Ophthalmologic examination apparatus, ophthalmologic examination apparatus control method, and program

Abstract

To suppress the increase of inspection time.SOLUTION: An ophthalmologic examination apparatus includes: imaging means for imaging a subject's eye of a subject; and display control means for controlling display means to change a first display related to first manual alignment control to a second display related to second manual alignment control different from the first manual alignment control after automatic alignment control for automatically adjusting a positional relationship between the imaging means and the subject's eye to be set within a predetermined range is started.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic examination apparatus, a control method for an ophthalmic examination apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In an ophthalmic examination using an ophthalmic examination apparatus, the examiner adjusts the positional relationship between the ophthalmic examination apparatus and the examined eye before photographing the examined eye. This adjustment is aimed at placing the examined eye within the photographing angle of view of the photographing unit of the ophthalmic examination apparatus. Specifically, the examiner adjusts the position of the chin rest (a support unit for supporting the examinee's face) of the ophthalmic examination apparatus. Next, while checking the photographed image displayed on a monitor or the like, the examiner roughly adjusts the position of the photographing unit so that the examined eye is captured within the photographing angle of view. Next, while checking the photographed image displayed on a monitor or the like, the examiner finely adjusts the position of the photographing unit so that the examined eye is at the center of the photographing angle of view.

[0003] Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for automatically adjusting the height of the chin rest of an ophthalmic examination apparatus based on information about the subject (such as age) in order to shorten the time required to adjust the chin rest.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a method in which an examiner touches the subject's eye shown in a captured image to adjust the position of an imaging unit so that the subject's eye is located at the center of the imaging angle of view. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-304146 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-49232 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Here, even if the position of the chin rest is adjusted based on information about the subject, the positional relationship between the ophthalmic examination apparatus and the subject's eye may not be appropriate due to individual differences such as face size. Specifically, even if the position of the chin rest is adjusted, the subject's eye may not be captured at all in the captured image displayed on a monitor or the like. In that case, the examiner needs to further manually adjust the chin rest, which may increase the examination time.

[0007] In addition, for example, when an examiner adjusts the subject's eye by touching the captured image, if the monitor is small, it may be difficult to fine-tune the subject's eye to be at the center of the image capture angle. In such a case, the examiner may have to touch the subject's eye repeatedly, which may increase the examination time.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress an increase in examination time by reducing the time required for manual operation by the examiner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The ophthalmic examination apparatus disclosed herein comprises an imaging means for imaging the subject's test eye, and a display control means for controlling the display means to change a first display relating to a first manual alignment control to a second display relating to a second manual alignment control different from the first manual alignment control after an automatic alignment control is started which automatically adjusts the positional relationship between the imaging means and the test eye so that it is within a predetermined range. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, an increase in examination time can be suppressed by reducing the time required for manual operation by the examiner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ophthalmic examination apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2]1 is a diagram showing a system using an ophthalmic examination apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing an optical system of an ophthalmic examination apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a photographing screen of the ophthalmic examination apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a photographing screen of the ophthalmic examination apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an inspection flowchart according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing face dimensions according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing rough manual alignment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing fine manual alignment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing fine manual alignment according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, some components, members, and processes that are not important for the explanation may be omitted in each drawing.

[0013] (First embodiment) In this embodiment, an ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 including a chin rest for supporting the face of a subject (hereinafter, a patient) and an optical head for capturing an OCT image of the patient's eye and a fundus image by visible light will be described. In the conventional method, even if the position of the chin rest is adjusted based on information about the subject, the subject's eye may not be captured within the imaging field of view due to individual differences such as face size. In such a case, the examiner needs to manually adjust the position of the optical head so that the subject's eye is captured within the imaging field of view.

[0014] Therefore, in this embodiment, the position of the chin rest and the position of the optical head are moved based on information about the subject, including the subject's past examination information, thereby improving the probability that the subject's eye will be captured within the imaging field of view. As a result, the examiner can reduce the opportunities for manual operation, and the throughput of the examination (the number of examinations that can be performed within a unit time) is improved.

[0015] <Device configuration> Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic configuration of an ophthalmic examination device 10 according to this embodiment is shown. FIG. 1(a) is a diagram of the ophthalmic examination device 10 viewed from the patient side. FIG. 1(b) is a diagram of the ophthalmic examination device 10 viewed from the side. The ophthalmic examination device 10 includes a chin rest 100, an optical head 110, and a forehead rest 111. The chin rest 100 and the forehead rest 111 are used to support the face of the patient. The chin rest 100 can move in the Y-axis direction. The optical head can move in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions. The axes of the optical head may move simultaneously or individually. The chin rest 100 and the optical head 110 may move simultaneously or individually.

[0016] Next, an ophthalmic examination system using the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0017] A system using the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is composed of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 including a chin rest 100, an optical head 110, a spectroscope 200, and a control unit 300, a display unit 310, and an input unit 340.

[0018] The chin rest 100 is used for the purpose of supporting the face of a patient. The position of the chin rest 100 is moved in the Y-axis direction by the control unit 300. The chin rest 100 is an example of a supporting means.

[0019] The optical head 110 is used for the purpose of photographing the patient's eye to be examined. The position of the optical head 110 is moved in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction by the control unit 300. The optical head 110 is an example of an imaging means.

[0020] The spectrometer 200 converts the interference light input from the optical head 110 into an electrical signal, and outputs it to the control unit 300 .

[0021] The control unit 300 is connected to the chin rest 100, the optical head 110, and the display unit 310, and controls these. The control unit 300 is also connected to an input unit 340. The control unit 300 can receive instructions from the examiner in response to the examiner's operation of the input unit 340. The control unit 300 is an example of a control means.

[0022] The control unit 300 may be configured using, for example, a general-purpose computer (information processing device). The control unit 300 may be configured using, for example, a dedicated computer for the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10. The control unit 300 is not limited to being incorporated in the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10. For example, the control unit 300 may be a device separate from the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10. The control unit 300 may include a processor (not shown) and a storage medium including a memory such as an optical disk or a read only memory (ROM). The processor may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU). The processor is not limited to a CPU or an MPU, and may be a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Each component of the control unit 300 other than the storage unit 302 may be configured by a software module executed by a processor such as a CPU, an MPU, or a GPU. Each component may be configured by a circuit performing a specific function such as an ASIC, or an independent device.

[0023] The processor or circuitry may also include a digital signal processor (DSP), a data flow processor (DFP), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0024] The display unit 310 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 310 is connected to the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 so as to be able to communicate with it. Here, being able to communicate with it includes not only direct communication between the apparatuses but also communication via other devices. The display unit 310 displays images captured by the optical head 110, patient information, and the like, under the control of the display control unit 303. The display unit 310 is an example of a display means.

