Ophthalmic photographing equipment and ophthalmic photographing system

Abstract

To reduce the time required for adjustment performed by an operator.SOLUTION: Ophthalmic photographing equipment disclosed herein comprises: photographing means photographing an examinee's eye; a base having a first inclined surface having a first angle with respect to a horizontal plane and a second inclined surface having the first angle with respect to a vertical plane; support means supporting the examinee's face and connected to the second inclined surface; and control means controlling a drive unit to which the base and the photographing means are connected, in such a way that the photographing means moves in the in-plane direction of the first inclined surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic imaging apparatus and an ophthalmic imaging system. [Background technology]

[0002] As ophthalmic photography devices, devices for obtaining two-dimensional images of the fundus of a test eye (hereinafter referred to as fundus camera devices) and devices for obtaining tomographic images of a test eye using optical coherence tomography (OCT) with low-coherence light (hereinafter referred to as OCT devices) have been put to practical use.

[0003] Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a face support part of an ophthalmic imaging device is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. This configuration makes it possible to stably support the subject's face, thereby preventing imaging failures caused by the movement of the subject's face during imaging. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-213612 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, in a configuration in which the face receiving part is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, for example, when an operator manually adjusts the distance (distance in the optical axis direction) between the subject's eye and the optical head part that photographs the subject's eye, an operation of moving the optical head part back and forth and an operation of moving it vertically are required. As a result, there is a problem that the adjustment by the operator becomes complicated and takes time for the adjustment.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to reduce the time required for adjustment by an operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ophthalmic imaging apparatus of the present disclosure is The device comprises an imaging means for imaging the subject's eye, a base having a first inclined surface having a first angle with respect to a horizontal plane and a second inclined surface having the first angle with respect to a vertical plane, a support means for supporting the face of the subject and connected to the second inclined surface, and a control means for controlling a drive unit to which the base and the imaging means are connected so that the imaging means moves in the in-plane direction of the first inclined surface. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the time required for an operator to make adjustments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ophthalmologic image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating a control unit of the ophthalmologic image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an examination flow of the ophthalmologic image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a photographing screen of the ophthalmologic image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ophthalmologic image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a control unit of an ophthalmologic image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a photographing screen of an ophthalmologic image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Exemplary embodiments and examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components used in the following description are arbitrary and can be changed according to the configuration of an apparatus to which the present disclosure is applied or various conditions. In addition, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are used between the drawings to indicate elements that are the same or functionally similar.

[0011] (First embodiment) In this embodiment, an embodiment of a fundus imaging apparatus will be described.

[0012] <Outline configuration> The fundus imaging device according to this embodiment is provided with a fundus image capturing section that captures a two-dimensional fundus image.

[0013] First, with reference to FIG. 1, a schematic configuration of an ophthalmic imaging system and an ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

[0014] 1(a) shows a schematic configuration of an ophthalmologic imaging system according to this embodiment. In the following description, the direction that approximately coincides with the optical axis of an objective lens 101 of an optical head unit 100 is defined as the Z direction. The plane perpendicular to the Z direction is defined as the XY plane, the horizontal direction is defined as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X direction is defined as the Y direction.

[0015] The ophthalmic imaging apparatus is composed of an optical head unit 100, a head driving unit 170, a face receiving unit 180, a base 190, and a control unit 300. An information processing device 320 is connected to the ophthalmic imaging apparatus. A display unit 310 and an input unit 340 are communicably connected to the information processing device 320. Here, communicable includes not only direct communication but also communication via other devices. The information processing device 320 has a display control unit 330 that controls the display unit 310. Here, the information processing device 320 may be incorporated in the ophthalmic imaging apparatus. The display unit 310 and the input unit 340 may also be incorporated in the ophthalmic imaging apparatus. The display unit 310 and the input unit 340 are not limited to being separate. For example, the display unit 310 and the input unit 340 may be integrated into a touch panel.

[0016] The base 190 has an inclined surface 191 having an angle of θ with respect to the horizontal plane. The inclined surface 191 is inclined downward from the subject side. The base 190 also has an inclined surface 192 having an angle of θ with respect to the vertical plane. The inclined surface 191 is located on the subject side. The inclined surface 192 is located so as to be perpendicular to the inclined surface 191. Here, θ is, for example, 5°. However, θ is not limited to this value. It may be changed according to the height of the device.

[0017] The optical head unit 100 is disposed on an inclined surface 191 of a base via the head driving unit 170. The face receiving unit 180 is disposed on an inclined surface 192 of the base. The inclined surface 191 having an angle of θ with respect to the horizontal plane is an example of a first inclined surface having a first angle with respect to the horizontal plane. The inclined surface 192 having an angle of θ with respect to the vertical plane is an example of a second inclined surface having the first angle with respect to the vertical plane. The optical head unit 100 is an example of an imaging means. The face receiving unit 180 is an example of a supporting means. The control unit 300 is an example of a control means.

[0018] In this embodiment, the optical head unit 100 is disposed on the inclined surface 191 of the base. With this configuration, the optical head unit 100 can move in the in-plane direction of the inclined surface 191.

[0019] As a result, when the operator manually adjusts the distance (distance in the optical axis direction) between the subject's eye and the optical head unit that captures the subject's eye, it is sufficient to move only in the tilt direction (Z direction). In other words, the operator does not need to move the optical head unit in the vertical direction after moving it in the forward / backward direction.

[0020] The configurations of face receiving section 180, head driving section 170, base 190, optical head section 100, and control section 300 will be described below in order.

[0021] <Configuration of face support portion 180> The face support portion 180 is connected to a base 190. The face support portion 180 is a member for supporting the face of the subject. The positions of the subject's face and the subject's eye E can be stabilized by the face support portion 180. The face support portion 180 is composed of a forehead support portion 181 for supporting the subject's forehead, a chin support portion 182 for supporting the subject's chin, and a face support frame 183 for fixing the forehead support portion 181 and the chin support portion 182.

[0022] The chin rest 182 is connected to the control unit 300. The control unit 300 controls the chin rest 182 to drive in the Y direction relative to the face support frame 183. The chin rest 182 is driven in the Y direction to raise and lower the position of the subject's face. This control allows the relative position of the subject's eye E and the optical head unit 100 in the Y direction to be roughly adjusted depending on the size of the subject's face, etc.

[0023] In this embodiment, the face support frame 183 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that the subject's face faces downward rather than forward. This allows the subject's face to be supported by the face support unit 180 in a slightly forward-leaning position. As a result, even if the subject is an elderly person with a weak back, who has difficulty in fixing his / her face substantially vertically, this slightly forward-leaning position allows the subject to stably maintain the position. In addition, the weight of the subject's head is easily applied to the face support unit 180, which makes it difficult for the subject's forehead to come off the forehead support unit 181. This makes it difficult for the subject's face to move, and makes it possible to stabilize the position of the subject's eye E.

[0024] When the subject leans forward, the subject's line of sight EL also has an angle inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The optical head unit 100, which will be described later, is disposed on the inclined surface 191 so that the line of sight EL and the optical axis L1 of the objective lens 101 substantially coincide with each other.

[0025] In this embodiment, the chin rest 182 is driven in a direction that is substantially the same as the Y direction. As a result, even if the chin rest 182 is driven, the relative positional relationship in the Z direction between the chin rest 182 and the forehead rest 181 does not change, so that it is possible to stabilize the inclination direction of the subject's face regardless of the position of the chin rest 182 in the Y direction.

