5-f(Wd1×2)), the control unit 100 sets the image sensor 51 so that the opening range OR2 having the opening width Wd1 opens for a predetermined opening time at the position of the light receiving surface corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2.

[0125] The control unit 100 reads out the light receiving results obtained by the light receiving elements in the aperture range OR1 using a global shutter method. The control unit 100 causes the data processing unit 200 to form one frame of an image of the fundus oculi Ef using the light receiving results obtained by the light receiving elements in a range that overlaps with the irradiation range ILR1 among the read out light receiving results.

[0126] According to the first operation example of the first embodiment, the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 capable of reading out the light receiving results by the global shutter method can be moved in accordance with the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus Ef. This makes it possible to obtain a clear image of the imaging site while suppressing the influence of unnecessary scattered light with a simple configuration using an image sensor capable of reading out the light receiving results by the global shutter method.

[0127] In the first embodiment, one frame period is an image acquisition period T IMG This corresponds to shortening the image acquisition period. Therefore, it is possible to acquire a high-quality image of the fundus Ef while reducing the burden on the subject's eye.

[0128] (Second operation example) Fig. 5B is an explanatory diagram of a second operation example of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 5B, similar to Fig. 5A, the vertical axis represents the deflection angle range (±22.5°) based on the center of the scan as the photographing area of ​​the fundus Ef, and the horizontal axis represents the time axis.

[0129] In the second operation example, an aperture range having different aperture widths is set according to the irradiation range of the illumination light. In this case, the control unit 100 sets the imaging area R IMG The imaging area R IMGThe control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 so that the illumination light irradiation area is scanned (moved) at a deflection speed (scanning speed) corresponding to the position of the illumination light. The control unit 100 also sequentially controls the image sensor 51 so that an opening range having a desired opening width is opened for a predetermined opening time so as to overlap an illumination range ILR11 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus Ef.

[0130] For example, when the deflection angle range is DR1, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to deflect the illumination light at a deflection speed corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to open an aperture range having an aperture width Wd1 for a predetermined opening time at a position on the light receiving surface corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1.

[0131] For example, when the deflection angle range is DR2, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to deflect the illumination light at a deflection speed corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to open an aperture range having an aperture width Wd2 for a predetermined opening time at a position on the light receiving surface corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2.

[0132] Thereafter, the control of the optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51 is repeated in the same manner, and the illumination light is used to capture the image of the photographed area R IMG When the scanning is completed, the control unit 100 reads out the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the opening range OR11 using a global shutter system. The control unit 100 causes the data processing unit 200 to form one frame of an image of the fundus Ef using the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in a range that overlaps with the irradiation range ILR11 among the read light reception results.

[0133] For example, the storage unit 102 stores second control information in which the deflection speed of the optical scanner 30 and the aperture width of the aperture range are previously associated with a deflection angle range (position of the subject to be photographed). The control unit 100 can refer to the second control information to control the optical scanner 30 so as to deflect the illumination light at a deflection speed corresponding to the position of the subject to be photographed, and also control the image sensor 51 so as to set an aperture range having an aperture width corresponding to the position of the subject to be photographed.

[0134] As described above, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to deflect the illumination light at a deflection speed corresponding to the position of the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus oculi Ef, and controls the image sensor 51 to set an aperture range having an aperture width corresponding to the position of the irradiation area. In some embodiments, an aperture range that opens with different opening times is set according to the position of the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus oculi Ef.

[0135] According to the second operation example of the first embodiment, the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 capable of reading out the light receiving result by the global shutter method can be moved according to the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus oculi Ef. At this time, the aperture range can be set sequentially so that the aperture width is different, so that the moving speed (scanning speed) of the irradiation area on the fundus oculi Ef can be changed. This means that the amount of illumination light can be adjusted according to the position of the subject to be photographed. Thereby, the entire photographing area can be illuminated with a uniform amount of light without reducing the amount of illumination light at a position away from the center position of the photographing area (for example, a position with a large deflection angle). Therefore, it is possible to obtain a higher quality image of the fundus oculi Ef.

[0136] <Second embodiment> In the second embodiment, the illumination light irradiation area or the aperture target area on the fundus Ef corresponding to the aperture range is changed for each frame period in which the light reception result of the aperture range is captured by the image sensor 31, and the aperture target area is changed over two or more frame periods. IMG The optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51 are controlled so as to cover all of the above.

[0137] The ophthalmic apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the ophthalmic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0138] The configuration of the optical system and the configuration of the control system of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the second embodiment are similar to the configuration of the optical system and the configuration of the control system of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, respectively.

[0139] (First operation example) Fig. 6A is an explanatory diagram of a first operation example of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 6A, similar to Fig. 5A, the vertical axis represents the deflection angle range (±22.5°) based on the center of the scan as the photographing area of ​​the fundus Ef, and the horizontal axis represents the time axis.

[0140] In the first operation example, the illumination range on the light receiving surface is changed for each frame period in which the light receiving result of the aperture range is captured by the image sensor 51, and the aperture range is changed so as to overlap with the changed illumination range. Specifically, the control unit 100 scans (moves) the illumination light illumination area at a constant speed for each predetermined range obtained by dividing +22.5° to −22.5° on the fundus Ef, and the illumination light illumination area is moved over two or more frames to the photographing area R. IMG The optical scanner 30 is controlled so as to cover the above.

[0141] In the image sensor 51, the photographing area RIMG In accordance with the movement of the irradiation area in the fundus oculi Ef, an aperture range having a predetermined aperture width and opening for a predetermined opening time is moved sequentially. Specifically, the control unit 100 sequentially controls the image sensor 51 so that an aperture range having an aperture width Wd1 opens for a predetermined opening time so as to overlap an irradiation area ILR1 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus oculi Ef.

[0142] For example, when the deflection angle range is the above-mentioned DR1, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the photographing target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1 with the illumination light. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to set the aperture range OR21 so as to overlap with the illumination range ILR21 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination light irradiation area. That is, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the photographing target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1 with the illumination light, and also controls the image sensor 51 to open an aperture range having an aperture width Wd1 for a predetermined opening time at a position on the light receiving surface corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1.

