Ophthalmologic apparatus

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmologic apparatus that urges a subject to concentrate before acquisition of eye information, causes the concentration of the subject to be increased at the timing of eye information acquisition start, and improves an acquisition success rate of the eye information.SOLUTION: An ophthalmologic apparatus includes: an optical system 30 that acquires eye information of a subject eye; and a notification part 40 that outputs signal sound to be heard by the subject. The notification part 40 outputs first signal sound during time before eye information acquisition start by the optical system 30 to immediately before eye information acquisition, and outputs second signal sound different from the first signal sound at a timing of eye information acquisition start.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ophthalmic device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an ophthalmic device equipped with a notification means for notifying a subject that he or she needs to blink when it is determined that the subject needs to blink when acquiring ocular information of the subject's eye (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, there is known an ophthalmic device that, when capturing an image of the subject's eye, captures the image after a preset time countdown (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-166649 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2022-067624 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in a conventional ophthalmic device, when acquiring eye information, a notice is given that a blink is necessary, but no notice is given between the notice and the acquisition of eye information, at the timing of starting acquisition of eye information (start of image capture), or after the start of acquisition of eye information. In addition, even when an image of the subject's eye is captured after a countdown, the start of image capture is not notified. Therefore, it is difficult for the subject to grasp the timing of the start of image capture (start of acquisition of eye information), and concentration toward image capture (acquisition of eye information) is not encouraged. As a result, the subject may blink or lose fixation at the same time as acquiring eye information, making it impossible to acquire appropriate eye information. In particular, in order to acquire eye information appropriately with an ophthalmic device, it is important to have the subject visually recognize a target (fixation target, etc.) and fixate his / her gaze while acquiring eye information. That is, the ophthalmic device needs to encourage the subject to concentrate before acquiring eye information, and to increase the subject's concentration at the timing of starting acquisition of eye information.

[0005] The present invention has been made with attention to the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an ophthalmic device that encourages the subject to concentrate even before eye information is acquired, and increases the subject's concentration at the timing when acquisition of eye information begins, thereby improving the success rate of acquiring eye information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the ophthalmic device of the present invention comprises an optical system that acquires ocular information of the subject's eye, and an alarm unit that outputs a signal sound to be heard by the subject, wherein the alarm unit is configured to output a first signal sound from a predetermined time before the optical system starts acquiring the ocular information until just before the ocular information is acquired, and to output a second signal sound different from the first signal sound at the timing when acquisition of the ocular information starts. Effect of the Invention

[0007] As a result, the ophthalmic device of the present invention can encourage the subject to concentrate even before eye information is acquired, and increase the subject's concentration at the timing when acquisition of eye information begins, thereby improving the success rate of acquiring eye information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view showing an ophthalmic apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a front view showing an ophthalmic apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the ophthalmic apparatus of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for acquiring eye information using the ophthalmologic apparatus of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11 is a time chart showing the characteristics of the notification unit, the fixation hole characteristic, and the vibration unit characteristic when photographing for a predetermined time immediately after alignment is completed using the ophthalmic apparatus of the embodiment 1. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for acquiring eye information using the ophthalmologic apparatus of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The embodiment for carrying out the ophthalmic device of the present invention will be described as follows based on the first and second embodiments shown in the drawings. Note that, as shown in each drawing throughout this specification, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are taken, and the description in this specification will be based on the left-right direction (the positive direction of the X-axis is the right direction, and the negative direction is the left direction), the front-rear direction (the positive direction of the Z-axis is the rear direction, and the negative direction is the front direction), and the up-down direction (the positive direction of the Y-axis is the up direction, and the negative direction of the Y-axis is the down direction, which may also be called the height direction) in FIG. 1. Also, the subject side (negative direction of the Z-axis) is defined as the front of the ophthalmic device 1, the side facing the subject (positive direction of the Z-axis) as the back of the ophthalmic device 1, the right side of the subject (positive direction of the X-axis) as the right side of the ophthalmic device 1, and the left side of the subject (negative direction of the X-axis) as the left side of the ophthalmic device 1.

[0010] The ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment is an autorefractometer capable of performing, for example, distance vision test, near vision test, contrast test, glare test, etc. as subjective tests, and objective refraction measurement, corneal shape measurement, etc. as objective measurements. The ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment is also capable of capturing an anterior segment image, fundus image, etc. (still image, moving image) of the subject's eye.

[0011] Here, the ophthalmic device 1 to which the present invention is applied is not limited to an autorefractometer. The ophthalmic device 1 may be any device capable of objectively acquiring ocular information of the subject's eye, such as an objective refraction measuring device, a corneal shape measuring device, a fundus photographing device, an axial length measuring device, an intraocular pressure measuring device, an axial length measuring device, an endothelial cell measuring device, an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device, a Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (SLO), etc.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment is mainly composed of a main body unit 10, a face support unit 20, an optical system 30 built into the main body unit 10 for acquiring the ocular characteristics of the subject's eye, an alarm unit 40 for outputting sounds to be heard by the subject, and a control unit 50 built into the main body unit 10 for comprehensively controlling the operation of the ophthalmic device 1.

[0013] The main body 10 includes a base 11, a measuring head 12, and a monitor 13, and is placed on an optical table (not shown).

[0014] The base unit 11 is located below the measuring head 12, and has a known XYZ drive mechanism / drive circuit 14 built in as a movement mechanism for moving the measuring head 12 in the X, Y and Z directions. The XYZ drive mechanism / drive circuit 14 has, for example, a stepping motor as a drive mechanism.