[0026] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the face support portion 180 is arranged to have the same inclination as the inclined surface 192 of the base, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the face support portion 180 may be arranged vertically, and the positional relationship between the forehead support portion 181 and the chin support portion 182 may be arranged to be inclined. Specifically, the line connecting the center of the forehead support portion 181 and the center of the chin support portion may be arranged to be inclined at an angle of θ (first angle) with respect to the vertical direction. Since it is the forehead support portion 181 and the chin support portion 182 that support the subject's face, even if the face support portion 180 is not inclined, as long as the positional relationship between the forehead support portion 181 and the chin support portion 182 is arranged to be inclined, the inclination direction of the subject's face can be stabilized. The line connecting the center of the forehead support portion 181 and the center of the chin support portion may not completely coincide with the angle of θ (first angle) with respect to the vertical direction. The angle θ may be changed within the range of θ±1 degree (the first angle ±1 degree), for example, taking into account statistical facial irregularities.

[0027] <Configuration of Head Driving Unit 170> 1(b) and (c) show the configuration of a head driving section 170 according to this embodiment.

[0028] The head driving unit 170 will be described. The optical head unit 100 is supported by a base 190 via the head driving unit 170 so as to be movable relative to the subject's eye E in three dimensional (X, Y, Z) directions. The head driving unit 170 is composed of an X driving unit 171 which is an example of a first driving unit, a Z driving unit 172 which is an example of a second driving unit, and a Y driving unit 173 which is an example of a third driving unit. Each driving unit has a linear motion mechanism and is composed of, for example, a stepping motor, a feed screw, a nut, and a linear motion guide.

[0029] X driving section 171 moves Z driving section 172, Y driving section 173, and optical head section 100 in the X direction relative to base 190. Z driving section 172 moves Y driving section 173 and optical head section 100 in the Z direction. Y driving section 173 moves optical head section 100 in the Y direction. This makes it possible to adjust the relative positional relationship of optical head section 100 with respect to subject's eye E.

[0030] X drive unit 171 is composed of X motor 1711, X feed screw 1712, X nut 1713, and X guide 1714. X motor 1711 and X feed screw 1712 are fixed by a coupling (not shown). X nut 1713 is in a roughly fitted relationship with X feed screw 1712, and is arranged so as to be movable in the X direction on X feed screw 1712 by rotation of X motor 1711. X guide 1714 is composed of an X guide fixed part and an X guide movable part (not shown). The X guide movable part is movable in the X direction relative to the X guide fixed part.

[0031] The Z drive unit 172 is composed of a Z motor 1721, a Z feed screw 1722, a Z nut 1723, and a Z guide 1724. The Z motor 1721 and the Z feed screw 1722 are fixed by a coupling (not shown). The Z nut 1723 is in a substantially fitted relationship with the Z feed screw 1722, and is arranged so as to be movable in the Z direction on the Z feed screw 1722 by the rotation of the Z motor 1721. The Z guide 1724 is composed of a Z guide fixed part and a Z guide movable part (not shown). The Z guide movable part is movable in the Z direction relative to the Z guide fixed part. The axial direction of the Z feed screw 1722 and the linear motion direction of the Z guide 1724 are arranged to face the Z direction that substantially coincides with the line of sight of the subject's eye E, and are slightly inclined from the horizontal direction. Thereby, when the optical head unit 100 is driven in the direction of the line of sight EL of the subject's eye as described later, one-axis control in the Z direction is sufficient, and drive control can be facilitated. Z motor 1721 and the Z guide fixed part are supported by a Z drive base (not shown). The Z drive base is fixed to X nut 1713 and the X guide movable part, and Z drive part 172 can be moved in the X direction by X drive part 171.

[0032] The Y drive unit 173 is composed of a Y motor 1731, a Y feed screw 1732, a Y nut ​​1733, and a Y guide 1734. The Y motor 1731 and the Y feed screw 1712 are fixed by a coupling (not shown). The Y nut ​​1733 is in a substantially fitted relationship with the Y feed screw 1732, and is arranged so as to be movable in the Y direction on the Y feed screw 1732 by the rotation of the Y motor 1731. The Y guide 1734 is composed of a Y guide fixed part and a Y guide movable part (not shown). The Y guide movable part is movable in the Y direction relative to the Y guide fixed part. The axial direction of the Y feed screw 1732 and the linear motion direction of the Y guide 1734 are arranged at a slight incline from the vertical direction so as to be perpendicular to the Z direction (the line of sight direction of the subject's eye E) and the X direction (left and right). Thereby, when the optical head unit 100 is driven in a plane perpendicular to the line of sight EL of the subject's eye as described later, it is sufficient to perform two-axis control of XY, which makes it possible to easily control. The Y nut ​​1733 and the Y guide fixed portion are supported by a Y drive base (not shown). The Y drive base is fixed to the Z nut 1723 and the Z guide movable portion, and the Y drive portion 173 can be moved in the Z direction by the Z drive portion 172.

[0033] The optical head unit 100 is fixed to a Y motor 1731 and a Y guide movable portion, and can be moved in the Y direction by a Y drive unit 173 .

[0034] In this embodiment, the head drive unit 170 is slightly tilted to match the line of sight of the subject's eye, thereby enabling the device to be made smaller. The angle between the line of sight of the subject's eye and the horizontal direction is θ, and the three-dimensional distances along which the optical head unit 100 is desired to be driven relative to the subject's eye E are X, Y, and Z. For example, if the head drive unit 170 is not tilted, the movable distances X' (left-right direction on the horizontal plane), Y' (vertical direction), and Z' (front-back direction on the horizontal plane) of the three axes of the head drive unit must be as follows:

[0035] X´=X, Y´=Y·cosθ+Z·sinθ, Z´=Z·cosθ+Y·sinθ However, in this embodiment, by slightly tilting the head drive unit 170 to match the line of sight of the test eye, it is not necessary to extend the movable distance of the three axes as described above, making it possible to miniaturize the device and suppress the increase in costs that would be associated with increasing the size of the feed screw and linear guide.

[0036] Moreover, in this embodiment, the head drive unit 170 is slightly tilted in accordance with the line of sight of the subject's eye, thereby preventing the adjustment by the operator from becoming complicated. Also, the time required for the adjustment by the operator can be shortened. Specifically, in the conventional case (when the head drive unit 170 is not tilted), when the operator manually adjusts the distance (distance in the optical axis direction) between the subject's eye and the optical head unit that captures the subject's eye, it is necessary to move in the Z' direction on the horizontal plane, and then move in the vertical direction (Y' direction). In this embodiment, the operator only needs to move in the tilt direction (Z direction). As a result, it is possible to prevent the adjustment by the operator from becoming complicated. Also, the time required for the adjustment by the operator can be shortened.

[0037] The configuration of the drive unit is not limited to that described in this embodiment.

[0038] <Configuration of base 190> An electrical component section 191 is configured on the base 190 and is contained within a base housing (not shown).

[0039] In the base housing, parts with height are arranged on the face receiving portion 180 side. On the other hand, parts with low height are arranged on the opposite side of face receiving portion 180. Specifically, of the components constituting Z driving portion 172, Z motor 1721 is arranged on the face receiving portion 180 side.

[0040] For convenience, head drive unit 170 and base 190 are described as having different configurations, but in this embodiment, the aforementioned X drive unit 171 and Z drive unit 172 are disposed within the base housing.

