Ophthalmologic system

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmologic system that allows an eye examination using an ophthalmologic device to be performed under the supervision of an examiner.SOLUTION: An ophthalmologic system 1 includes: an ophthalmologic device 10 used for an eye examination having a subject's microphone 17 for acquiring a sound and a subject's speaker 16 for outputting a sound; and a plurality of host devices 30 operated by an examiner having an examiner's microphone 34 for acquiring a sound, an examiner's speaker 33 for outputting a sound, and an examiner's monitor 32 visually recognized by the examiner. The ophthalmologic device 10 and the plurality of host devices 30 can communicate with each other, and each of the host devices 30 causes a result of the eye examination to be displayed on the examiner's monitor 32, and causes the sound acquired by the subject's microphone 17 to be output from the examiner's speaker 33. The ophthalmologic device 10 causes the sound acquired by the examiner's microphone 34 to be output from the subject's speaker 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ophthalmic system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an ophthalmic system has been known in which an examiner can remotely operate an ophthalmic device using a host device through a communication network such as the Internet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, when remotely operating an ophthalmic device, an ophthalmic system is known in which an examiner gives an instruction to a subject by voice using a microphone provided in a host device and a speaker provided in the ophthalmic device (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a conventional ophthalmic system, one ophthalmic device is connected to one host device so as to be able to communicate with each other. Then, an examiner (for example, an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, a vision therapist, etc.) who operates the host device monitors an eye examination including the control of the ophthalmic device connected to the host device. Therefore, when the examiner is absent or the like, it has been difficult to perform an eye examination using an ophthalmic device under the supervision of the examiner, and it has been difficult to execute an appropriate eye examination.

[0005] The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ophthalmic system capable of performing an eye examination using an ophthalmic device under the supervision of an examiner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The ophthalmic system of the present invention includes an ophthalmic device used for eye examinations and having a subject microphone for acquiring sound and a subject speaker for outputting sound, and a plurality of host devices operated by an examiner and having an examiner microphone for acquiring sound, an examiner speaker for outputting sound, and an examiner monitor visible to the examiner. Here, the ophthalmic device and the plurality of host devices can communicate with each other. And each of the host devices causes the examiner monitor to display the result of the eye examination and causes the examiner speaker to output the sound acquired by the subject microphone. Further, the ophthalmic device causes the subject speaker to output the sound acquired by the examiner microphone.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the ophthalmic system of the present invention, an eye examination using an ophthalmic device can be performed under the supervision of an examiner.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The mode for carrying out the ophthalmic system according to the present invention will be described as follows based on Example 1 and Example 2 shown in the drawings.

[0010] (Example 1) The ophthalmic system 1 applied to Example 1 will be described as follows with reference to FIG. 1. The ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1, as shown in FIG. 1, includes one ophthalmic device 10, a plurality (here, three) of host devices 30, a communication network 100, and a communication management unit 101.

[0011] Here, the ophthalmic device 10 is located at a position remote from the plurality of host devices 30. For example, the ophthalmic device 10 is arranged in an optician's shop or a mobile clinic, etc., and the plurality of host devices 30 are arranged in the hospital to which the examiner belongs. And the subject is at the place where the ophthalmic device 10 is arranged, and the examiner is at the place where the host device 30 is arranged. For this reason, the examiner is in a position remote from the subject. Further, the plurality of host devices 30 may be located at positions remote from each other, or may be adjacent (close to each other). Note that the examiner is a person who can perform examinations and diagnoses using the ophthalmic device 10 such as an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, a vision therapist, etc.

[0012] The communication network 100 is a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0013] The ophthalmic device 10 and the plurality of host devices 30 are each connected to a communication network 100 and are communicably connected to each other via the communication network 100 and a communication management unit 101. The communication state between the ophthalmic device 10 and the plurality of host devices 30 is managed by the communication management unit 101.

[0014] The ophthalmic device 10 of Example 1 is a composite device capable of measuring the intraocular pressure value, refractive power, corneal curvature, etc. of an eye to be examined, and is used for examining the eye to be examined (eye examination). The subject's various eye characteristics such as the intraocular pressure value, refractive power, and corneal curvature (corneal shape) of the eye to be examined are measured by the ophthalmic device 10. The ophthalmic device 10 of Example 1 is remotely operated by one of the host devices 30. Further, the results of the eye examination by the ophthalmic device 10 are displayed so as to be viewable on all of the plurality of host devices 30.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the ophthalmic device 10 includes a base portion 11, a face support portion 12, a drive mechanism 13, a measurement head 14, a subject monitor 15, a subject speaker 16, a subject microphone 17, a subject camera 18, and a device control unit 19 (see FIG. 2). Among the XYZ directions (three-axis directions) orthogonal to each other in the figure, the Y direction is the vertical direction. The Z direction is the front-rear direction (operating distance direction) parallel to the forward direction approaching the subject's eye to be examined (not shown) and the rearward direction moving away from the subject. The X direction is the left-right direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the front-rear direction.

[0016] The base portion 11 is provided with a drive mechanism 13 that supports the face support portion 12 and the measurement head 14, and is installed on the examination table 11a for ophthalmoscopy.

[0017] The face support portion 12 is disposed in front of the drive mechanism 13. The face support portion 12 includes a support column 12a, a pair of side frame portions 12b, 12b, an upper frame portion 12c, a forehead contact portion 12d, and a chin receiving portion 12e.

[0018] The support column 12a stands up from the base portion 11 and extends in the vertical direction. The pair of side frame portions 12b, 12b are erected from the support column 12a side by side in the X-axis direction. The upper frame portion 12c is bridged over the upper ends of the side frame portions 12b, 12b. The forehead rest portion 12d is provided at the central portion of the upper frame portion 12c. The chin support portion 12e is disposed between the side frame portions 12b, 12b and protrudes from the support column 12a.

[0019] During an eye examination, the subject sits in front of the ophthalmic device 10, places the chin on the chin support portion 12e, and presses the forehead against the forehead rest portion 12d to fix the position of the face. Note that the chin support portion 12e is movable in the Y-axis direction with respect to the base portion 11 by a drive mechanism (not shown).

[0020] The drive mechanism 13 corresponds to a relative movement mechanism of the ophthalmic device 10. The drive mechanism 13 is constituted by an actuator (not shown) such as a motor, for example. The drive mechanism 13 is driven based on a control signal (control command) from the device control unit 19. The drive mechanism 13 can move the chin support portion 12e in the Y direction based on the control signal. Further, the drive mechanism 13 can move the measurement head 14 in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction with respect to the base portion 11 based on the control signal.

[0021] Inside the measurement head 14, an optical system 14A (see FIG. 2) for known observation and photography is provided. The optical system 14A is, for example, an auto-refractometer, and is driven by a control signal from the device control unit 19 to observe and photograph various eye characteristics of the subject to perform an eye examination. The results of the eye examination, observation images, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "examination result information") obtained by the optical system 14A are input to the device control unit 19.

[0022] The subject monitor 15 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal monitor, a touch panel monitor, or the like. The subject monitor 15 is attached to the rear side of the measurement head 14. The subject monitor 15 displays imaging information (hereinafter referred to as "examiner imaging information") captured by an examiner camera 35 described later based on a control signal from the apparatus control unit 19. Further, inspection result information may be displayed on the subject monitor 15. Furthermore, when the subject monitor 15 is a touch panel monitor, an operation menu screen or the like for performing various operations may be displayed, and operation inputs to each operation menu screen may be received. In this case, an operator beside the subject or the subject himself / herself can directly operate the ophthalmic apparatus 10.

[0023] The subject speakers 16 are built into each of the pair of side frame parts 12b, 12b and are provided at positions near the left and right ears of the subject during the eye examination. The subject speakers 16 output sounds such as voice information (hereinafter referred to as "examiner voice information") acquired by an examiner microphone 34 described later based on a control signal from the apparatus control unit 19.

[0024] The subject microphone 17 is built into the upper part of the support column 12a and is arranged below the chin rest part 12e. The subject microphone 17 acquires sounds including the voice of the subject based on a control signal from the apparatus control unit 19. The voice information (hereinafter referred to as "subject voice information") acquired by the subject microphone 17 is input to the apparatus control unit 19.

