Ophthalmological device and ophthalmological program

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmological device and an ophthalmological program that can improve operability when an optometric unit is finely moved and coarsely moved.SOLUTION: An ophthalmological device comprises: an optometric unit for examining a subject's eye; a drive part for moving a relative position of the optometric unit with respect to the subject's eye; an operation part to be operated by an examiner, and having a first operation part for finely moving the optometric unit at a first movement speed, and a second operation part for coarsely moving the optometric unit at a second movement speed; an operation detection unit for detecting operation of the operation part; and a control part. When operation of the second operation part is detected by the operation detection unit, the control part coarsely moves the position of the optometric unit by controlling the drive part so as to increase the second movement speed of the optometric unit in accordance with an operation amount of the second operation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic apparatus for examining an eye to be examined, and an ophthalmic program used in the ophthalmic apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Various ophthalmic devices for examining a subject's eye (e.g., an eye refractive power measuring device, a corneal curvature measuring device, an intraocular pressure measuring device, a fundus camera, an OCT device, a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO), etc.) are known. Examination of the subject's eye using many ophthalmic devices is performed with the relative position between the subject's eye and an ophthalmological examination unit adjusted to an appropriate position.

[0003] Ophthalmic devices capable of performing fine and coarse movements of at least a portion of the device are also known in order to efficiently adjust the relative position between the subject's eye and the optometry unit. Fine movements are movements of at least a portion of the device that are small (or slow) in order to finely adjust the relative position. Coarse movements are movements of at least a portion of the device that are larger (or faster) than the fine movements in order to roughly adjust the relative position.

[0004] For example, the ophthalmologic apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes an operation unit for fine movement and an operation unit for coarse movement, and each operation unit can independently perform fine movement and coarse movement of the optometry unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-195919 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when an examiner inputs instructions for fine and coarse movements, the operability of the operation unit for fine movement and the operation unit for coarse movement is not sufficient, and therefore, for example, an improvement in the relationship between the operation amount and the movement speed of the operation unit has been desired.

[0007] A typical object of the present disclosure is to provide an ophthalmologic apparatus and an operation unit that can improve operability when finely and coarsely moving an optometry unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An ophthalmologic apparatus provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure includes an optometry unit for examining an eye to be examined, a drive unit for moving the relative position of the optometry unit with respect to the eye to be examined, an operation unit operated by an examiner, the operation unit having a first operation unit for finely moving the optometry unit at a first movement speed and a second operation unit for coarsely moving the optometry unit at a second movement speed, an operation detection unit for detecting operation of the operation unit, and a control unit, wherein when operation of the second operation unit is detected by the operation detection unit, the control unit controls the drive unit to increase the second movement speed of the optometry unit in accordance with the amount of operation of the second operation unit, thereby coarsely moving the position of the optometry unit.

[0009] An ophthalmic program provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is an ophthalmic program for use in an ophthalmic apparatus including: an ophthalmic examination unit for examining an eye to be examined; a drive unit for moving the relative position of the ophthalmic examination unit with respect to the eye to be examined; an operation unit operated by an examiner, the operation unit having a first operation unit for finely moving the ophthalmic examination unit at a first movement speed and a second operation unit for coarsely moving the ophthalmic examination unit at a second movement speed; an operation detection unit for detecting operation of the operation unit; and a control unit, wherein the ophthalmic program is executed by the control unit to cause the ophthalmic apparatus to perform a detection step of detecting operation of the second operation unit by the operation detection unit, and a coarse movement step of controlling the drive unit to increase the second movement speed of the ophthalmic examination unit in accordance with the amount of operation of the second operation unit based on the detection result of the detection step, and coarsely moving the position of the ophthalmic examination unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the appearance of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing an optical system and a control system of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the operation unit 60 as seen from the rear right. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the first operating unit 61 is tilted in the +X direction within a tilt range R1 from the state shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the first operating unit 61 is tilted in the +X direction within a tilt range R2 from the state shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the tilt angle of the first operation part 61 and the moving speed of the optometry unit 2. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the sliding distance of the second operation section 70 and the moving speed of the optometry unit 2. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a relative position adjustment process executed by the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the relationship between the tilt angle of the first operation part 61 and the moving speed of the optometry unit 2. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the relationship between the tilt angle of the first operation part 61 and the moving speed of the optometry unit 2. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the relationship between the sliding distance of the second operation part 70 and the moving speed of the optometry unit 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] <Summary> The technology exemplified in the present disclosure can be applied to various ophthalmic devices for performing examinations of a subject's eye (e.g., photographing the subject's eye, measuring the ocular characteristics of the subject's eye, observing the subject's eye (including observation for surgery or treatment), etc.). For example, ophthalmic devices for photographing the subject's eye include an OCT device, a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO), a fundus camera, a goniography device, and a corneal endothelial cell imaging device (CEM). Ophthalmic devices for measuring the ocular characteristics of the subject's eye include an ocular refractive power measuring device, a corneal shape measuring device, an axial length measuring device, and an intraocular pressure measuring device. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in the present disclosure may be adopted in ophthalmic devices such as a photocoagulator, a YAG laser surgery device, and a slit lamp for performing surgery or treatment on tissues of the subject's eye while observing the subject's eye.

[0012] The ophthalmic apparatus exemplified in the present disclosure includes an optometry unit, a drive unit, an operation unit, an operation detection unit, a control unit, and the like. The optometry unit (e.g., the optometry unit 2) is used to examine the eye to be examined. The drive unit (e.g., the drive unit 4) moves the position of the optometry unit relative to the eye to be examined. The operation unit (e.g., the operation unit 60) is an operation unit operated by the examiner and includes a first operation unit for finely moving the optometry unit and a second operation unit for coarsely moving the optometry unit. The operation detection unit detects the operation of the operation units (the first operation unit and the second operation unit). The control unit performs fine and coarse movements of the optometry unit. As described above, fine movement refers to moving the optometry unit less (or slower) than in coarse movement in order to finely adjust the relative position between the eye to be examined and the optometry unit. Coarse movement refers to moving the optometry unit more (or faster) than in fine movement in order to roughly adjust the relative position between the eye to be examined and the optometry unit.

[0013] The first operation unit (e.g., the first operation unit 61) is operated by the examiner to finely move the optometry unit at a first movement speed. The first operation unit may be a control rod supported so as to be tiltable in any direction. The second operation unit (e.g., the second operation unit 70) is operated by the examiner to coarsely move the optometry unit at a second movement speed. The second operation unit may be a control rod supported so as to be slidable in two dimensions. In this case, the first operation unit and the second operation unit may be independent or may be a combined unit. Furthermore, the second operation unit may be an annular member disposed around the outer periphery of the first operation unit (e.g., the control rod) and supported so as to be slidable in two dimensions. In this case, the first operation unit may be tilted independently of the second operation unit when the tilt angle is within a predetermined tilt range. When the tilt angle exceeds the predetermined tilt range, the first operation unit may come into contact with the second operation unit and be tilted while operating the second operation unit. In other words, when the first operating unit and the second operating unit come into contact at the boundary of a predetermined tilt range of the first operating unit, and the tilt angle of the first operating unit exceeds the predetermined tilt range, the second operating unit may slide along with the tilt of the first operating unit.

[0014] Because the second operating unit is disposed around the outer periphery of the first operating unit, the examiner can input a command for coarse movement of the optometry unit in an appropriate direction without tilting the first operating unit beyond a predetermined tilt range by sliding the second operating unit around the first operating unit in the same direction as the tilt direction of the first operating unit when moving the optometry unit. In other words, as long as the tilt angle of the first operating unit is within the predetermined tilt range, the second operating unit does not slide even when the first operating unit is tilted, allowing the examiner to appropriately input a command for fine movement of the optometry unit. This improves the operational feel when the examiner operates the first operating unit and the second coarse operating unit. Furthermore, when the tilt angle of the first operating unit exceeds the predetermined tilt range, the first operating unit comes into contact with the second operating unit, causing the second operating unit to slide in the same direction as the tilt direction of the first operating unit, allowing the examiner to appropriately input a command for coarse movement of the optometry unit. Therefore, the tilt direction when inputting a command for fine movement of the first operating unit matches the tilt direction when inputting a command for coarse movement of the first operating unit, improving the operating feel when the examiner inputs commands for fine movement and coarse movement.