[0041] This allows the configuration and arrangement to be efficiently implemented in the space inside the base housing, and reduces the height of the base 190. As a result, the eye level of the device can be lowered, allowing even a small person to take pictures in a comfortable position.

[0042] <Configuration of the optical head unit 100> FIG. 1(d) shows the configuration of an optical system included in the optical head unit 100 according to this embodiment.

[0043] The optical head unit 100 is provided with an optical system for capturing two-dimensional images of the anterior segment Ea and fundus Ef of the subject's eye E. Various optical systems disposed within the optical head unit 100 will be described below.

[0044] In the optical head unit 100, an objective lens 101 is disposed facing the subject's eye E. A dichroic mirror 103 functioning as an optical path branching unit is disposed on the optical axis L1 of the objective lens 101. The dichroic mirror 103 branches the optical path (optical axis L2) of the anterior eye observation system and the optical path (optical axis L3) of the fundus photography system into separate optical paths for each wavelength band.

[0045] <Anterior segment observation system> 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 dichroic mirror 103. The image sensor 124 is a monochrome sensor having sensitivity in the infrared range. The image sensor 124 converts light into an electrical signal. An anterior eye observation system for observing the anterior eye segment Ea is configured by the optical members and the like arranged on the optical axis L2.

[0046] The image sensor 124 is connected to the control unit 300. The image sensor 124 sends a signal corresponding to the detected light to the control unit 300. The control unit 300 generates an anterior eye observation image based on the signal received from the image sensor 124. In addition, a light source 125 for anterior eye observation arranged near the objective lens 101 illuminates the anterior eye portion Ea of the subject's eye E.

[0047] <Fundus camera optical system> A perforated mirror 131, a photographing aperture 132, a focus lens 133, an imaging lens 134, a dichroic mirror 135, and an image sensor 136 are arranged on the optical axis L3. The perforated mirror 131 has an opening in the center. The focus lens 133 is held so as to be movable in the optical axis direction indicated by the arrow in the figure by a driving unit such as a motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit 300. The focus of the fundus photography system can be adjusted by moving the focus lens 133 on the optical axis L3. The optical path on the optical axis L3 is branched by the 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.

[0048] The image sensor 136 is a fundus image sensor that is sensitive to visible light and infrared light and is capable of both moving image observation and still image capture. The image sensor 136 converts light into an electrical signal. The image sensor 136 sends a signal corresponding to the detected light to the control unit 300. The control unit 300 generates a fundus observation image or a fundus image (frontal fundus image) based on the signal received from the image sensor 136. The fixation lamp 137 emits visible light to encourage the subject to fixate. The fixation lamp 137 may also be provided with an aperture (not shown) for cutting the light beam required for fundus photography.

[0049] A diopter correction lens 138 can be inserted onto the optical axis L3 by using a drive unit such as a motor (not shown). Similarly, the diopter correction lens 138 can be removed from the optical axis L3 by using the drive unit. The control unit 300 controls the drive unit to control the insertion and removal of the diopter correction lens 138, thereby making it possible to adjust the focus of the fundus photography system over a wider diopter range.

[0050] A corneal baffle 140, a relay lens 141, a focus target 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-shielding point at the center. The ring slit 144 has a ring-shaped slit opening. Also arranged on the optical axis L4 are a crystalline lens baffle 145 as a light-shielding member having a light-shielding point, and a dichroic mirror 146 having the property of transmitting infrared light and reflecting visible light.

[0051] The focus target unit 142 is an optical member that provides a target for focus adjustment using the focus lens 133, and in this embodiment, a split bright line is projected as an example of the target. The focus target unit 142 according to this embodiment has a split target member that can move along the optical axis L4 in conjunction with the focus lens 133. The split target 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.

[0052] The split bright lines irradiated by the focus target unit 142 pass through the relay lens 141 and are reflected by the perforated mirror 131 toward the 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 dichroic mirror 103 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.

[0053] A condenser lens 147 and a white LED light source 148 are arranged in the reflecting direction of the dichroic mirror 146. The white LED light source 148 is a light source for photography in which a plurality of white LEDs that emit visible pulsed light are arranged. A condenser lens 149 and an infrared LED light source 150 are arranged in the transmitting direction of the dichroic mirror 146. 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.

[0054] 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 by light from a white LED light source 148 or an infrared LED light source 150 via the illumination optical system. In addition, a fundus photography system is configured by the optical members on the optical axes L3 and L4.

[0055] <Configuration of control unit 300> 2, a schematic configuration of the control unit 300 will be described. The control unit 300 includes an imaging control unit 301, a storage unit 302, an output control unit 303, an image acquisition unit 304, and an image processing unit 305.

[0056] The shooting control unit 301 is connected to the storage unit 302, the image processing unit 305, the optical head unit 100, the head driving unit 170, and the input unit 340. The shooting control unit 301 controls each unit of the optical head unit 100 based on an input signal from the input unit 340.

[0057] The control unit 300 can capture various images by controlling the imaging control unit 301 as described below. The imaging control unit 301 can also control the head driving unit 170 by using images generated by the image processing unit 305, images stored in the storage unit 302, and the like.

[0058] As described above, the image acquiring unit 304 can acquire the signals output from the image sensors 124 and 136. In addition, the image acquiring unit 304 outputs the acquired various signals to the image processing unit 305.

[0059] The image processing unit 305 can generate, for example, an anterior eye observation image, a fundus observation image, and a fundus image, based on the signal output from the image acquisition unit 304. Note that any known generation method may be used as a method for generating these images.

[0060] The storage unit 302 stores an anterior segment observation image, a fundus observation image, a fundus image, and the like of the subject's eye E generated by the image processing unit 305. The storage unit 302 also stores, for example, analysis results of various images, photographing conditions at the time of image acquisition, so-called patient information on the subject's eye E, and the like. The storage unit 302 also stores various programs and the like for controlling the above-mentioned anterior segment observation image photographing, fundus observation image photographing by a fundus camera, and fundus image photographing.

[0061] The output control unit 303 is connected to the storage unit 302, the image processing unit 305, and the information processing device 320. The information processing device 320 can control the display of the display unit 310. The output control unit 303 outputs, for example, various images such as an anterior eye observation image, a fundus observation image, and a fundus image, and patient information, etc., stored in the storage unit 302, to the information processing device 320. The output control unit 303 can also receive various images generated from the image processing unit 305 and output them to the information processing device 320.

[0062] Here, the control unit 300 can be configured by a computer provided with a processor and a memory. The control unit 300 may be configured by a general computer. The control unit 300 may be, for example, a personal computer, and a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC (portable information terminal), or the like may be used. Furthermore, the control unit 300 may be configured as a cloud-type computer in which some of the components are arranged in an external device.

[0063] 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 central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU). The processor may be, for example, a graphical processing unit (GPU) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Each component may be configured by a circuit that performs a specific function such as an ASIC. The storage unit 302 may be configured using any memory or a storage medium such as an optical disk.

[0064] The display unit 310 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 310 is controlled by a display control unit 330. The display unit 310 displays various information such as patient information, various images, a mouse cursor in accordance with the operation of the input unit 340, and the like. The display unit 310 is an example of a display means.

[0065] The input unit 340 is an input device that issues instructions to the control unit 300 via the information processing device 320, and specifically includes a keyboard and a mouse. The display unit 310 may be configured with a touch panel display. In this case, the display unit 310 can also be used as the input unit 340.