[0143] Similarly, for example, when the deflection angle range is DR2, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the imaging target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2 with the illumination light. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to set the aperture range OR22 so as to overlap with the illumination range ILR22 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination light irradiation area. That is, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the imaging target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2 with the illumination light, and also controls the image sensor 51 to open an aperture range having an aperture width Wd1 for a predetermined opening time at a position on the light receiving surface corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2.

[0144] Similarly, for example, when the deflection angle range is DR3, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the imaging target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR3 with the illumination light. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to set the aperture range OR23 so as to overlap with the illumination range ILR23 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination light irradiation area. That is, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the imaging target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR3 with the illumination light, and controls the image sensor 51 to open an aperture range having an aperture width Wd1 for a predetermined opening time at a position on the light receiving surface corresponding to the deflection angle range DR3.

[0145] The control unit 100 reads out the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the opening range OR21 in the deflection angle range DR1 using the global shutter method, and causes the data processing unit 200 to form an image of the fundus Ef using the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the range that overlaps with the irradiation range ILR21 among the read out light reception results.

[0146] Similarly, the control unit 100 reads out the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the opening range OR22 (OR23) in the deflection angle range DR2 (DR3) using the global shutter method, and causes the data processing unit 200 to form an image of the fundus Ef using the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the range that overlaps with the irradiation range ILR22 (ILR23) among the read out light reception results.

[0147] The formation of an image for each frame may be performed in parallel with the reception of light for other frames.

[0148] Thereafter, the control of the optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51 is repeated in the same manner, and the illumination light is used to capture the image of the photographed area R IMG When the irradiation (scanning) is completed, the control unit 100 synthesizes the images formed for each frame to obtain the image of the photographed area R IMG The data processing unit 200 forms an image of the fundus Ef in which the entirety is depicted.

[0149] According to the first operation example of the second embodiment, the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 capable of reading out the light receiving result by the global shutter method can be moved in accordance with the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus Ef for each frame period. At this time, in the second embodiment, the image acquisition period T IMG This makes it possible to obtain clear images of the imaging site while suppressing the effects of unnecessary scattered light as well as fixational eye movement of the subject's eye, using a simple configuration that uses an image sensor that can read out the light reception results using the global shutter method.

[0150] (Second operation example) Fig. 6B is an explanatory diagram of a second operation example of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 6B, similar to Fig. 6A, the vertical axis represents the deflection angle range (±22.5°) based on the center of the scan as the photographing area of ​​the fundus Ef, and the horizontal axis represents the time axis.

[0151] In the second operation example, an aperture range having a different aperture width is set for each frame period according to the irradiation range of the illumination light. In this case, the control unit 100 sets the imaging area R IMG The imaging area R IMG The control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 so that the illumination light irradiation area is scanned (moved) at a deflection speed (scanning speed) corresponding to the position of the fundus oculi Ef. The control unit 100 also sequentially controls the image sensor 51 so that an opening range having a desired opening width is opened for a predetermined opening time so as to overlap an irradiation range on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus oculi Ef for each frame period.

[0152] For example, when the deflection angle range is DR1, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner to deflect the illumination light at a deflection speed corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to open an aperture range OR31 having an aperture width Wd1 for a predetermined opening time so as to overlap an illumination range ILR31 on the light receiving surface corresponding to an illumination area of ​​the fundus Ef with the illumination light.

[0153] For example, when the deflection angle range is DR2, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner to deflect the illumination light at a deflection speed corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to open an aperture range OR32 having an aperture width Wd2 for a predetermined opening time so as to overlap an illumination range ILR32 on the light receiving surface corresponding to an illumination area of ​​the fundus Ef with the illumination light.

[0154] Similarly, for example, when the deflection angle range is DR3, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner to deflect the illumination light at a deflection speed corresponding to the deflection angle range DR3. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to open an aperture range OR33 having an aperture width Wd3 (not shown) for a predetermined opening time so as to overlap an illumination range ILR33 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination area of ​​the fundus Ef with the illumination light.

[0155] The control unit 100 reads out the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the opening ranges OR31, OR32, OR33, ... by a global shutter method, and uses the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the range that overlaps with the irradiation range among the read out light reception results to cause the data processing unit 200 to form an image of the fundus oculi Ef. The formation of an image of each frame may be performed in parallel with the light reception of other frames.

[0156] Thereafter, the control of the optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51 is repeated in the same manner, and the illumination light is used to capture the image of the photographed area R IMG When the irradiation (scanning) is completed, the control unit 100 synthesizes the images formed for each frame to obtain the image of the photographed area R IMG The data processing unit 200 forms an image of the fundus Ef in which the entirety is depicted.

[0157] For example, the storage unit 102 stores third control information in which the deflection speed of the optical scanner 30 and the aperture width of the aperture range are previously associated with a deflection angle range (position of the subject to be photographed). The control unit 100 can refer to the third control information to control the optical scanner 30 so as to deflect the illumination light at a deflection speed corresponding to the position of the subject to be photographed, and also control the image sensor 51 so as to set an aperture range having an aperture width corresponding to the position of the subject to be photographed.

[0158] As described above, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to deflect the illumination light at a deflection speed corresponding to the position of the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus Ef for each frame period, and controls the image sensor 51 to set an aperture range having an aperture width corresponding to the position of the irradiation area. In some embodiments, an aperture range that opens with different opening times is set according to the position of the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus Ef.

[0159] According to the second operation example of the second embodiment, the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 capable of reading out the light receiving result by the global shutter method can be moved according to the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus oculi Ef. At this time, the aperture range can be set sequentially so that the aperture width is different, so that the moving speed (scanning speed) of the irradiation area on the fundus oculi Ef can be changed. This means that the amount of illumination light can be adjusted according to the position of the subject to be photographed. Thereby, the entire photographing area can be illuminated with a uniform amount of light without reducing the amount of illumination light at a position away from the center position of the photographing area (for example, a position with a large deflection angle). Therefore, it is possible to obtain a higher quality image of the fundus oculi Ef.