[0015] Here, the measuring head 12 is supported so as to be movable both horizontally and vertically with respect to the base unit 11. The XYZ drive mechanism / drive circuit 14 drives the measuring head 12 horizontally with respect to the base unit 11, i.e., in the front-back, left-right directions (X-axis direction and Z-axis direction), and vertically with respect to the base unit 11, i.e., in the up-down direction (Y-axis direction). Note that the examiner issues an instruction to move the measuring head 12 by touching a touch panel display surface 13a of the monitor unit 13.

[0016] The measurement head 12 incorporates an optical system 30 (e.g., a measurement optical system, a photographing optical system, a target presenting optical system, an alignment optical system, etc.) for acquiring ocular information of the subject's eye, and a control unit 50. A lens housing unit 15 is provided on the front side of the measurement head 12, and a monitor unit 13 is provided on the back side of the measurement head 12.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the lens housing section 15 houses an objective lens 31 that constitutes a part of the optical system 30 and has an optical axis OA parallel to the Z-axis direction. The lens housing section 15 is also provided with a plurality of (here, eight) fixation holes 16 (also called fixation lamps) that are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the objective lens 31 so as to surround the objective lens 31. Under the control of the control section 50, each fixation hole 16 is selectively turned on when performing OCT measurement (tomographic imaging) or emits light in conjunction with the output of sound by the notification section 40. Here, unless the subject intentionally directs his / her gaze toward the fixation hole 16, the light from the fixation hole 16 does not directly affect the acquisition of eye information by the optical system 30. In other words, even if the fixation hole 16 emits light, the quality of the anterior eye image, fundus image, etc. of the subject's eye is not reduced. Therefore, the fixation hole 16 corresponds to a light stimulation section that emits light toward the subject's eye that does not affect the acquisition of eye information by the optical system 30.

[0018] The monitor unit 13 is composed of, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display device. The monitor unit 13 displays various photographing and measurement data of the subject's eye, an input screen for various setting operations, etc. That is, the monitor unit 13 has a display function for displaying various information, and an information input function for inputting operation information by the examiner.

[0019] The face support portion 20 has a frame-shaped face support frame 21 provided on the front side of the measuring head 12 in the Z-axis direction, a chin support portion 22 arranged inside the face support frame 21, and an electric lifting mechanism 23 that moves the chin support portion 22 up and down.

[0020] 1, the face support frame 21 has a pair of side frame parts 21a, 21a arranged side by side in the X-axis direction, an upper frame part 21b that spans the upper ends of the side frame parts 21a, 21a, and a base support part 21c that is substantially T-shaped in a front view and to which the lower ends of the side frame parts 21a, 21a are connected. Here, a forehead support part 21d is provided in the center of the upper frame part 21b. The base support part 21c is fixed to the base part 11 of the main body part 10.

[0021] The chin rest 22 protrudes from the upper surface of the base support part 21c and moves up and down by an electric lifting mechanism 23 built into the base support part 21c. During eye examination, the subject sits in front of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1, places his / her chin on the chin rest 22, and places his / her forehead on the forehead rest 21d to fix the position of his / her face.

[0022] In the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, a vibration unit 24 that vibrates the face support unit 20 (the face support frame 21 and the chin rest 22) is built into the base support unit 21c. The vibration unit 24 has a vibration motor, and is driven in conjunction with a notification from the notification unit 40 under the control of the control unit 50 to vibrate the face support unit 20.

[0023] The optical system 30 includes optical lenses including an objective lens 31, an imaging element, etc., and acquires (observes, photographs, and measures) ocular information of the anterior segment, cornea, fundus, etc. of the subject eye. A known optical configuration required for acquiring ocular information is applied to the optical system 30, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] The notification unit 40 has a plurality of speakers (here, eight speakers: a pair of first speakers 41, 41, a pair of second speakers 42, 42, a pair of third speakers 43, 43, a fourth speaker 44, and a fifth speaker 45) provided on the measurement head 12 and the face support unit 20 of the main body 10. Under the control of the control unit 50, the notification unit 40 outputs a cue sound (any sound or linguistic voice) to be heard by the subject at any timing.

[0025] The pair of first speakers 41, 41, the pair of second speakers 42, 42, and the pair of third speakers 43, 43 are provided on the face support part 20 (here, the side frame parts 21a, 21a of the face support frame 21) and are directed toward the inside of the face support frame 21. The first to third speakers 41 to 43 are lined up in order from the top along the Y-axis direction. The first speaker 41 arranged at the top is configured to be arranged almost to the sides of both ears of the subject when the subject places his / her head in the face support frame 21 with his / her chin on the chin support part 22 and his / her forehead in contact with the forehead support part 21d during the examination. That is, the first speaker 41 is arranged at a position closest to the subject's ears, and the second speaker 42 and the third speaker 43 are arranged in this order at positions farther from the subject's ears.

[0026] The fourth speaker 44 and the fifth speaker 45 are provided on the upper surface of the measurement head 12. The fourth and fifth speakers 44, 45 are arranged in the center of the width direction of the measurement head 12, and are lined up in order from the front (subject side) along the Z axis direction. That is, the fourth speaker 44 is arranged at a position closer to the subject's ears than the fifth speaker 45. Note that the first speaker 41 provided on the side frame portion 21a is located closer to the subject's ears than the fourth speaker 44.

[0027] The signal sounds output from the first to fifth speakers 41 to 45 are controlled by the control unit 50 based on an operation signal input via the monitor unit 13, and the type of the signal sound to be output (electronic sound, linguistic voice), as well as the volume, pitch (frequency), etc. can be changed arbitrarily. The signal sounds output from the first to fifth speakers 41 to 45 need to be audible and understandable to the subject.