[0066] The audio output unit 350 is configured with any speaker, and according to the control of the output control unit 303 via the information processing device 320, issues audio guidance to assist the subject and the operator in taking images.

[0067] <Control of anterior eye observation image capture> Here, the control during shooting of various images will be described. In shooting an anterior eye observation image, the shooting control unit 301 causes the anterior eye observation light source 125 to emit light, and the image sensor 124 receives the return light from the anterior eye Ea. The image sensor 124 sends a signal according to the received light to the image acquisition unit 304. The image processing unit 305 generates an anterior eye observation image using the signal acquired by the image acquisition unit 304. The anterior eye observation image acquired in the anterior eye observation image shooting can be used for alignment processing, tracking processing, and the like.

[0068] <Control of fundus observation and image capture> The photographing control unit 301 can also emit light from the infrared LED light source 150 to photograph a fundus observation image using the fundus camera. In photographing a fundus observation image, the photographing control unit 301 drives the focus target unit 142, acquires diopter information of the subject's eye E, and drives the focus lens 133 to match the acquired diopter information. When focusing on a wider diopter range, the photographing control unit 301 inserts or removes the diopter correction lens 138 on the optical axis L3 using a drive unit (not shown). The return light from the fundus Ef is received by the image sensor 136. The image sensor 136 sends a signal corresponding to the received return light to the image acquisition unit 304. The image processing unit 305 generates a fundus observation image using the signal acquired by the image acquisition unit 304.

[0069] <Control of fundus imaging> In addition, in photographing a fundus image by a fundus camera, the photographing control unit 301 changes the position of the focus lens 133 so as to match the diopter position obtained by applying aberration correction due to differences in the wavelengths of the light sources to the diopter information of the subject's eye E obtained using the infrared LED light source 150. Thereafter, the photographing control unit 301 causes the white LED light source 148 to emit visible pulsed light, and receives the return light from the fundus Ef at the image sensor 136. The image sensor 136 sends a signal corresponding to the received return light to the image acquisition unit 304. The image processing unit 305 generates a fundus image using the signal obtained by the image acquisition unit 304.

[0070] <Test flow> Next, an example of the inspection flow according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0071] <S101: Patient Selection> First, after the operator logs in from a login screen (not shown), the operator performs new registration or selection of a patient on a patient screen (not shown) (step S101). The operator inputs new patient information into a patient information section (not shown) and proceeds to step S102. Alternatively, the operator selects patient data from a patient list (not shown) and proceeds to step S102. When inputting new patient information, information may be registered using a barcode reader. When the display unit 310 is a touch panel, a keyboard may be displayed on the display unit 310, and the operator may touch the keyboard to input patient information.

[0072] <Imaging Screen 400> Next, in step 102, the imaging screen 400 is displayed on the display unit 310. The imaging screen 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen before starting fundus imaging with the subject's chin placed on the chin rest 182. 611 are left and right eye buttons, indicating which of the left and right eyes is being imaged. In FIG. 4, the state of imaging the right eye is shown. Further, an instruction can be given to the apparatus main body to switch and image the left and right eyes. 612 is an inspection protocol selection button, and the inspection protocol to be imaged can be displayed and selected. Details will be described later in step S102. 613 shows the icons of the inspections included in the inspection protocol. 614 shows the fixation lights, including the internal fixation light and the external fixation light. Although 614 shows one type each of the internal fixation light and the external fixation light, there may be other buttons to change the size of the internal fixation light. Also, there may be a button to switch between the blinking and lighting of the fixation lights, or a mechanism to switch between blinking and lighting by touching the button multiple times. 615 is a patient information display section, which displays information related to the patient, such as the patient ID, patient name, age, and gender.

[0073] 620 is the anterior eye observation image display section, and 621 indicates the tracking state of the anterior eye. By the operator touching the anterior eye observation image 620, the XY position of the optical head unit 100 can be controlled. In addition to controlling the XY position by touching the anterior eye observation image 620, an adjustment section (for example, a button) (not shown) may be displayed and the XY position may be controlled by operating it. 622 is the chin rest adjustment button, and 623 is the Z adjustment button for controlling the Z position of the optical head unit 100. 625 is the focus adjustment button, and the focus can be adjusted manually or automatically. 624 is the start button, and the operator can give an instruction to start imaging.

[0074] 630 is the fundus observation image display section, and when started, it displays the fundus observation image. And, 641 represents the diopter correction adjustment button, and 642 represents the observation light quantity adjustment button.

[0075] 640 is the fundus image display section, and the image after fundus imaging is displayed.

[0076] <S102: Inspection protocol selection> The operator selects an inspection protocol (step S102). By the operator touching the inspection protocol selection button 612, the display control section 330 displays an inspection protocol selection screen (not shown) on the display section 310. When the operator touches and selects an arbitrary inspection protocol on the inspection protocol selection screen, the inspection protocol is determined, and the display control section 330 closes the inspection protocol selection screen. In the present embodiment, an operation that combines the selection and determination of the inspection protocol is shown, but it is not limited to this.

[0077] For example, inspections include fundus imaging, anterior eye imaging, fundus fluorescence imaging, and the like.

[0078] <S103: Chin rest adjustment> Next, the position of the jaw support 182 is adjusted using the jaw support adjustment button 622 (step S103). By controlling the jaw support 182, the relative positional relationship in the Y direction between the subject and the optical head unit 100 is adjusted. The jaw support 182 is not limited to being operated by the operator, and the control unit 300 may automatically control it. When the control unit 300 automatically controls the jaw support 182, it is preferably performed before the subject places their face on the jaw support 182 instead of in step S103. For example, since the face sizes of an adult and a child are different, the jaw support 182 is adjusted. Therefore, starting from a state where the position of the jaw support 182 has moved downward, the position of the jaw support may be moved upward for the next subject (there may also be a reverse movement from top to bottom). If the movement amount of the jaw support 182 is large when the subject changes, it takes time to adjust before starting the imaging. Therefore, at the timing when the imaging of the subject is completed and the screen transitions from the imaging screen 400 to the patient screen, the jaw support 182 may be returned to the initial position. The initial position of the jaw support 182 may be one, or may be set as an initial position based on the race, age, and gender from the patient information input on the patient screen, so that the initial position changes for each subject.

[0079] <S104: Start> Next, when the operator touches the start button 624, the image acquisition unit 304 starts image acquisition and starts a series of examinations based on the examination protocol set in step S102 (step S104).

[0080] <S105: Alignment> Next, the imaging control unit 301 performs various alignment adjustments (step S105). Since images are acquired during the execution of various alignments, by starting the examination protocol in step S104, an anterior eye observation image is displayed on the anterior eye observation image display unit 620, and a fundus observation image is displayed on the fundus observation image display unit 630.

[0081] The imaging control unit 301 calculates the amount of misalignment using the anterior eye observation image by the image processing unit 305, and instructs the head drive unit 170 to reduce the amount of misalignment.

[0082] The image processing unit 305 performs binarization processing on the pupil region from the anterior eye observation image with a predetermined threshold value, and detects the center of gravity of the pupil region. The predetermined threshold value may be a fixed threshold value or a dynamic threshold value such as discriminant analysis. The amount of positional deviation in the X and Y directions is calculated from the difference between the calculated center of gravity position of the pupil region and a predetermined position of the anterior eye observation image. The photographing control unit 301 can detect the distance in the Z direction (optical axis direction) of the optical head unit 100 relative to the subject's eye E by using the image of the anterior eye Ea divided into upper and lower parts based on the light that has passed through the prism 121. The photographing control unit 301 instructs the head driving unit 170 to reduce the amount of positional deviation calculated by the image processing unit 305. Then, the head driving unit 170 moves the position of the optical head unit 100 in three-dimensional (X, Y, Z) directions relative to the subject's eye E.