[0160] <Third embodiment> In the third embodiment, the aperture target area on the fundus Ef corresponding to the illumination light irradiation area or the aperture range on the fundus Ef is changed for each frame period in which the light reception result of the aperture range is captured by the image sensor 31, and the aperture target area is changed over two or more frame periods. IMG The optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51 are controlled so as to cover all of the above. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51 are controlled so that the irradiation range of the illumination light on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 coincides with the aperture range.

[0161] The ophthalmic apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the ophthalmic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0162] The configuration of the optical system and the configuration of the control system of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the third embodiment are similar to the configuration of the optical system and the control system of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the second embodiment (i.e., the ophthalmic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment).

[0163] (First operation example) Fig. 7A is an explanatory diagram of a first operation example of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 7A, similar to Fig. 6A, the vertical axis represents the deflection angle range (±22.5°) based on the center of the scan as the photographing area of ​​the fundus Ef, and the horizontal axis represents the time axis.

[0164] In the first operation example, the illumination range on the light receiving surface is changed for each frame period during which the image sensor 51 captures the light reception result of the aperture range, and the aperture range is changed so as to match the changed illumination range (the position of the illumination range, or the position and shape of the illumination range). Specifically, the control unit 100 irradiates the illumination light onto a fixed illumination area for each predetermined range obtained by dividing +22.5° to −22.5° on the fundus Ef, and the illumination light illumination area is adjusted over two or more frames to the photographing area R. IMG The optical scanner 30 is controlled so as to cover the above.

[0165] The image sensor 51 has a shooting area that changes for each frame. RIMG The aperture range, which has a predetermined aperture width and opens for a predetermined opening time, is sequentially moved in accordance with the position of the irradiation area in the fundus oculi Ef. Specifically, the control unit 100 sequentially controls the image sensor 51 so that the aperture range, which has an aperture width Wd1, opens for a predetermined opening time so as to coincide with the irradiation area on the light receiving surface corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus oculi Ef.

[0166] For example, when the deflection angle range is DR1, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate (scan) the photographing target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1 with the illumination light. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to set the aperture range OR41 so as to coincide with the illumination range IL41 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination area of ​​the illumination light. That is, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the photographing target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1 with the illumination light, and controls the image sensor 51 so that the aperture range OR41 having the aperture width Wd1 opens for a predetermined opening time at the position of the light receiving surface corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1.

[0167] For example, when the deflection angle range is DR2, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the imaging target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2 with the illumination light. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to set the aperture range OR42 so as to coincide with the illumination range ILR42 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination light irradiation area. That is, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the imaging target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2 with the illumination light, and controls the image sensor 51 to open the aperture range OR42 having the aperture width Wd1 for a predetermined opening time at the position of the light receiving surface corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2.

[0168] Similarly, for example, when the deflection angle range is DR3, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the imaging target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR3 with the illumination light. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to set the aperture range OR43 so as to overlap with the illumination range ILR43 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination light irradiation area. That is, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the imaging target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR3 with the illumination light, and controls the image sensor 51 to open the aperture range OR43 having the aperture width Wd1 for a predetermined opening time at the position of the light receiving surface corresponding to the deflection angle range DR3.

[0169] The control unit 100 reads out the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the aperture range OR41 in the deflection angle range DR1 using the global shutter method, and causes the data processing unit 200 to form an image of the fundus oculi Ef using the read out light reception results.

[0170] Similarly, the control unit 100 reads out the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the opening range OR42 (OR43) in the deflection angle range DR2 (DR3) by the global shutter method, and uses the read-out light reception results to form an image of the fundus oculi Ef in the data processing unit 200. The formation of an image of each frame may be performed in parallel with the light reception of other frames.

[0171] Thereafter, the control of the optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51 is repeated in the same manner, and the illumination light is used to capture the image of the photographed area R IMG When the irradiation (scanning) is completed, the control unit 100 synthesizes the images formed for each frame to obtain the image of the photographed area R IMG The data processing unit 200 forms an image of the fundus Ef in which the entirety is depicted.

[0172] According to the first operation example of the third embodiment, the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 capable of reading out the light receiving result by the global shutter method can be moved in accordance with the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus Ef for each frame period. At this time, in the third embodiment, since the irradiation area and the aperture range match, an image can be acquired by simple processing compared to the second embodiment. As a result, it is possible to acquire a clear image of the imaging site while suppressing the influence of the fixation eye movement of the subject eye in addition to the influence of unnecessary scattered light with a simple configuration and processing using an image sensor capable of reading out the light receiving result by the global shutter method. It is also possible to eliminate the need for repeated imaging caused by the fixation eye movement of the subject eye, or distortion correction processing caused by the fixation eye movement.

[0173] (Second operation example) Fig. 7B is an explanatory diagram of a second operation example of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 7B, similar to Fig. 7A, the vertical axis represents the deflection angle range (±22.5°) based on the center of the scan as the photographing area of ​​the fundus Ef, and the horizontal axis represents the time axis.

[0174] In the second operation example, the illumination light is irradiated for an irradiation time corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus oculi Ef for each frame period, and an aperture range is set to open for an opening time corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light. In this case, the control unit 100 sets the imaging area R of the fundus oculi Ef in the range of +22.5° to −22.5° for each frame period. IMG The imaging area R IMG The control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 so that the illumination light irradiation area is scanned (moved) at a deflection speed (scanning speed) corresponding to the position of the illumination light. At this time, the irradiation time of the illumination light is changed corresponding to the irradiation area. In addition, the control unit 100 sequentially controls the image sensor 51 for each frame period so that an aperture range that coincides with the irradiation range on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination light irradiation area on the fundus Ef and has a predetermined aperture width is opened for an opening time corresponding to the irradiation area. In other words, the opening time of the aperture range is set to coincide with the irradiation time of the illumination light.

[0175] For example, when the deflection angle range is the above-mentioned DR1, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 (or the light source 10 and the optical scanner 30) to deflect the illumination light in a range corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1 for an irradiation time Td1 corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1 to illuminate the fundus Ef. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 so that an opening range OR41 having a predetermined opening width coincides with an irradiation range ILR41 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus Ef and opens for the opening time Td1.