[0015] The direction in which the first operating unit can input a slight movement command may be limited to some extent. For example, the first operating unit may be configured to contact the second operating unit and slide the second operating unit only when the tilt angle in a predetermined one-dimensional direction (e.g., left / right direction) exceeds a predetermined tilt range. In this case, the second operating unit does not necessarily have to be an annular member.

[0016] It is also possible to change the configuration of at least one of the first operating unit and the second operating unit. For example, the first operating unit and the second operating unit may be configured not to come into contact with each other when the tilt angle of the first operating unit exceeds a predetermined tilt range. In this case, the control unit may perform coarse movement control of the optometry unit by detecting a tilt operation of the first operating unit that exceeds the predetermined tilt range and an operation of the second operating unit. For example, instead of a slidable annular member arranged to surround the outer periphery of the first operating unit, a slidable member of another shape (e.g., a non-annular shape such as a square or circular shape), a knob, a trackball, or the like may be used as the second operating unit.

[0017] The operation detection unit may include a first operation detection unit (e.g., a tilt operation detection unit 68) that detects that the first operation unit has been operated. The operation detection unit may also include a second operation detection unit (e.g., a slide operation detection unit 77) that detects that the second operation unit has been operated. For example, both a tilt operation of the first operation unit that exceeds a predetermined tilt range and an operation of the second operation unit may be detected by the second operation detection unit. In this case, even if a separate configuration for detecting a tilt operation of the first operation unit that exceeds the predetermined tilt range has not been provided, it is possible to appropriately accept both a coarse movement instruction by a tilt operation of the first operation unit and a coarse movement instruction by an operation of the second operation unit. Therefore, the optometry unit can be appropriately coarsely moved with a simple configuration.

[0018] The first operation detection unit may detect that the first operation unit has been operated when the amount of operation of the first operation unit exceeds a specified amount. That is, a dead zone of operation may be provided from when operation of the first operation unit is started until operation of the first operation unit is actually detected. In this case, even if the first operation unit is accidentally operated slightly, for example, a malfunction in which the optometry unit unintentionally moves slightly is less likely to occur. Similarly, the second operation detection unit may detect that the second operation unit has been operated when the amount of operation of the second operation unit exceeds a specified amount. That is, a dead zone of operation may be provided from when operation of the second operation unit is started until operation of the second operation unit is actually detected. In this case, even if the second operation unit is accidentally operated slightly, for example, a malfunction in which the optometry unit unintentionally moves roughly is less likely to occur.

[0019] The control unit finely moves the position of the optometry unit when the operation detection unit detects an operation of the first operation unit. For example, the control unit finely moves the position of the optometry unit when the operation detection unit detects a tilt operation of the first operation unit within a predetermined tilt range. Furthermore, the control unit coarsely moves the position of the optometry unit when the operation detection unit detects an operation of the second operation unit. For example, the control unit coarsely moves the position of the optometry unit when the operation detection unit detects at least one of a tilt operation of the first operation unit that exceeds the predetermined tilt range and an operation of the second operation unit.

[0020] When the operation detection unit detects operation of the first operation unit, the control unit controls the drive unit to move the optometry unit at a first movement speed, thereby finely moving the position of the optometry unit. In this case, the control unit may finely move the position of the optometry unit by controlling the drive unit to keep the first movement speed during the fine movement of the optometry unit constant regardless of the amount of operation of the first operation unit. That is, the control unit may finely move the optometry unit in the same direction as the tilt direction of the first operation unit so that the amount of operation of the first operation unit (for example, the tilt angle) and the movement distance of the optometry unit are proportional. That is, the rate of change of the first movement speed may be zero. Furthermore, in this case, the control unit may finely move the position of the optometry unit by controlling the drive unit to increase the first movement speed during the fine movement of the optometry unit according to the amount of operation of the first operation unit. That is, the control unit may finely move the optometry unit in the same direction as the tilt direction of the first operation unit so that the movement distance of the optometry unit increases at a constant rate as the amount of operation of the first operation unit increases. That is, the rate of change of the first movement speed may be a value other than zero.

[0021] When the operation detection unit detects the operation of the first operating unit, the control unit may finely move the optometry unit at the first movement speed within a tilt range wider than a predetermined tilt range of the tilt angle of the first operating unit. In this case, even if the first operating unit exceeds the predetermined tilt range, the fine movement of the optometry unit at the first movement speed continues.

[0022] When the operation detection unit detects operation of the second operation unit, the control unit controls the drive unit to move the optometry unit at a second movement speed, thereby coarsely moving the position of the optometry unit. In this case, the control unit may coarsely move the position of the optometry unit by controlling the drive unit to increase the second movement speed for coarse movement of the optometry unit in accordance with the amount of operation of the second operation unit. That is, the optometry unit may be finely moved in the same direction as the tilt direction of the second operation unit so that the movement distance of the optometry unit increases at a constant rate as the amount of operation of the second operation unit increases. That is, the rate of change of the second movement speed may be a value other than zero. This improves operability when the examiner coarsely moves the optometry unit using the second operation unit. For example, by changing the amount of operation of the second operation unit (for example, by operating the second operation unit more or less), the examiner can coarsely move the optometry unit faster or slower, making it easier to perform coarse movement based on the examiner's intuitive operation.

[0023] The second movement speed when coarsely moving the optometry unit may be a speed that increases from a predetermined minimum speed to a predetermined maximum speed. In other words, the second movement speed may be a speed that gradually accelerates from a predetermined minimum speed to a predetermined maximum speed. The minimum speed of the second movement speed may be slower than the first movement speed, the same as the first movement speed, or faster than the first movement speed. For example, when the first movement speed of the fine movement of the optometry unit and the second movement speed (minimum speed) at the start of coarse movement of the optometry unit are approximately the same speed, the transition between the two movement speeds is smooth. For example, when the second movement speed (minimum speed) at the start of coarse movement of the optometry unit is faster than the first movement speed of the fine movement of the optometry unit, the transition between the two movement speeds is easy to recognize. Similarly, when the second movement speed (minimum speed) at the start of coarse movement of the optometry unit is slower than the first movement speed of the fine movement of the optometry unit, the transition between the two movement speeds is easy to recognize. Furthermore, as a result of these, it is possible to improve safety in adjusting the relative position between the subject's eye and the optometry unit. Also, the maximum speed of the second movement speed may be faster than the first movement speed. The examiner can use the first operation unit and the second operation unit to appropriately input instructions for fine movement and coarse movement of the optometry unit, and can easily switch between fine movement and coarse movement.

[0024] The control unit may set the speed of coarse movement of the optometry unit when a tilt operation of the first operation unit that exceeds a predetermined tilt range to be different from the speed of coarse movement of the optometry unit when an operation of the second operation unit is detected, which makes it easier to more appropriately adjust the relative position of the optometry unit with respect to the subject's eye.

[0025] The control unit may prohibit movement of the optometry unit when the operation detection unit detects at least one of an operation of returning the first operation unit within a predetermined tilt range and an operation of returning the second operation unit to an initial position described below. For example, the control unit may prohibit movement of the optometry unit when the control unit detects an operation of returning the first operation unit from an arbitrary position outside the predetermined tilt range to within the predetermined tilt range. Furthermore, for example, the control unit may prohibit movement of the optometry unit when the control unit detects an operation of returning the second operation unit from an arbitrary position to the initial position. For example, this allows the examiner to detect that the first operation unit or the second operation unit has returned to its original position when the examiner stops coarse movement using the first operation unit or the second operation unit, preventing unintentional movement of the position of the optometry unit and improving operability.

[0026] The ophthalmologic apparatus exemplified in the present disclosure may further include a biasing unit (e.g., biasing unit 79). The biasing unit may bias the second operation unit toward an initial position where the tilt angle of the first operation unit reaches the boundary of a predetermined tilt range and where the first operation unit contacts the second operation unit. When the tilt operation of the first operation unit beyond the predetermined tilt range or the sliding operation of the second operation unit is completed, the biasing unit may slide the second operation unit to the initial position and return the tilt angle of the first operation unit that contacts the second operation unit to within the predetermined tilt range. In this case, when the coarse movement instruction by the first operation unit is completed and the examiner loosens their grip on the first operation unit, not only does the second operation unit automatically return to its initial position, but the tilt angle of the first operation unit also automatically return to within the predetermined tilt range for inputting a fine movement instruction. This further improves the operability of the first operation unit and the second operation unit.