[0028] The control unit 50 has an arithmetic circuit configured with various processors and memories, etc. The various processors include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a programmable logic device (e.g., simple programmable logic devices (SPLD), complex programmable logic devices (CPLD), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGA)). The various functions of the control unit 50 may be realized by one processor, or may be realized by multiple processors of the same or different types.

[0029] 3, the control unit 50 is connected to the XYZ drive mechanism / drive circuit 14, the monitor unit 13, the fixation hole 16, the optical system 30, the electric lift mechanism 23, the vibration unit 24, the pair of first speakers 41, 41, the pair of second speakers 42, 42, the pair of third speakers 43, 43, the fourth speaker 44, the fifth speaker 45, etc. The control unit 50 develops a program stored in a storage device (not shown) and comprehensively controls each unit of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 based on an operation signal appropriately input via the monitor unit 13.

[0030] In the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment, under the control of the control unit 50, the notification unit 40 continuously outputs a predetermined first signal sound from a predetermined time before the start of acquisition of eye information by the optical system 30 to immediately before the acquisition of the eye information. Furthermore, the notification unit 40 stops outputting the first signal sound at a timing immediately before the acquisition of eye information, and outputs a second signal sound different from the first signal sound at a timing when the acquisition of eye information starts. In other words, the notification unit 40 continuously outputs the first signal sound from before the start of acquisition of eye information, and switches from outputting the first signal sound to outputting the second signal sound at the timing when the acquisition of eye information starts.

[0031] Here, "acquisition of eye information" refers to, for example, photographing the anterior segment or fundus of the subject's eye by the optical system 30, measuring eye characteristics such as the refractive power of the subject's eye, etc. In addition, the "predetermined time before the start of acquisition of eye information" can be set arbitrarily, for example, at the start of auto-alignment or 3 seconds before the eye information is acquired. In addition, "immediately before acquisition of eye information" refers to the timing immediately before the eye information is acquired, and is a state in which the eye information is not being acquired. In addition, the specific time that can be called "immediately before" can be set arbitrarily, but is, for example, 1 to 0.1 seconds before the eye information is acquired by the optical system 30.

[0032] In addition, the "timing of starting to acquire eye information" includes the timing immediately before the acquisition of eye information and the timing simultaneously with the acquisition of eye information. Therefore, the notification unit 40 of the first embodiment stops the first signal sound immediately before the start of acquisition of eye information, and then outputs the second signal sound during the period until the timing simultaneously with the acquisition of eye information (the timing when the acquisition of eye information starts). The output of the second signal sound may be instantaneous or may continue for a certain period of time. Moreover, the acquisition of eye information may also be instantaneous or may continue for a certain period of time.

[0033] The "first signal sound" may be, for example, a non-linguistic electronic sound such as a beep sound output at regular intervals ("beep, beep, beep" or "beep, beep, beep, beep"), a specific melody, or a linguistic voice ("alignment in progress", "say cheese"), etc. The "second signal sound" may be any sound different from the first signal sound, such as an electronic sound such as a shutter sound ("click") that is generated instantaneously (for example, simultaneously with the acquisition of eye information), an electronic sound ("beep") that is generated continuously for a certain period of time (for example, from the start to the end of the acquisition of eye information that continues for a predetermined period of time), or a linguistic voice with content different from the first signal sound ("taking a picture"), etc. The difference between the first signal sound and the second signal sound may be only a difference in pitch or volume.

[0034] When the first and second signal sounds are linguistic sounds, the language type can be changed. That is, the first and second signal sounds are output in Japanese, English, Chinese, etc., based on an operation signal input via the monitor unit 13, for example.

[0035] Moreover, the alarm unit 40 of the first embodiment outputs different first signal sounds at the beginning and end of the output period of the first signal sound. A specific example of the first signal sound is a beep sound at two-second intervals at the beginning of the output period and a beep sound at one-second intervals at the end of the output period.

[0036] Moreover, the notification unit 40 of the first embodiment outputs the first cue sound from different speakers 41 to 45 according to the progress of the output period of the first cue sound. Here, as the end of the output period of the first cue sound approaches, the notification unit 40 gradually switches the speakers 41 to 45 that output the first cue sound to speakers provided at positions close to the subject's ears. That is, the first cue sound is output from the third speaker 43 or the fifth speaker 45 in the early stage of the output period, and is output from the second speaker 42 or the fourth speaker 44 in the middle stage of the output period after a predetermined time has passed. Then, at the end of the output period after further time has passed, the first cue sound is output from the first speaker 41. Note that the "output period of the first cue sound" is a period from the start of output of the first cue sound to immediately before the acquisition of eye information at which the first cue sound is stopped. The timing of switching the speaker that outputs the first cue sound is set arbitrarily.

[0037] In addition, in the ophthalmologic device 1 of Example 1, it takes a predetermined time to acquire eye information, and the alarm unit 40 continuously outputs the second signal sound while the eye information is being acquired (from immediately before the acquisition of the eye information to the end of the acquisition of the eye information).

[0038] In the ophthalmic device 1 of Example 1, the fixation hole 16, which is a light stimulation unit, emits light in conjunction with the output of the first and second cue sounds under the control of the control unit 50. Furthermore, in the ophthalmic device 1 of Example 1, the vibration unit 24 vibrates the face support unit 20 in conjunction with the output of the first cue sound under the control of the control unit 50.