[0176] For example, when the deflection angle range is DR2, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to deflect the illumination light within a range corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2 for an irradiation time Td2 corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2 to illuminate the fundus Ef. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 so that an opening range OR42 having a predetermined opening width coincides with an irradiation range ILR42 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus Ef and opens for the opening time Td2.

[0177] Similarly, for example, when the deflection angle range is DR3, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to deflect the illumination light in a range corresponding to the deflection angle range DR3 for an irradiation time Td3 corresponding to the deflection angle range DR3 to illuminate the fundus Ef. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 so that an aperture range OR43 having a predetermined aperture width coincides with an illumination range ILR43 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus Ef and opens for the opening time Td3. For example, when the imaging area R IMG The closer to the center, the shorter the irradiation time (opening time).

[0178] The control unit 100 reads out the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the opening ranges OR41, OR42, OR43, OR44, ... by a global shutter method, and uses the read out light reception results to form an image of the fundus oculi Ef in the data processing unit 200. The formation of an image of each frame may be performed in parallel with the light reception of other frames.

[0179] Thereafter, the control of the optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51 is repeated in the same manner, and the illumination light is used to capture the image of the photographed area R IMG When the irradiation (scanning) is completed, the control unit 100 synthesizes the images formed for each frame to obtain the image of the photographed area R IMG The data processing unit 200 forms an image of the fundus Ef in which the entirety is depicted.

[0180] For example, the storage unit 102 stores fourth control information in which the irradiation time of the illumination light (opening time of the aperture range) is previously associated with the deflection angle range (position of the subject to be photographed). The control unit 100 can refer to the fourth control information to control the optical scanner 30 so as to irradiate the illumination light to the irradiation area for the irradiation time corresponding to the position of the subject to be photographed, and control the image sensor 51 so as to set the aperture range having a predetermined aperture width for the opening time corresponding to the position of the subject to be photographed.

[0181] As described above, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 so that the illumination light illuminates the illumination area of ​​the fundus Ef for an illumination time corresponding to the position of the illumination light, and controls the image sensor 51 to set an aperture range that opens for an opening time corresponding to the position of the illumination area. In some embodiments, an aperture range having a different aperture width is set according to the position of the illumination light irradiation area of ​​the fundus Ef.

[0182] According to the second operation example of the third embodiment, the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 capable of reading out the light receiving result by the global shutter method can be moved while changing the irradiation time (aperture time) according to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus oculi Ef. This allows the amount of illumination light to be adjusted according to the position of the subject to be photographed. This allows the entire photographing area to be illuminated with a uniform amount of light without reducing the amount of illumination light at positions away from the center position of the photographing area (for example, positions with a large deflection angle). This makes it possible to obtain a higher quality image of the fundus oculi Ef.

[0183] <Fourth embodiment> In the above embodiment, the light reception result obtained by the image sensor 51 is read out by the global shutter method, but the configuration of the embodiment is not limited to this. In the fourth embodiment, the light reception result obtained by the image sensor 51 is read out by the rolling shutter method.

[0184] In the fourth embodiment, the aperture target area on the fundus Ef corresponding to the illumination light irradiation area or the aperture range on the fundus Ef is changed for each frame period in which the light reception result of the aperture range is captured by the image sensor 31, and the aperture target area is changed over two or more frame periods. IMG The optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51 are controlled so as to cover all of the above. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the light reception results obtained by the image sensor 51 are read out by a rolling shutter method.

[0185] The ophthalmic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the ophthalmic apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0186] The configuration of the optical system and the configuration of the control system of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment are similar to the configuration of the optical system and the control system of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the third embodiment (i.e., the ophthalmic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment).

[0187] (First operation example) Fig. 8A is an explanatory diagram of a first operation example of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 8A, similar to Fig. 7A, the vertical axis represents the deflection angle range (±22.5°) based on the center of the scan as the photographing area of ​​the fundus Ef, and the horizontal axis represents the time axis.

[0188] In the first operation example, the illumination range on the light receiving surface is changed for each frame period in which the light receiving result of the aperture range is captured by the image sensor 51, and the aperture range is changed so as to overlap with the changed illumination range. Specifically, the control unit 100 illuminates a fixed illumination area with illumination light for each predetermined range obtained by dividing +22.5° to −22.5° on the fundus Ef, and the illumination area of ​​the illumination light is aligned over two or more frames to the photographing area R. IMG The optical scanner 30 is controlled so as to cover the above.

[0189] The image sensor 51 has a shooting area that changes for each frame. RIMGThe aperture range, which has a predetermined aperture width and opens for a predetermined opening time, is sequentially moved in accordance with the position of the irradiation area in the fundus oculi Ef. Specifically, the control unit 100 sequentially controls the image sensor 51 so that the aperture range, which has the aperture width Wd1, opens for the predetermined opening time so as to overlap the irradiation area on the light receiving surface corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus oculi Ef.

[0190] For example, when the deflection angle range is the above-mentioned DR1, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate (scan) the photographing target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1 with the illumination light. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to set the aperture range OR51 so as to overlap with the illumination range ILR51 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination light irradiation area. That is, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the photographing target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1 with the illumination light, and also controls the image sensor 51 so that the aperture range OR51 having the aperture width Wd1 opens for a predetermined opening time at the position of the light receiving surface corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1.

[0191] For example, when the deflection angle range is DR2, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the imaging target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2 with the illumination light. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to set the aperture range OR52 so as to overlap with the illumination range ILR52 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination light irradiation area.

[0192] Similarly, for example, when the deflection angle range is DR3, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to irradiate the imaging target area corresponding to the deflection angle range DR3 with the illumination light. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 to set the aperture range OR53 so as to overlap with the illumination range ILR53 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination area of ​​the illumination light.

[0193] The control unit 100 reads out the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the opening range OR51 in the deflection angle range DR1 using the rolling shutter method, and causes the data processing unit 200 to form an image of the fundus oculi Ef using the read-out light reception results.