[0025] The subject camera 18 is arranged at a position where the subject in the examination posture is reflected, and here it is provided above the subject monitor 15. The subject camera 18 performs imaging based on a control signal from the apparatus control unit 19. The imaging information (hereinafter referred to as "subject imaging information") captured by the subject camera 18 is input to the apparatus control unit 19.

[0026] Here, the subject camera 18 can photograph the subject in the examination posture, and can also photograph the subject standing on the front side of the face support portion 12. Further, the subject camera 18 of the first embodiment can photograph the periphery of the ophthalmic apparatus 10, that is, the periphery on the front side of the position of the subject camera 18. Therefore, the subject photographing information includes images such as the posture of the subject who has come for an eye examination and the face of the subject during the eye examination. In addition, the examination postures include a posture in which the subject sits on a chair or the like (not shown) provided in front of the ophthalmic apparatus 10, a posture in which the subject places the chin on the chin receiving portion 12e, and a posture in which the subject places the chin on the chin receiving portion 12e and presses the forehead against the forehead abutting portion 12d. As will be described later, since the subject photographing information is displayed on the examiner monitor 32, the examiner can observe the state of the subject before, during, and after the eye examination by visually recognizing the examiner monitor 32. Further, the examiner can use the display on the examiner monitor 32 for adjusting the position between the ophthalmic apparatus 10 and the subject.

[0027] The device control unit 19 includes an arithmetic circuit composed of various processors and a memory (storage unit). The various processors include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and programmable logic devices [for example, SPLD (Simple Programmable Logic Devices), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays)]. Note that the various controls (functions) of the device control unit 19 may be realized by one processor, or may be realized by a plurality of processors of the same type or different types.

[0028] The device control unit 19 is activated when a power switch (not shown) is turned on by the subject, operator, or the like, and sets the ophthalmic device 10 to the sleep mode until the start of remote operation by an operation host device 30α described later. Here, the "sleep mode" is a mode in which the power supply to other mechanisms of the ophthalmic device 10 excluding the device control unit 19 is stopped or restricted, and some functions of the ophthalmic device 10 are put on hold. In the first embodiment, when the sleep mode is set, at least the operations of the jaw receiving unit 12e, the drive mechanism 13, the measurement head 14, the subject monitor 15, the subject speaker 16, the subject microphone 17, and the subject camera 18 are put on hold.

[0029] Then, when the inspection switch 19a is turned on, the device control unit 19 outputs a request signal to the communication management unit 101. The "request signal" is a signal meaning a request for performing an eye examination by the subject or the like. Also, the device control unit 19 outputs examination result information, subject voice information, subject imaging information, etc. to the host device 30 via the communication management unit 101.

[0030] Also, operation information, examiner voice information, examiner imaging information, etc. are input to the device control unit 19 from the host device 30 via the communication management unit 101. Then, based on the operation information, the device control unit 19 reads out and executes a control program stored in a memory (not shown). As a result, the device control unit 19 outputs a predetermined control signal to the ophthalmic device 10 including the drive mechanism 13 and the optical system 14A to control the operation, perform mode transition, or execute an eye examination. Also, the device control unit 19 outputs a control signal to the subject monitor 15 to display the examiner imaging information. Also, the device control unit 19 outputs a control signal to the subject speaker 16 to output the examiner voice information. Also, the device control unit 19 outputs a control signal to the subject microphone 17 to acquire the voice. Also, the device control unit 19 outputs a control signal to the subject camera 18 to perform imaging.

[0031] Furthermore, when a sleep signal is input as operation information, the device control unit 19 shifts the ophthalmic device 10 to the sleep mode. Also, when a wake signal is input as operation information, the device control unit 19 shifts the ophthalmic device 10 to the examination mode.

[0032] The plurality of host devices 30 are each constituted by, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or the like. Each host device 30 is operated by a different examiner and is used when each examiner remotely operates the ophthalmic device 10 or views the examination results. Each host device 30 includes an operation unit 31, an examiner monitor 32, an examiner speaker 33, an examiner microphone 34, an examiner camera 35, and a main body control unit 36.

[0033] The operation unit 31 is constituted by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The operation unit 31 is operated by an examiner and inputs output instructions such as a login signal, an operation permission signal, an operation change signal, an examination end signal, operation information for remotely operating the ophthalmic device 10, and output instructions for various control signals. The operation information and output instructions for various signals input by the operation unit 31 are input to the main body control unit 36.

[0034] The "login signal" is a signal indicating that remote operation of the host device 30 by an examiner is possible. The "operation permission signal" is a signal for notifying permission for remote operation of the host device 30 by an examiner. The "operation change signal" is a signal indicating a request for replacement of the operation host device 30α described later. The "examination end signal" is a signal indicating the end of an eye examination by the operation host device 30α described later.

[0035] The examiner monitor 32 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display. In the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment, the examiner monitor 32 may be constituted by a touch panel type monitor, and the operation unit 31 and the examiner monitor 32 may be used in common. Based on a control signal from the main body control unit 36, examination result information input from the ophthalmic device 10, subject imaging information, examiner imaging information from other host devices 30, and the like are displayed on the examiner monitor 32.

[0036] The examiner speaker 33 and the examiner microphone 34 are constituted by, for example, a headset (headphone with a microphone). The examiner speaker 33 outputs voices such as subject voice information and examiner voice information from other host devices 30 based on a control signal from the main body control unit 36. The examiner microphone 34 acquires voices (examiner voice information) including the voice of the examiner and the like based on a control signal from the main body control unit 36. The examiner voice information acquired by the examiner microphone 34 is input to the main body control unit 36.

[0037] The examiner camera 35 is disposed at a position where at least the face of the examiner can be photographed. The examiner camera 35 performs photographing based on a control command from the main body control unit 36. The examiner photographing information photographed by the examiner camera 35 is input to the main body control unit 36. Here, it is desirable that the examiner photographing information includes an image of the face of the examiner.

[0038] Similar to the device control unit 19, the main body control unit 36 includes an arithmetic circuit constituted by various processors and memories (storage units). Note that various controls (functions) of the main body control unit 36 may be realized by one processor or may be realized by a plurality of processors of the same type or different types.

[0039] The main body control unit 36 is activated when a power switch (not shown) is turned on by the examiner or the like. Then, when an output instruction of a login signal is input by an operation of the operation unit 31, the main body control unit 36 outputs a login signal to the communication management unit 101. Further, when an output instruction of an operation permission signal is input by an operation of the operation unit 31, the main body control unit 36 outputs an operation permission signal to the communication management unit 101. Further, when an output instruction of an operation change signal is input by an operation of the operation unit 31, the main body control unit 36 outputs an operation change signal to the communication management unit 101. Further, when an output instruction of an inspection end signal is input by an operation of the operation unit 31, the main body control unit 36 outputs an inspection end signal to the communication management unit 101. Furthermore, the main body control unit 36 outputs operation information, examiner voice information, examiner photographing information, etc. to the ophthalmic device 10 via the communication management unit 101 by an operation of the operation unit 31.

[0040] In addition, a remote operation disable signal, a request standby signal, an operation inquiry signal, etc. are input to the main body control unit 36 from the communication management unit 101. Further, inspection result information, subject voice information, and subject imaging information are input to the main body control unit 36 from the ophthalmic apparatus 10 via the communication management unit 101. Also, examiner voice information and examiner imaging information are input to the main body control unit 36 from another host device 30 via the communication management unit 101. When the remote operation of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is permitted by the communication management unit 101, in addition to the above-mentioned respective information, information such as the states of the optical system 14A and the drive mechanism 13 is input to the main body control unit 36 from the ophthalmic apparatus 10 via the communication management unit 101.

[0041] Then, based on the operation of the operation unit 31 by the examiner, the main body control unit 36 outputs a control signal to the examiner monitor 32 to display inspection result information, subject imaging information, examiner imaging information from another host device 30, etc. Also, the main body control unit 36 outputs a control signal to the examiner speaker 33 to output subject voice information and examiner voice information from another host device 30. Further, the main body control unit 36 outputs a control signal to the examiner microphone 34 to acquire voice. Also, the main body control unit 36 outputs a control signal to the examiner camera 35 to perform imaging.