[0083] In this embodiment, an automatic alignment method has been described, but the operator may move and adjust the Z position and XY position of the optical head unit 100 relative to the subject's eye E while viewing the anterior eye observation image by operating the anterior eye observation image display unit 620, the Z adjustment unit 623, etc.

[0084] In this embodiment, the Z drive unit 172 is inclined from the horizontal direction so as to substantially coincide with the line of sight EL of the subject's eye. Therefore, for example, one-axis control is sufficient to drive the optical head unit 100 in the Z direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily align the device with the subject's eye. In addition, since there is no need to move the multi-axis drive unit more than necessary during automatic alignment, it is possible to prevent the positioning accuracy and tracking ability from being impaired with respect to the movement of the subject's eye such as fixational micromovement. In addition, it is possible to prevent the drive sound from becoming louder by moving the multi-axis drive unit, and it is also possible to reduce the psychological burden on the subject.

[0085] Next, focus adjustment is performed. The image processing unit 305 acquires a fundus observation image and calculates the contrast of the acquired fundus observation image. The photography control unit 301 moves the focus lens 133 so that the contrast of the fundus observation image becomes larger.

[0086] The alignment in step S105 may be performed in a different order or simultaneously. For example, at the stage when the rough adjustment in the alignment adjustment is completed, the fine adjustment of the alignment and the focus adjustment may be started simultaneously. After each adjustment operation of the alignment adjustment and the focus adjustment is completed, each adjustment operation of the alignment adjustment and the focus adjustment may be performed again as a fine adjustment.

[0087] In addition, high-precision alignment is required for fundus photography due to flare. For flare avoidance in fundus photography, the imaging control unit 301 may move the optical head unit 100 relative to the eye E to be examined using the fundus observation image. When flare occurs in the fundus observation image, the imaging control unit 301 moves the optical head unit 100 so as to reduce the flare according to the flare occurrence position detected by the image processing unit 305.

[0088] <S106: Imaging> When the imaging control unit 301 automatically completes the alignment adjustment, the imaging control unit 301 performs imaging by the above-described method for controlling fundus image imaging (step S106).

[0089] <S107: Judgment of Completion of Imaging> In step S107, it is determined whether the imaging of the examination set in the examination protocol has been completed. In the present embodiment, it is determined whether the fundus imaging of one eye has been completed. If the imaging of one eye has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S108, and if the imaging has been completed, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0090] <S108: Judgment of Necessity of Realignment> In step S108, it is determined whether the alignment in step S105 is necessary. In an inspection protocol where different inspections are continuously photographed, if the state of the subject's eyes is stable when photographing inspections at the same fixation lamp position continuously, there is no need to perform alignment again. Alternatively, even if the position of the fixation lamp is different, if it is a change between the fovea centralis and the posterior pole center, the amount of eye movement is small, so alignment is not required by continuing tracking.

[0091] On the other hand, when the position of the fixation lamp is accompanied by a large eye movement such as between the fovea centralis and the optic disc center, alignment is performed again. The necessity of alignment is not limited to the change in the position of the fixation lamp. The image processing unit 305 may also determine the state of the subject's eyes using either the anterior eye observation image or the fundus observation image, and determine whether to perform the alignment process.

[0092] If it is determined in step S108 that alignment is necessary, after performing the alignment described in step S105, the photographing in step S106 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that alignment is not necessary, the photographing in step S106 is executed.

[0093] The processes from step S105 to step S108 regarding the photographing described above are executed for one eye as many times as the number of inspections included in the inspection protocol.

[0094] <S109, 110: Left and right eye switching> In step S109, the control unit 300 determines whether to switch between the left and right eyes. If the inspection protocol set in step S102 is an inspection protocol for photographing both eyes and the processes from step S105 to step S108 are only completed for one eye, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the photographing control unit 301 moves the optical head unit 100 left and right, and then repeats the processes from step S105 to step S108 described above.

[0095] In the case of an inspection protocol for photographing one eye, or if the photographing of both eyes has already been completed in an inspection protocol for photographing both eyes, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0096] <S111: Result Display> In step S111, all the inspections photographed in the inspection protocol are displayed for confirmation. As a result display method, the images included in all the inspections may be switched and displayed one by one for each inspection, or the results of a plurality of inspections may be collectively displayed in a list.

[0097] <S112: Judgment of Inspection Completion> In step S112, after confirming all the inspection results included in the inspection protocol, if the operator determines that the inspection protocol is completed and gives an instruction to complete on the confirmation screen, the series of inspections ends. On the other hand, if there is an inspection determined to require re - photographing in the result confirmation of step S111, that inspection is re - photographed. Note that the re - photographing instruction can be given not only to only one of the plurality of inspections included in the inspection protocol, but also to a plurality of inspections collectively.

[0098] After the re - photographing is completed, the inspection images are displayed again together with a display indicating that re - photographing has been done in the result display of step S111.

[0099] The operator checks the results again and determines whether all the inspections are completed. Note that it is possible to give a re - photographing instruction again for the results of the re - photographed inspection. Furthermore, it is also possible to give an additional re - photographing instruction at this time for the inspections for which a re - photographing instruction was not given initially.

[0100] According to this embodiment, it is possible to facilitate the alignment operation of the device with respect to the eye to be examined.

[0101] (Second Embodiment) In this embodiment, an embodiment in an OCT device will be described.

[0102] <Schematic Configuration> The OCT device according to this embodiment is provided with a fundus image capturing unit that captures two-dimensional fundus images and a tomographic image capturing unit that captures three-dimensional tomographic images of the fundus of the subject's eye using information based on optical interference.

[0103] First, the system configuration of the OCT device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5(a). Note that the description of the contents common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0104] The OCT device is composed of an optical head unit 500, a head driving unit 170, a face receiving unit 180, a base 290, and a control unit 600. An information processing device 320 is connected to the OCT device. Here, the information processing device 320 may be in a form incorporated in the ophthalmologic imaging device.

[0105] Similar to the first embodiment, the base 290 has an inclined surface 191 that is inclined by an angle θ with respect to the horizontal plane. The base 190 also has an inclined surface 192 that is inclined by an angle θ with respect to the vertical plane.

[0106] The spectrometer 200 and the cooling fan 292 are provided inside the base 290. The spectrometer 200 and the cooling fan 292 are provided on the inclined surface 192 side (second inclined surface side) (described later with reference to FIGS. 5(b) and (c)). The display unit 310 and the input unit 340 are communicatively connected to the information processing device 320. The configurations of the face receiving unit 180, the head driving unit 170, the optical head unit 500, the spectrometer 200, and the control unit 600 will be described below in order.

[0107] <Configuration of face receiving unit 180 and head driving unit 170> Since this is the same as the first embodiment, the description will be omitted. Note that the optical head unit 100, the base 190, and the control unit 300 in the first embodiment can be replaced with an optical head unit 500, a base 290, and a control unit 600, respectively.

[0108] <Configuration of base 290> The following description will be given with reference to Figures 5(b) and (c).

[0109] The base 290 has an electrical component section 191, a spectrometer 200, and a cooling fan 292 arranged thereon, and is contained within a base housing (not shown).