[0025] The input unit 340 includes any input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. The input unit 340 can receive instructions from the examiner. In this embodiment, in manual alignment, the control unit 300 drives the chin rest 100 and the optical head 110 based on information input to the input unit 340. Manual alignment will be described later.

[0026] The display unit 310 and the input unit 340 may be realized by one device using a touch panel. In this embodiment, the display unit 310 and the input unit 340 are described as being touch panels. The display unit 310 and the input unit 340 do not necessarily have to be separate devices from the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10. In other words, the display unit 310 and the input unit 340 may be incorporated into the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10.

[0027] <Configuration of control unit 300> With continued reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the control unit 300 of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0028] The control unit 300 includes a drive control unit 170 , a storage unit 302 , a display control unit 303 , an image acquisition unit 304 , a drive distance calculation unit 306 , and an alignment control unit 307 .

[0029] The drive control unit 170 is connected to the chin rest 100 and the optical head 110. The drive control unit 170 can control the movement of the chin rest 100 in the height direction (Y axis). The drive control unit 170 can also control the movement of the optical head 110 in three-dimensional directions (X axis, Y axis, Z axis). The control unit 300 can use the drive control unit 170 to adjust (align) the positional relationship of the chin rest 100 and the optical head 110 with respect to the subject's eye E. It is assumed that the movement control of the chin rest 100 in the height direction (Y axis) and the movement control of the optical head 110 in the three-dimensional directions (X axis, Y axis, Z axis) can be controlled simultaneously. For example, in photographing the patient's left eye, in order to match the height of the patient's left eye with the height of the optical head 110, the drive control unit 170 controls the movement of the height of the chin rest 100 (Y axis) and the height of the optical head 110 (Y axis). Furthermore, in order to align the left-right (X-axis) position of the patient's left eye with the left-right (X-axis) position of the optical head 110, the drive control unit 170 can move the optical head 110 in the left-right (X-axis) direction. Since the movement control of the chin rest 100 in the height direction (Y-axis) and the movement control of the optical head 110 in three-dimensional directions (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis) can be controlled simultaneously, the time required for adjustment to align the position of the patient's left eye with the position of the optical head 110 can be shortened.

[0030] The image acquisition unit 304 acquires various images of the subject's eye E captured by the optical head 110, such as an anterior observation image, a fundus infrared observation image, a fundus image, a B-scan image which is a tomographic image, three-dimensional data, and an OCT fundus front image.

[0031] The storage unit 302 can store various images such as anterior observation image, fundus infrared observation image, fundus image, B-scan image as a tomographic image, 3D data, and OCT fundus front image of the subject's eye E acquired by the image acquisition unit 304. Furthermore, the storage unit 302 can store information about the subject. The information about the subject includes, for example, the patient's name, age, sex, race, and past examination information (examination image, diagnosis result, adjustment result of the chin rest 100 and the optical head 110 during the examination). The storage unit 302 can also store various programs for controlling the above-mentioned anterior observation image shooting, fundus infrared observation image shooting and fundus image shooting by the fundus camera, and tomographic image shooting, and programs for executing each component. The storage unit 302 may be configured by any storage medium such as an optical disk or a flash memory. The storage unit 302 does not necessarily have to be built into the control unit 300.

[0032] The display control unit 303 is connected to a display unit 310 such as a liquid crystal display. The display control unit 303 controls the display unit 310 to display an anterior eye observation image and a fundus infrared observation image acquired by the image acquisition unit 304. The display control unit 303 also controls the display unit 310 to display a GUI (Graphic User Interface) for the examiner to operate. The display control unit 303 can change the display screen displayed on the display unit 310 according to the contents of the operation of the examiner using the input unit 340. The display control unit 303 is an example of a display control means.

[0033] The driving distance calculation unit 306 acquires information such as patient information from the storage unit 302, and calculates the moving distance (driving distance) of the chin rest 100 and the optical head 110. In this embodiment, the control unit 300 drives the chin rest 100 and the optical head 110.

[0034] Here, the control unit 300 can automatically perform adjustment (alignment) so that the positional relationship between the subject's eye and the optical head 110 falls within a predetermined range, using the anterior eye observation image acquired by the image acquisition unit 304. For example, the control unit 300 automatically adjusts the position of the optical head 110 so that the subject's eye is positioned at the center of the anterior eye observation image. In this embodiment, the control that automatically performs adjustment (alignment) is referred to as "auto alignment", "automatic alignment", or "automatic alignment control".

[0035] In the auto-alignment, the alignment control unit 307 identifies the subject's eye E included in the anterior observation image using an image processing technique. Then, it calculates the amount and direction of movement of the optical head 110 required for the subject's eye E to be displayed at a predetermined position (for example, the center of the anterior observation image) of the anterior observation image. Using the calculated result, the drive control unit 170 moves the optical head 110. Furthermore, the alignment control unit 307 judges whether the subject's eye E is displayed at a predetermined position in the anterior observation image. If the subject's eye E is displayed at the predetermined position in the anterior observation image, the alignment control unit 307 determines that the auto-alignment has been successful. If the subject's eye E is not displayed at the predetermined position even after a predetermined time has elapsed, it determines that the auto-alignment has failed.

[0036] <Configuration of the Optical System (Optical Head 110, Spectrometer 200)> With reference to FIG. 3, the optical system (optical head 110, spectrometer 200) included in the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0037] The optical head 110 is configured with a measurement optical system for capturing an image of the anterior segment Ea of the subject's eye E and a two-dimensional front image and a tomographic image of the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E. Various optical systems arranged in the optical head 110 will be described below.

[0038] In the optical head 110, an objective lens 101 is disposed facing the subject's eye E. A first dichroic mirror 102 and a second dichroic mirror 103, which function as an example of an optical path separation unit, are disposed on the optical axis L1 of the objective lens 101. These dichroic mirrors split the optical path from the objective lens 101 into an optical path of an anterior eye observation system (optical axis L2), an optical path of a fundus photography system (optical axis L3), and an optical path of an OCT optical system (optical axis L5) for each wavelength band.

[0039] A lens 120, a prism 121, an aperture 122, a lens 123, and an image sensor 124 are arranged on an optical axis L2 in the reflection direction of the second dichroic mirror 103. The image sensor 124 is a monochrome sensor having sensitivity in the infrared range. These optical members arranged on the optical axis L2 constitute an anterior eye observation system for observing the anterior eye segment Ea. In addition, an anterior eye observation light source 125 is arranged near the objective lens 101. The anterior eye observation light source 125 illuminates the anterior eye segment of the subject's eye E with infrared light.

[0040] The image sensor 124 is connected to the control unit 300. The control unit 300 can acquire an anterior eye observation image generated based on a signal output by the image sensor 124 using an image acquisition unit 304, and output the anterior eye observation image to a display unit 310 or store it in a storage unit 302.