[0042] The communication management unit 101 is a mechanism that manages and controls the communication state between the ophthalmic apparatus 10 and a plurality of host devices 30 and the communication state between the plurality of host devices 30. The communication management unit 101 is configured by a computer or the like separate from the host device 30. The communication management unit 101 is communicably connected to the ophthalmic apparatus 10 and a plurality of host devices 30 via the communication network 100.

[0043] Then, a login signal is input to the communication management unit 101 from each host device 30. And the communication management unit 101 outputs a remote operation disable signal or a request standby signal to the host device 30 that output the login signal.

[0044] Further, a request signal is input from the ophthalmic device 10 to the communication management unit 101. Then, the communication management unit 101 outputs an operation inquiry signal to a plurality of host devices 30 that have output login signals. As a result, the communication management unit 101 permits remote operation of the ophthalmic device 10 to the host device 30 that has output an operation permission signal, and controls communication so that the ophthalmic device 10 is remotely operated by a control signal from the host device 30. That is, the communication management unit 101 enables operation information from the host device (hereinafter referred to as "operation host device 30α") that has permitted remote operation of the ophthalmic device 10 to be input to the ophthalmic device 10, and blocks operation information from other host devices 30 from being input to the ophthalmic device 10. Here, the communication management unit 101 maintains the permission for remote operation of the operation host device 30α until an inspection end signal or an operation change signal is output from the operation host device 30α.

[0045] In addition, the communication management unit 101 enables inspection result information, subject voice information, and subject imaging information output from the ophthalmic device 10 to be input to all host devices 30 that have output login signals. Further, the communication management unit 101 enables examiner voice information and examiner imaging information output from all host devices 30 that have output login signals to be input to the ophthalmic device 10.

[0046] Furthermore, the communication management unit 101 enables examiner voice information and examiner imaging information to be mutually input between all host devices 30 that have output login signals. And when an interactive switching signal is input from any one of the host devices 30 that have output login signals, the communication management unit 101 blocks examiner voice information and examiner imaging information from being input to the ophthalmic device 10.

[0047] The process flow of the eye examination in the ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1 is described as follows. Here, in the eye examination of the ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1, as shown in FIG. 3, first, the communication management unit 101 executes a login signal reception process (step S10). Next, the communication management unit 101 executes a remote operation setting process (step S20). As a result, the ophthalmic device 10 can be remotely operated by the operation host device 30α. Then, by the remote operation of the ophthalmic device 10 by the operation host device 30α, an eye examination process (step S30) is executed.

[0048] Hereinafter, the flow of the login signal reception process in step S10 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Note that the login signal reception process is repeatedly executed from when the communication management unit 101 is started until it ends (shuts down).

[0049] In step S11, following the start of the login signal reception process, the communication management unit 101 determines whether a login signal has been input from any one of the plurality of host devices 30. If the communication management unit 101 determines YES (there is a login signal), it proceeds to step S12. If it determines NO (there is no login signal), it repeats step S11. The login signal is output when an output instruction of the login signal is input to the main control unit 36 by the operation of the operation unit 31 by the examiner. In the host device 30 that outputs the login signal, the main control unit 36 performs control to start the examiner monitor 32, the examiner speaker 33, the examiner microphone 34, and the examiner camera 35, respectively.

[0050] In step S12, following the determination of the presence of a login signal in step S11, the communication management unit 101 determines whether the operation host device 30α has already been designated. If the communication management unit 101 determines YES (the operation host device 30α has been designated), it proceeds to step S13. If it determines NO (the operation host device 30α has not been designated), it proceeds to step S14.

[0051] In step S13, following the determination in step S12 that there is a designated operation host device 30α, the communication management unit 101 outputs a remote operation disable signal to the host device 30 that output the login signal, and proceeds to the end of the login signal reception process. In the host device 30 to which the "remote operation disable signal" is input, the local control unit 36 may, for example, display a message on the examiner monitor 32 indicating that the operation of the ophthalmic device 10 is impossible.

[0052] In step S14, following the determination in step S12 that there is no designated operation host device 30α, the communication management unit 101 outputs a request standby signal to the host device 30 that output the login signal, and proceeds to the end of the login signal reception process. In the host device 30 to which the "request standby signal" is input, the local control unit 36 may, for example, display a message on the examiner monitor 32 indicating that it is waiting for an input of a request signal from the ophthalmic device 10.

[0053] Hereinafter, the flow of the remote operation setting process in step S20 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The remote operation setting process is repeatedly executed from when the communication management unit 101 is activated until it ends (shuts down).

[0054] In step S21, following the start of the remote operation setting process, the communication management unit 101 determines whether a request signal has been input from the ophthalmic device 10. If the communication management unit 101 determines YES (there is a request signal), it proceeds to step S22, and if it determines NO (there is no request signal), it repeats step S21. In the ophthalmic device 10 that output the request permission signal, the device control unit 19 may, for example, display a message on the subject monitor 15 indicating that it is waiting for a remote operation by the host device 30.

[0055] In step S22, following the determination of the presence of a request signal in step S21 or the cancellation of the designation of the operation host device 30α in step S27, the communication management unit 101 outputs an operation inquiry signal to all of the host devices 30 (the host devices 30 that output the login signal) to which the request standby signal is input, and proceeds to step S23. In the host device 30 to which the operation inquiry signal is input, the main body control unit 36 may display, for example, on the examiner monitor 32, a message indicating that the operation inquiry signal has been input.

[0056] In step S23, following the output of the operation inquiry signal in step S22, it is determined whether an operation permission signal has been input from any of the host devices 30 to which the operation inquiry signal has been input. Then, when the communication management unit 101 determines YES (there is an operation permission signal), it proceeds to step S24, and when it determines NO (there is no operation permission signal), it repeats step S23. The operation permission signal is output when an output instruction of the operation permission signal is input by the operation of the operation unit 31 by the examiner who has recognized that the operation inquiry signal has been input. When the operation permission signals are input from a plurality of host devices 30 simultaneously, the communication management unit 101 accepts the operation permission signal from any one of the host devices 30 based on a predetermined criterion.

[0057] In step S24, following the determination of the presence of an operation permission signal in step S23, the communication management unit 101 designates the operation host device 30α, which is the host device that permits the remote operation of the ophthalmic device 10, and proceeds to step S25. Here, the communication management unit 101 designates the host device 30 (the host device 30 from which the operation permission signal has been received) that has output the operation permission signal as the "operation host device 30α".

[0058] In step S25, following the specification of the operation host device 30α in step S24, the communication management unit 101 sets to allow only the operation information output from the operation host device 30α to be input to the ophthalmic device 10 on the assumption that the eye examination can be executed, and proceeds to step S26. As a result, the operation host device 30α can remotely operate the ophthalmic device 10. Also, the operation information from other host devices 30 other than the operation host device 30α is blocked from being input to the ophthalmic device 10.

[0059] In step S26, following the input setting in step S25, the communication management unit 101 determines whether an operation transfer signal has been input from the operation host device 30α. Then, if the communication management unit 101 determines YES (there is an operation transfer signal), it proceeds to step S27, and if it determines NO (there is no operation transfer signal), it proceeds to step S28.

[0060] In step S27, following the determination of the presence of an operation transfer signal in step S26, the communication management unit 101 cancels the specification of the operation host device 30α and returns to step S22.

[0061] In step S28, following the determination of the absence of an operation transfer signal in step S26, the communication management unit 101 determines whether an inspection end signal has been input from the operation host device 30α. Then, if the communication management unit 101 determines YES (there is an inspection end signal), it proceeds to step S29, and if it determines NO (there is no inspection end signal), it returns to step S26.

[0062] In step S29, following the determination of the presence of an inspection end signal in step S28, the communication management unit 101 cancels the specification of the operation host device 30α and proceeds to the end of the remote operation setting process.

[0063] Next, based on FIG. 6, the flow of the eye examination process in the ophthalmic device 10 by the remote operation of the operation host device 30α in step S30 will be described. Note that since the ophthalmic device 10 is set to the sleep mode until the start of the remote operation, the eye examination process starts from the state where the ophthalmic device 10 is set to the sleep mode.