[0110] Within the base housing, tall parts are arranged on the face receiving portion 180 side (the side of the inclined surface 192). Meanwhile, short parts are arranged on the opposite side of the face receiving portion 180 (the side opposite the inclined surface 192). This allows the components to be efficiently configured and arranged in the space within the base housing, and the height of the base 290 can be reduced. As a result, the eye height of the device can be lowered, and even a small person can take pictures in a comfortable position, for example.

[0111] Specifically, spectrometer 200, which is tall, is disposed between Z drive unit 172, which is a part of the drive unit disposed inside base 290, and inclined surface 192. On the other hand, electrical equipment unit 191, which is short, is disposed between Z drive unit 172 and a surface (third surface) opposite to inclined surface 192. Electrical equipment unit 191 is, for example, an electric board mounting a power source and a processor as control unit 600. Here, since the maximum height of spectrometer 200 is higher than the height of the third surface, it is possible to reduce the height of base 290 by disposing spectrometer 200 between Z drive unit 172 and inclined surface 192 as in this embodiment, rather than disposing it between Z drive unit 172 and the surface (third surface) opposite to inclined surface 192.

[0112] Cooling fan 292 is disposed below Z drive unit 172 near spectrometer 200. Cooling fan 292 exhausts air from an opening provided on the bottom surface of a base housing (not shown). This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the ambient temperature of spectrometer 200. By disposing cooling fan 292 in this manner, heat generation from line sensor 204 can be suppressed, and a decrease in the optical performance of spectrometer 200 caused by thermal deformation of spectrometer 200 can be suppressed. Furthermore, by disposing cooling fan 292 below Z drive unit 172, it is possible to efficiently configure and arrange cooling fan 292 in the space within the base housing, and the height of base 290 can be reduced. As a result, the height of the eye height of the device can be reduced as described above.

[0113] <Configuration of the optical head unit 500> A description will be given with reference to FIG. 5(d).

[0114] The optical head unit 500 is provided with an optical system for photographing two-dimensional images and tomographic images of the anterior eye part Ea and the fundus Ef of the eye E to be examined. Hereinafter, various optical systems arranged in the optical head unit 500 will be described.

[0115] In the optical head unit 500, the objective lens 101 is arranged to face the eye E to be examined. On the optical axis L1 of the objective lens 101, a first dichroic mirror 102 and a second dichroic mirror 103 that function as an optical path branching unit are arranged. By the first dichroic mirror 102 and the second dichroic mirror 103, the optical path (optical axis L2) of the anterior eye observation system, the optical path (optical axis L3) of the fundus imaging system, and the optical path (optical axis L5) of the measurement optical system are branched for each wavelength band.

[0116] <Anterior eye observation system, fundus camera optical system> Since it is the same as the first embodiment, the description will be omitted. Note that the control unit 300 of the first embodiment can be described by replacing it with the control unit 600.

[0117] <OCT optical system> On the optical axis L5 in the reflection direction of the first dichroic mirror 102, the lens 151, the mirror 152, the XY scanner 153, the focus lens 154, the collimator lens 155-1, and the fiber end 155-2 are arranged as a measurement optical system. The XY scanner 153 includes an X scanner 153-1 and a Y scanner 153-2. The X scanner 153-1 and the Y scanner 153-2 are formed of any 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. The vicinity of the center positions of the X scanner 153-1 and the Y scanner 153-2 are optically conjugate with the position of the pupil of the subject's eye E. In FIG. 1, the optical path between the X scanner 153-1 and the Y scanner 153-2 is formed within the plane of the paper, but is actually formed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper. Furthermore, 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 with one mirror.

[0118] In this embodiment, the X scanner 153-1 can scan the measurement light in the X direction, and the Y scanner 153-2 can scan the measurement light in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction. In this embodiment, an example of scanning is described in which the X direction is the main scanning direction and the Y direction is the sub-scanning direction, but the scanning direction is not limited to this. The main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction in such a scan 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 main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction may be oblique directions having components in the X direction and the Y direction that intersect with each other. In addition, the scanning pattern may be, for example, a 3D scan, a radial scan, a cross scan, a Lissajous scan, a circle scan, or a raster scan.

[0119] The measurement light source 157 is a light source that emits light to obtain measurement light to be incident on the measurement optical path. In this embodiment, the measurement light in the OCT optical system is emitted from a fiber end 155-2 of an optical fiber 156-2 as a light source, and the fiber end 155-2 has an optical conjugate relationship with the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E. The fiber end 155-2 is disposed at the focal position of a collimator lens 155-1, and the measurement light is emitted as a parallel light beam from the fiber end 155-2 acting as a light source through the collimator lens 155-1. The collimator lens 155-1 and the fiber end 155-2 form a coherence gate 155.

[0120] The focus lens 154 is a lens for focus adjustment of the OCT optical system, and is driven in the optical axis direction indicated by the arrow in the figure by a driving unit such as a motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit 600. The focus adjustment is performed so that the measurement light is imaged on the fundus Ef. The focus lens 154 is disposed between the fiber end 155-2, which serves as the measurement light source, and the X scanner 153-1 and the Y scanner 153-2, which function as the scanning unit. By the focus adjustment described above, the image of the measurement light emitted from the fiber end 155-2 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.

[0121] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the optical path from measurement light source 157, the reference optical system, and the spectrometer 200. The OCT optical system is composed of the above-mentioned measurement optical system, optical members included in the optical path from measurement light source 157, the reference optical system, and the spectrometer 200. In addition, a Michelson interference system is composed of measurement light source 157, optical coupler 156, optical fibers 156-1 to 156-4, lens 158, dispersion compensation glass 159, reference mirror 160, and spectrometer 200.

[0122] In this embodiment, a typical low-coherence light source, SLD (Super Luminescent Diode), 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 tomographic image obtained. In addition, the type of light source selected here is SLD, but any light source that can emit low-coherence light may be used, for example, ASE (Amplified Spontaneous Emission) or the like. As the central wavelength of the measurement light, for example, a wavelength of near-infrared light may be used in consideration of measuring the eye. In addition, due to the characteristics of the first dichroic mirror 102 and the second dichroic mirror 103, the optical path (optical axis L3) of the fundus photography system, the optical path (optical axis L5) of the measurement optical system, and the anterior eye observation optical path (optical axis L2) are branched. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a certain wavelength difference for the wavelengths used in each optical path. In this embodiment, the above was selected as the wavelength of the SLD from these points of view.

[0123] The optical fibers 156-1 to 156-4 are single-mode optical fibers connected to and integrated with the optical coupler 156. 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 measurement light and reference light.

[0124] As described above, 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 measurement optical system described above, is irradiated onto the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E, which is the observation target, and reaches the optical coupler 156 again through the same optical path as return light due to reflection and scattering by the retina.

[0125] 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 and is reflected. The reference light reflected by the reference mirror 160 returns along the same optical path and reaches the optical coupler 156 again.

[0126] The reference light and the measurement light (return light) that reach the optical coupler 156 again are multiplexed by the optical coupler 156. Here, when the optical path length of the measurement light and the optical path length of the reference light become almost the same, this multiplexing causes interference between the respective lights. The coherence gate 155, which is composed of the collimator lens 155-1 and the fiber end 155-2 of the OCT optical system, is held so that its positional relationship can be adjusted as a whole in the optical axis direction indicated by the arrow in the figure by a driving unit such as a motor (not shown). By using the coherence gate 155, it is possible to match the optical path length of the measurement light, which changes depending on the subject's eye E, to the optical path length of the reference light. The obtained interference light is guided to the spectroscope 200 via the optical fiber 156-4.