[0039] An example of an ocular information acquisition procedure performed using the ophthalmic device 1 of the embodiment 1 will be described as follows based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. In the ocular information acquisition procedure using the ophthalmic device 1 of the embodiment 1, acquisition of ocular information starts when auto-alignment is completed. Therefore, it is assumed that the period from the start of output of the first signal sound to immediately before acquisition of ocular information (output period of the first signal sound) is undetermined.

[0040] In step S1, the subject takes a seat in front of the ophthalmic apparatus 1. After the subject takes a seat, the examiner adjusts the height of the optical table and the height of the chair on which the subject is seated, so that the eye height mark provided on the ophthalmic apparatus 1 coincides with the height position of the subject's eye.

[0041] In step S2, following the subject being seated in step S1, the subject brings his / her face into contact with the face support portion 20 (the chin rest portion 22 and the forehead rest portion 21d) of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. After the subject comes into contact with the face support portion 20, the examiner adjusts the height of the chin rest portion 22 to bring the subject's eye to be examined into opposition to the objective lens 31.

[0042] In step S3, following the subject's contact with the face support unit 20 in step S2, the control unit 50 starts auto-alignment of the optical system 30. Note that the auto-alignment of the optical system 30 includes simple coarse alignment and precise fine alignment (also called precision alignment).

[0043] In step S4, following the start of the auto-alignment in step S3, the notification unit 40 outputs a predetermined first signal sound (for example, a beep sound intermittently sounded at two-second intervals) from the third speaker 43 and the fifth speaker 45. In addition, at least one of the fixation holes 16 starts to flash light at two-second intervals. The light emission timing of the fixation hole 16 is linked to the output timing of the first signal sound, and the fixation hole 16 emits light at the same timing while the beep sound is being output.

[0044] In step S5, following the output of the first first signal sound in step S4, the control unit 50 judges whether or not a preset first switching time has elapsed since the start of auto-alignment. If the control unit 50 judges YES (the first switching time has elapsed), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S6, and if the control unit 50 judges NO (the first switching time has not elapsed), the control unit 50 repeats step S5. Here, the "first switching time" can be set arbitrarily, for example, to 5 seconds. As a result, in the ophthalmologic device 1 of the first embodiment, beeps are output from the third speaker 43 and the fifth speaker 45 at intervals of, for example, 2 seconds from the start of auto-alignment until the first switching time has elapsed (5 seconds), and the fixation hole 16 emits light at the same timing as the output of the beeps.

[0045] In step S6, following the determination in step S5 that the first switching time has elapsed, the notification unit 40 switches the speakers that output the first signal sound to the second speaker 42 and the fourth speaker 44. That is, the notification unit 40 switches the output state of the first signal sound. Note that the fixation hole 16 maintains the light-emitting state.

[0046] In step S7, following the switching of the output state of the first signal sound in step S6, the control unit 50 judges whether or not a preset second switching time has elapsed since the first switching time was reached. If the control unit 50 judges YES (the second switching time has elapsed), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S8, and if the control unit 50 judges NO (the second switching time has not elapsed), the control unit 50 repeats step S7. Here, the "second switching time" can be set arbitrarily, for example, to 5 seconds. As a result, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, beeps are output from the second speaker 42 and the fourth speaker 44 at intervals of, for example, 2 seconds from the time the first switching time is reached until the second switching time has elapsed (5 seconds), and the fixation hole 16 emits light at the same timing as the output of the beeps.

[0047] In step S8, following the determination in step S7 that the second switching time has elapsed, the alarm unit 40 stops outputting the first first signal sound from the second speaker 42 and the fourth speaker 44, and outputs the second first signal sound (for example, a beep sound intermittently at one-second intervals) from the first speaker 41. That is, the alarm unit 40 switches the output state of the first signal sound. In addition, the vibration unit 24 vibrates the face support unit 20 at one-second intervals. Here, the vibration timing of the face support unit 20 is linked to the output timing of the first signal sound, and the vibration unit 24 vibrates the face support unit 20 at the same timing while the beep sound is being output. Furthermore, the fixation hole 16 is also switched to flashing light at one-second intervals in linkage with the output timing of the first signal sound.

[0048] In step S9, following the switching of the output state of the first signal sound in step S8, the control unit 50 judges whether or not the auto-alignment is completed. If the control unit 50 judges YES (auto-alignment is completed), the process proceeds to step S10, and if the control unit 50 judges NO (auto-alignment is not completed), the process repeats step S9. Here, the judgment of the completion of the auto-alignment is performed by a known method.

[0049] In step S10, following the determination in step S9 that auto-alignment is complete, the notification unit 40 stops outputting the second first signal sound, the fixation hole 16 is turned off, and the vibration unit 24 stops vibrating the face support unit 20.

[0050] In step S11, following the stopping of the first signal sound in step S10, the alarm unit 40 outputs a predetermined second signal sound (e.g., a series of beeps) different from the first signal sound from the first speaker 41, and at least one fixation hole 16 lights up and emits light.

[0051] In step S12, following the output of the second signal sound in step S11, the optical system 30 starts acquiring eye information. Here, the acquisition of eye information continues for a predetermined time. The time required from step S10 to step S12 is, for example, 1 to 0.5 seconds, and the first signal sound is stopped immediately before the acquisition of eye information. Steps S11 and S12 may be executed simultaneously, or may be executed sequentially with a slight time lag. When steps S11 and S12 are executed simultaneously, the output of the second signal sound is executed simultaneously with the acquisition of eye information. When steps S11 and S12 are executed sequentially with a slight time lag, the output of the second signal sound is executed immediately before the acquisition of eye information.