[0064] In step S31, following the start of the eye examination process, the device control unit 19 determines whether a wake signal has been received from the operation host device 30α. If the device control unit 19 determines YES (wake signal received), it proceeds to step S32. If it determines NO (wake signal not received), it repeats step S31. Here, after outputting a request signal, the ophthalmic device 10 is set to the sleep mode. In the operation host device 30α, when a wake signal is output from the main body control unit 36 due to an operation input to the operation unit 31 by the examiner, the device control unit 19 receives the wake signal.

[0065] In step S32, following the determination of receiving the wake signal in step S31, the device control unit 19 executes inspection mode transition processing and proceeds to step S33. In the inspection mode transition processing, first, the device control unit 19 controls to start the jaw receiving unit 12e, the drive mechanism 13, the measurement head 14, the subject monitor 15, the subject speaker 16, the subject microphone 17, and the subject camera 18 respectively. Next, the device control unit 19 performs mode transition control to transition the ophthalmic device 10 from the sleep mode to the inspection mode. Note that after performing the mode transition control to transition the ophthalmic device 10 from the sleep mode to the inspection mode, the device control unit 19 may perform control to start the jaw receiving unit 12e etc. that are in the operation pause state.

[0066] In step S33, following the inspection mode transition processing in step S32, the determination of evacuation detection in step S37, or the determination of not receiving the sleep signal in step S38, the device control unit 19 determines whether the posture of the subject has been detected. If YES, it proceeds to step S34. If NO, it proceeds to step S38. Here, the detection of the presence of the subject is performed based on the subject photographing information. Specifically, first, the subject photographing information acquired by the subject camera 18 is output from the ophthalmic device 10 to the operation host device 30α. The operation host device 30α displays the subject photographing information on the examiner monitor 32. Next, the examiner operating the operation host device 30α visually confirms the display on the examiner monitor 32 to check the presence or absence of the subject.

[0067] Here, when the subject is present, it includes not only the case where the whole body of the subject is imaged but also the case where a part such as the head of the subject is imaged. The examiner inputs the recognition result of the presence of the subject (presence detection information or non-presence detection information) into the main body control unit 36 by operating the operation unit 31. The main body control unit 36 outputs the presence detection information or the non-presence detection information as operation information to the ophthalmic apparatus 10. In the ophthalmic apparatus 10, when the presence detection information is input, the apparatus control unit 19 determines that the presence is detected (YES), and when the non-presence detection information is input, the apparatus control unit 19 determines that the presence is not detected (NO). Note that the "presence detection information" is information indicating that the examiner has recognized the presence of the subject, so the presence of the subject has been detected (presence detected). The "non-presence detection information" is information indicating that the examiner has not recognized the presence of the subject, so the presence of the subject has not been detected (non-presence detected).

[0068] In step S34, following the determination of the presence detection of the subject in step S33, an examination guidance process for guiding the subject to the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S35. The examination guidance process will be described later using the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0069] In step S35, following the examination guidance process in step S34, an examination execution process for performing an eye examination using the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S36. The examination execution process will be described later using the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0070] In step S36, following the inspection execution process in step S35 or the determination of non-detection of evacuation in step S37, the apparatus control unit 19 executes an inspection end notification process and proceeds to step S37. The inspection end notification process is a process of notifying the subject that the inspection has ended. When proceeding to step S36, this process automatically inputs automatic voice information from the apparatus control unit 19 to the subject speaker 16, and the subject speaker 16 outputs the automatic voice information. Alternatively, end notification display information for notifying the end from the apparatus control unit 19 to the subject monitor 15 may be input, and the end notification display information may be displayed on the subject monitor 15. The automatic voice information and the end notification display information are, for example, voice information or character information such as "Please remove your face from the frame part. All inspections have ended. Thank you for your hard work." Here, when returning to step S36 following the determination of non-detection of evacuation in step S37, the subject will be prompted to evacuate again.

[0071] In step S37, following the inspection end notification process in step S36, the apparatus control unit 19 determines whether or not the subject has evacuated. If YES, it returns to step S33, and if NO, it returns to step S36. Here, the detection of the subject's evacuation is performed based on the subject imaging information. Specifically, first, the subject imaging information acquired by the subject camera 18 is output from the apparatus control unit 19 and output to the main body control unit 36 of the operation host apparatus 30α. The main body control unit 36 of the operation host apparatus 30α causes the subject imaging information to be displayed on the examiner monitor 32 of the operation host apparatus 30α. Next, the examiner operating the operation host apparatus 30α visually checks the display on the examiner monitor 32 to confirm the presence or absence of the subject's evacuation.

[0072] In addition, when the subject has evacuated, it is assumed that the whole body of the subject is not shown, excluding the case where a part of the subject's head or the like is shown. The examiner inputs the recognition result of the subject's evacuation (evacuation detection information or non-evacuation detection information) into the main body control unit 36 by operating the operation unit 31. "Evacuation detection information" is information indicating that the examiner has detected the evacuation of the subject because the examiner did not recognize the presence of the subject but recognized the evacuation of the subject. "Non-evacuation detection information" is information indicating that the examiner has not detected the evacuation of the subject because the examiner recognized the presence of the subject and did not recognize the evacuation of the subject. The main body control unit 36 outputs the evacuation detection information or the non-evacuation detection information as operation information to the apparatus control unit 19. When the evacuation detection information is input, the apparatus control unit 19 determines that evacuation has been detected (YES), and when the non-evacuation detection information is input, the apparatus control unit 19 determines that evacuation has not been detected (NO).

[0073] In step S38, following the determination of non-detection of the presence of the subject in step S33, the apparatus control unit 19 determines whether or not it has received a sleep signal from the operation host device 30α. If the apparatus control unit 19 determines YES (sleep signal received), it proceeds to step S39, and if NO (sleep signal not received), it returns to step S33. Here, when the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is in the inspection mode, when a sleep signal is output from the main body control unit 36 of the operation host device 30α, the apparatus control unit 19 determines that it has received the sleep signal.

[0074] In step S39, following the reception of the sleep signal in step S38, the apparatus control unit 19 executes the sleep mode transition process and proceeds to the end of the eye examination process. The sleep mode transition process first involves the apparatus control unit 19 performing control to pause the operations of the jaw receiving unit 12e, the drive mechanism 13, the measurement head 14, the subject monitor 15, the subject speaker 16, the subject microphone 17, and the subject camera 18 respectively. Next, the apparatus control unit 19 performs mode transition control to transition the ophthalmic apparatus 10 from the inspection mode to the sleep mode. Then, after it is confirmed that the ophthalmic apparatus 10 has transitioned to the sleep mode, the operation host apparatus 30α outputs an inspection end signal. Note that the confirmation of the transition to the sleep mode is performed by the examiner operating the operation host apparatus 30α by checking the mode information of the ophthalmic apparatus 10.

[0075] Hereinafter, the flow of the inspection guidance process in step S34 will be described based on FIG. 7.

[0076] In step S341, following the start of the inspection guidance process, a display for seating the subject is displayed on the subject monitor 15, and the process proceeds to step S342.

[0077] In step S342, following the display in step S341, a display explaining the set position of the subject's face is displayed on the subject monitor 15, and the process proceeds to step S343.

[0078] In step S343, following the display in step S342, a display indicating the position of the subject microphone 17 is displayed on the subject monitor 15, and the process proceeds to step S344.

[0079] In step S344, following the display in step S343, a display of precautions during the inspection of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is displayed on the subject monitor 15, and the process proceeds to step S345.

[0080] In step S345, following the display in step S344, a display indicating the start of the inspection of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is displayed on the subject monitor 15, and the inspection guidance process ends.

[0081] Next, the flow of the inspection execution process in step S35 will be described based on FIG. 8.