[0041] A perforated mirror 131, an imaging aperture 132, a focus lens 133, an imaging lens 134, a third dichroic mirror 135, and an image sensor 136 are arranged on an optical axis L3 in the transmission direction of the second dichroic mirror 103. The perforated mirror 131 has an opening in the center. The focus lens 133 can be moved on the optical axis L3 by a drive unit such as a motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit 300. The control unit 300 can adjust the focus of light passing through the optical path of the fundus imaging system by controlling the drive unit to move the focus lens 133 in the optical axis direction.

[0042] The optical path on the optical axis L3 is branched by the third dichroic mirror 135 into an optical path leading to the image sensor 136 and an optical path leading to the fixation lamp 137 for each wavelength band. The image sensor 136 is disposed in the transmission direction of the third dichroic mirror 135, has sensitivity to visible light and infrared light, and is a sensor for a front image of the fundus, which is used for both video shooting and still image shooting for observation. The image sensor 136 converts light into an electrical signal. The fixation lamp 137 is disposed in the reflection direction of the third dichroic mirror 135, and generates visible light to encourage the subject to fixate. In addition, other optical members such as an aperture (not shown) for cutting the light flux necessary for fundus shooting may be provided in the optical path of the fundus shooting system.

[0043] A corneal baffle 140, a relay lens 141, a focus index unit 142, a lens 143, and a ring slit 144 are arranged in this order on an optical axis L4 in the reflection direction of the perforated mirror 131. The corneal baffle 140 has a light blocking point at its center. The ring slit 144 has a ring-shaped slit opening.

[0044] The focus index unit 142 is an optical member that provides an index for focusing using the focus lens 133, and in this embodiment, a split bright line is projected as an example of an index. The focus index unit 142 according to this embodiment has a split index member that is movable along the optical axis L4 in conjunction with the focus lens 133. The split index member is configured to be inserted into and removed from the optical path of the optical axis L4 by a drive unit such as a motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit 300.

[0045] The split bright lines irradiated by the focus index unit 142 pass through the relay lens 141 and are reflected by the perforated mirror 131 toward the second dichroic mirror 103. The split bright lines reflected by the perforated mirror 131 are projected onto the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E via the second dichroic mirror 103, the first dichroic mirror 102, and the objective lens 101. The control unit 300 can calculate the amount of focus deviation by detecting the position of the split bright lines from the fundus observation image.

[0046] Also, on the optical axis L4, there are arranged a crystalline lens baffle 145 as a light-shielding member having a light-shielding point, and a dichroic mirror 146 having a property of transmitting infrared light and reflecting visible light. In the reflection direction of the dichroic mirror 146, there are arranged a condenser lens 147 and a white LED light source 148. The white LED light source 148 is a light source for photography in which a plurality of white LEDs that emit visible light are arranged. In the transmission direction of the dichroic mirror 146, there are arranged a condenser lens 149 and an infrared LED light source 150. The infrared LED light source 150 is an observation light source in which a plurality of infrared LEDs that emit constant infrared light are arranged. The white LED light source 148 and the infrared LED light source 150 are controlled by the control unit 300.

[0047] An illumination optical system for illuminating the fundus Ef is configured by the objective lens 101, the dichroic mirror 146, the optical members therebetween, and the condenser lenses 147 and 149. The fundus Ef of the subject's eye E can be illuminated with light from a white LED light source 148 or an infrared LED light source 150 via the illumination optical system.

[0048] On the optical axis L5 in the reflection direction of the first dichroic mirror 102, the lens 151, the mirror 152, the OCTX scanner 153-1, the OCTY scanner 153-2, the focus lens 154, and the coherence gate 155 are arranged. The OCTX scanner 153-1 and the OCTY scanner 153-2 are composed of deflection means such as a galvanometer mirror, and function as a scanning unit that scans the measurement light on the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E. Furthermore, the OCTX scanner 153-1 and the OCTY scanner 153-2 are optically conjugate with the position of the pupil of the subject's eye E near their central positions. In FIG. 1, the optical path between the OCTX scanner 153-1 and the OCTY scanner 153-2 is configured within the plane of the paper, but is actually configured in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper. The scanning unit that scans the measurement light may be configured using a MEMS mirror or the like that can deflect light in two-dimensional directions by itself.

[0049] In this embodiment, the OCTX scanner 153-1 can scan the measurement light in the X direction, and the OCTY scanner 153-2 can scan the measurement light in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the X direction is the main scanning direction and the Y direction is the sub-scanning direction, and 3D scanning is performed, but the scanning direction is not limited to this. The main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction in 3D scanning and raster scanning may be directions that intersect with each other, for example, the Y direction may be the main scanning direction and the X direction may be the sub-scanning direction. In addition, the oblique directions having components in the X direction and the Y direction that intersect with each other may be the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. In addition, the scan pattern is not limited to 3D scanning, and may be, for example, radial scanning, cross scanning, circle scanning, raster scanning, etc.

[0050] The focus lens 154 can be moved on the optical axis L5 by a driving unit such as a motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit 300. The control unit 300 can adjust the focus of the measurement light passing through the optical path of the OCT interferometer by controlling the driving unit to move the focus lens 154 in the optical axis direction.

[0051] The focus adjustment of the measurement light is performed so that the measurement light emitted from the fiber end of the optical fiber 156-2 acting as a light source is imaged on the fundus Ef. Here, the fiber end of the optical fiber 156-2 has an optically conjugate relationship with the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E. The focus lens 154 functioning as a focus adjustment unit is disposed between the fiber end serving as the light source of the measurement light and the OCTX scanner 153-1 and the OCTY scanner 153-2 functioning as a scanning unit. Therefore, by the focus adjustment using the focus lens 154, the image of the measurement light emitted from the fiber end can be imaged on the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E, and the return light from the fundus Ef can be efficiently returned to the optical fiber 156-2.

[0052] Next, the configuration of the optical path from the measurement light source 157, the reference optical system, and the spectrometer 200 will be described. The measurement light source 157 is a light source that emits light to obtain measurement light to be incident on the measurement optical path (optical path of the OCT interference system). In this embodiment, a SLD (Super Luminescent Diode), which is a representative low-coherent light source, is used as the measurement light source 157. The central wavelength of the light emitted from the measurement light source 157 is 880 nm, and the wavelength width is about 60 nm. Here, the wavelength width is an important parameter because it affects the resolution in the optical axis direction of the obtained tomographic image. In addition, although the type of light source selected here is an SLD, it is sufficient to emit low-coherent light, and ASE (Amplified Spontaneous Emission) or the like can also be used. For example, in consideration of measuring the eye, the central wavelength of the measurement light can be near-infrared light. In addition, it is necessary to provide a certain degree of wavelength difference between the wavelengths used in the optical path of the OCT interference system (optical axis L5), the optical path of the anterior eye observation (optical axis L2), and the optical path of the fundus photography system (optical axis L3). In this embodiment, the above wavelengths were selected as the wavelengths of the SLD from these viewpoints.