[0052] In step S13, following the start of acquisition of eye information in step S12, the control unit 50 judges whether acquisition of eye information has been completed. If the control unit 50 judges YES (acquisition of eye information has been completed), the process proceeds to step S14, and if the control unit 50 judges NO (acquisition of eye information has not been completed), step S13 is repeated.

[0053] In step S14, following the determination in step S13 that the acquisition of eye information has ended, the notification unit 40 stops outputting the second signal sound, the fixation hole 16 is turned off, and the process proceeds to END.

[0054] The effects of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be explained as follows.

[0055] Here, in the ophthalmic apparatus in general including the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, it is necessary to make the subject reliably view a target such as a fixation target and acquire ocular information of the subject's eye in a state of fixating the line of sight. That is, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 needs to make the subject fixate at a timing when acquisition of the ophthalmic information starts (a timing immediately before acquisition of the ophthalmic information or a timing simultaneously with acquisition of the ophthalmic information).

[0056] Therefore, when outputting a signal sound from the alarm unit 40, the signal sound must be output to encourage the subject to concentrate before the acquisition of eye information, and at the timing when acquisition of eye information begins, the signal sound must be output to increase the subject's concentration and cause him or her to fixate their gaze.

[0057] Furthermore, in the ophthalmologic device 1, it is sufficient that the gaze is fixed when the eye information is acquired. In other words, it is sufficient if the subject's concentration can be increased at the timing when the acquisition of the eye information starts. Therefore, unlike a simple countdown (for example, a countdown announcing the launch of a rocket, a countdown announcing the start of photography by a camera, etc.), it is not necessary to notify the subject at the same time as the acquisition of the eye information. Even if it is immediately before the acquisition of the eye information, if the subject can be made aware of the start of the acquisition of the eye information, it is possible to increase the subject's concentration at the timing when the eye information is acquired and promote spontaneous fixation.

[0058] In contrast, when obtaining eye information of the subject's eye using the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of Example 1, the subject first sits in front of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 (step S1), brings his / her face into contact with the face support part 20 (step S2), and then starts auto-alignment at time t1 shown in FIG. 5 (step S3).

[0059] Then, at time t1, the auto-alignment starts, and the notification unit 40 outputs the first signal sound (a beep sound intermittently sounded at two-second intervals) from the third speaker 43 and the fifth speaker 45. In addition, the fixation hole 16 starts to flash light at two-second intervals in sync with the output timing of the first signal sound (step S4).

[0060] When the first switching time has elapsed at time t2 (YES in step S5), the alarm unit 40 switches the speakers that output the first signal sound (beep sound intermittent at two-second intervals) from the third speaker 43 and the fifth speaker 45 to the second speaker 42 and the fourth speaker 44 (step S6). At this time, the fixation hole 16 maintains the light-emitting state and continues to flash at two-second intervals in sync with the output timing of the first signal sound.

[0061] When the second switching time has elapsed at time t3 (determined as YES in step S7), the alarm unit 40 stops the first first signal sound and outputs the second first signal sound (a beep sound intermittently at one-second intervals) from the first speaker 41. The vibration unit 24 also vibrates the face support unit 20 at one-second intervals linked to the output timing of the first signal sound. Furthermore, the fixation hole 16 switches its light-emitting state to blinking light at one-second intervals linked to the output timing of the second first signal sound (step S8).

[0062] When the auto-alignment is completed at time t4 (determined as YES in step S9), the output of the first signal sound is stopped, the fixation hole 16 is turned off, and the vibration unit 24 is stopped (step S10). Immediately thereafter, the notification unit 40 outputs the second signal sound (continuous beeps), the fixation hole 16 is turned on and emits light (step S11), and almost simultaneously, acquisition of eye information (e.g., fundus photography) is started (step S12). Note that in FIG. 5, the stopping of the output of the first signal sound and the turning off of the fixation hole 16, and the output of the second signal sound and the turning on of the fixation hole 16 are performed consecutively and are switched on instantaneously, and therefore are not shown.

[0063] Then, at time t5, when acquisition of eye information is completed (fundus photography is completed) (YES is determined in step S13), output of the second signal sound is stopped and the fixation hole 16 is turned off (step S14).

[0064] That is, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, when auto-alignment starts, the notification unit 40 outputs a first signal sound. By hearing the first signal sound, the subject can understand that auto-alignment is in progress, that is, that eye information has not yet been acquired, and is gradually encouraged to concentrate.

[0065] Then, in the ophthalmic device 1 of Example 1, after the auto-alignment is completed, the notification unit 40 stops outputting the first signal sound immediately before acquiring eye information. Furthermore, the notification unit 40 outputs a second signal sound different from the first signal sound at the timing of starting to acquire eye information (immediately before acquiring eye information or simultaneously with acquiring eye information) (steps S9 to S11). Then, in the ophthalmic device 1 of Example 1, after the notification unit 40 outputs the second signal sound, eye information is acquired by the optical system 30 (step S12).

[0066] In this way, in the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment, the sound output by the notification unit 40 changes from the first signal sound to the second signal sound at the timing of starting to acquire eye information (just before acquiring eye information or simultaneously with acquiring eye information), so that the subject, who has been encouraged to concentrate before acquiring eye information, recognizes the timing of starting to acquire eye information, reaches a peak of concentration, and increases his / her ability to concentrate on the target. The subject can then voluntarily suppress unnecessary blinking and gaze fluctuation at the timing of starting to acquire eye information. In this way, the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment encourages the subject to concentrate before acquiring eye information, and increases the subject's ability to concentrate at the timing of starting to acquire eye information, thereby improving the success rate of acquiring eye information.