[0082] In step S351, following the start of the inspection execution process, the apparatus control unit 19 executes an inspection explanation and proceeds to step S352. The execution of the inspection explanation includes an explanation of the upcoming inspection and an explanation that the subject can communicate with the examiner by speaking toward the subject microphone 17 when the subject has questions or the like. When proceeding to step S351, the execution of the inspection explanation automatically causes the subject speaker 16 to output the automatic voice information from the apparatus control unit 19. The voice information of the inspection explanation is, for example, "An eye refractive power inspection will be performed next. If you have questions or the like, you can communicate by speaking toward the microphone."

[0083] In step S352, following the execution of the inspection explanation in step S351, the on-control of the interactive function is performed and the process proceeds to step S353. Here, the "interactive function" is a function that enables interaction between the subject on whom the eye inspection is being performed by the ophthalmic apparatus 10 and the examiner who is operating each of all the host apparatuses 30 that have output the login signal including the operation host apparatus 30α.

[0084] That is, in the on-control of the interactive function, the communication management unit 101 enables the subject voice information acquired by the subject microphone 17 and output from the ophthalmic apparatus 10 to be input to all the host apparatuses 30 that have output the login signal. In each host apparatus 30, when the subject voice information is input, the subject voice information is output from the examiner speaker 33. Further, the communication management unit 101 enables the examiner voice information acquired by the examiner microphone 34 in all the host apparatuses 30 that have output the login signal to be input to the ophthalmic apparatus 10. In the ophthalmic apparatus 10, when the examiner voice information is input, the examiner voice information is output from the subject speaker 16.

[0085] In addition, in the on-control of the interactive function in the first embodiment, interaction between examiners who control the host device 30 that has output the login signal is enabled. That is, the communication management unit 101 enables the examiner voice information output from the host device 30 to be input to other host devices 30 that have output the login signal. In each host device 30, when the examiner voice information is input, the examiner voice information is output from the examiner speaker 33.

[0086] In step S353, following the on-control of the interactive function in step S352, on-control of the browsing function is performed, and the process proceeds to step S354. Here, the "browsing function" is a function that enables the inspection result information acquired by the ophthalmic device 10 to be browsed on all host devices 30 that have output the login signal including the operation host device 30α.

[0087] That is, in the on-control of the browsing function, the communication management unit 101 enables the inspection result information output from the ophthalmic device 10 to be input to all host devices 30 that have output the login signal. Each host device 30 displays it on the examiner monitor 32 when the inspection result information is input.

[0088] In step S354, following the on-operation of the browsing function in step S353, on-control of the video display function is performed, and the process proceeds to step S355. Here, the "video display function" is a function that enables the subject shooting information to be visually recognized by the examiner and enables the subject shooting information to be visually recognized by the subject.

[0089] That is, in the on-control of the video display function, the communication management unit 101 enables the subject shooting information acquired by the subject camera 18 to be input to all host devices 30 that have output the login signal. In each host device 30, it is displayed on the examiner monitor 32 when the subject shooting information is input. In addition, the communication management unit 101 enables the examiner shooting information acquired by the examiner camera 35 in all host devices 30 that have output the login signal to be input to the ophthalmic device 10. In the ophthalmic device 10, it is displayed on the subject monitor 15 when the examiner shooting information is input.

[0090] In step S355, following the on-control of the video display function in step S354, the eye examination is actually performed and the process proceeds to step S356. The execution of the ophthalmic examination is carried out by the operation information output from the operation host device 30α being input to the ophthalmic device 10. That is, in the ophthalmic device 10, the drive mechanism 13 is driven and controlled based on the operation information, and the adjustment of the jaw receiving part 12e in the Y direction and the rough XYZ direction alignment of the optical system 14A with respect to the eye to be examined are performed. In addition, in the ophthalmic device 10, examination execution control necessary for the eye examination is performed based on the operation information.

[0091] In step S356, following the execution of the eye examination in step S355 or the determination of non-completion of the eye examination in step S359, the communication management unit 101 determines whether an interactive switching signal has been input. Then, if the communication management unit 101 determines YES (there is an interactive signal), the process proceeds to step S357, and if it determines NO (there is no interactive signal), the process proceeds to step S359. Here, when an interactive switching signal is output from the main control unit 36 by the operation of the operation unit 31 by the examiner, the interactive switching signal is input to the communication management unit 101. Note that the interactive switching signal can be input from all host devices 30 that have output a login signal.

[0092] In step S357, following the determination of the presence of an interactive switching signal input in step S356 or the presence of a re-input of the interactive switching signal in step S358, interactive switching control is performed and the process proceeds to step S358. Here, in the "interactive switching control", when interaction between the subject and the examiner is possible, the interaction between the subject and the examiner is blocked, and interaction is enabled only among the examiners who control the host device 30 that has output the login signal. Also, when interaction is possible only among the examiners who control the host device 30 that has output the login signal, the interaction between the subjects is blocked, and interaction between the subject and the examiner is enabled.

[0093] That is, in the interactive switching control, when interaction between the subject and the examiner is possible, the communication management unit 101 prevents the examiner voice information output from each host device 30 that has output the login signal from being input to the ophthalmic device 10. As a result, interaction between the subject and the examiner becomes impossible. Here, the examiner voice information output from the host device 30 can be input to the main control unit 36 of other host devices 30 in step S352. For this reason, in each host device 30, when the examiner voice information is input, by outputting the examiner voice information from the examiner speaker 33, interaction is possible only among the examiners. At this time, the subject voice information may be inputtable to each host device 30, or the input to each host device 30 may be restricted.

[0094] Also, when interaction is possible only among the examiners, the communication management unit 101 enables the examiner voice information output from each host device 30 that has output the login signal to be input to the ophthalmic device 10. Then, in the ophthalmic device 10, when the examiner voice information is input, the examiner voice information is output from the subject speaker 16. As a result, the state where interaction between the subject and the examiner is possible is restored. Note that the state where the examiner voice information can be input to other host devices 30 is maintained regardless of whether the examiner voice information can be input to the ophthalmic device 10. Also, when the input of the subject voice information to the host device 30 is restricted, the communication management unit 101 enables the input of the subject voice information to the host device 30.

[0095] In step S358, following the interactive switching control in step S357, the communication management unit 101 determines whether an interactive switching signal has been re-input. Then, if the communication management unit 101 determines YES (there is re-input of the interactive signal), it returns to step S357, and if it determines NO (there is no re-input of the interactive switching signal), it proceeds to step S359. Here, when the interactive switching signal is output again from the main control unit 36 due to an operation on the operation unit 31 by the examiner, the interactive switching signal is re-input to the communication management unit 101. Note that the interactive switching signal can be re-input from all host devices 30 that output the login signal.

[0096] In step S359, following the determination of no input of the interactive switching signal in step S356 or the determination of no re-input of the interactive switching signal in step S358, the main control unit 36 of the operation host device 30α determines whether the ophthalmic examination has actually ended. If YES, it proceeds to step S360, and if NO, it returns to step S356. The end of the ophthalmic examination occurs when all of the preset examination items have ended. Therefore, the main control unit 36 determines whether all of the preset examination items have ended based on the operation information and the examination result information.

[0097] In step S360, following the determination of the end of the inspection in step S359, at least the off-control of the interactive function is performed, and the process proceeds to the end of the inspection execution process. That is, in the off-control of the interactive function, the communication management unit 101 prevents the subject voice information output from the ophthalmic device 10 from being input to all the host devices 30 that output the login signal. Also, the communication management unit 101 prevents the examiner voice information output from each host device 30 from being input to the ophthalmic device 10. Further, the communication management unit 101 prevents the examiner voice information output from the host device 30 from being input to other host devices 30. Furthermore, at this time, the communication management unit 101 may prevent the inspection result information from being viewable on each host device 30. Also, the communication management unit 101 may prevent the subject imaging information from being input to each host device 30. Furthermore, the communication management unit 101 may prevent the examiner imaging information from being input to the ophthalmic device 10.

[0098] The operation of the ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1 is described as follows.

[0099] The ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1 includes an ophthalmic device 10 and a plurality of host devices 30 capable of mutual communication. The ophthalmic device 10 has a subject microphone 17 for acquiring voice and a subject speaker 16 for outputting voice. Each host device 30 has an examiner microphone 34 for acquiring voice, an examiner speaker 33 for outputting voice, and an examiner monitor 32 visible to the examiner.