[0127] <Configuration of spectrometer 200> 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 generates an interference signal according to the received light, and the line sensor 204 sends the interference signal to the control unit 600. The control unit 600 samples the interference signal received from the line sensor 204 at a predetermined timing, and performs predetermined signal processing to generate a tomographic image.

[0128] <Configuration of control unit 600> A schematic configuration of the control unit 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The control unit 600 includes an imaging control unit 301, a storage unit 302, an output control unit 303, an image acquisition unit 304, and an image processing unit 305. Description of the same contents as those of the control unit 300 in the first embodiment will be omitted. Note that the optical head unit 100 and the control unit 300 in the first embodiment can be replaced with the optical head unit 500 and the control unit 600, respectively, for description.

[0129] The image acquisition unit 304 can acquire the signals output from the image sensors 124 and 136 and the interference signal output from the line sensor 204. In addition, the image acquisition unit 304 outputs the acquired various signals to the image processing unit 305.

[0130] The image processing unit 305 can generate, for example, an anterior eye observation image, a fundus observation image, a fundus image, a B-scan image which is a tomographic image, three-dimensional data, an OCT front image, and the like, based on the signal output from the image acquisition unit 304. Note that any known generation method may be used as a method for generating these images.

[0131] The storage unit 302 stores an anterior segment observation image, a fundus observation image, a fundus image, a B-scan image which is a tomographic image, three-dimensional data, an OCT front image, and the like of the subject's eye E generated by the image processing unit 305. The storage unit 302 also stores, for example, analysis results of various images, photographing conditions at the time of image acquisition, so-called patient information regarding the subject's eye E, and the like. The storage unit 302 also stores various programs and the like for controlling the above-mentioned anterior segment observation image photographing, fundus observation image photographing and fundus image photographing by a fundus camera, and tomographic image photographing.

[0132] The output control unit 303 can output, for example, various images and patient information stored in the memory unit 302, such as anterior eye observation images, fundus observation images, fundus images, B-scan images which are tomographic images, three-dimensional data, and OCT frontal images.

[0133] <Control of anterior eye observation image, fundus observation image, and fundus image capture> Since this is similar to the first embodiment, the explanation will be omitted.

[0134] <Control of tomographic imaging> In tomographic imaging, the imaging control unit 301 drives the focus lens 154 based on the diopter information acquired using the focus target unit 142. The imaging control unit 301 also sends a scanning control signal to the X scanner 153-1 and the Y scanner 153-2 to scan the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E in the X and Y directions with the measurement light from the measurement light source 157. The return light of the measurement light from the fundus Ef is received by the line sensor 204. The line sensor 204 sends an interference signal corresponding to the received return light to the image acquisition unit 304. The image processing unit 305 performs a Fourier transform on the interference signal acquired by the image acquisition unit 304, and converts the obtained data into luminance or density information to generate a tomographic image of the subject's eye E in the depth direction (Z direction). Such a scanning method is called an A-scan, and the obtained tomographic image is called an A-scan image.

[0135] The measurement light for this A-scan is scanned in a predetermined transverse direction on the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E by the XY scanner 153, thereby obtaining multiple A-scan images. The image processing unit 305 can generate a two-dimensional tomographic image based on the multiple A-scan images and the scanning information. As a result, for example, scanning in the X direction obtains a tomographic image in the XZ plane, and scanning in the Y direction obtains a tomographic image in the YZ plane. This scanning method of scanning the measurement light in a predetermined transverse direction on the subject's eye E is called a B-scan, and the obtained two-dimensional tomographic image is called a B-scan image.

[0136] For a predetermined imaging range on the eye E to be examined, a plurality of B-scan images can be acquired by repeatedly scanning with the XY scanner 153 in a predetermined direction. For example, by repeating the B-scan of the XZ plane while shifting the position in the Y direction, three-dimensional information of the XYZ space can be obtained. Such a scanning method is called a C-scan, and the data composed of the obtained plurality of B-scan images is called three-dimensional data. The image processing unit 305 can generate a frontal image (En-Face image) of the fundus Ef of the eye E to be examined by projecting the data within a predetermined depth range for the three-dimensional data, for example. The frontal image generated in this way is called an OCT frontal image (C-scan image).

[0137] <Inspection flow> Next, the inspection flow according to this embodiment will be described. Since the inspection flow diagram is the same as FIG. 3 of the first embodiment, the illustration is omitted. Also, in each step described later, the optical head unit 100 and the control unit 300 of the first embodiment can be described by replacing them with the optical head unit 500 and the control unit 600, respectively.

[0138] <S101: Patient selection> Since it is the same as the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0139] <Imaging screen 700> The imaging screen 700 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen before starting the OCT imaging with the subject's chin placed on the chin rest 182.

[0140] 630 is a fundus observation image display unit that displays the fundus observation image when started, and when performing OCT imaging, superimposes and displays the imaging range and the scanning pattern on the fundus observation image. 643 represents an OCT scan size adjustment button, and 644 represents an OCT scan interval adjustment button.

[0141] 650 is the OCT tomographic image display unit, which displays one tomographic image of horizontal scan and one tomographic image of vertical scan respectively when started. 651 is the coherence gate adjustment unit, which can be adjusted manually or automatically. 652 represents the evaluation index of the image quality of the OCT tomographic image.

[0142] <S102: Inspection Protocol Selection> Next, the operator selects an inspection protocol (step S102).

[0143] In the second embodiment, the inspections include fundus photography, anterior segment photography, fundus fluorescence photography, fundus OCT photography, anterior segment OCT photography, etc. Furthermore, in OCT photography, the scanning pattern is displayed, and the OCT scanning patterns include wide scan, 3D scan, radial scan, cross scan, multi-cross scan, circle scan, raster scan, line scan, etc., and the position of the fixation light is set for each.

[0144] <S103~104> Since it is the same as the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0145] <S105: Alignment> Next, in step S105, the imaging control unit 301 performs various alignment adjustments. Since images are acquired during the execution of various alignments, by starting the inspection protocol in step S104, a fundus observation image is displayed on the fundus observation image display unit 630, and a tomographic image is displayed on the OCT tomographic image display unit 650.

[0146] Since the alignment adjustment and focus adjustment are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0147] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, coherence gate adjustment is performed. The image processing unit 305 acquires an OCT image while moving the coherence gate and detects the brightness of the tomographic image. The imaging control unit 301 drives the reference mirror 160 to a position where the brightness of the tomographic image increases and adjusts the optical path length of the reference light.

[0148] <S106: Photography> When the imaging control unit 301 automatically completes the alignment adjustment, the imaging control unit 301 performs imaging by the above-described various imaging control methods (step S106).

[0149] In the second embodiment, the imaging control unit 301 performs imaging by scanning the OCT X scanner 153-1 and the OCT Y scanner 153-2. In the imaging of step S106, tracking is performed for each of the fundus observation image and the anterior eye segment observation image. First, an example of tracking of the fundus observation image will be described. Immediately before starting the imaging of the tomographic image by the OCT optical system, the control unit 600 controls the optical head unit 500 to cause the image acquisition unit 304 to acquire a fundus frontal image, and stores this as a reference image for tracking in the storage unit 302. Then, the imaging of the tomographic image is started, and while performing B-scan and C-scan by the OCT optical system, subsequent processing is performed in parallel.