[0194] Similarly, the control unit 100 reads out the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the opening range OR52 (OR53) in the deflection angle range DR2 (DR3) using the rolling shutter method, and causes the data processing unit 200 to form an image of the fundus Ef using the read out light reception results.

[0195] Thereafter, the control of the optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51 is repeated in the same manner, and the illumination light is used to capture the image of the photographed area R IMG When the irradiation (scanning) is completed, the control unit 100 synthesizes the images formed for each frame to obtain the image of the photographed area R IMG The data processing unit 200 forms an image of the fundus Ef in which the entirety is depicted.

[0196] According to the first operation example of the fourth embodiment, the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 capable of reading out the light receiving results by the rolling shutter method can be moved in accordance with the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus Ef for each frame period. In this case, in the fourth embodiment, the same effect as in the third embodiment can be obtained by using an image sensor capable of reading out the light receiving results by the global shutter method.

[0197] (Second operation example) Fig. 8B is an explanatory diagram of a second operation example of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 8B, similar to Fig. 8A, the vertical axis represents the deflection angle range (±22.5°) based on the center of the scan as the photographing area of ​​the fundus Ef, and the horizontal axis represents the time axis.

[0198] In the second operation example, the illumination light is irradiated for an irradiation time corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus Ef for each frame period, and an aperture range that opens for an opening time corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light is set. In this case, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 so that the illumination light is irradiated to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus Ef for an irradiation time corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on each frame period. In addition, the control unit 100 sequentially controls the image sensor 51 so that an aperture range that overlaps with the irradiation range on the light receiving surface corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus Ef and has a predetermined aperture width opens for an opening time corresponding to the irradiation area.

[0199] For example, when the deflection angle range is the above-mentioned DR1, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 (or the light source 10 and the optical scanner 30) to deflect the illumination light in a range corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1 for an irradiation time Td1 corresponding to the deflection angle range DR1 to illuminate the fundus Ef. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 so that an opening range OR61 having a predetermined opening width overlaps with an irradiation range ILR61 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus Ef and opens for the opening time Td1.

[0200] For example, when the deflection angle range is DR2, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to deflect the illumination light in a range corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2 for an irradiation time Td2 corresponding to the deflection angle range DR2 to illuminate the fundus Ef. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 so that an opening range OR62 having a predetermined opening width overlaps with an irradiation range ILR62 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus Ef and opens for the opening time Td2.

[0201] Similarly, for example, when the deflection angle range is DR3, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 to deflect the illumination light in a range corresponding to the deflection angle range DR3 for an irradiation time Td3 corresponding to the deflection angle range DR3 to illuminate the fundus Ef. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image sensor 51 so that an aperture range OR63 having a predetermined aperture width overlaps with an illumination range ILR63 on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus Ef and opens for the opening time Td3. For example, when the imaging area R IMG The closer to the center, the shorter the irradiation time (opening time).

[0202] The control unit 100 reads out the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the opening ranges OR61, OR62, OR63, ... using the rolling shutter method, and causes the data processing unit 200 to form an image of the fundus Ef using the light reception results obtained by the light receiving elements in the range that overlaps with the irradiation ranges ILR61, ILR62, ILR63, ... among the read out light reception results.

[0203] Thereafter, the control of the optical scanner 30 and the image sensor 51 is repeated in the same manner, and the illumination light is used to capture the image of the photographed area R IMG When the irradiation (scanning) is completed, the control unit 100 synthesizes the images formed for each frame to obtain the image of the photographed area R IMG The data processing unit 200 forms an image of the fundus Ef in which the entirety is depicted.

[0204] For example, the storage unit 102 stores fifth control information in which the irradiation time of the illumination light (opening time of the aperture range) is previously associated with the deflection angle range (position of the subject to be photographed). The control unit 100 can refer to the fifth control information to control the optical scanner 30 so as to irradiate the illumination light to the irradiation area for the irradiation time corresponding to the position of the subject to be photographed, and control the image sensor 51 so as to set the aperture range having a predetermined aperture width for the opening time corresponding to the position of the subject to be photographed.

[0205] As described above, the control unit 100 controls the optical scanner 30 so that the illumination light illuminates the illumination area of ​​the fundus Ef for an illumination time corresponding to the position of the illumination light, sets an aperture range that opens for an opening time corresponding to the position of the illumination area, and controls the image sensor 51 to read out the light reception results of the aperture range by a rolling shutter method, for each frame period. In some embodiments, an aperture range having a different aperture width is set according to the position of the illumination light irradiation area of ​​the fundus Ef.

[0206] According to the second operation example of the fourth embodiment, the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 capable of reading out the light receiving result by the rolling shutter method can be moved while changing the irradiation time (aperture time) according to the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light on the fundus oculi Ef. This allows the amount of illumination light to be adjusted according to the position of the subject to be photographed. As a result, the entire photographing area can be illuminated with a uniform amount of light without reducing the amount of illumination light at a position away from the center position of the photographing area (for example, a position with a large deflection angle). Therefore, it becomes possible to obtain a higher quality image of the fundus oculi Ef.

[0207] [Effect] The operation of an ophthalmic apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program according to an embodiment will be described.

[0208] An ophthalmic apparatus (1) according to some embodiments includes an illumination optical system (20), an optical scanner (30), an imaging optical system (40), and a controller (100, main controller 101). The illumination optical system generates slit-shaped illumination light. The optical scanner deflects the illumination light and guides it to a predetermined site (fundus Ef) of the subject's eye (E). The imaging optical system guides return light of the illumination light from the predetermined site to an image sensor (51) capable of setting an aperture range on the light receiving surface. The controller controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that an illumination range on the light receiving surface corresponding to an illumination area of ​​the illumination light overlaps with the aperture range in the imaging area of ​​the predetermined site, and a reception result of the return light in the aperture range overlapping with the illumination range is obtained.

[0209] According to this aspect, it is possible to arbitrarily change the illumination light irradiation area at a predetermined part of the test eye and the aperture range at the light receiving surface of the image sensor while synchronously changing the illumination light irradiation area at the predetermined part of the test eye, thereby making it possible to obtain a clear image of the predetermined part with a simple configuration while suppressing the influence of unnecessary scattered light.