[0100] Then, in the ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1, when performing an eye examination, the on-control of the interactive function is performed (step S352). That is, the communication management unit 101 enables the input of subject voice information to all the host devices 30 that output the login signal. And in each host device 30, when the subject voice information is input, it is output from the examiner speaker 33. Also, the communication management unit 101 enables the input of the examiner voice information acquired in all the host devices 30 that output the login signal to the ophthalmic device 10. And in the ophthalmic device 10, when the examiner voice information is input, it is output from the subject speaker 16.

[0101] Also, in the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment, when performing an eye examination, the browsing function is turned on for control (step S353). That is, the communication management unit 101 enables the inspection result information to be inputtable to all the host devices 30 that have output the login signal. Then, each host device 30 displays it on the examiner monitor 32 when the inspection result information is input (see FIG. 9).

[0102] In other words, in the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment, each host device 30 that has output the login signal causes the inspection result (inspection result information) of the eye examination to be displayed on the examiner monitor 32 and causes the voice acquired by the subject microphone 17 to be output from the examiner speaker 33. The ophthalmic device 10 causes the voice acquired by the examiner microphone 34 to be output from the subject speaker 16.

[0103] As a result, the examiner who operates each host device 30 that has output the login signal can confirm the result of the eye examination by visually recognizing the examiner monitor 32 respectively. Also, each examiner and the subject can interact with each other via the subject microphone 17, the examiner speaker 33, the examiner microphone 34, and the subject speaker 16. As a result, the inspection result information can be shared by a plurality of host devices 30. Also, a plurality of examiners can confirm the result of the eye examination and the state of the subject, and the subject can ask questions to the plurality of examiners. Therefore, even when the login signal is not output from any of the host devices 30 for some reason such as the absence of an examiner, the examiner who operates another host device 30 can confirm the result of the eye examination and the like, and a smooth eye examination can be performed. Therefore, the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment can perform an eye examination using the ophthalmic device 10 under the supervision of at least one or more examiners.

[0104] In the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment, multiple host devices 30 can communicate with each other. In the on-control of the interactive function of the first embodiment, interaction between the examiners who control the host device 30 that outputs the login signal is enabled (step S352). That is, the communication management unit 101 enables the examiner voice signal acquired by the host device 30 to be input to another host device 30. And each host device 30 outputs from the examiner speaker 33 when examiner voice information is input. That is, each host device 30 causes the voice acquired by the examiner microphone 34 to be output from the examiner speaker 33 of another host device 30, and causes the voice acquired by the examiner microphone 34 of another host device 30 to be output from the examiner speaker 33.

[0105] As a result, the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment can mutually interact between a plurality of examiners who operate the host device 30 that outputs the login signal via the examiner microphone 34 and the examiner speaker 33. And opinion exchange and information sharing about the results of the eye examination and the like can be performed among a plurality of examiners.

[0106] Furthermore, in the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment, when an interactive switching signal is input when interaction between the subject and the examiner is possible, the communication management unit 101 causes the ophthalmic device 10 not to receive the examiner voice information acquired by each host device 30 that outputs the login signal (step S357).

[0107] That is, in the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment, the subject speaker 16 can regulate the output of the voice acquired by the examiner microphone 34 when the voice acquired by the examiner microphone 34 is output from the examiner speaker 33. As a result, the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment can prevent the subject from hearing the conversation content between the examiners when a plurality of examiners interact with each other, and can suppress the leakage and disclosure of unnecessary information.

[0108] In the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment, a plurality of host devices 30 each have an examiner camera 35 capable of photographing an examiner, and the ophthalmic device 10 has a subject monitor 15 visible to the subject and a subject camera 18 capable of photographing the subject. When performing an eye examination, on-control of the video display function is performed (step S354). That is, the communication management unit 101 enables the main control unit 36 of all the host devices 30 that have output a login signal to input subject photographing information. Then, each main control unit 36 causes the information to be displayed on the examiner monitor 32 when the subject photographing information is input (see FIG. 9). Further, the communication management unit 101 enables the device control unit 19 of the ophthalmic device 10 to input examiner photographing information. Then, the device control unit 19 causes the information to be displayed on the subject monitor 15 when the examiner photographing information is input (see FIG. 10).

[0109] In other words, in the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment, each host device 30 that has output a login signal causes the subject photographing information to be displayed on the examiner monitor 32, and the ophthalmic device 10 causes the examiner photographing information to be displayed on the subject monitor 15.

[0110] As a result, an examiner who operates each host device 30 that has output a login signal can visually confirm the state of the subject by looking at the examiner monitor 32. Further, the subject can visually confirm the examiner with whom the subject is communicating by looking at the subject monitor 15. Therefore, in the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment, each examiner and the subject can communicate while seeing each other's faces.

[0111] Note that FIG. 9 shows an example of a display screen of the examiner monitor 32 of all the host devices 30 that have output a login signal, including the operation host device 30α during the eye examination. FIG. 10 shows an example of a display screen of the subject monitor 15 during the eye examination.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 9, on the examiner monitor 32, inspection result information A indicating the results of the eye examination and the like, a plurality of examiner imaging information B including the face image of the examiner operating the host device 30, and subject imaging information C including the face image of the subject are displayed. Note that the examiner imaging information B' output from the operation host device 30α may be displayed in a state surrounded by, for example, a frame display W. Thereby, the host device 30 can easily cause the examiner to identify the examiner imaging information B' output from the operation host device 30α. Also, the subject imaging information C may be displayed in a state surrounded by, for example, a frame display W. Thereby, the host device 30 can easily cause the examiner to identify the subject imaging information C.

[0113] Note that the information displayed in a state surrounded by the frame display W is not limited to the examiner imaging information B' output from the operation host device 30α. For example, the image of the examiner during speech, that is, the examiner imaging information B in the host device 30 that has output the examiner voice information from the examiner speaker 33 may be displayed in a state surrounded by the frame display W.

[0114] Then, in all host devices 30 that have output a login signal, as shown in FIG. 9, the inspection result information A is displayed on the examiner monitor 32. Thereby, the examiner operating each host device 30 can view the results of the eye examination and grasp the inspection results. Then, the inspection results can be shared among the plurality of host devices 30, and opinion exchange and information sharing among the examiners can be easily performed.

[0115] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of examiner imaging information B including the face image of the examiner operating the host device 30 is displayed on the subject monitor 15. Here, the area where the examiner imaging information B' output from the operation host device 30α is displayed may be set to be the largest. Thereby, the ophthalmic device 10 can make the subject easily identify the examiner imaging information B' output from the operation host device 30α. Note that the information for which the display area is set to be the largest is not limited to the examiner imaging information B' output from the operation host device 30α. For example, the area where the image of the examiner during speech, that is, the examiner imaging information B in the host device 30 that outputs the examiner voice information output from the subject speaker 16 is displayed may be set to be the largest.

[0116] Also, when the output of the examiner voice information from the subject speaker 16 is restricted, the communication management unit 101 may restrict the input of the examiner imaging information to the ophthalmic device 10. In this case, since the ophthalmic device 10 cannot display the examiner imaging information on the subject monitor 15, the examiners can communicate with each other only without being recognized by the subject.

[0117] Then, in the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment, in the remote operation setting process, when a request signal is input from the ophthalmic device 10 and an operation permission signal is input from the host device 30 that has output a login signal, the communication management unit 101 designates the operation host device 30α that remotely operates the ophthalmic device 10 (steps S21 to S24). Then, the communication management unit 101 sets so that only the operation information output from the operation host device 30α can be input to the ophthalmic device 10 (step S25).

[0118] That is, in the ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment, the ophthalmic device 10 is remotely operated by the operation information output from any one of the plurality of host devices 30 (operation host device 30α), and during the remote operation, the input of the operation information output from the other host devices 30 is blocked.

[0119] As a result, the ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1 can restrict the operation information input to the ophthalmic apparatus 10 from being output from a plurality of host apparatuses 30, and can appropriately execute the remote operation of the ophthalmic apparatus 10.