[0027] The present disclosure is not limited to the devices described in the present embodiment. For example, terminal control software (programs) that perform the functions of the following embodiments may be supplied to a device or system via a network or various storage media, and a control device (e.g., a CPU) of the device or system may read and execute the program.

[0028] <Embodiment> A typical embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. An ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment examines the subject's eye E with its relative position adjusted to an appropriate position (for example, with its examination axis aligned with the subject's eye E). The ophthalmic apparatus 1 illustrated in this embodiment is an ophthalmic refraction measurement apparatus that measures the ocular refraction of the subject's eye E. However, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 may also be an apparatus that performs an examination other than measuring ocular refraction (for example, an OCT apparatus, a laser scanning ophthalmoscope (SLO), a fundus camera, a goniophotography apparatus, a corneal endothelial cell photography apparatus (CEM), a corneal curvature measurement apparatus, an intraocular pressure measurement apparatus, or an axial length measurement apparatus). In the following description, the optical axis direction of light used in the examination is defined as the Z-axis direction (front-back direction), the horizontal direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is defined as the X-axis direction (left-right direction), and the direction perpendicular to both the Z-axis and the X-axis is defined as the Y-axis direction (up-down direction).

[0029] (Schematic configuration) The schematic configuration of an ophthalmic apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 3, a base 5, a face support section 9, an optometry unit 2, an operation unit 60, a drive section 4, a control section 50, and a display section 8. The housing 3 includes the base 5 and various components of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 (e.g., the optometry unit 2, the drive section 4, and the control section 50). The base 5 of the housing 3 supports the entire ophthalmic apparatus 1. The face support section 9 supports the face of the subject. The face support section 9 of this embodiment includes a chin rest on which the subject's chin is placed and a forehead rest on which the subject's forehead is placed. Note that although the face support section 9 of this embodiment is provided on the base 5, the face support section 9 may be provided independently of the base 5.

[0030] The optometry unit 2 examines the subject's eye E. The optometry unit 2 may include a configuration (an optical system in this embodiment) for performing at least one of the following tests: ocular refractive power, corneal curvature, and intraocular pressure of the subject's eye E. The optometry unit 2 may also include an optical system for photographing tissues of the subject's eye. The drive unit 4 moves the optometry unit 2 in up / down, left / right, front / rear directions (three-dimensional directions) relative to the base 5, thereby changing the relative position between the subject's eye E and the optometry unit 2. The drive unit 4 may also move the face support part 9 together with the optometry unit 2 or instead of the optometry unit 2, thereby changing the relative position between the subject's eye E and the optometry unit 2. The operation unit 60 is disposed on the side of the housing 3 opposite to the side where the subject is positioned (i.e., the side where the examiner is positioned). The operation unit 60 is operated by the examiner to input instructions for moving the optometry unit 2, instructions for starting the examination, and the like. Details of the operation unit 60 will be described later. The control unit 50 is responsible for various controls in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 (for example, drive control of the drive unit 4, etc.). The display unit 8 displays various images (for example, an observation image of the subject's eye E, measurement results, etc.). In this embodiment, a touch panel is provided on the surface of the display unit 8. The touch panel is used as one of the operation units operated by the examiner to input various instructions. The display unit 8 may be provided independently of the housing 3.

[0031] (Ophthalmology unit / control unit) The optometry unit 2 and the control unit 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As described above, in this embodiment, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 is an eye refractive power measurement device. Therefore, the optometry unit 2 of this embodiment includes an optical system for measuring the eye refractive power of the subject's eye. In detail, the optometry unit 2 of this embodiment includes a measurement optical system 10, a fixation target presenting optical system 30, a target projection optical system 40, and an observation optical system (photography optical system) 45.

[0032] The measurement optical system 10 includes a projection optical system (light projection optical system) 10A and a light receiving optical system 10B. The projection optical system 10A projects a light beam onto the fundus of the subject's eye E through the pupil of the subject's eye E. The light receiving optical system 10B extracts a ring-shaped light beam reflected from the fundus through the pupil periphery and captures a ring-shaped fundus reflection image that is mainly used to measure refractive power.

[0033] The projection optical system 10A includes a measurement light source 11, a relay lens 12, a hole mirror 13, and an objective lens 14 on an optical axis L1. The measurement light source 11 projects a spot-shaped light source image onto the fundus via optical members from the relay lens 12 to the objective lens 14 and the center of the pupil of the subject's eye E. The measurement light source 11 is moved in the direction of the optical axis L1 by a moving mechanism 15. The hole mirror 13 has an opening that allows the light beam from the measurement light source 11 to pass through the relay lens 12. The hole mirror 13 is positioned optically conjugate with the pupil of the subject's eye E.

[0034] The light-receiving optical system 10B shares the hole mirror 13 and objective lens 14 with the projection optical system 10A. The light-receiving optical system 10B also includes a relay lens 16, a total reflection mirror 17, a light-receiving diaphragm 18, a collimator lens 19, a ring lens 20, and an imaging element 22, all of which are located on an optical axis L2 in the direction of reflection of the hole mirror 13. The light-receiving diaphragm 18, the collimator lens 19, the ring lens 20, and the imaging element 22 are moved along the optical axis L2 together with the measurement light source 11 of the projection optical system 10A by a movement mechanism 15. When the measurement light source 11 is positioned conjugate with the fundus by the movement mechanism 15, the light-receiving diaphragm 18 and the imaging element 22 are also positioned optically conjugate with the fundus.

[0035] The ring lens 20 is an optical element for shaping the fundus reflected light guided from the objective lens 14 via the collimator lens 19 into a ring shape. The ring lens 20 has a ring-shaped lens portion and a light-blocking portion. When the light-receiving diaphragm 18 and the imaging element 22 are positioned optically conjugate with the fundus, the ring lens 20 is positioned optically conjugate with the pupil of the subject's eye E. The imaging element 22 receives the ring-shaped fundus reflected light (hereinafter referred to as a "ring image") via the ring lens 20. The imaging element 22 outputs image information of the received ring image to the control unit 50. As a result, the control unit 50 displays the ring image on the display unit 8 and calculates the refractive power based on the ring image.

[0036] In this embodiment, a dichroic mirror 29 is disposed between the objective lens 14 and the subject's eye E. The dichroic mirror 29 transmits light emitted from the measurement light source 11 and fundus reflected light corresponding to the light from the measurement light source 11, while guiding a light beam from a fixation target presenting optical system 30 (details of which will be described later) to the subject's eye. Furthermore, the dichroic mirror 29 reflects light reflected from the anterior segment of the light from a target projection optical system 40 (details of which will be described later) and guides it to an observation optical system 45.

[0037] The target projection optical system 40 is disposed in front of the subject's eye E. The target projection optical system 40 mainly projects targets used for aligning the optical system with respect to the subject's eye E onto the anterior segment of the subject's eye E. In this embodiment, the target projection optical system 40 projects targets used for aligning the optical system with respect to the subject's eye E in at least one of the XY direction and the Z direction onto the anterior segment. Note that the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 can also perform alignment by detecting characteristic features in an anterior segment image without using the target projection optical system 40.

[0038] The target projection optical system 40 of this embodiment includes a ring target projection unit 41 and a target projection unit 42. The ring target projection unit 41 projects a ring target (so-called Mayer ring) onto the cornea of the subject's eye E by projecting diffused light onto the cornea. In this embodiment, the ring target projection unit 41 is also used as an anterior segment illumination unit that illuminates the anterior segment of the subject's eye E. The target projection unit 42 projects a parallel light onto the cornea of the subject's eye E, thereby projecting an infinity target onto the cornea.

[0039] The fixation target presenting optical system 30 includes a light source 31, a fixation target 32, a relay lens 33, a reflecting mirror 36, and a lens 39, all arranged on an optical axis L4. The fixation target 32 is used to fixate the subject's eye E during objective refraction measurement. For example, the light source 31 illuminates the fixation target 32, thereby projecting light onto the subject's eye E to fixate the eye E. The light source 31 and the fixation target 32 are moved together in the direction of the optical axis L4 by a drive mechanism 38. The movement of the light source 31 and the fixation target 32 changes the presentation position (presentation distance) of the fixation target. As a result, the subject's eye E is fogged and its refractive power is measured.