[0210] In the ophthalmic apparatus according to some embodiments, the control unit moves the opening range and controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that the irradiation range overlaps with the opening range after the movement.

[0211] According to this aspect, it is possible to change the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light at a predetermined part of the subject's eye in accordance with the position of the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor.

[0212] In the ophthalmic apparatus according to some embodiments, the control unit controls the optical scanner and the image sensor to move the irradiation range and make the opening range overlap with the irradiation range after the movement.

[0213] According to this aspect, it is possible to change the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light at a predetermined part of the subject's eye in accordance with the position of the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor.

[0214] In some embodiments of the ophthalmic apparatus, the control unit controls the optical scanner to scan the illumination area with illumination light.

[0215] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to irradiate an illumination area of ​​a desired shape and size with illumination light.

[0216] In some embodiments of the ophthalmic device, the control unit controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that, during one frame period in which the image sensor captures the light reception results of the opening range, the opening target area in a specified location corresponding to the opening range covers the shooting area.

[0217] According to such an aspect, it is possible to obtain a clear image of a predetermined area with a simple configuration while reducing the burden on the subject's eye and suppressing the effects of unnecessary scattered light.

[0218] In some embodiments of the ophthalmic device, the control unit controls the optical scanner to deflect the illumination light at a deflection speed corresponding to the position of the illumination light irradiation area at a specified location, and controls the image sensor to set an aperture range having an aperture width corresponding to the position of the irradiation area.

[0219] According to this aspect, the amount of illumination light is not reduced at positions away from the center of the imaging area (e.g., positions with large deflection angles), and the entire imaging area can be illuminated with a uniform amount of light. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a higher quality image of a specific area.

[0220] In some embodiments of the ophthalmic device, the control unit changes the opening target area in a specified location corresponding to the irradiation area or the opening range for each frame period in which the image sensor captures the light reception results of the opening range, and controls the optical scanner and image sensor so that the opening target area covers the shooting area over two or more frame periods.

[0221] According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain a clear image of a specific area with a simple configuration while suppressing the effects of unnecessary scattered light as well as the effects of fixational eye movement of the subject's eye and the like.

[0222] In some embodiments of the ophthalmic device, the control unit controls the optical scanner to deflect the illumination light at a deflection speed corresponding to the position of the illumination light irradiation area at a specified location for each frame period, and controls the image sensor to set an aperture range having an aperture width corresponding to the position of the irradiation area.

[0223] According to this aspect, the amount of illumination light is not reduced at positions away from the center of the imaging area (e.g., positions with large deflection angles), and the entire imaging area can be illuminated with a uniform amount of light. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a higher quality image of a specific area.

[0224] In some embodiments of the ophthalmic device, the control unit controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that, for each frame period in which the image sensor captures the light reception results of the opening range, the irradiation area coincides with the opening target area at a specified location corresponding to the opening range, and the opening target area covers the shooting area over two or more frame periods.

[0225] According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain a clear image of a specified area with a simple configuration and processing while suppressing the influence of unnecessary scattered light as well as the influence of fixational eye movement of the subject's eye and the like.

[0226] In some embodiments of the ophthalmic device, the control unit controls the optical scanner so that the illumination light irradiates the illumination area at a specified location for an irradiation time corresponding to the position of the illumination light irradiation area for each frame period, and controls the image sensor to set an opening range that is open for an opening time corresponding to the position of the irradiation area.

[0227] According to this aspect, the amount of illumination light is not reduced at positions away from the center of the imaging area (e.g., positions with large deflection angles), and the entire imaging area can be illuminated with a uniform amount of light. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a higher quality image of a specific area.

[0228] In the ophthalmologic apparatus according to some embodiments, the control unit acquires the light reception result obtained by the image sensor using a global shutter method.

[0229] According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain a clear image of a specific area while suppressing the effects of unnecessary scattered light with a simple configuration using an image sensor that can read out the light reception results using a global shutter method.

[0230] In some embodiments of the ophthalmic device, the control unit acquires the light reception results obtained by the image sensor using a rolling shutter method, and controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that, for each frame period in which the light reception results of the opening range are captured by the image sensor, the irradiation area overlaps with the opening target area at a specified location corresponding to the opening range, and the opening target area covers the shooting area over two or more frame periods.

[0231] According to this aspect, with a simple configuration and simple processing using an image sensor that can acquire light reception results using a rolling shutter method, it is possible to acquire a clear image of a specified area while suppressing the effects of unnecessary scattered light as well as fixational eye movements of the subject's eye.

[0232] In some embodiments of the ophthalmic device, the control unit controls the optical scanner so that the illumination light irradiates the illumination area at a specified location for an irradiation time corresponding to the position of the illumination light irradiation area at each frame period, and controls the image sensor to read out the light reception result of the opening range corresponding to the position of the irradiation area using a rolling shutter method.

[0233] According to this aspect, with a simple configuration using an image sensor capable of reading out the light reception result by the rolling shutter method, the entire imaging area can be illuminated with a uniform amount of light without reducing the amount of illumination light at positions away from the center position of the imaging area (for example, positions with a large deflection angle). Therefore, it is possible to obtain a higher quality image of a specific area.

[0234] An ophthalmic apparatus according to some embodiments includes an image forming unit (data processing unit 200) that forms an image of a predetermined area based on a light reception result captured in an aperture range that overlaps with an irradiation range.

[0235] According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain a clear image of a predetermined area while suppressing the influence of unnecessary scattered light with a simple configuration.

[0236] In some embodiments of the ophthalmic device, the illumination optical system includes a slit (22) whose opening can be positioned at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with a specified location, and illumination light is generated by light from the light source (10) passing through the opening, the optical scanner can be positioned at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the iris of the test eye, and the light receiving surface can be positioned at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the specified location.

[0237] According to this aspect, by irradiating a specific area of ​​the test eye with slit-shaped illumination light, it is possible to obtain a clear image of the specific area with a simple configuration while suppressing the effects of unnecessary scattered light.