[0150] The control unit 600 controls the optical head unit 500 to generate a target image for tracking (fundus frontal image). Further, the control unit 600 sends the target image for tracking and the reference image for tracking stored in the storage unit 302 to the imaging control unit 301. The image processing unit 305 calculates the positional deviation between the target image for tracking and the reference image for tracking, and acquires the movement amount of the fundus of the subject eye E that occurred while acquiring these images. This movement of the fundus is caused by, for example, the movement of the subject eye such as known fixation micro-movement or the movement of the subject. After acquiring the movement amount, the imaging control unit 301 performs correction control of the irradiation position of the measurement light by the OCT X scanner 153-1 and the OCT Y scanner 153-2 based on the acquired fundus movement amount of the subject eye E.

[0151] Next, tracking of the anterior eye observation image will be described. The image processing unit 305 performs binarization processing on the pupil area from the anterior eye observation image using a predetermined threshold value, and detects the center of gravity of the pupil area. The predetermined threshold value may be a fixed threshold value or a dynamic threshold value such as discriminant analysis. The amount of positional deviation in the X and Y directions is calculated from the difference between the calculated center of gravity position of the pupil area and a predetermined position of the anterior eye observation image. The photography control unit 301 instructs the head driving unit 170 to reduce the amount of positional deviation calculated by the image processing unit 305. Then, the head driving unit 170 moves the position of the optical head unit 500 in three-dimensional (X, Y, Z) directions relative to the subject's eye E.

[0152] <S107~S112> Since this is similar to the first embodiment, the explanation will be omitted.

[0153] According to this embodiment, it is possible to facilitate the alignment operation of the apparatus with respect to the eye to be examined.

[0154] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure described in the claims.

[0155] (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).

[0156] (Configuration 1) An imaging means for imaging an eye of a subject; a base having a first inclined surface having a first angle with respect to a horizontal plane and a second inclined surface having the first angle with respect to a vertical plane; a support means coupled to the second inclined surface for supporting the face of the subject; a control unit that controls a drive unit that connects the base and the imaging unit so that the imaging unit moves in an in-plane direction of the first inclined surface; An ophthalmic imaging apparatus comprising:

[0157] (Configuration 2) the first inclined surface of the base is inclined downward from the subject side, 2. The ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the second inclined surface of the base is located on the subject side and perpendicular to the first inclined surface.

[0158] (Configuration 3) The support means has a chin rest portion for supporting the chin of the subject, An ophthalmologic photographing device described in either configuration 1 or 2, wherein the control means controls a chin rest drive unit that connects the base and the chin rest portion so that the chin rest portion moves in a vertical direction to the second inclined surface.

[0159] (Configuration 4) 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; 4. An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, comprising:

[0160] (Configuration 5) The base is a spectrometer coupled to the optical system; 5. The ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein the spectroscope is disposed inside the base on the side of the second inclined surface.

[0161] (Configuration 6) A part of the drive unit is disposed inside the base, An ophthalmic imaging device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the maximum height of at least one of the components arranged inside the base between a part of the drive unit and the second inclined surface is higher than the height of a third surface of the base located on the opposite side of the second inclined surface.

[0162] (Configuration 7) 7. The ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein an electric board including a processor of the control means is disposed inside the base on the opposite side to the second inclined surface.

[0163] (Configuration 8) The drive unit is a first drive unit that moves the optical head unit in a left-right direction of the first inclined surface; a second driving unit that moves the optical head unit in a front-to-rear direction of the first inclined surface that is disposed at the first angle with respect to a horizontal plane; a third driving unit that drives the optical head unit in a direction perpendicular to the first inclined surface, the third driving unit being disposed at the first angle with respect to a horizontal plane; 8. An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, comprising:

[0164] (Configuration 9) The base is A cooling fan for cooling the base is further provided. The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the cooling fan is disposed below the second drive unit.

[0165] (Configuration 10) The second drive unit has a motor and a feed screw engaged with the motor, 9. An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to configuration 8, wherein the motor is disposed inside the base so as to be closer to the second inclined surface than the feed screw.

[0166] (Configuration 11) An imaging means for imaging an eye of a subject; a base having a first inclined surface having a first angle with respect to a horizontal plane; a support means connected to the base and having a forehead rest portion for supporting the forehead of the subject and a chin rest portion for supporting the chin of the subject; a control unit that controls a drive unit to which the base and the imaging unit are connected so that the imaging unit moves in an in-plane direction of the first inclined surface; An ophthalmologic photographing device in which the forehead rest and the chin rest are arranged on the support means so that a straight line connecting the center of the forehead rest and the center of the chin rest has the first angle with respect to the vertical direction.

[0167] (Configuration 12) An information processing device having a display control means for controlling the display of a display unit; 12. An ophthalmologic imaging system comprising: an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, communicably connected to the information processing apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 100 Optical head unit 170 Head drive unit 180 Face support 181 Forehead rest 182 Chin rest 183 Face frame 190 Foundations 191 Slope 192 Slope 300 Control section 310 Display section 320 Information processing equipment 340 Input section

Claims

1. A means of photographing the subject's eye, A support means for supporting the subject's face, A base to which the aforementioned imaging means and the aforementioned support means are connected, Control means for controlling the drive unit that drives the aforementioned imaging means, An ophthalmic imaging device equipped with, The aforementioned base is, A first inclined surface having a first angle with respect to a horizontal plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, wherein the first inclined surface to which the imaging means is coupled, A second inclined surface having the first angle with respect to a vertical plane including the direction of gravity, wherein the support means is connected to the second inclined surface, It has, The control means is The drive unit is controlled so that the imaging means moves in the in-plane direction of the first inclined surface.

2. The first inclined surface of the base is inclined downward from the subject's side. The ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second inclined surface of the base is located on the subject side and is positioned perpendicular to the first inclined surface.

3. The support means has a jaw rest portion that supports the subject's jaw, The ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the jaw rest drive unit, to which the base and the jaw rest are connected, so that the jaw rest moves in the vertical direction of the second inclined surface.

4. The ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first angle is approximately 5 degrees.

5. The aforementioned base is, The aforementioned imaging means has a spectrometer coupled to an optical system, The ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spectrometer is located on the second inclined surface side inside the base.

6. A portion of the drive unit is located inside the base, The ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the maximum height of at least one component disposed between a part of the drive unit and the second inclined surface inside the base is greater than the height of the third surface located on the opposite side of the second inclined surface of the base.

7. The ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical circuit board including the processor of the control means is located inside the base on the side opposite to the second inclined surface.

8. The aforementioned drive unit is A first drive unit moves the imaging means in the left-right direction of the first inclined surface, A second drive unit moves the imaging means in the front-rear direction of the first inclined surface, which is positioned at the first angle with respect to the horizontal plane, A third drive unit that drives the imaging means in a direction perpendicular to the first inclined surface, which is positioned at the first angle with respect to the horizontal plane, An ophthalmic imaging device according to claim 1, having the following features.

9. The aforementioned base is, The base further includes a cooling fan for cooling the base, The ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the cooling fan is located at the lower part of the second drive unit.

10. The second drive unit comprises a motor and a lead screw fitted to the motor, The ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the motor is positioned inside the base such that it is on the second inclined surface side of the lead screw.

11. An information processing device having a display control means for controlling the display of a display unit, An ophthalmic imaging system comprising an ophthalmic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is communicably connected to the information processing device.

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