[0040] The observation optical system 45 includes a photographing lens 46 and a photographing element 47 on an optical axis L3 in the reflection direction of the half mirror 48. The photographing element 47 is disposed at a position optically conjugate with the anterior segment of the subject's eye E. The photographing element 47 photographs the anterior segment illuminated by the ring target projection unit 41. The output from the photographing element 47 is input to the control unit 50. As a result, an image of the anterior segment of the subject's eye E photographed by the photographing element 47 is displayed on the display unit 8 (see FIG. 2). The photographing element 47 also photographs alignment target images (in this embodiment, a ring target and an infinity target) formed on the cornea of the subject's eye E by the target projection optical system 40. As a result, the control unit 50 can detect the alignment target images based on the photographing results of the photographing element 47. The control unit 50 can determine whether the alignment state is appropriate based on the position at which the alignment target images are detected.

[0041] The control unit 50 controls various aspects of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 (for example, driving control of the drive unit 4, etc.). The control unit 50 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, etc. The CPU 51 is a controller responsible for control. The ROM 52 stores an ophthalmic apparatus control program for controlling the ophthalmic apparatus 1, initial values, etc. The RAM 53 temporarily stores various types of information. The control unit 50 is connected to the optometry unit 2, the drive unit 4, the display unit 8, the operation unit 60, and a storage unit (for example, a non-volatile memory, etc.) 54. The storage unit 54 is a non-transitory storage medium that can retain its contents even when the power supply is cut off. For example, a hard disk drive, a removable USB memory, etc. can be used as the storage unit 54.

[0042] (Operation unit) The operation unit 60 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. The operation unit 60 is operated by the examiner to input instructions to move the optometry unit 2 of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 (in this embodiment, instructions to finely move and coarsely move the optometry unit 2) to the ophthalmic apparatus 1. When the operation unit 60 is operated, the control unit 50 outputs a signal according to the operation content to the drive unit 4, thereby moving the relative position of the optometry unit 2 with respect to the subject's eye E.

[0043] The operation unit 60 is provided in the housing 3 of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 (specifically, the base 5 of the housing 3, see FIG. 1). However, to facilitate understanding of the configuration, FIGS. 3 to 6 show the operation unit 60 in a state where it is detached from the housing 3. Note that the operation unit 60 may be provided independently of the housing 3 of the ophthalmic apparatus 1. In this case, the operation unit 60 may be connected to the ophthalmic apparatus 1 via wired or wireless communication.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the operation unit 60 as seen from the diagonal rear right. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which the first operation unit 61 has been tilted in the +X direction within a tilt range R1 from the state shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which the first operation unit 61 has been tilted in the +X direction within a tilt range R2 from the state shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 3, the left front side of the page is the +X direction, the right rear side of the page is the -X direction, the top side of the page is the +Y direction, the bottom side of the page is the -Y direction, the right front side of the page is the +Z direction, and the left rear side of the page is the -Z direction. In FIGS. 4 to 6, the right side is the +X direction, the left side is the -X direction, the top side is the +Y direction, the bottom side is the -Y direction, the rear side of the page is the +Z direction, and the front side of the page is the -Z direction.

[0045] (Outline of the operation unit) As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the operation unit 60 of this embodiment includes a first operation unit 61 and a second operation unit 70. The first operation unit 61 of this embodiment is operated by the examiner to finely and coarsely move the optometry unit 2. The first operation unit 61 is an operation rod (sometimes called a joystick) and extends outward (upward in this embodiment) from the housing 3 (more specifically, the base 5 of the housing 3, see FIG. 1). The first operation unit 61 is supported so as to be tiltable in any direction. The second operation unit 70 of this embodiment is operated by the examiner to coarsely move the optometry unit 2. The second operation unit 70 is supported so as to be slidable in any direction.

[0046] The operation unit 60 also includes an operation detection unit that detects operations of the first operation part 61 and the second operation part 70. As will be described in detail later, the operation detection unit of this embodiment includes a tilt operation detection part 68 (see FIGS. 4 to 6) and slide operation detection parts 77 (77XP, 77XM, 77ZP, 77ZM, see FIG. 3).

[0047] In this embodiment, when a tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 within the tilt range R1 is detected, the position of the optometry unit 2 is finely moved in accordance with the detected tilt operation (for example, in accordance with the tilt direction and tilt amount (tilt angle) of the first operation unit 61). When a tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 within a tilt range R2 beyond the tilt range R1 is detected, the position of the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved in accordance with the detected tilt operation (for example, in accordance with the tilt direction and tilt amount (tilt angle) of the first operation unit 61). Furthermore, when a sliding operation of the second operation unit 70 is detected, the position of the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved in accordance with the detected sliding operation (for example, in accordance with the sliding direction and sliding amount of the second operation unit 70).

[0048] That is, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the examiner can input a coarse movement command for the optometry unit 2 by either tilting the first operation unit 61 beyond the tilt range R1 or by sliding the second operation unit 70. Therefore, the examiner can input both fine movement commands and coarse movement commands by tilting the first operation unit 61, so it is not necessary to switch the operation part between fine movement and coarse movement. Furthermore, the examiner can switch between fine movement commands and coarse movement commands by adjusting only the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61, without performing any operation other than tilting the first operation unit 61 (for example, sliding the first operation unit 61 itself). Furthermore, because the examiner can input a coarse movement command using the second operation unit 70, it is not necessary to tilt the first operation unit 61 significantly when inputting a coarse movement command. Therefore, both fine movement commands and coarse movement commands for the optometry unit 2 can be input more easily and appropriately. The configurations of the first operating unit 61 and the second operating unit 70 will be described in detail below.

[0049] (1st operation section) As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 , the first operation unit 61 is a generally rod-shaped member that is held by the examiner. The first operation unit 61 of this embodiment extends upward from the housing 3. The first operation unit 61 of this embodiment can be tilted in any direction within a predetermined tilt range (within tilt ranges R1 and R2) based on an initial position K0. When the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 reaches position K1, which is the limit of tilt range R1, the first operation unit 61 comes into contact with the second operation unit 70. When the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 exceeds tilt range R1 and moves into tilt range R2, the second operation unit 70 slides as the first operation unit 61 is tilted. When the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 reaches position K2, which is the limit of tilt range R2, the first operation unit 61 cannot be tilted any further.

[0050] For example, the center side of the tilt range in which the first operation unit 61 can be tilted is the tilt range in which the optometry unit 2 can be finely moved. In this embodiment, the range up to when the first operation unit 61 comes into contact with the second operation unit 70 (i.e., tilt range R1) is the tilt range in which the optometry unit 2 can be finely moved. Furthermore, for example, within the tilt range in which the first operation unit 61 can be tilted, the outside of the tilt range in which the optometry unit 2 can be finely moved is the tilt range in which the optometry unit 2 can be coarsely moved. In this embodiment, the range from position K1 where the first operation unit 61 comes into contact with the second operation unit 70 to position K2, the limit of tilt of the first operation unit 61 (i.e., tilt range R2) is the tilt range in which the optometry unit 2 can be coarsely moved.

[0051] The examiner can input an operation command to finely move the optometry unit 2 in the XZ direction corresponding to the tilt direction of the first operation unit 61 by tilting the first operation unit 61 within the tilt range R1 in the direction in which the examiner wants to move the optometry unit 2. Furthermore, the examiner can input an operation command to coarsely move the optometry unit 2 in the XZ direction corresponding to the tilt direction of the first operation unit 61 by tilting the first operation unit 61 within the tilt range R2 in the direction in which the examiner wants to move the optometry unit 2.

[0052] The first operation unit 61 includes a gripping portion 62, a rotary dial 63, a measurement button 64, a spherical portion 65 (see FIGS. 4 to 6), and an action portion 66 (see FIGS. 4 to 6). The gripping portion 62 is gripped by the examiner. The rotary dial 63 is operated by the examiner to input an instruction to move the optometry unit 2 in the up-down direction (Y direction) to the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. The rotary dial 63 in this embodiment is provided circumferentially on the side surface of the gripping portion 62 of the first operation unit 61. The rotation of the rotary dial 63 is detected by a rotation detection unit (e.g., an encoder). For example, when the rotary dial 63 is rotated clockwise, an operation signal is output to move the optometry unit 2 upward (+Y direction), and when the rotary dial 63 is rotated counterclockwise, an operation signal is output to move the optometry unit 2 downward (-Y direction). The measurement button 64 is operated by the examiner to input an instruction to start examination of the subject's eye E using the optometry unit 2. The measurement button 64 of this embodiment is provided on the top of the first operation unit 61.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the ball portion 65 is located closer to the base end (lower in this embodiment) than the grip portion 62 of the substantially rod-shaped first operating unit 61. The ball portion 65 is rotatably held by a bearing portion 69. As a result, the first operating unit 61 can be tilted in any direction around the ball portion 65. The action portion 66 is located further closer to the base end than the ball portion 65 of the substantially rod-shaped first operating unit 61 (i.e., on the opposite side of the grip portion 62 across the ball portion 65). Therefore, when the first operating unit 61 is tilted, the action portion 66 moves in the direction opposite to the tilt direction of the grip portion 62 of the first operating unit 61. With the above configuration, it becomes easier to appropriately accommodate the configuration for detecting the tilt operation of the first operating unit 61 inside the housing 3 (see FIG. 1 ).