[0067] In the ophthalmologic device 1 of Example 1, a first first cue sound (beep sound at two-second intervals) is output from time t1 to time t2 (the beginning of the output period of the first cue sound) and from time t2 to time t3 (the middle of the output period of the first cue sound) shown in Fig. 5, and a second first cue sound (beep sound at one-second intervals) is output from time t3 to time t4 (the end of the output period of the first cue sound). That is, the first cue sound is different at the beginning and the end of the output period.

[0068] Therefore, the ophthalmic device 1 of Example 1 can make the subject aware that the timing to start acquiring eye information is approaching by a change in the first signal sound, thereby further increasing the subject's concentration at the timing to start acquiring eye information, and more effectively suppressing unnecessary blinking and gaze fluctuation.

[0069] In addition, in the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment, the acquisition of eye information by the optical system 30 is continuously performed for a predetermined time. In response to this, the notification unit 40 outputs the second signal sound as a continuous beep sound from the start of acquisition of eye information (time t4) to the end of acquisition of eye information (time t5). As a result, the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment outputs the second signal sound (continuous beep sound) continuously for the predetermined time of acquiring eye information. Therefore, by hearing the second signal sound, the subject can intuitively grasp that acquisition of eye information is being performed continuously, and can spontaneously suppress unnecessary blinking during acquisition of eye information, thereby further improving the success rate of acquisition of eye information. Note that the second signal sound continuously output during the predetermined time of acquiring eye information does not have to be a continuous beep sound, and may be a beep sound output at regular intervals, for example, as long as it is different from the first signal sound.

[0070] In the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the notification unit 40 has a plurality of speakers (first to fifth speakers 41 to 45). The notification unit 40 outputs the first cue sound from different speakers as the output period of the first cue sound progresses. That is, the first first cue sound is output from the third speaker 43 and the fifth speaker 45 from time t1 to time t2 (the beginning of the output period of the first cue sound) shown in FIG. 5. Also, the first first cue sound is output from the second speaker 42 and the fourth speaker 44 from time t2 to time t3 (the middle of the output period of the first cue sound). Furthermore, the second first cue sound is output from the first speaker 41 from time t3 to time t4 (the end of the output period of the first cue sound).

[0071] As a result, the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment can output the first signal sound using a so-called stereophonic technology. Note that "stereophonic sound" refers to sound that reproduces not only the pitch and tone of the sound, but also the direction and distance to create a sense of realism, and that has added spatial information that allows a listener who is not located in the space where the sound source is generated to perceive a sense of direction, distance, and space. Therefore, the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment can make the subject intuitively understand that the timing to start acquiring eye information is approaching by the first signal sound, further increasing the subject's concentration at the timing to start acquiring eye information, and voluntarily suppressing unnecessary blinking and gaze fluctuation, thereby improving the success rate of acquiring eye information.

[0072] In particular, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of Example 1, the notification unit 40 gradually switches the speaker that outputs the first cue sound to the speaker provided near the subject's ear as the end of the output period of the first cue sound approaches. That is, in Example 1, the first first cue sound is output from the third speaker 43 and the fifth speaker 45 provided at the farthest position from the subject's ear during the period from time t1 to time t2 (the beginning of the output period of the first cue sound), the first first cue sound is output from the second speaker 42 and the fourth speaker 44 provided at the closer position to the subject's ear during the period from time t2 to time t3 (the middle of the output period of the first cue sound), and the second first cue sound is output from the first speaker 41 provided at the closest position to the subject's ear during the period from time t3 to time t4 (the end of the output period of the first cue sound).

[0073] This allows the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment to make the subject intuitively understand that the timing to start acquiring eye information is approaching. Therefore, the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment allows the subject to spontaneously suppress unnecessary blinking and gaze fluctuation at the timing to acquire eye information, thereby improving the success rate of acquiring eye information.

[0074] The ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is provided with a fixation hole 16 corresponding to a light stimulation unit that emits light toward the subject's eye that does not affect the acquisition of eye information by the optical system 30. The fixation hole 16 of the first embodiment emits light that is linked to the output of the first cue sound and the second cue sound.

[0075] As a result, the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment can make the subject know the timing of starting acquisition of eye information through visual information as well. Therefore, the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment can increase the subject's concentration at the timing of acquiring eye information through visual information as well, and can make the subject spontaneously suppress unnecessary blinking and gaze fluctuation, thereby improving the success rate of acquiring eye information.

[0076] Moreover, the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment includes a face support unit 20 that supports the face of the subject, and a vibration unit 24 that vibrates the face support frame 21 of the face support unit 20. The vibration unit 24 vibrates the face support frame 21 of the face support unit 20 in conjunction with the output of the first signal sound.

[0077] As a result, the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment can make the subject know the timing of starting acquisition of eye information through sensory information (vibration information). Therefore, the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment can increase the subject's concentration at the timing of acquiring eye information through sensory information (vibration information), and can make the subject spontaneously suppress unnecessary blinking and gaze fluctuation, thereby improving the success rate of acquiring eye information.

[0078] Example 2 In the first embodiment, a case was described in which the period from the start of output of the first signal sound to immediately before the acquisition of eye information (output period of the first signal sound) is undetermined. In contrast, in the ophthalmic device of the second embodiment, it is assumed that the period from the start of output of the first signal sound to immediately before the acquisition of eye information is known. Note that the ophthalmic device of the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description of the configuration will be omitted.