[0053] The light emitted from the measurement light source 157 is guided to the optical coupler 156 via the optical fiber 156-1. The light guided to the optical coupler 156 is split by the optical coupler 156 into measurement light directed toward the optical fiber 156-2 side and reference light directed toward the optical fiber 156-3 side. Here, the optical coupler 156 functions as an example of a splitter that splits the light from the measurement light source 157 into the measurement light and the reference light. The optical fibers 156-1 to 156-4 are single-mode optical fibers that are connected to and integrated with the optical coupler 156.

[0054] In this embodiment, the measurement light in the OCT optical system is emitted from the fiber end of the optical fiber 156-2 as a light source. The measurement light passes through the optical path of the OCT optical system described above, is irradiated onto the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E, which is the subject of imaging, and reaches the optical coupler 156 again through the same optical path due to reflection and scattering by the retina.

[0055] On the other hand, the reference light passes through the optical fiber 156-3, the lens 158, and the dispersion compensation glass 159 inserted to match the dispersion of the measurement light and the reference light, and reaches the reference mirror 160, where it is reflected. The reference light reflected by the reference mirror 160 returns along the same optical path and reaches the optical coupler 156 again.

[0056] The reference light and the measurement light (return light) that reach the optical coupler 156 again are multiplexed by the optical coupler 156. When the optical path length of the measurement light and the optical path length of the reference light become substantially the same, this multiplexing causes interference between the respective lights. The reference mirror 160 is held so that its position can be adjusted in the optical axis direction of the reference light by a driving unit such as a motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit 300. By using such a driving unit, it is possible to match the optical path length of the reference light to the optical path length of the measurement light that changes depending on the eye E to be examined. The obtained interference light is guided to the spectroscope 200 via the optical fiber 156-4.

[0057] The spectrometer 200 is provided with a lens 201, a diffraction grating 202, a lens 203, and a line sensor 204. The interference light emitted from the optical fiber 156-4 becomes approximately parallel light via the lens 201, is then dispersed by the diffraction grating 202, and is imaged on the line sensor 204 by the lens 203. Each element in the line sensor 204 outputs a signal (interference signal) corresponding to the received light to the control unit 300. The control unit 300 can acquire the signal output from the line sensor 204 by the image acquisition unit 304 described later, sample the signal at a predetermined timing by the processing unit 305, and perform predetermined signal processing to generate a tomographic image.

[0058] A Michelson interferometer is configured by the measurement light source 157, the optical coupler 156, the optical fibers 156-1 to 156-4, the lens 158, the dispersion compensation glass 159, the reference mirror 160, and the spectrometer 200. In this embodiment, a Michelson interferometer is used as the interferometer, but a Mach-Zehnder interferometer may also be used.

[0059] <Test screen> An example of an examination screen (a screen displayed on the display unit 310 by the display control unit 303) of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG.

[0060] The examination screen includes an area 400 as a display area, and buttons 401 to 404.

[0061] The area 400 is an area for displaying an anterior observation image of the subject's eye E during examination. The area 400 is also used when the examiner manually adjusts (aligns) the positional relationship between the subject's eye and the optical head 110. In this embodiment, the control for manually adjusting (aligning) the positional relationship is referred to as "manual alignment" or "manual alignment".

[0062] In this embodiment, rough manual alignment and fine manual alignment are described as manual alignment methods. Rough manual alignment is a method of adjusting the positional relationship between the subject's eye and the optical head 110 by selecting any area (for example, an area corresponding to the pupil of the subject's eye E) displayed in the area 400. Fine manual alignment is a method of adjusting the positional relationship between the subject's eye and the optical head 110 by selecting the operation members 501, 502, 503, and 504 displayed in the area 400. The rough manual alignment is an example of a first manual alignment control. The fine manual alignment is an example of a second manual alignment control.

[0063] Rough manual alignment and fine manual alignment are switched depending on the timing of the examination flow described later. Rough manual alignment and fine manual alignment differ in the operation members superimposed on the anterior eye observation image. FIG. 5(a) shows an operation screen for rough manual alignment, and FIG. 5(b) shows an operation screen for fine manual alignment. Specific operation methods and operation screens for rough manual alignment and fine manual alignment will be described later.

[0064] Buttons 401 and 402 are left / right eye switching buttons. When the examiner presses button 401, the optical head moves to the right eye of the patient. When the examiner presses button 402, the optical head moves to the left eye of the patient.

[0065] A button 403 is used to transition to a patient screen that displays patient information.

[0066] A button 404 is used to transition to a report screen that displays the results of imaging.

[0067] The examiner starts the examination by opening an examination screen as shown in Fig. 4. The examiner can also end the examination by pressing button 403 or button 404 to transition from the examination screen to another screen (patient screen or report screen).

[0068] <Test flow> An examination flow of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the examiner performs the examination using the GUI displayed on the display unit 310.

[0069] In step S601, the examiner selects a patient name from a patient screen (not shown). When performing an examination on an unregistered patient, it is possible to register a new patient name and patient information (race, age, sex, etc.). When the patient name is selected, the screen transitions to an examination screen shown in FIG. 4 and the examination begins.

[0070] In step S602, the position of the chin rest 100 and the position of the optical head 110 are adjusted. In this embodiment, the position of the chin rest and the position of the optical head at the start of the examination are determined by the control unit 300 based on patient information. A specific flow is shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0071] In S611, the driving distance calculation unit 306 acquires the patient information of the patient from the storage unit 302. The patient information includes the patient's age, sex, and race. In addition, the patient information of a patient who has previously been examined also includes past examination information. Here, the past examination information includes the examination image, diagnosis result, and adjustment result (driving distance) of the chin rest 100 and the optical head 110 at the time of the examination.

[0072] Next, in S612, the driving distance calculation unit 306 determines whether the patient information includes past examination information.

[0073] If past examination information is not included in the patient information in S612, the driving distance calculation unit 306 moves the height of the chin rest and the optical head based on one or more of the information on the patient's race, age, and sex (S615). The moving distance is determined by calculating the average face size and the distance between the left and right eyes based on the information on the patient's race, age, and sex. The method of determination will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0074] However, even if patients are of the same race, age, and sex, there are individual differences in face size and distance between the left and right eyes. Therefore, even if the height of the chin rest and the position of the optical head are moved based on one or more pieces of information of the patient's race, age, and sex, the positional relationship between the ophthalmic examination device and the examined eye may not be appropriate. In such a case, the examiner needs to manually adjust the chin rest and the imaging unit.

[0075] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the patient information includes past examination information, the height of the chin rest and the position of the optical head are moved using the examination information. By using the past examination information, the height of the chin rest and the position of the optical head can be moved taking into account individual differences, so that the possibility of the positional relationship between the ophthalmic examination device and the examined eye being appropriate can be increased. As a result, the examiner can reduce the opportunities for manually operating the chin rest and the imaging unit.