[0120] (Example 2) As shown in FIG. 11, the ophthalmic system 1A of Example 2 includes a plurality (here, six) of ophthalmic apparatuses 10, a plurality (here, three) of host apparatuses 30, a communication network 100, and a communication management unit 101A. Note that in the ophthalmic system 1A of Example 2, the number of ophthalmic apparatuses 10 is greater than the number of host apparatuses 30.

[0121] The ophthalmic apparatus 10 of Example 2 is remotely operated by a control signal transmitted from any one of the host apparatuses 30, as in Example 1. Further, the results of the eye examination by the ophthalmic apparatus 10 are displayed so as to be viewable on all of the plurality of host apparatuses 30, as in Example 1.

[0122] Then, the communication management unit 101A of Example 2 enables remote operation by any one of the plurality of host apparatuses 30 in the order of output of request signals output from the plurality of ophthalmic apparatuses 10.

[0123] That is, based on FIG. 12, the flow of the login signal reception process in the ophthalmic system 1A of Example 2 will be described.

[0124] In step S11, following the start of the login signal reception process, the communication management unit 101 determines whether a login signal has been input from the host apparatus 30. If the communication management unit 101 determines YES (there is a login signal), it proceeds to step S14, and if it determines NO (there is no login signal), it repeats step S11.

[0125] In step S14, following the determination in step S11 that there is an output of a login signal, the communication management unit 101 outputs a request waiting signal to the host device 30 that output the login signal, and proceeds to the end of the login signal reception process. In the host device 30 to which the "request waiting signal" is input, the main body control unit 36 may display, for example, on the examiner monitor 32, a message indicating that it is waiting for an input of a request signal from the ophthalmic device 10.

[0126] Hereinafter, based on FIG. 13, the flow of the remote operation setting process of the second embodiment will be described. Note that since the flow of each process of the eye examination process, the examination guidance process, and the examination execution process of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] In step S21, following the start of the remote operation setting process or the determination in step S21B that there is no availability of the operation host device 30α, the communication management unit 101 determines whether a request signal has been input from the ophthalmic device 10. If the communication management unit 101 determines YES (there is a request signal), it proceeds to step S21A, and if it determines NO (there is no request signal), it repeats step S21.

[0128] In step S21A, following the determination in step S21 that there is a request signal, the communication management unit 101 registers the information of the ophthalmic device 10 that output the request signal in a waiting list stored in a memory (not shown), updates the waiting list, and proceeds to step S21B. As a result, the information of the ophthalmic device 10 that output the request information is sequentially registered in the waiting list. In the ophthalmic device 10 registered in the waiting list, the device control unit 19 may display, for example, on the subject monitor 15, a message indicating that it is waiting for a remote operation by the host device 30.

[0129] In step S21B, following the registration in the wait list in step S21A, the communication management unit 101 determines whether there is an available operation host device 30α. If the communication management unit 101 determines YES (there is an available device), it proceeds to step S21C; if it determines NO (there is no available device), it returns to step S21. Here, when all of the host devices 30 (the host devices 30 that output the login signals) for which the request wait signals are input are designated as the operation host device 30α, it is determined that there is no available operation host device 30α. Also, when at least one of the host devices 30 (the host devices 30 that output the login signals) for which the request wait signals are input is not designated as the operation host device 30α, it is determined that there is an available operation host device 30α.

[0130] In step S21C, following the determination of the availability of the operation host device 30α in step S21B, the communication management unit 101 reads the wait list from a memory (not shown), deletes the information of the ophthalmic device 10 that was registered in the wait list earliest, and proceeds to step S22. Note that when the information of the ophthalmic device 10 is deleted, the registration order of the information of the ophthalmic devices 10 registered in the wait list is advanced.

[0131] In step S22, following the deletion of the wait list in step S21C or following the cancellation of the designation of the operation host device 30α in step S27, the communication management unit 101 outputs an operation inquiry signal to the host devices 30 (the host devices 30 that output the login signals) for which the request wait signals are input and that are not designated as the operation host device 30α, and proceeds to step S23. Note that in the host device 30 to which the operation inquiry signal is input, the main body control unit 36 may display, for example, a message indicating that the operation inquiry signal has been input on the examiner monitor 32.

[0132] The processing from step S23 to step S29 is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed descriptions of each step are omitted.

[0133] In step S25, only the operation information output from the operation host device 30α can be input to the ophthalmic device 10 (the ophthalmic device 10 registered in the standby list earliest) whose information was deleted in step S21C. Thereby, the operation host device 30α can remotely operate the ophthalmic device 10 registered in the standby list earliest. Also, input of operation information from host devices 30 other than the operation host device 30α to the ophthalmic device 10 registered in the standby list earliest is blocked.

[0134] As described above, in the ophthalmic system 1A of the second embodiment, the communication management unit 101 has a standby list. When a request signal is input to the communication management unit 101 from the ophthalmic device 10, information on the ophthalmic device 10 that output the request signal is sequentially registered in the standby list (step S21A). Then, it is determined whether there is an available operation host device 30α (step S21B).

[0135] Here, when it is determined that there is an available operation host device 30α, information on the ophthalmic device 10 registered earliest in the standby list is deleted (step S21C). Thereafter, the operation host device 30α is designated from among the host devices 30 that output the login signal (step S24). Then, only the operation information output from the operation host device 30α can be input to the ophthalmic device 10 whose information was deleted in step S21C (step S25).

[0136] Here, the "ophthalmic device 10 whose information was deleted in step S21C" is the ophthalmic device 10 registered earliest in the standby list. Therefore, in the ophthalmic system 1A of the second embodiment, remote operation by the host device 30 can be enabled in order from the ophthalmic device 10 that output the request signal earlier. Also, the designation of the operation host device 30α is released at the timing when the eye examination ends.

[0137] As a result, the communication management unit 101A can enable the host device 30 to remotely operate the ophthalmic devices 10 in order starting from the ophthalmic device 10 that quickly outputs a request signal upon completion of the eye examination. Then, it becomes possible to suppress the occurrence of waiting time for the eye examination and increase the inspection processing speed.

[0138] Also, in the ophthalmic system 1A of the second embodiment, a plurality of ophthalmic devices 10 and a plurality of host devices 30 can communicate with each other via the communication management unit 101A. And the communication management unit 101A can remotely operate any one of the plurality of ophthalmic devices 10 based on the operation information output from any one of the plurality of host devices 30. Further, the communication management unit 101A enables the plurality of host devices 30 to view the results of the eye examinations performed by the plurality of ophthalmic devices 10.

[0139] Thereby, the ophthalmic system 1A of the second embodiment can centrally manage the communication states between the plurality of ophthalmic devices 10 and the plurality of host devices 30 by the communication management unit 101A.

[0140] Also, in the ophthalmic system 1A of the second embodiment, in the on-control of the interactive function in the inspection execution process, only the interaction between the subject on whom the eye examination is being performed by the ophthalmic device 10 and the examiner operating the operation host device 30α that remotely operates the ophthalmic device 10 is enabled. That is, in the on-control of the interactive function of the ophthalmic system 1A of the second embodiment, the communication management unit 101 can input the subject voice information acquired by the subject microphone 17 only to the operation host device 30α that remotely operates the ophthalmic device 10. Also, the communication management unit 101 can input the examiner voice information acquired by the examiner microphone 34 of the operation host device 30α only to the ophthalmic device 10 that is remotely operated by the operation host device 30α.

[0141] Thereby, the voice from the host device 30 that remotely operates another ophthalmic device 10 is not heard by the subject, and leakage and disclosure of unnecessary information can be suppressed.

[0142] As described above, the ophthalmic system of the present invention has been explained based on Example 1 and Example 2. However, regarding the specific configuration, it is not limited to Example 1, and design changes, additions, etc. are allowed as long as the gist of the invention according to each claim is not deviated from.

[0143] In the ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1, an example was shown in which all examiners who operate the host device 30 that outputs a login signal can interact with the subject. However, for example, the examiner who can interact with the subject may be only the examiner who operates the operation host device 30α. That is, also in Example 1, the subject voice information acquired by the subject microphone 17 can be input only to the operation host device 30α that remotely operates the ophthalmic device 10, and the examiner voice information acquired by the examiner microphone 34 of the operation host device 30α can be input only to the ophthalmic device 10 that is remotely operated by the operation host device 30α.