[0054] A tilt operation detection unit 68 is provided on a part of the first operation unit 61 or on a member that moves in conjunction with the tilt operation of the first operation unit 61. The tilt operation detection unit 68 of this embodiment is connected to the action unit 66 of the first operation unit 61. The tilt operation detection unit 68 detects the operation direction and operation amount (tilt angle) of the tilt operation of the first operation unit 61. In this embodiment, the detection result of the tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 by the tilt operation detection unit 68 is used when finely and coarsely moving the optometry unit 2. Note that it is also possible to change the configuration for detecting the tilt operation of the first operation unit 61.

[0055] (2nd operation section) As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 , the second operation unit 70 of this embodiment is an annular (substantially circular in this embodiment) member disposed around the outer periphery of the first operation unit 61, which is substantially rod-shaped. The second operation unit 70 is supported so as to be slidable in two dimensions on the XZ plane based on the initial position N0. For example, the second operation unit 70 is slid in any direction within a predetermined movement range (within movement ranges N1 and N2) based on the initial position N0. Therefore, by sliding the second operation unit 70 around the first operation unit 61 in the same direction as the tilt direction of the first operation unit 61 when moving the optometry unit 2, the examiner can input a command to coarsely move the optometry unit 2 in an appropriate direction without tilting the first operation unit 61 beyond the predetermined range. This improves the operational feel when the examiner operates the first operation unit 61 and the second operation unit 70.

[0056] A slide operation interlocking unit 71 is connected to the second operation unit 70. The slide operation interlocking unit 71 moves in conjunction with the slide operation of the second operation unit 70. As an example, the slide operation interlocking unit 71 of this embodiment is configured by bending and connecting a substantially plate-shaped member. When the second operation unit 70 slides on the XZ plane, the slide operation interlocking unit 71 also slides and moves on the XZ plane.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3 , slide operation interlocking portion 71 is provided with X detected portion 72X and Z detected portion 72Z. In the main body of operation unit 60, +X operation detector 77XP is provided on the +X side of X detected portion 72X, and -X operation detector 77XM is provided on the -X side. When second operation portion 70 is operated in the +X direction, +X operation detector 77XP detects that X detected portion 72X of slide operation interlocking portion 71 has moved in the +X direction, thereby detecting that second operation portion 70 has been operated in the +X direction. When second operation portion 70 is operated in the -X direction, -X operation detector 77XM detects that X detected portion 72X of slide operation interlocking portion 71 has moved in the -X direction, thereby detecting that second operation portion 70 has been operated in the -X direction.

[0058] The main body of operation unit 60 is provided with a +Z operation detection unit 77ZP on the +Z side of Z detection target portion 72Z, and a -Z operation detection unit 77ZM on the -Z side. When second operation unit 70 is operated in the +Z direction, +Z operation detection unit 77ZP detects that Z detection target portion 72Z of slide operation interlocking unit 71 has moved in the +Z direction, thereby detecting that second operation unit 70 has been operated in the +Z direction. Furthermore, when second operation unit 70 is operated in the -Z direction, -Z operation detection unit 77ZM detects that Z detection target portion 72Z of slide operation interlocking unit 71 has moved in the -Z direction, thereby detecting that second operation unit 70 has been operated in the -Z direction.

[0059] In this embodiment, the phrase "detection of operation of the second operation unit 70" includes detection of direct operation of the second operation unit 70 by the examiner, as well as detection of tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 beyond the tilt range R1. This will be described in detail later. Furthermore, various detection elements (for example, photoelectric switches, etc.) can be used for the slide operation detection units 77 (77XP, 77XM, 77ZP, 77ZM).

[0060] Each of the multiple slide operation detectors 77 (77XP, 77XM, 77ZP, 77ZM) detects that the second operation unit 70 has been operated when the sliding amount of the second operation unit 70 exceeds a specified amount. As an example, the +X operation detector 77XP and the -X operation detector 77XM are arranged so that a certain distance is provided between the position where each of the +X operation detector 77XP and the -X operation detector 77XM can detect the X detection target 72X and the position of the X detection target 72X when the second operation unit 70 is in the initial position NO without being operated. Similarly, the +Z operation detector 77ZP and the -Z operation detector 77ZM are arranged so that a certain distance is provided between the position where each of the +Z operation detector 77ZP and the -Z operation detector 77ZM can detect the Z detection target 72Z and the position of the Z detection target 72Z when the second operation unit 70 is in the initial position NO without being operated. As a result, when the sliding distance of the second operating unit 70 exceeds a specified distance (i.e., the distance between the detection target portion and the position detectable by the sliding operation detection unit 77 when the second operating unit 70 is at the initial position N0), it is detected for the first time that the second operating unit 70 has been slid. In other words, a dead zone for sliding operation may be provided from the start of the sliding operation of the second operating unit 70 until the actual detection of the sliding operation of the second operating unit 70. In this case, even if the second operating unit 70 is accidentally operated slightly, the eye examination unit 2 is less likely to unintentionally move roughly. This further improves operability.

[0061] For example, the center of the movement range in which the second operation unit 70 can slide is the range of the dead band. In this embodiment, the range up to an arbitrary position N1 narrower than where the second operation unit 70 comes into contact with the first operation unit 61 (for example, the movement range D1) is the range in which the sliding operation of the optometry unit 2 is insensitive. Also, for example, within the movement range in which the second operation unit 70 can slide, the outside of the dead band is the movement range in which the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved. In this embodiment, the range from an arbitrary position N1 narrower than where the second operation unit 70 comes into contact with the first operation unit 61 to a position N2 at the limit of movement of the second operation unit 70 (i.e., the movement range D2) is the movement range in which the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved.

[0062] 3 to 6, a biasing portion 79 is provided on a part of the slide operation interlocking portion 71. The biasing portion 79 biases the position of the second operation unit 70, which is connected to the slide operation interlocking portion 71, toward the initial position N0. The initial position N0 can also be expressed as a standby position of the second operation unit 70 in a state where the second operation unit 70 is not operated and where no tilting operation beyond the tilt range R1 of the first operation unit 61 has been performed.

[0063] (How to input coarse movement instructions) A method for inputting a coarse movement command in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described. As described above, in this embodiment, the examiner can input a command to coarsely move the optometry unit 2 in the direction of the movement of the second operation unit 70 by sliding the second operation unit 70 in a desired direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the examiner can input a command to coarsely move the optometry unit 2 in the direction of the tilt of the first operation unit 61 by tilting the first operation unit 61 in the desired direction beyond the tilt range R1 (i.e., by tilting the first operation unit 61 in the desired direction within the tilt range R2). In detail, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the first operation unit 61 of this embodiment is tilted independently of the second operation unit 70 when the tilt angle is within the tilt range R1. In this case, if the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is within the tilt range R1, the second operation unit 70 does not slide even when the first operation unit 61 is tilted, and therefore a command to finely move the optometry unit 2 is appropriately input. On the other hand, when the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 exceeds the tilt range R1 and enters the tilt range R2, the first operating unit 61 comes into contact with the annular second operating unit 70 (specifically, the first operating unit 61 comes into contact with the inner peripheral edge of the second operating unit 70) and is tilted while sliding the second operating unit 70. Therefore, the tilt direction of the first operating unit 61 when inputting a fine movement command matches the tilt direction of the first operating unit 61 when inputting a coarse movement command, improving the operational feel when the examiner inputs fine and coarse movement commands. Furthermore, the examiner can appropriately determine whether a coarse movement command is input to the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 depending on whether the tilted first operating unit 61 comes into contact with the second operating unit 70 and the second operating unit 70 slides. Therefore, both fine movement commands and coarse movement commands for the optometry unit 2 can be input more easily and appropriately.