[0076] Based on the above, we will explain again from S612.

[0077] If the patient information includes past examination information, the driving distance calculation unit 306 checks whether the examination information is within a predetermined number of years (for example, within the past three years) (S613). The reason for checking whether the information is within the past three years is that the size of the face and the distance between the left and right eyes may change as the patient ages. In particular, the size of the face and the distance between the left and right eyes are likely to change for young people. Therefore, the conditions in S613 may be changed depending on the patient's age. For example, if the patient is 20 years old or older, it may be checked whether the information is within the past five years, and if the patient is under 20 years old, it may be checked whether the information is within the past three years.

[0078] If the examination information is within the past three years, the driving distance calculation unit 306 sets the adjustment result (driving distance) included in the examination information as the moving distance of the chin rest 100 and the optical head 110. The driving control unit 170 moves the chin rest 100 and the optical head 110 using the adjustment result (driving distance) included in the examination information (S614). As described above, by using the past examination information, the height of the chin rest and the position of the optical head can be moved to a predetermined position based on individual differences, so that the possibility of the positional relationship between the ophthalmic examination device and the subject's eye being appropriate can be increased. Here, the predetermined position is, for example, a position where at least a part of the subject's eye is reflected in the imaging angle of the optical head. If at least a part of the subject's eye is reflected in the imaging angle of the optical head, the examiner can perform auto-alignment in S604. If at least a part of the subject's eye is not captured within the imaging field of the optical head, the examiner must perform rough manual alignment in S603 and manually move either the chin rest 100 or the optical head 110 (or both) so that at least a part of the subject's eye is captured within the imaging field of the optical head. In this case, the examiner must perform more manual operations, which reduces the throughput of the examination.

[0079] If it is determined in S613 that the examination information is not within the past three years, the process proceeds to S615.

[0080] A method for calculating the positions of the chin rest and the optical head from the race, age, and sex will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Height 700 is the total face height, height 701 is the distance between the pupil and the chin, and distance 703 is the interpupillary distance. In this embodiment, height 702 is assumed to be the position of the forehead, and height 702 is half the height obtained by subtracting height 701 from height 700.

[0081] For example, suppose the patient is a young Japanese male.

[0082] The average total face height of a young Japanese male is about 230 mm. The distance between the pupil and the chin is about 120 mm, and the interpupillary distance is about 64 mm. In this case, the position of the forehead is estimated to be about 175 mm from the chin. Therefore, the drive distance calculation unit 306 calculates the drive distance of the chin rest so that the chin rest 100 is adjusted to a position 175 mm lower than the forehead rest 111.

[0083] Also, for example, it is assumed that the horizontal angle of view of the anterior eye observation image of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 is approximately 15 mm and the vertical angle of view is approximately 11 mm.

[0084] The driving distance calculation unit 306 calculates the driving distance so that the optical head is adjusted to a position approximately 120 mm above the chin rest 100 on the Y axis and approximately 32 mm from the center of the patient's face on the X axis, thereby adjusting the optical head 110 so that the subject eye E is displayed at the center of the anterior eye observation image.

[0085] Next, the inspection flow in FIG. 6(a) will be described.

[0086] In step S603, the examiner can perform rough manual alignment. The rough manual alignment is a function for making the entire pupil of the examinee's eye be included in the region 400.

[0087] Rough manual alignment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that the displays shown in Fig. 8(a) and Fig. 8(b) are examples of the first display.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the examiner selects any area (for example, an area corresponding to the pupil of the subject's eye E) displayed in the area 400. In response, the control unit 300 moves the optical head 110 so that the pupil of the subject's eye E is located at a predetermined position (approximately the center of the area 400) as shown in FIG. 8(b). Here, the area 400 has an input area (first input area) of the same size as the area 400. That is, the examiner can select any area within the area 400.

[0089] The examiner does not necessarily need to perform rough manual alignment. If the chin rest and the optical head are adjusted according to the patient information in step S603, and the examinee's eye E is displayed in the anterior eye observation image, step S603 can be omitted.

[0090] In step S604, the control unit 300 performs auto-alignment. The auto-alignment is started by the examiner pressing the "Start" button in Fig. 4. The "Start" button may be made to be pressable only when the subject's eye E is displayed in the anterior observation image. By making the button unpressable when the subject's eye E is not displayed in the anterior observation image, the examiner can be prompted to perform rough manual alignment.

[0091] In auto-alignment, the optical head 110 is automatically adjusted so that the pupil of the subject's eye E is in a position suitable for photographing (for example, the center of the area 400). Furthermore, when auto-alignment is started, the display of the "Start" button in FIG. 4 is changed to the "Photograph" button. This allows the examiner to photograph the pupil promptly after it has been adjusted to a position suitable for photographing. Note that the timing at which the display of the "Start" button is changed to the "Photograph" button is not limited to immediately after auto-alignment is started. For example, the display of the "Start" button may be changed to the "Photograph" button after the pupil has been adjusted to a position suitable for photographing by auto-alignment.

[0092] In this embodiment, after the pupil of the subject's eye E can be captured at a position suitable for photographing by the auto-alignment, tracking control is executed to maintain the relative positional relationship between the pupil of the subject's eye E and the optical head 110 (tracking the pupil position of the subject's eye). As a result, even if the subject's eye moves, the optical head automatically tracks the pupil of the subject's eye E by the tracking control, and it is possible to always capture the image at a position suitable for photographing. If the pupil of the subject's eye E cannot be captured within the angle of view of the anterior eye observation image, the control unit 300 determines that the auto-alignment has failed. Furthermore, if the optical head 110 cannot move any further in adjusting the optical head 110 so as to move the pupil of the subject's eye to the center of the anterior eye observation image, the control unit 300 determines that the auto-alignment has failed. If the control unit 300 determines that the auto-alignment has failed, the control unit 300 may be configured to proceed to the next step (S605). Alternatively, when it is determined that the auto-alignment has failed, the control unit 300 may notify the examiner that the auto-alignment has failed.

[0093] The control unit 300 may be configured to automatically adjust the driving units other than the driving unit used for tracking control while the tracking control is being performed after the auto-alignment is completed. For example, the control unit 300 may be configured to perform focus adjustment of the fundus of the subject's eye E, adjustment of the C-Gate position in the case of OCT imaging, and AE (adjusting the amount of imaging light from exposure, aperture, etc. according to the brightness of the subject). By automatically performing these, the examiner can omit manual adjustment of the driving units other than the driving unit used for tracking control, improving the examination throughput.

[0094] The examiner can stop tracking control at any timing. The examiner can also start (resume) tracking control at any timing. The stop button and start (resume) button for tracking control are not limited to being arranged as separate buttons. The stop button for tracking control may be arranged as a single toggle button to indicate two states, stop and start. An example of the arrangement of buttons related to tracking control is shown in 506 in FIG. 10.