[0238] In some embodiments of the ophthalmic device, the illumination optical system is disposed between the light source and the slit, and includes an iris diaphragm (21) having an opening formed at a position eccentric to the optical axis of the illumination optical system and capable of being positioned at a position approximately optically conjugate with the iris, and a hole mirror (45) having an opening formed therein that can be positioned at a position approximately optically conjugate with the iris, which connects the optical path of the illumination light deflected by the optical scanner with the optical path of the imaging optical system.

[0239] According to this aspect, since the illumination light can be irradiated onto a predetermined portion of the subject's eye by dividing the pupil, it becomes possible to obtain a higher quality image of the subject's eye.

[0240] In some embodiments of the ophthalmic apparatus, the predetermined site is a fundus (Ef).

[0241] According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain a clear image of the fundus while suppressing the influence of unnecessary scattered light with a simple configuration.

[0242] Some embodiments relate to a method for controlling an ophthalmic apparatus (1) including an illumination optical system (20) that generates slit-shaped illumination light, an optical scanner (30) that deflects the illumination light and guides it to a predetermined site (fundus Ef) of a subject's eye (E), and an imaging optical system (40) that guides return light of the illumination light from the predetermined site to an image sensor (51) that can set an aperture range on a light receiving surface. The control method for the ophthalmic apparatus includes a control step of controlling the optical scanner and the image sensor so that an illumination range on the light receiving surface corresponding to an illumination light irradiation area in an imaging area of ​​the predetermined site overlaps with the aperture range, and a light receiving result of the return light in the aperture range overlapping with the illumination range is obtained.

[0243] According to this aspect, it is possible to arbitrarily change the illumination light irradiation area at a predetermined part of the test eye and the aperture range at the light receiving surface of the image sensor while synchronously changing the illumination light irradiation area at the predetermined part of the test eye and the light receiving surface of the image sensor, thereby making it possible to obtain a clear image of the predetermined part with a simple configuration and control while suppressing the influence of unnecessary scattered light.

[0244] In some embodiments of a control method for an ophthalmic device, the control step includes an image sensor control step of controlling an image sensor to move the opening range, and an optical scanner control step of controlling an optical scanner so that the irradiation range overlaps with the opening range after the movement.

[0245] According to this aspect, it is possible to change the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light at a predetermined part of the subject's eye in accordance with the position of the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor.

[0246] In some embodiments of a control method for an ophthalmic device, the control step includes an optical scanner control step of moving the irradiation range, and an image sensor control step of controlling the image sensor so that the opening range overlaps with the irradiation range after the movement.

[0247] According to this aspect, it is possible to change the irradiation area of ​​the illumination light at a predetermined part of the subject's eye in accordance with the position of the aperture range on the light receiving surface of the image sensor.

[0248] In a control method for an ophthalmic apparatus according to some embodiments, a control step controls an optical scanner to scan an illumination area with illumination light.

[0249] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to irradiate an illumination area of ​​a desired shape and size with illumination light.

[0250] In some embodiments of a control method for an ophthalmic device, the control step controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that the opening target area in a specified location corresponding to the opening range covers the shooting area during one frame period in which the light reception result of the opening range is captured by the image sensor.

[0251] According to such an aspect, it is possible to obtain a clear image of a specified area while reducing the burden on the subject's eye and suppressing the effects of unnecessary scattered light with a simple configuration and control.

[0252] In some embodiments of a control method for an ophthalmic device, the control step changes an opening target area in a specified location corresponding to the irradiation area or the opening range for each frame period in which the light reception result of the opening range is captured by the image sensor, and controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that the opening target area covers the shooting area over two or more frame periods.

[0253] According to this aspect, the amount of illumination light is not reduced at positions away from the center of the imaging area (e.g., positions with large deflection angles), and the entire imaging area can be illuminated with a uniform amount of light. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a higher quality image of a specific area.

[0254] In some embodiments of a control method for an ophthalmic device, the control step controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that the irradiation area coincides with the opening target area at a specified location corresponding to the opening range for each frame period in which the light reception result of the opening range is captured by the image sensor, and the opening target area covers the shooting area over two or more frame periods.

[0255] According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain a clear image of a specified area with a simple configuration and control while suppressing the effects of unnecessary scattered light as well as the effects of fixational eye movement of the subject's eye.

[0256] In the control method for an ophthalmic apparatus according to some embodiments, the image sensor can obtain the light reception result using a global shutter method.

[0257] According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain a clear image of a specific area while suppressing the effects of unnecessary scattered light with a simple configuration and control using an image sensor that can read out the light reception results using a global shutter method.

[0258] In some embodiments of a control method for an ophthalmic device, the image sensor is capable of acquiring light reception results using a rolling shutter method, and the control step controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that the irradiation area includes an opening target area at a predetermined location corresponding to the opening range for each frame period in which the light reception results of the opening range are captured by the image sensor, and the opening target area covers the shooting area over two or more frame periods.

[0259] According to this aspect, with a simple configuration and simple processing using an image sensor that can acquire light reception results using a rolling shutter method, it is possible to acquire a clear image of a specified area while suppressing the effects of unnecessary scattered light as well as fixational eye movements of the subject's eye.

[0260] A method for controlling an ophthalmic device according to some embodiments includes an image forming step of forming an image of a predetermined area based on a result of light reception captured in an aperture range.

[0261] According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain a clear image of a predetermined area while suppressing the influence of unnecessary scattered light with a simple configuration and control.

[0262] In the control method for an ophthalmologic apparatus according to some embodiments, the predetermined site is a fundus.

[0263] According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain a clear image of the fundus while suppressing the influence of unnecessary scattered light with a simple configuration and control.

[0264] A program according to some embodiments causes a computer to execute each step of the control method for an ophthalmic apparatus described above.

[0265] According to such a program, it is possible to obtain a clear image of a specified area while suppressing the influence of unnecessary scattered light with a simple configuration and control.

[0266] The embodiment described above is merely one example for carrying out the present invention. Anyone who wishes to carry out the present invention may make any modifications, omissions, additions, etc. within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0267] The contents of two or more of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner.