[0144] Also, in Example 1 and Example 2, an example was shown in which examiners who operate a plurality of host devices 30 can interact with each other. However, it is not necessarily required that the examiners can interact with each other. The examiners who operate a plurality of host devices 30 may, for example, exchange opinions using chat, email, telephone, etc.

[0145] Also, in Example 1 and Example 2, an example was shown in which the ophthalmic device 10 is controlled by remote operation by any one of a plurality of host devices 30. However, the control of the ophthalmic device 10 does not necessarily have to be by remote operation by the host device 30. For example, an operator or a subject of the ophthalmic device 10 may operate the ophthalmic device 10. Even in this case, by making the results of the eye examination viewable by a plurality of host devices 30 and enabling interaction between the examiner and the subject, appropriate instructions can be given from the examiner who operates the host device 30, or appropriate diagnoses can be made on the examination results. That is, in the ophthalmic system of the present invention, regardless of whether the ophthalmic device 10 is controlled by remote operation, it is possible to perform an eye examination under the supervision of at least one examiner.

[0146] In Example 1, an example was shown in which the examiner imaging information captured by the examiner camera 35 was displayed on the subject monitor 15, and the subject imaging information captured by the subject camera 18 was displayed on the examiner monitor 32. However, the information displayed on each monitor does not necessarily have to be imaging information. For example, an illustration image or a still image that can identify the examiner or the subject may be displayed on the subject monitor 15 or the examiner monitor 32.

[0147] In Example 1, an example was also shown in which all of the examiner imaging information output from the host device 30 that output the login signal was displayed on the subject monitor 15 of the ophthalmic device 10 (see FIG. 10). However, on the subject monitor 15, it is sufficient that the examiner imaging information output from at least one of the plurality of host devices 30 is displayed. That is, for example, only the examiner imaging information captured by the examiner camera 35 of the operation host device 30α may be displayed on the subject monitor 15.

[0148] In Example 2, an example was shown in which six ophthalmic devices 10 and three host devices 30 were connected so as to be mutually communicable, and the number of ophthalmic devices 10 was more than that of the host devices 30. However, when connecting a plurality of ophthalmic devices 10 and a plurality of host devices 30 so as to be mutually communicable, the number of host devices 30 may be large.

[0149] Also, the communication management unit 101A does not necessarily have to exist. For example, one of the plurality of host devices 30 may manage the communication state between the plurality of host devices 30 and the ophthalmic device 10. That is, for example, the examination result information output from the ophthalmic device 10 may be once input to the operation host device 30α and then output from the operation host device 30α to other host devices 30. Even in this case, an examiner who operates a host device 30 other than the operation host device 30α can view the result of the eye examination.

[0150] Regarding the descriptions of the above Examples 1 and 2, the following is further disclosed. (1) An ophthalmic device that is used for eye examinations and has a subject microphone for acquiring sound and a subject speaker for outputting sound. A plurality of host devices that are operated by an examiner, have an examiner microphone for acquiring sound, an examiner speaker for outputting sound, and an examiner monitor visible to the examiner. The ophthalmic device and the plurality of host devices are capable of communicating with each other. Each of the host devices causes the result of the eye examination to be displayed on the examiner monitor and causes the sound acquired by the subject microphone to be output from the examiner speaker. The ophthalmic device causes the sound acquired by the examiner microphone to be output from the subject speaker. An ophthalmic system characterized by the above. (2) In the ophthalmic system described in (1) above, Each of the host devices is capable of communicating with other host devices, causes the sound acquired by the examiner microphone to be output from the examiner speaker of the other host device, and causes the sound acquired by the examiner microphone of the other host device to be output from the examiner speaker. An ophthalmic system characterized by the above. (3) In the ophthalmic system described in (2) above, The subject speaker can regulate the output of the sound acquired by the examiner microphone when the sound acquired by the examiner microphone is output from the examiner speaker of the other host device. An ophthalmic system characterized by the above. (4) In the ophthalmic system according to any one of (1) to (3) above, Each of the host devices has an examiner camera capable of photographing the examiner. The ophthalmic device has a subject monitor visible to the subject and a subject camera capable of photographing the subject. Each of the host devices causes the imaging information photographed by the subject camera to be displayed on the examiner monitor. The ophthalmic device causes the subject monitor to display imaging information captured by at least one of the plurality of host devices using the subject camera. An ophthalmic system characterized by this. (5) In the ophthalmic system according to any one of (1) to (4) above, The ophthalmic device is remotely operated by operation information output from any one of the plurality of host devices, and during remote operation, input of operation information output from other host devices is blocked. An ophthalmic system characterized by this. (6) In the ophthalmic system according to any one of (1) to (5) above, The plurality of host devices and the plurality of ophthalmic devices can communicate with each other via a communication management unit, The communication management unit can remotely operate any one of the plurality of ophthalmic devices by operation information output from any one of the plurality of host devices, and enables viewing of the results of eye examinations performed by the plurality of ophthalmic devices on the plurality of host devices. An ophthalmic system characterized by this. (7) In the ophthalmic device according to (6) above, The communication management unit can remotely operate the ophthalmic device by any one of the plurality of host devices in the order of output of request signals from the plurality of ophthalmic devices. An ophthalmic system characterized by this.

Explanation of Signs

[0151] 1 Ophthalmic system 10 Ophthalmic device 15 Subject monitor 16 Subject speaker 17 Subject microphone 18 Subject camera 19 Device control unit 30 Host device 32 Examiner monitor 33 Examiner speaker 34 Examiner microphone 35 Examiner camera 36-channel control unit 100 Communication network 101 Communication management unit

Claims

1. An ophthalmic apparatus having a subject microphone that is used for an eye examination and acquires sound, and a subject speaker that outputs sound, and a plurality of host devices that are operated by an examiner, have an examiner microphone that acquires sound, an examiner speaker that outputs sound, and an examiner monitor visible to the examiner, and are provided with the ophthalmic apparatus and the plurality of host devices are capable of communicating with each other, each of the host devices causes the result of the eye examination to be displayed on the examiner monitor, and causes the sound acquired by the subject microphone to be output from the examiner speaker, the ophthalmic apparatus causes the sound acquired by the examiner microphone to be output from the subject speaker An ophthalmic system characterized by the above.

2. In the ophthalmic system according to Claim 1, each of the host devices is capable of communicating with each other host device, causes the sound acquired by the examiner microphone to be output from the examiner speaker of the other host device, and causes the sound acquired by the examiner microphone of the other host device to be output from the examiner speaker. An ophthalmic system characterized by the above.

3. In the ophthalmic system according to Claim 2, the subject speaker can regulate the output of the sound acquired by the examiner microphone when the sound acquired by the examiner microphone is output from the examiner speaker of the other host device. An ophthalmic system characterized by the above.

4. In the ophthalmic system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, each of the host devices has an examiner camera capable of photographing the examiner, the ophthalmic apparatus has a subject monitor visible to the subject and a subject camera capable of photographing the subject, each of the host devices causes the photographed information photographed by the subject camera to be displayed on the examiner monitor, the ophthalmic apparatus causes the photographed information photographed by at least one of the examiner cameras of the plurality of host devices to be displayed on the subject monitor. An ophthalmic system characterized by the above.

5. In the ophthalmic system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, the ophthalmic apparatus is remotely operated by operation information output from any one of the plurality of host devices, and during remote operation, input of operation information output from other host devices is blocked. An ophthalmic system characterized by the above.

6. In the ophthalmic system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, The plurality of host devices and the plurality of ophthalmic devices can communicate with each other via a communication management unit. The communication management unit can remotely operate any one of the plurality of ophthalmic devices based on operation information output from any one of the plurality of host devices, and enables the plurality of host devices to view the results of eye examinations performed by the plurality of ophthalmic devices. An ophthalmic system characterized by the above.

7. In the ophthalmic system according to Claim 6, the communication management unit enables any one of the plurality of host devices to remotely operate the ophthalmic device in the order of output of request signals from the plurality of ophthalmic devices. An ophthalmic system characterized by the above.

Images