[0095] In step S605, the examiner can perform fine manual alignment. Fine manual alignment is a function for the examiner to finely adjust the position of the subject's eye E when the subject's eye E is not in a position suitable for photographing even after auto alignment has been performed.

[0096] Fine manual alignment will be described with reference to Fig. 6(c), Fig. 9, and Fig. 10. In this embodiment, two operations will be described: fine manual alignment operation during tracking control, and fine manual alignment operation during non-tracking control.

[0097] When step S605 starts, the control unit 300 determines whether tracking control is being performed (S621).

[0098] When tracking control is not in progress (S621-N), the display control unit 303 displays a plurality of operation members, consisting of operation members 501, 502, 503, and 504, superimposed on the anterior eye observation image (S624). The operation members 501, 502, 503, and 504 are buttons for finely adjusting the position of the subject's eye E displayed on the anterior eye observation image.

[0099] Next, the control unit 300 performs control to move the optical head 110 in response to the operation of the operation member (S625). A description will be given with reference to Fig. 9(a). Note that the display shown in Fig. 9(a) is an example of the second display.

[0100] When tracking control is not in progress, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the operation members 501, 502, 503, and 504 are displayed in a state of being superimposed on the anterior eye observation image. Here, the operation members 501, 502, 503, and 504 each have an input area (second input area). That is, the examiner can select any area within the input area corresponding to each operation member. The control unit 300 moves the optical head 110 in a direction corresponding to the operation member pressed by the examiner. For example, when the examiner presses the operation member 502, the control unit 300 moves the optical head 110 to the right as viewed from the patient side. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the subject's eye E displayed on the anterior eye observation image is displayed moved to the right of the center. Also, when the examiner presses the operation member 501, the control unit 300 moves the optical head 110 downward as viewed from the patient side. When the examiner presses the operation member 503, the control unit 300 moves the optical head 110 leftward as viewed from the patient side. When the examiner presses the operation member 504, the control unit 300 moves the optical head 110 upward as viewed from the patient side.

[0101] If tracking control is in progress (S621-Y), the display control unit 303 displays the operation members 501, 502, 503, and 504 and the tracking target index 505 superimposed on the anterior eye observation image (S626).

[0102] Next, the control unit 300 performs control to move the tracking target indicator 505 in response to the operation of the operating member. This will be explained with reference to Fig. 10(a). Note that the display shown in Fig. 10(a) is an example of the third display.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 10(a), the display control unit 303 displays the tracking target index 505 superimposed on the anterior eye observation image. The tracking control is a control in which the control unit 300 moves the optical head 110 so that the center of the subject's eye E is displayed at the position of the tracking target index 505. The control unit 300 moves the tracking target index 505 in a direction corresponding to the operation member pressed by the examiner (S627). For example, as shown in FIG. 10(a), when the examiner presses the operation member 502, the display control unit 303 moves the tracking target index 505 to the right. When the tracking target index 505 is moved to the right, the control unit 300 moves the optical head 110 so that the subject's eye E is located at the center of the tracking target index 505.

[0104] With the above-mentioned configuration, the examiner can finely adjust the position of the subject's eye E even after auto-alignment. Furthermore, since the operation members 501 to 504 are displayed in a state where they are superimposed on the anterior eye observation image, the examiner does not need to repeatedly touch the screen even when the monitor is small. That is, finer adjustments can be made compared to rough manual alignment in which the operation members 501 to 504 are not displayed. As a result, the time required for the examiner to perform manual operations can be reduced.

[0105] The examiner does not necessarily need to perform fine manual alignment. If the examinee's eye E is displayed at an appropriate position on the anterior ocular observation image at the time when step S604 is completed, the examiner can omit step S605 (fine manual alignment).

[0106] Note that the examiner performs focus adjustment before the image capturing in step S606 is started after step S605 is completed. The control unit 300 performs focus adjustment using a contrast value calculated from the fundus observation image. Specifically, the control unit 300 adjusts the focus by moving the focus lens 133 so that the contrast of the fundus observation image is increased.

[0107] Furthermore, when capturing an OCT image, a coherence gate adjustment is performed before the capture of step S606 is started after step S605 ends. The control unit 300 acquires an OCT image while moving the coherence gate 155, and detects the brightness of the tomographic image. The control unit 300 drives the reference mirror 160 to a position where the brightness of the tomographic image is increased, and adjusts the optical path length of the reference light.

[0108] The focus adjustment and the coherence gate adjustment may be performed sequentially or simultaneously.

[0109] In step S606, the examiner presses an image capturing button (not shown) to capture an image of the subject's eye E. The image capturing button can be pressed, for example, after auto-alignment is started, by changing the "start" button in FIG. 4 to an "image capturing" button.

[0110] Note that the image capturing may be performed automatically, not by pressing a button. For example, if an alignment stability determination means (not shown) is provided, the image capturing may be performed automatically when it is determined that the alignment (or tracking control) is stable.

[0111] In step S607, the control unit 300 determines whether to switch between the left and right eyes. If the test is set to capture images of both the left and right eyes, the control unit 300 determines whether the image capture of the eye opposite to the eye currently being captured has been completed. For example, if the test is to capture images of the left eye and then the right eye, the control unit 300 moves the optical head 110 to the right as seen from the patient so that the right eye can be captured after the series of images of the left eye is completed. Note that the left and right eyes may be switched by the examiner pressing the button 401 or the button 402.

[0112] In step S608, the control unit 300 performs left / right eye switching processing based on the determination result in step S607. The drive control unit 170 included in the control unit 300 drives the optical head so as to capture an image of the opposite eye based on the calculation result of the drive distance calculation unit 306.

[0113] The driving distance calculation unit 306 calculates the driving distance at the time of switching based on the information at the time of shooting. For example, the driving distance calculation unit 306 calculates the driving distance by offsetting the position from the center of the optical head at the time of shooting the left eye. The driving distance calculation unit 306 may calculate the driving distance based on patient information. That is, the driving distance calculation unit 306 may calculate the driving distance of the optical head 110 by estimating the interpupillary distance of the patient in the same manner as in S602.

[0114] In step S609, the control unit 300 adjusts the positions of the chin rest 100 and the optical head 110 at the end of the examination. When the examiner completes a series of photographing, the examiner performs an operation to transition from the examination screen to another screen. When the operation is performed, the control unit 300 moves the chin rest 100 and the optical head 110 to a predetermined position. The operation of S609 can shorten the time to move the chin rest 100 and the optical head 110 in step S602 of the next examination. For example, the examiner photographs the left eye of Patient A → the right eye of Patient A → the left eye of Patient B → the right eye of Patient B in this order. When the right eye of Patient A is photographed, the optical head 110 is in a position to photograph the right eye. In that state, the examiner needs to move the optical head 110 from the right eye side to the left eye side to start photographing the left eye of Patient B, who is the next subject to be photographed. As a result, it takes time to move. Therefore, in this step, the control unit 300 moves the optical head to a predetermined position (for example, the left eye side of patient B) during the examination of patient A, thereby shortening the time required for step S602 in the examination of patient B. As a result, it is possible to shorten the examination time required for the examination of patient A and the examination of patient B.