[0268] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the ophthalmic apparatus may have any function usable in the field of ophthalmology, such as an axial length measurement function, an intraocular pressure measurement function, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) function, and an ultrasonic examination function. The axial length measurement function may be realized by an optical coherence tomograph or the like. The axial length measurement function may measure the axial length of the subject's eye by projecting light onto the subject's eye and detecting return light from the fundus while adjusting the position of the optical system in the Z direction (front-back direction) relative to the subject's eye. The intraocular pressure measurement function is realized by a tonometer or the like. The OCT function is realized by an optical coherence tomograph or the like. The ultrasonic examination function is realized by an ultrasonic diagnostic device or the like. The present invention may also be applied to an apparatus (multifunction device) having two or more of these functions.

[0269] In some embodiments, a program for causing a computer to execute the above-mentioned method for controlling an ophthalmic device is provided. Such a program can be stored in any non-transitory recording medium that can be read by a computer. The recording medium may be an electronic medium that uses magnetism, light, magneto-optical, semiconductors, or the like. Typically, the recording medium is a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, a solid state drive, or the like. In addition, the program can be transmitted and received via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. [Explanation of symbols]

[0270] 1 Ophthalmology equipment 10 light source 20 Illumination optical system 21 Iris Diaphragm 22 Slit 23, 41, 44, 48 Relay lenses 30 Optical Scanner 35 Projection optical system 40. Photographing Optical System 42 Black dot plate 43 Reflective Mirror 45 hole mirror 46 Objective Lens 47 Focusing Lens 49 Imaging Lens 50 Imaging device 51 Image Sensor 100 Control section 101 Main control unit 102 Storage section 200 Data Processing Unit E. Examined eye Ef fundus

Claims

1. an illumination optical system including a light source and a slit whose opening can be arranged at a position that is optically conjugate with a predetermined portion of the subject's eye, and which generates slit-shaped illumination light by passing light from the light source through the opening; an optical scanner that can be arranged at a position that is optically conjugate with the iris of the subject's eye and that deflects the illumination light and guides it to the predetermined portion; an imaging optical system that guides return light of the illumination light from the predetermined portion to an image sensor that can set an aperture range on a light receiving surface that can be arranged at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the predetermined portion; a control unit that changes a width of an opening range on the light receiving surface in accordance with a deflection angle of the illumination light by the optical scanner, and controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that an illumination range on the light receiving surface corresponding to an illumination area of ​​the illumination light in an imaging area of ​​the predetermined portion overlaps with the opening range, and a light receiving result of the return light in the opening range that overlaps with the illumination range is obtained; 13. An ophthalmic device comprising:

2. an illumination optical system including a light source, a slit whose opening can be arranged at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with a predetermined part of the eye to be examined, and an iris diaphragm that is arranged between the light source and the slit and has two or more openings formed at two or more positions that are eccentric with respect to the optical axis and can be arranged at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the iris of the eye to be examined, and which generates a slit-shaped illumination light by light from the light source passing through the openings formed in the slit; an optical scanner that can be arranged at a position that is optically conjugate with the iris of the subject's eye and that deflects the illumination light and guides it to the predetermined portion; an imaging optical system that guides return light of the illumination light from the predetermined portion to an image sensor that can set an aperture range on a light receiving surface that can be arranged at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the predetermined portion; a control unit that controls the optical scanner and the image sensor so that an illumination range on the light receiving surface corresponding to an illumination area of ​​the illumination light in a photographing area of ​​the predetermined part overlaps with the aperture range, and a light receiving result of the return light in the aperture range overlapping with the illumination range is obtained; Including, An ophthalmic device comprising: two or more light sources provided corresponding to the two or more openings formed in the iris diaphragm, respectively, and each of the light sources being changeable in at least one of a position and an orientation.

3. an image forming unit that forms an image of the predetermined portion based on the light reception result captured in the opening range that overlaps with the irradiation range; 3. An ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The predetermined site is the fundus. The ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. an illumination optical system including a light source and a slit whose opening can be arranged at a position that is optically conjugate with a predetermined portion of the subject's eye, and which generates slit-shaped illumination light by passing light from the light source through the opening; an optical scanner that can be arranged at a position that is optically conjugate with the iris of the subject's eye and that deflects the illumination light and guides it to the predetermined portion; a photographing optical system that guides return light of the illumination light from the predetermined site to an image sensor that can set an aperture range in a light receiving surface that can be arranged at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the predetermined site, changing a width of an opening range on the light receiving surface in accordance with a deflection angle of the illumination light by the optical scanner; a control step of controlling the optical scanner and the image sensor so that an illumination range on the light receiving surface corresponding to an illumination area of ​​the illumination light in a photographing area of ​​the specified part overlaps with the opening range, and a reception result of the return light in the opening range overlapping with the illumination range is obtained.

6. an illumination optical system including a light source, a slit whose opening can be arranged at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with a predetermined part of the eye to be examined, and an iris diaphragm that is arranged between the light source and the slit and has two or more openings formed at two or more positions that are eccentric with respect to the optical axis and can be arranged at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the iris of the eye to be examined, and which generates a slit-shaped illumination light by light from the light source passing through the openings; an optical scanner that can be arranged at a position that is optically conjugate with the iris of the subject's eye and that deflects the illumination light and guides it to the predetermined portion; a photographing optical system that guides return light of the illumination light from the predetermined portion to an image sensor that can set an aperture range in a light receiving surface that can be arranged at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the predetermined portion, and the light source includes two or more light sources that are provided corresponding to the two or more openings formed in the iris diaphragm, Varying at least one of a position and an orientation of each of the two or more light sources; a control step of controlling the optical scanner and the image sensor so that an illumination range on the light receiving surface corresponding to an illumination area of ​​the illumination light in a photographing area of ​​the specified part overlaps with the opening range, and a reception result of the return light in the opening range overlapping with the illumination range is obtained.

7. and an image forming step of forming an image of the predetermined portion based on the light reception result captured in the opening range.

7. The method for controlling an ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The predetermined site is the fundus. The method for controlling an ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the method for controlling an ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

Images