[0064] Note that the slide operation detection unit 77 (part of the operation detection unit) of this embodiment may detect both a tilt operation that exceeds the tilt range R1 of the first operation unit 61 and a direct operation of the second operation unit 70 by the examiner by detecting that the second operation unit 70 has been slid. Therefore, even if the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 does not have a configuration for detecting that a tilt operation that exceeds the tilt range R1 of the first operation unit 61 has been performed, it can properly accept both a coarse movement instruction by a tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 and a coarse movement instruction by a slide operation of the second operation unit 70.

[0065] As described above, the biasing unit 79 biases the position of the second operation unit 70, which is connected to the slide operation interlocking unit 71, toward the initial position N0. Furthermore, when the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 exceeds the tilt range R1, it comes into contact with the annular second operation unit 70. Therefore, when the tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 beyond the tilt range R1 ends, the biasing unit 79 moves the second operation unit 70 to the initial position N0 and returns the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61, which is in contact with the second operation unit 70, to the tilt range R1. In other words, when the coarse movement instruction by the first operation unit 61 ends and the examiner loosens their grip on the first operation unit 61, not only does the second operation unit 70 automatically return to the initial position N0, but the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 also automatically returns to within the tilt range R1 for inputting fine movement instructions. This further improves the operability of the first operation unit 61 and the second operation unit 70.

[0066] (Fine and coarse movement speed) The speeds of fine and coarse movement of the optometry unit 2 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the tilt amount (tilt angle) of the first operation unit 61 and the movement speed of the optometry unit 2. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the slide amount of the second operation unit 70 and the movement speed of the optometry unit 2. In this embodiment, when the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is within the tilt range R1, the position of the optometry unit 2 is finely moved at a constant first movement speed α regardless of the tilt angle. When the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is within the tilt range R2 beyond the tilt range R1, the position of the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved at a second movement speed β1 that increases according to the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61. For example, a speed equal to (approximately equal to) the first movement speed α is set as the minimum speed Va at the second movement speed β1, a speed faster than the first movement speed α is set as the maximum speed Vb at the second movement speed β1, and the second movement speed β1 changes exponentially from the minimum speed Va to the maximum speed Vb. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the sliding amount of the second operation unit 70 is within the movement range D1, the optometry unit 2 does not move. That is, when the sliding amount of the second operation unit 70 is within the movement range D1, the movement speed of the optometry unit 2 is zero. When the sliding amount of the second operation unit 70 exceeds the movement range D1 and is within the movement range D2, the position of the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved at the second movement speed β2 that increases according to the sliding amount of the second operation unit 70. For example, a speed equal to (approximately equal to) the first movement speed α is set to the minimum speed Va of the second movement speed β2, a speed faster than the first movement speed α is set to the maximum speed Vc of the second movement speed β2, and the second movement speed β2 changes exponentially from the minimum speed Va to the maximum speed Vc.

[0067] The minimum speed Va of the second movement speed β1 of the coarse movement of the optometry unit 2 associated with the tilting operation of the first operation unit 61 and the second movement speed β2 of the coarse movement of the optometry unit 2 associated with the sliding operation of the second operation unit 70 may be set to a speed slower or faster than the first movement speed α of the fine movement of the optometry unit 2. The minimum speed Va of the second movement speed β1 and the minimum speed Va of the second movement speed β2 may be different speeds or may be the same (approximately the same) speeds. Furthermore, the maximum speed Vb of the second movement speed β1 and the maximum speed Vc of the second movement speed β2 may be different speeds or may be the same (approximately the same) speeds.

[0068] Furthermore, the second movement speed β1 of the coarse movement of the optometry unit 2 associated with the tilting operation of the first operation unit 61 and the second movement speed β2 of the coarse movement of the optometry unit 2 associated with the sliding operation of the second operation unit 70 may be configured to gradually increase the movement speed (in other words, to increase continuously) according to the operation amount of each operation unit, and are not necessarily limited to exponential changes. For example, the second movement speed β1 and the second movement speed β2 may be changed logarithmically from the minimum speed Va to the maximum speed Vb or Sc. Of course, for example, one of the second movement speed β1 and the second movement speed β2 may be changed exponentially and the other may be changed logarithmically.

[0069] (Relative position adjustment processing) 9, a description will be given of a relative position adjustment process executed by the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment. In the relative position adjustment process, the drive of the drive unit 4 is controlled in accordance with an operation instruction input by the examiner, and the position of the ophthalmic examination unit 2 is moved, thereby adjusting the relative position between the subject's eye E and the ophthalmic examination unit 2. When the power is turned on, the control unit 50 (CPU 51) of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 executes the relative position adjustment process in accordance with an ophthalmic apparatus control program stored in a storage device (for example, a ROM 52, etc.).

[0070] First, the control unit 50 determines whether or not operation of the rotary dial 63 has been detected (S1). If operation of the rotary dial 63 has not been detected (S1: NO), the control unit 50 determines whether or not a tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 has been detected by the tilt operation detection unit 68 (S3). If a tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 has not been detected (S3: NO), the control unit 50 determines whether or not a slide operation of the second operation unit 70 has been detected by the slide operation detection unit 77 (S8). If a slide operation of the second operation unit 70 has not been detected (i.e., if operation of neither the first operation unit 61 nor the second operation unit 70 has been detected) (S8: NO), the control unit 50 returns the relative position adjustment process to S1 and repeats S1 to S10.

[0071] When operation of the rotary dial 63 is detected (S1: YES), the control unit 50 controls the driving of the drive unit 4 according to the detected operation direction (rotation direction) and operation amount (rotation amount) of the rotary dial 63, thereby moving the vertical position of the optometry unit 2 (Y direction) in a direction corresponding to the operation direction by a distance corresponding to the operation amount (S4). If no operation of the rotary dial 63 is detected thereafter, the relative position adjustment process proceeds to S3. Note that the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 may adjust the relative position between the subject's eye E and the optometry unit 2 by moving the face support unit 9 in the vertical direction in response to operation of the rotary dial 63, together with or separately from the optometry unit 2.

[0072] When the tilt operation detection unit 68 detects a tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 (S3: YES), the control unit 50 determines whether the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is within the tilt range R1 (S4). If the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is within the tilt range R1 (S4: YES), the control unit 50 controls the driving of the drive unit 4 according to the detected tilt direction of the first operation unit 61, and slightly moves the position of the optometry unit 2 in the front-back and left-right directions (XZ directions) in the direction corresponding to the tilt direction at a constant first movement speed α (S5). If the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is not within the tilt range R1 (S4: NO), the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 falls within a tilt range R2 that exceeds the tilt range R1 (S6), and the control unit 50 controls the driving of the drive unit 4 according to the detected tilt direction and tilt angle of the first operation unit 61, and coarsely moves the position of the optometry unit 2 in the front-back and left-right directions (XZ directions) at a variable second movement speed β1 in the direction corresponding to the tilt direction (S7). For example, the control unit 50 detects the tilt angle based on an electrical signal generated by tilting the first operation unit 61, and coarsely moves the optometry unit 2 faster the greater the tilt angle.

[0073] Thereafter, the examiner may, for example, weaken the gripping force on the first operating unit 61, and the second operating unit 70, which had been sliding in conjunction with the tilting of the first operating unit 61, may be returned to the initial position N0 by the biasing unit 79, thereby returning the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 from within the tilt range R2 to within the tilt range R1. Furthermore, if the examiner returns the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 to the initial position K0, or if tilting of the first operating unit 61 is not detected, the control unit 50 returns the relative position adjustment process to S1 and repeats S1 to S10.

[0074] When the slide operation detection unit 77 detects the slide operation of the second operation unit 70 (S8: YES), the slide amount of the second operation unit 70 falls within the movement range D2 (S9). As described above, the movement range D1 of the second operation unit 70 is within the dead zone. Therefore, when the second operation unit 70 passes position N1, an electrical signal generated by the slide operation of the second operation unit 70 is obtained, and the slide amount is detected. Therefore, the control unit 50 controls the drive of the drive unit 4 according to the detected slide direction and slide amount of the second operation unit 70, and coarsely moves the position of the optometry unit 2 in the front-back and left-right directions (XZ directions) at a variable second movement speed β2 in the direction corresponding to the slide direction (S10). For example, the control unit 50 coarsely moves the optometry unit 2 faster the greater the slide amount of the second operation unit 70.