[0079] An example of an ocular information acquisition procedure performed using the ophthalmic apparatus of Example 2 is described below based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. In the ocular information acquisition procedure using the ophthalmic apparatus of Example 2, an auto-alignment time is specified. Since the first signal sound is output during auto-alignment, the ocular information acquisition procedure performed using the ophthalmic apparatus of Example 2 is premised on the fact that the period from the start of output of the first signal sound to immediately before acquisition of eye information (output period of the first signal sound) is known.

[0080] In step S21, the subject takes a seat in front of the ophthalmic apparatus 1. After the subject takes a seat, the examiner adjusts the height of the optical table and the height of the chair on which the subject is seated, so that the eye height mark provided on the ophthalmic apparatus 1 coincides with the height position of the subject's eye.

[0081] In step S22, following the subject being seated in step S21, the subject brings his / her face into contact with the face support portion 20 (the chin rest portion 22 and the forehead rest portion 21d) of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. After the subject comes into contact with the face support portion 20, the examiner adjusts the height of the chin rest portion 22 so that the subject's eye to be examined faces the objective lens 31.

[0082] In step S23, following the subject's contact with the face support unit 20 in step S22, the control unit 50 starts auto-alignment of the optical system 30. Note that the auto-alignment of the optical system 30 includes simple coarse alignment and precise fine alignment (also called precision alignment).

[0083] In step S24, following the start of auto-alignment in step S23, the control unit 50 determines whether the remaining time until the completion of auto-alignment has reached a preset threshold time. If the control unit 50 determines YES (remaining time=threshold time), it proceeds to step S25, and if it determines NO (remaining time>threshold time), it repeats step S24. Here, the "threshold time" is the time required for countdown, and can be set arbitrarily, such as 5 seconds or 3 seconds.

[0084] In step S25, following the determination in step S24 that the alignment remaining time=threshold time, the notification unit 40 outputs a countdown sound as the first signal sound from the first speaker 41. Here, the "countdown sound" is numeric sound information that allows the remaining time of the output period of the first signal sound (countdown sound) to be understood, such as "three, two, one."

[0085] In step S26, following the output of the countdown sound in step S25, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the output of the countdown sound has ended. If the control unit 50 determines YES (output of the countdown sound has ended), the process proceeds to step S27, and if the control unit 50 determines NO (output of the countdown sound has not yet ended), the process returns to step S25.

[0086] In step S27, following the determination in step S26 that the output of the countdown sound has ended, the notification unit 40 outputs from the first speaker 41 a predetermined second signal sound (for example, an electronic shutter sound "click") that is different from the first signal sound.

[0087] In step S28, following the output of the second signal sound in step S27, the optical system 30 acquires eye information and proceeds to END. In the second embodiment, the eye information is acquired by taking a still image of the anterior eye, and the eye information is acquired instantaneously. Here, steps S27 and S28 may be executed simultaneously, or may be executed in sequence with a slight time lag. In the second embodiment, the second signal sound is output instantaneously and does not continue. When steps S27 and S28 are executed simultaneously, the output of the second signal sound is executed simultaneously with the acquisition of eye information (taking a still image of the anterior eye). When steps S27 and S28 are executed in sequence with a slight time lag, the output of the second signal sound is executed immediately before the acquisition of eye information (taking a still image of the anterior eye).

[0088] In this way, in the ophthalmologic apparatus of Example 2, the first signal sound is a countdown sound that allows the subject to know the remaining time of the output period. Therefore, the ophthalmologic apparatus of Example 2 can make the subject easily predict the timing of starting acquisition of eye information, and can further increase the subject's concentration at the timing of acquiring eye information, thereby suppressing unnecessary blinking and gaze fluctuation.

[0089] The ophthalmic device of the present invention has been described above based on Example 1 and Example 2. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these Examples, and design changes and additions are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention according to each claim.

[0090] In the ophthalmologic device 1 of the first embodiment, an example has been shown in which the fixation hole 16 flashes and emits light in conjunction with the output of the first signal sound, and the fixation hole 16 lights and emits light in conjunction with the output of the second signal sound. However, the fixation hole 16 may emit light without being linked to the output of the first signal sound or the second signal sound, so long as it is during the output period of the first signal sound or the second signal sound. In addition, the fixation hole 16 does not have to emit light when the first signal sound or the second signal sound is output, as in the second embodiment.

[0091] In the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the vibration unit 24 vibrates the face support unit 20 in conjunction with the output of the first cue sound at the end of the output period of the first cue sound (time t3 to time t4). However, the vibration unit 24 may vibrate the face support unit 20 in the beginning or middle of the output period of the first cue sound, or may vibrate the face support unit 20 in conjunction with the output of the second cue sound if there is no problem in acquiring eye information. In addition, the vibration unit 24 may vibrate the face support unit 20 without being linked to the output of the first cue sound or the second cue sound during the output period of the first cue sound or the second cue sound. In addition, the vibration unit 24 may not vibrate the face support unit 20 when the first cue sound or the second cue sound is output, as in the second embodiment.

[0092] In the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the notification unit 40 gradually switches the speaker that outputs the first signal sound to a speaker provided near the subject's ear as the output period approaches its end. However, when switching the speaker that outputs the first signal sound as the output period progresses, the notification unit 40 does not necessarily have to gradually switch to a speaker provided near the subject's ear, and may output the first signal sound in sequence from speakers provided at any positions.

[0093] In the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, an example has been shown in which the fixation hole 16 corresponds to a light stimulation unit that emits light toward the subject's eye and does not affect the acquisition of eye information by the optical system 30. However, the light stimulation unit is not limited to the fixation hole 16. The light stimulation unit may be, for example, an internal fixation target indicated by the optical system 30 that the subject is viewing, or a ring-shaped illumination provided around the objective lens 31 separately from the fixation hole 16.