[0115] It is not necessary for the control unit 300 to move both the chin rest and the optical head in steps 602 and 609. The control unit 300 may move either the chin rest or the optical head. For example, the control unit 300 may be configured to move only the chin rest in step 602, and to move both the chin rest and the optical head in step 609.

[0116] It should be noted that a setting may be made in which neither the chin rest nor the optical head moves in step 609. This setting may be made by the examiner on a setting screen (not shown).

[0117] As described above, in this embodiment, in S602, when the patient information includes past examination information, the control unit 300 uses the examination information to move the height of the chin rest and the position of the optical head. This configuration can reduce the number of times that the examiner manually operates the chin rest and the imaging unit. In addition, this configuration makes it possible to capture an image of the same patient at the same position as the previous adjustment position, making it easier to compare the current examination image with the previous examination image.

[0118] In the present embodiment, in S605, the display control unit 303 displays the operation members 501 to 504 by superimposing them on the anterior eye observation image. This configuration makes it easier for the examiner to finely adjust the position of the subject's eye E, thereby reducing the time required for the adjustment.

[0119] The above-described configuration improves the throughput of testing (the number of tests that can be performed within a unit time).

[0120] In the present embodiment, an ophthalmic examination apparatus that captures an OCT image and a fundus image has been described. Note that the configuration of the present disclosure is also applicable to an ophthalmic examination apparatus that captures only a fundus image.

[0121] (Variation 1) In step S602 of the first embodiment, the control unit 300 has been described as adjusting the chin rest and the optical head simultaneously based on the patient information, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the case of a patient for whom adjustment in S615 (moving the chin rest / optical head using at least one of race, age, and sex) is difficult, a configuration may be added in which the control unit 300 adjusts the optical head based on the result of the adjustment of the chin rest by the examiner. In the case of a patient for whom adjustment in S615 is difficult, for example, the examiner manually adjusts the chin rest. After that, the control unit 300 calculates an appropriate position for the optical head based on the result of the adjustment of the chin rest, and adjusts the optical head to that position. By adding this configuration, even in the case of a patient for whom adjustment in S615 is difficult, the examiner can reduce the opportunity to manually adjust both the chin rest and the optical head. In this modified example, it is only necessary to manually adjust only the chin rest. As a result, the throughput of the examination is improved.

[0122] (Variation 2) In step S609 of the first embodiment, the control unit 300 moves the optical head to a predetermined position (for example, the left eye side of the patient B) during the examination of the patient A in order to shorten the time required until the next examination (imaging of the left eye of the patient B), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the order of imaging the left and right eyes of the patient B may be changed.

[0123] For example, the order of photographing the left eye of patient A → the right eye of patient A → the left eye of patient B → the right eye of patient B is changed to the order of photographing the left eye of patient A → the right eye of patient A → the right eye of patient B → the left eye of patient B. In general, the distance traveled from the photographing position of the right eye of patient A to the photographing position of the right eye of patient B is shorter than the distance traveled from the photographing position of the right eye of patient A to the photographing position of the left eye of patient B. Therefore, by changing the order of photographing the left and right eyes of patient B, the travel distance can be shortened. As a result, the time required for step S609 can be shortened. As a result, the throughput of the examination is improved.

[0124] (Variation 3) In the first embodiment, a configuration has been described in which, if the auto-alignment in step S604 does not end normally, the system proceeds to the next step (S605: fine manual alignment), but the present invention is not limited to this. If the auto-alignment in S604 does not end normally, the control unit 300 may change the position of the optical head and retry (continue the auto-alignment). For example, if the auto-alignment in S604 does not end normally, the control unit 300 moves the optical head in a direction away from the patient. This operation widens the angle of view of the anterior eye observation image, and the possibility that the anterior eye segment of the subject's eye is captured on the anterior eye observation image increases. This operation improves the possibility that the auto-alignment will be successful. As a result, the examiner can reduce the opportunities for manually operating the chin rest and the imaging unit (optical head). As a result, the throughput of the examination is improved.

[0125] (Other embodiments) The disclosed technology can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, the disclosed technology can also be realized by supplying software (programs) that realize one or more functions of the various embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having a computer (or a CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device read and execute the programs. The computer has one or more processors or circuits, and may include multiple separate computers or a network of multiple separate processors or circuits to read and execute computer-executable instructions. In this case, the processor or circuit may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gateway (FPGA). The processor or circuit may also include a digital signal processor (DSP), a data flow processor (DFP), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0126] (Configuration 1) An imaging means for imaging an eye of a subject; a display control means for controlling the display means so as to change a first display relating to a first manual alignment control to a second display relating to a second manual alignment control different from the first manual alignment control after an automatic alignment control is started, the second display being related to a second manual alignment control different from the first manual alignment control; An ophthalmic examination apparatus comprising:

[0127] (Configuration 2) the first display has a first input area the same size as a display area of ​​the first display; the second display has a plurality of second input areas narrower than the first input areas; 2. An ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 1.

[0128] (Configuration 3) 3. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the second display is a display in which a plurality of operation members are superimposed on the plurality of second input areas.

[0129] (Configuration 4) The camera further includes a control unit for controlling a position of the image capturing unit, 4. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the automatic alignment control is a control in which the control means moves the position of the imaging means so that the subject's eye is approximately at the center of the first display.

[0130] (Configuration 5) The camera further includes a control unit for controlling a position of the image capturing unit, the first manual alignment control is a control in which, when an arbitrary area in the first input area is selected by an examiner, the control means moves a position of the imaging means so that the arbitrary area is positioned approximately at the center of the first display; The ophthalmic examination apparatus of configuration 3, wherein the second manual alignment control is a control in which, when any one of the plurality of operating members is selected by an examiner, the control means moves the position of the imaging means in a direction corresponding to the selected operating member.

[0131] (Configuration 6) The camera further includes a control unit for controlling a position of the image capturing unit, the control means starts a tracking control for moving the imaging means in accordance with a movement of the subject's eye after the automatic alignment control has been normally completed, An ophthalmic examination device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the display control means controls the display means to display a third display in which a tracking target indicator indicating a target of the tracking control and the second display are superimposed after the tracking control is started.

[0132] (Configuration 7) When any one of the operation members is selected by the examiner and the tracking control is in progress, the display control means performs control to move the position of the tracking target index in response to the operation; An ophthalmic examination apparatus according to configuration 6, wherein when any one of the operating members is selected by the examiner and the tracking control is not in progress, the control means controls to move the position of the imaging means in response to the operation.

[0133] (Configuration 8) The camera further includes a control unit for controlling a position of the image capturing unit, 8. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the control means performs control to move the imaging means in a direction away from the subject's eye when the automatic alignment control does not end normally.