[0075] Thereafter, the examiner reduces the force with which he or she grips the second operating unit 70, for example, to return the second operating unit 70 to the initial position N0, and the first operating unit 61, which has been tilted in accordance with the sliding movement of the second operating unit 70, is returned to within the tilt range R1. If no sliding operation of the second operating unit 70 is detected, the control unit 50 returns the relative position adjustment process to S1, and repeats S1 to S10.

[0076] In the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, when the first operation unit 61 is tilted and the second operation unit 70 is slid, the other operation unit moves in conjunction with the tilt operation depending on the operation amount (tilt angle or slide amount) of the other operation unit. Therefore, the control unit 50 may perform the relative position adjustment process based on the operation amount of the first operation unit 61 or the second operation unit 70, whichever operation unit detects the electrical signal first. For example, when the tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 is detected by the tilt operation detection unit 68 (S3: YES) and the tilt angle is within the tilt range R2 (S6), the electrical signal from the slide operation detection unit 77 caused by the sliding movement of the second operation unit 70 accompanying the tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 may be ignored. Also, for example, when a slide operation of the second operating unit 70 is detected by the slide operation detection unit 77 (S8: YES) and the amount of slide is within the movement range D2 (S9), the electrical signal from the tilt operation detection unit 68 caused by the first operating unit 61 tilting in conjunction with the slide operation of the second operating unit 70 may be ignored.

[0077] Furthermore, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, when the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is returned toward the initial position K0, an electrical signal based on the movement of the first operation unit 61 is generated, and the position of the optometry unit 2 may move. For example, when the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is returned within the tilt range R2 to approach the initial position K0, the position of the optometry unit 2 may move. For example, when the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is returned from within the tilt range R2 to within the tilt range R1 to approach the initial position K0, the position of the optometry unit 2 may move. For example, when the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is returned within the tilt range R1 to approach the initial position K0, the position of the optometry unit 2 may move. For example, when the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is returned within the tilt range R1 to approach the initial position K0, the position of the optometry unit 2 may move. For this reason, the control unit 50 may prohibit movement of the optometry unit 2 when an operation to return the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 toward the initial position K0 is detected. In particular, when an operation of returning the tilt angle of the first operating part 61 from within the tilt range R2 to within the tilt range R1 is detected, the movement of the eye examination unit 2 may be prohibited.

[0078] Similarly, when the second operation unit 70 is returned toward the initial position N0, an electrical signal based on the movement of the second operation unit 70 is generated, and the position of the optometry unit 2 may move. For example, when the sliding amount of the second operation unit 70 is returned within the movement range D2 so as to approach the initial position N0, the position of the optometry unit 2 may move. For example, when the sliding amount of the second operation unit 70 is moved from within the movement range D2 to within the movement range D1 so as to return so as to approach the initial position K0, the position of the optometry unit 2 may move. For this reason, the control unit 50 may prohibit the movement of the optometry unit 2 when an operation is detected in which the sliding amount of the second operation unit 70 is returned toward the initial position N0.

[0079] By prohibiting movement of the optometry unit 2 when at least one of an operation of returning the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 toward the initial position K0 (for example, an operation of returning to within the tilt range R1) and an operation of returning the second operation unit 70 toward the initial position N0 is detected, it becomes easy to adjust the relative position between the subject's eye E and the optometry unit 2 by coarse movement of the optometry unit 2, and then by fine movement of the optometry unit 2. In other words, operability is improved when the examiner wishes to move the optometry unit 2 slightly after completing coarse movement of the optometry unit 2 relative to the subject's eye E.

[0080] As described above, the ophthalmologic apparatus of this embodiment includes an optometry unit for examining an eye to be examined, a drive unit for moving the position of the optometry unit relative to the eye to be examined, an operation unit operated by an examiner, the operation unit including a first operation unit for finely moving the optometry unit at a first movement speed and a second operation unit for coarsely moving the optometry unit at a second movement speed, an operation detection unit for detecting operation of the operation unit, and a control unit. When the operation detection unit detects operation of the second operation unit, the drive unit is controlled to increase the second movement speed of the optometry unit in accordance with the amount of operation of the second operation unit, thereby coarsely moving the position of the optometry unit. This improves operability when the examiner coarsely moves the optometry unit using the second operation unit. For example, by changing the amount of operation of the second operation unit (for example, by operating the second operation unit more or less), the examiner can coarsely move the optometry unit faster or slower, making it easier to perform coarse movement based on the examiner's intuitive operation.

[0081] Furthermore, in the ophthalmologic apparatus of this embodiment, when the operation detection unit detects operation of the first operation unit, the control unit controls the drive unit to move the optometry unit at a first movement speed, thereby finely moving the position of the optometry unit, and the second movement speed of the optometry unit is set to a speed that increases from a predetermined minimum speed toward a maximum speed that is faster than the first movement speed. Therefore, the examiner can use the first operation unit and the second operation unit to appropriately input instructions for fine movement and coarse movement of the optometry unit, and easily switch between fine movement and coarse movement.

[0082] In the ophthalmologic apparatus of this embodiment, the first operation unit is a control rod that is supported so as to be tiltable in any direction, and the second operation unit is an annular member that is disposed around the outer periphery of the control rod and is supported so as to be slidable in two dimensions. The first operation unit and the second operation unit come into contact at the boundary of a predetermined tilt range of the first operation unit, and when the tilt angle of the first operation unit exceeds the predetermined tilt range, the second operation unit slides together with the tilt of the first operation unit. This makes it easier and more appropriate to input both fine and coarse movement instructions for the optometry unit. For example, if the tilt angle of the first operation unit (control rod) is within the predetermined tilt range, the second operation unit (annular member) does not slide even when the first operation unit is tilted, and therefore, a fine movement instruction for the optometry unit is appropriately input. For example, when the tilt angle of the first operating unit exceeds a predetermined tilt range, the second operating unit slides in the same direction as the tilt direction of the first operating unit, so that the tilt direction when inputting fine movement instructions and when inputting coarse movement instructions in the first operating unit matches, improving the operating feel when inputting fine and coarse movement instructions and ensuring that fine and coarse movement instructions of the optometry unit are input appropriately.

[0083] The ophthalmologic apparatus of this embodiment also includes a biasing unit that biases the second operating unit toward an initial position where the first operating unit reaches the boundary and where the first operating unit contacts the second operating unit, the biasing unit slides the second operating unit to the initial position and returns the tilt angle of the first operating unit that contacts the second operating unit to within a predetermined tilt range, and the control unit prohibits movement of the optometry unit when the operation detection unit detects at least one of an operation where the first operating unit returns to within the predetermined tilt range and an operation where the second operating unit returns to the initial position. This improves operability because the return of the first operating unit or the second operating unit to its original position is detected when the examiner stops coarse movement using the first operating unit or the second operating unit, preventing unintentional movement of the optometry unit.

[0084] <Example of transformation> The techniques disclosed in the above embodiments are merely examples, and therefore, the techniques exemplified in the above embodiments can be modified.

[0085] In the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which, when a tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 is detected and the tilt angle is within the tilt range R1, the optometry unit 2 is slightly moved at a constant first movement speed α. However, even when the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is within the tilt range R1, the first movement speed may be increased according to the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61. In this case, the first movement speed α may be changed exponentially (or logarithmically) from a predetermined minimum speed to a predetermined maximum speed. Note that the predetermined maximum speed may be the same as (approximately the same as) the minimum speed Va of the second movement speed β1, or may be slower than the minimum speed Va of the second movement speed β1, or may be faster than the minimum speed Va of the second movement speed β1. It is sufficient that the maximum speed of the first movement speed α is at least slower than the maximum speed Vb of the second movement speed β1.

[0086] In the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the range (tilt range R1) from the initial position K0 of the first operating unit 61 to the position K1 where the first operating unit 61 contacts the second operating unit 70 is the tilt range for finely moving the optometry unit 2. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the range from the initial position K0 to an arbitrary position Kn farther than the position K1 is the tilt range for finely moving the optometry unit 2.

[0087] 10 is a diagram of a modified example showing the relationship between the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 and the movement speed of the optometry unit 2. In FIG. 10, in a range including position K1 (position K1 at the limit of tilt range R1) where the first operation unit 61 contacts the second operation unit 70 and an arbitrary position Kn farther than position K1, the position of the optometry unit 2 is slightly moved at a constant first movement speed α regardless of the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61. That is, even if the first operation unit 61 is tilted by a tilt operation and the second operation unit 70 begins to slide together, the slight movement of the optometry unit 2 continues until the tilt angle reaches the arbitrary position Kn. The arbitrary position Kn may be set by simulation or the like.