[0094] Furthermore, when the internal fixation target is used as the light stimulation unit, for example, a part of the internal fixation target may be made to blink in synchronization with the output of the first and second signal sounds, and in order to allow the subject to recognize the timing to start acquiring eye information without affecting the acquisition of eye information, for example, the light intensity of the internal fixation target may be left unchanged from the light intensity during normal measurement, and the wavelength of the color of the internal fixation target may be changed within a range that does not affect the acquisition of information.

[0095] In addition, when the first and second signal sounds to be output are language sounds, the alarm unit 40 may be able to change the type of language sound, and may also record and register predetermined lines in advance, i.e., a voice language registered in advance, as the first signal sound, etc.

[0096] In the first embodiment, the notification unit 40 is a speaker capable of outputting any sound or language. However, the notification unit 40 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a piezoelectric buzzer capable of outputting only a simple electronic sound.

[0097] Furthermore, when a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) is required to acquire eye information, the notification unit 40 may notify by voice that the remaining time for acquiring eye information is short when the remaining time for acquisition reaches the predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds). The notification that "the remaining time for acquisition is short" may be made by voice language or a non-linguistic electronic sound such as a beep.

[0098] Furthermore, if there is a sign of failure in acquiring eye information based on the movement of the subject's eye or the like before the start of acquiring eye information, the notification unit 40 may output a special sound to notify the sign of failure before the start of acquiring eye information. The special sound is a sound different from the first signal sound and the second signal sound, and can alert the subject and the examiner.

[0099] In addition, the ophthalmic device of the present invention may have artificial intelligence learn the condition of the subject's eye when acquisition of eye information fails, the timing of acquisition of eye information, etc., and use this information as reference information to predict failure to acquire eye information when the alarm unit 40 outputs the first signal sound.

[0100] Furthermore, when the first cue sound is a countdown sound, the notification unit 40 may output the countdown sound in synchronization with the timing of the subject's blinking.

[0101] Furthermore, the notification unit 40 may adjust the pitch (frequency) and volume of the first and second cue sounds depending on the age and hearing ability of the subject.

[0102] In addition, the alarm unit 40 may output a first signal sound and a second signal sound in conjunction with detection of the line of sight of the subject's eye, or may adjust the pitch (frequency) or volume of the first signal sound etc. in conjunction with the line of sight.

[0103] In addition, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, an example has been shown in which the output of the first first signal sound is started simultaneously with the start of auto-alignment, and the first first signal sound is output continuously during auto-alignment. However, the timing of starting the output of the first signal sound may be any predetermined time before the start of acquisition of eye information. Therefore, even if the time required for auto-alignment is not yet determined, the notification unit 40 may output the first signal sound from the middle of auto-alignment. In other words, the output period of the first signal sound can be set arbitrarily.

[0104] In addition, in the ophthalmic device 1 of the first embodiment, when it is determined that the auto-alignment is completed, an example is shown in which the output of the first signal sound is stopped and the second signal sound is output, and then the acquisition of eye information is performed. Furthermore, in the ophthalmic device of the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the first signal sound is output when the remaining time until the completion of the auto-alignment reaches a threshold time (the time required for the countdown). However, this is not limited to this. For example, after the auto-alignment is completed (after the auto-alignment is completed), the first signal sound consisting of a countdown sound is output. Then, immediately after the end of the countdown sound, the second signal sound may be output and eye information may be acquired simultaneously. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1 Ophthalmology equipment 10 Main body 20 Face support 30 Optical system 40 Notification Department 41 1st Speaker 42 2nd Speaker 43 3rd Speaker 44 4th Speaker 45 5th Speaker 50 Control section

Claims

1. An optical system for acquiring ocular information of a subject's eye; and an alarm unit that outputs a signal sound to be heard by the subject, The notification unit outputs a first signal sound from a predetermined time before the optical system starts acquiring the eye information until immediately before the optical system starts acquiring the eye information, and outputs a second signal sound different from the first signal sound at a timing when the optical system starts acquiring the eye information. An ophthalmic apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, The first signal sound is different at the beginning of an output period from that at the end of the output period. An ophthalmic apparatus comprising:

3. In the ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The first signal sound is a countdown sound that allows the remaining time of the output period to be known. An ophthalmic apparatus comprising:

4. In the ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, When the acquisition of the eye information by the optical system is continuously performed for a predetermined time, the notification unit continuously outputs the second signal sound from a start of acquisition of the eye information to an end of acquisition of the eye information. An ophthalmic apparatus comprising:

5. In the ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The notification unit has a plurality of speakers and outputs the first signal sound from different speakers according to the progress of an output period of the first signal sound. An ophthalmic apparatus comprising:

6. 6. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 5, The notification unit gradually switches the speaker that outputs the first signal sound to a speaker provided at a position close to the subject's ear as the end of the output period approaches. An ophthalmic apparatus comprising:

7. In the ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, a light stimulation unit that emits light toward the subject's eye, the light stimulation unit not affecting acquisition of the eye information by the optical system; The light stimulation unit emits the light in response to an output of the first signal sound or the second signal sound. An ophthalmic apparatus comprising:

8. In the ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, A face support portion for supporting the face of the subject; A vibration unit that vibrates the face support unit, The vibration unit vibrates the face support unit in response to output of the first signal sound or the second signal sound. An ophthalmic apparatus comprising:

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