[0134] (Configuration 9) The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the display control means controls the display means to display an image capturing button for capturing an image of the subject's eye after the automatic alignment control is started.

[0135] (Configuration 10) The photographing means is an optical system including a lens; an image sensor that converts incident light through the optical system into an electrical signal; 10. An ophthalmic examination apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, comprising:

[0136] (Configuration 11) An imaging means for imaging an eye of a subject; A support means for supporting the face of the subject; a control means for controlling the movement of at least one of the position of the imaging means and the position of the support means to a predetermined position determined using information about the subject, including past examination information about the subject; An ophthalmic examination apparatus comprising:

[0137] (Configuration 12) The information about the subject further includes at least one of the subject's race, sex, and age; 12. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control means determines the predetermined position using past examination information of the subject and at least one of the subject's race, sex, and age.

[0138] (Configuration 13) 13. An ophthalmic examination apparatus according to any one of configurations 11 and 12, wherein the predetermined position is a position where at least a part of the subject's eye is captured within the photographing angle of view of the photographing means.

[0139] (Configuration 14) An ophthalmic examination apparatus according to any one of configurations 11 to 13, wherein the control means controls, after photographing of the subject's test eye is completed, to move at least one of the position of the photographing means and the position of the support means to a predetermined position determined using information about the subject, including past examination information of the next subject to be photographed after the subject.

[0140] (Configuration 15) An ophthalmic examination device described in any one of configurations 11 to 14, wherein the control means determines the specified position using the past examination information if the past examination information is within a predetermined number of years, and determines the specified position using at least one of the subject's race, gender, and age if the past examination information is more than a predetermined number of years.

[0141] (Configuration 16) a display means for displaying an image captured by an imaging means for imaging an eye of a subject; An ophthalmic examination system comprising: an ophthalmic examination apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, communicatively connected to the display means.

[0142] (Method 1) A control method for an ophthalmic examination device, comprising a control step of controlling the movement of at least one of the position of an imaging means for imaging the subject's eye and the position of a support means for supporting the subject's face to a predetermined position determined using information about the subject, including the subject's past examination information.

[0143] (Method 2) a control step of controlling a position of an imaging means for imaging an eye to be examined of a subject; a display control step of controlling a display means so as to change a first display relating to a first manual alignment control to a second display relating to a second manual alignment control different from the first manual alignment control after an automatic alignment control for automatically adjusting a positional relationship between the photographing means and the subject's eye to be within a predetermined range is started by the control step; A method for controlling an ophthalmic examination apparatus having the above-mentioned features.

[0144] (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to the method 1 or 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 10 Ophthalmic examination equipment 100 Chin rest 110 Optical Head 200 spectrometer 300 Control section 310 Display section 340 Input section

Claims

1. An imaging means for imaging an eye of a subject; a display control means for controlling the display means so as to change a first display relating to a first manual alignment control to a second display relating to a second manual alignment control different from the first manual alignment control after an automatic alignment control is started, the second display being related to a second manual alignment control different from the first manual alignment control; An ophthalmic examination apparatus comprising:

2. the first display has a first input area the same size as a display area of ​​the first display; the second display has a plurality of second input areas narrower than the first input areas; 2. An ophthalmic examination apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

3. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the second display is a display in which a plurality of operation members are superimposed on the plurality of second input areas.

4. The camera further includes a control unit for controlling a position of the image capturing unit, 2. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the automatic alignment control is a control in which the control means moves the position of the photographing means so that the eye to be examined is approximately at the center of the first display.

5. The camera further includes a control unit for controlling a position of the image capturing unit, the first manual alignment control is a control in which, when an arbitrary area in the first input area is selected by an examiner, the control means moves a position of the imaging means so that the arbitrary area is positioned approximately at the center of the first display; The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second manual alignment control is a control in which, when any one of the plurality of operating members is selected by an examiner, the control means moves the position of the imaging means in a direction corresponding to the selected operating member.

6. The camera further includes a control unit for controlling a position of the image capturing unit, the control means starts a tracking control for moving the imaging means in accordance with a movement of the subject's eye after the automatic alignment control has been normally completed, 2. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means controls the display means to display a third display in which a tracking target index indicating a target of the tracking control and the second display are superimposed after the tracking control is started.

7. When any one of the operation members is selected by the examiner and the tracking control is in progress, the display control means performs control to move the position of the tracking target index in response to the operation, 7. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when any one of the operating members is selected by the examiner and the tracking control is not in progress, the control means controls to move the position of the imaging means in response to the operation.

8. The camera further includes a control unit for controlling a position of the image capturing unit, 2. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means performs control to move the imaging means in a direction away from the subject's eye when the automatic alignment control does not end normally.

9. 2. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means controls the display means so as to display an image capturing button for capturing an image of the subject's eye after the automatic alignment control is started.

10. The photographing means is an optical system including a lens; an image sensor that converts incident light through the optical system into an electrical signal; 2. The ophthalmic examination apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

11. An imaging means for imaging an eye of a subject; A support means for supporting the face of the subject; a control means for controlling the movement of at least one of the position of the imaging means and the position of the support means to a predetermined position determined using information about the subject, including past examination information about the subject; An ophthalmic examination apparatus comprising:

12. The information about the subject further includes at least one of the subject's race, sex, and age; 12. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control means determines the predetermined position using past examination information of the subject and at least one of the subject's race, sex, and age.

13. 12. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined position is a position where at least a part of the subject's eye is captured within a photographing angle of view of the photographing means.

14. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 11, wherein after photographing of the subject's test eye is completed, the control means controls to move at least one of the position of the photographing means and the position of the support means to a predetermined position determined using information about the subject, including past examination information of the next subject to be photographed after the subject.

15. The ophthalmic examination device according to claim 11, wherein the control means determines the predetermined position using the past examination information if the past examination information is within a predetermined number of years, and determines the predetermined position using at least one of the subject's race, gender, and age if the past examination information is more than a predetermined number of years.

16. a display means for displaying an image captured by an imaging means for imaging an eye of a subject; An ophthalmic examination system comprising: an ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 1 , communicatively connected to the display means.

17. A control method for an ophthalmic examination device, comprising a control step of controlling the movement of at least one of the position of an imaging means for imaging the subject's eye and the position of a support means for supporting the subject's face to a predetermined position determined using information about the subject, including the subject's past examination information.

18. a control step of controlling a position of an imaging means for imaging an eye to be examined of a subject; a display control step of controlling a display means so as to change a first display relating to a first manual alignment control to a second display relating to a second manual alignment control different from the first manual alignment control after an automatic alignment control for automatically adjusting a positional relationship between the photographing means and the subject's eye to be within a predetermined range is started by the control step; A method for controlling an ophthalmic examination apparatus having the above-mentioned features.

19. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 17 or 18.

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