[0088] When the examiner loosens the grip of the first operation unit 61, the second operation unit 70 is biased toward the initial position N0. However, there is a possibility that the second operation unit 70 does not return to the initial position N0 completely and the first operation unit 61 remains within the tilt range R2. In this case, the optometry unit 2 continues to move coarsely and moves significantly. Therefore, by setting the tilt range for finely moving the optometry unit 2 to a range wider than the tilt range R1, the optometry unit 2 can be switched to fine movement even when the second operation unit 70 does not return to the initial position N0 completely. Note that, between an arbitrary position Kn of the first operation unit 61 and the tilt limit position K2, the position of the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved at a second movement speed β1 that increases according to the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61. In other words, the range from the arbitrary position Kn of the first operation unit 61 to the tilt limit position K2 is configured as the tilt range for coarsely moving the optometry unit 2.

[0089] As described above, in the ophthalmologic apparatus of this embodiment, when the operation detection unit detects operation of the first operation unit, the control unit finely moves the optometry unit at a first movement speed within a tilt range wider than the predetermined tilt range of the first operation unit. When the tilt angle of the first operation unit exceeds the predetermined tilt range, the second operation unit slides in the same direction as the tilt direction of the first operation unit, causing the optometry unit to move coarsely. However, by returning the tilt angle of the first operation unit or the sliding distance of the second operation unit to its original position and bringing the tilt angle of the first operation unit within the predetermined tilt range, the optometry unit switches to fine movement. At this time, if the tilt angle of the first operation unit remains beyond the predetermined tilt range, the optometry unit continues to move coarsely. Depending on the configuration of this embodiment, the optometry unit switches to fine movement even when the tilt angle of the first operation unit exceeds the predetermined tilt range, thereby preventing the optometry unit from moving too far.

[0090] 10 , even when the optometry unit 2 is moved at a predetermined moving speed according to the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61, the movement of the optometry unit 2 may be prohibited when an operation is detected in which the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 returns from within the tilt range R2 to within the tilt range R1. As an example, the movement of the optometry unit 2 may be prohibited when an operation is detected in which the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 returns from any position between positions Kn and K2 to any position between the initial position K0 and K1. As another example, the movement of the optometry unit 2 may be prohibited when an operation is detected in which the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 returns from any position between positions K1 and Kn to any position between the initial position K0 and K1.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the first operating unit 61 is configured to coarsely move the position of the optometry unit 2 at a second movement speed β1 that increases according to the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 within a range (tilt range R2) from position K1 where the first operating unit 61 contacts the second operating unit 70 to tilt limit position K2. However, the position of the optometry unit 2 may be configured to be coarsely moved at a second movement speed that increases according to the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 and at a constant second movement speed regardless of the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61. In other words, the tilt range R2 of the first operating unit 61 may be configured to include a range in which the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved at the second movement speed that increases according to the tilt angle and a range in which the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved at a constant second movement speed regardless of the tilt angle. Of course, the position of the optometry unit 2 may be configured to be coarsely moved at a second movement speed that increases according to the amount of sliding of the second operation unit 70 and at a constant second movement speed regardless of the amount of sliding of the second operation unit 70 within the range (movement range D2) from the outermost position N1 of the dead zone of the second operation unit 70 to the movement limit position N2. In other words, the movement range D2 of the second operation unit 70 may be configured to include a range in which the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved at the second movement speed that increases according to the amount of sliding, and a range in which the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved at a constant second movement speed regardless of the amount of sliding.

[0092] 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the relationship between the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 and the movement speed of the optometry unit 2. The optometry unit 2 is finely moved at a constant first movement speed α regardless of the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 in a range (tilt range R1) up to position K1 where the first operating unit 61 contacts the second operating unit 70. Then, in a range (tilt range R2) from position K1 of the first operating unit 61 to tilt limit position K2, the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved at a second movement speed β11 that increases with the tilt angle until the tilt angle reaches an arbitrary position Km, and once the tilt angle exceeds the arbitrary position Km, the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved at a constant second movement speed β12. The arbitrary position Km may be set by simulation or the like.

[0093] 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of the relationship between the sliding distance of the second operation unit 70 and the moving speed of the optometry unit 2. The moving speed of the optometry unit 2 is set to zero in a range (movement range D1) up to position N1, the outermost position of the dead zone of the second operation unit 70. In a range (movement range D2) from position N1 of the second operation unit 70 to position N2, the limit of movement, the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved at a second moving speed β21 that increases with the sliding distance until the sliding distance reaches an arbitrary position Nm, and once the sliding distance exceeds the arbitrary position Nm, the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved at a constant second moving speed β22. The arbitrary position Nm may be set by simulation or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 Ophthalmology equipment 2 Optometry Unit 3. Housing 4 Drive unit 50 control section 51 CPU 60 Operation Unit 61 1st operation section 68 Tilt operation detection unit 70 2nd operation section 77 Slide operation detector 79 Actuation part

Claims

1. an optometry unit for examining the subject's eye; a drive unit that moves a relative position of the optometry unit with respect to the subject's eye; an operation unit operated by an examiner, the operation unit including a first operation unit for finely moving the optometry unit at a first movement speed and a second operation unit for coarsely moving the optometry unit at a second movement speed; an operation detection unit that detects an operation of the operation unit; A control unit; Equipped with When the operation detection unit detects an operation of the second operation unit, the control unit controls the drive unit to increase the second movement speed of the optometry unit in accordance with the operation amount of the second operation unit, thereby coarsely moving the position of the optometry unit. An ophthalmic device characterized by:

2. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, when the operation detection unit detects an operation of the first operation unit, the control unit controls the drive unit to move the optometry unit at a first moving speed, thereby slightly moving a position of the optometry unit; The second movement speed of the optometry unit increases from a predetermined minimum speed to a maximum speed that is faster than the first movement speed. An ophthalmic device characterized by:

3. 3. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 2, The control unit controls the drive unit so that the first moving speed in the fine movement of the optometry unit is constant regardless of the operation amount of the first operation unit, thereby finely moving the position of the optometry unit. An ophthalmic device characterized by:

4. The ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the first operating unit is an operating rod that is supported so as to be tiltable in any direction, the second operation unit is an annular member that is disposed around the outer periphery of the operation stick and is supported so as to be slidable in two dimensions, The first operating unit and the second operating unit come into contact with each other at the boundary of a predetermined tilt range of the first operating unit, and when the tilt angle of the first operating unit exceeds the predetermined tilt range, the second operating unit slides together with the tilt of the first operating unit. An ophthalmic device characterized by:

5. 5. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 4, When the operation detection unit detects an operation of the first operation unit, the control unit slightly moves the optometry unit at the first moving speed within a tilt range wider than the predetermined tilt range of the first operation unit. An ophthalmic device characterized by:

6. 6. The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 4, a biasing unit that biases the second operating unit toward an initial position where the first operating unit reaches the boundary and where the first operating unit comes into contact with the second operating unit, the biasing portion slides the second operating portion to the initial position and returns the tilt angle of the first operating portion in contact with the second operating portion to within the predetermined tilt range; The control unit prohibits movement of the optometry unit when the operation detection unit detects at least one of an operation of returning the first operation unit to within the predetermined tilt range and an operation of returning the second operation unit to the initial position. An ophthalmic device characterized by:

7. an optometry unit for examining the subject's eye; a drive unit that moves a relative position of the optometry unit with respect to the subject's eye; an operation unit operated by an examiner, the operation unit including a first operation unit for finely moving the optometry unit at a first movement speed and a second operation unit for coarsely moving the optometry unit at a second movement speed; an operation detection unit that detects an operation of the operation unit; A control unit; An ophthalmic program for use in an ophthalmic apparatus comprising: When the ophthalmologic program is executed by the control unit, a detection step of detecting an operation of the second operation part by the operation detection unit; a coarse movement step of controlling the drive unit to increase the second movement speed of the optometry unit in accordance with the operation amount of the second operation unit based on the detection result of the detection step, and coarsely moving the position of the optometry unit; an ophthalmic program causing the ophthalmic device to execute the above steps.

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