Ophthalmological device and operation unit

Abstract

To make it possible to more easily and appropriately input both an instruction for fine movement of an optometric unit and an instruction for coarse movement.SOLUTION: A control part executes: a first step of coarsely moving an optometric unit in accordance with operation of an operation ring when the operation of the operation ring is detected by an operation detection unit; and a second step of switching between control for finely moving the optometric unit, and control for coarsely moving the optometric unit, in accordance with an operation range of an operation stick when operation of the operation stick is detected by the operation detection unit, and giving priority to detection of the operation of the operation stick even if the operation of the operation ring is performed when the operation of the operation stick exceeding a first predetermined range is detected by the operation detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic apparatus for examining an eye to be examined, and an operation unit that is operated to move the relative position of an ophthalmic examination unit of the ophthalmic apparatus with respect to the eye to be examined. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various known ophthalmic devices for examining a subject's eye (for example, 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.). Examination of the subject's eye using many ophthalmic devices needs to be 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 ophthalmic device described in Patent Document 1 finely moves the ophthalmic examination unit when the operating rod is tilted within a certain tilt range, and coarsely moves the ophthalmic examination unit when a push button on the top of the operating rod is operated. Also known are ophthalmic devices that finely move the ophthalmic examination unit when the tilt range of the operating rod is within a predetermined range, and coarsely move the ophthalmic examination unit when the tilt range of the operating rod exceeds the predetermined range. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-23960 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In an ophthalmic device in which coarse movement instructions are input by an operation other than tilting the control stick, it is possible to input coarse movement instructions without tilting the control stick, but because the operation parts for fine and coarse movement are different, switching between fine and coarse movement can be cumbersome. On the other hand, in an ophthalmic device in which the ophthalmic examination unit is coarsely moved when the tilt range of the control stick exceeds a predetermined range, both fine and coarse movement instructions can be input using the control stick, but when inputting a coarse movement instruction, it is necessary to tilt the control stick significantly. Therefore, an ophthalmic device that allows both fine and coarse movement instructions to be input more easily and appropriately is desired.

[0007] A typical object of the present disclosure is to provide an ophthalmic apparatus and an operation unit that enable easier and more appropriate input of both fine movement instructions and coarse movement instructions of an optometry unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) 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, a first operation unit operated by an examiner to finely and coarsely move the optometry unit, a second operation unit operated by the examiner to coarsely move the optometry unit, an operation detection unit for detecting operations of the first operation unit and the second operation unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit executes a first step of coarsely moving the optometry unit by controlling the drive unit in accordance with the operation of the second operation unit when operation of the second operation unit is detected by the operation detection unit, and a second step of switching between control of the drive unit for finely moving the optometry unit and control of the drive unit for coarsely moving the optometry unit in accordance with the operation range of the first operation unit when operation of the first operation unit is detected by the operation detection unit, and giving priority to detection of operation of the first operation unit even if operation of the second operation unit is also performed when operation of the first operation unit is detected by the operation detection unit. (2) An operation unit provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is an operation unit operated by an examiner to move the relative position of an optometry unit of an ophthalmic device with respect to the eye to be examined, and includes a first operation unit operated by the examiner to make fine and coarse movements of the optometry unit, a second operation unit operated by the examiner to make coarse movements of the optometry unit, and an operation detection unit that detects operations of the first operation unit and the second operation unit. When operation of the second operation unit is detected by the operation detection unit, the optometry unit is coarsely moved in accordance with the operation of the second operation unit, and when operation of the first operation unit is detected by the operation detection unit, fine and coarse movements of the optometry unit are switched in accordance with the operation range of the first operation unit. When operation exceeding a first predetermined range of the first operation unit is detected by the operation detection unit, detection of operation of the first operation unit takes priority even if operation of the second operation unit is performed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [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 Ra1 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 Ra2 from the state shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a relative position adjustment process executed by the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <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.

[0011] 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 subject's eye. The drive unit (e.g., the drive unit 4) moves the relative position of the optometry unit with respect to the subject's eye. 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 (e.g., the tilt operation detection unit 68, the slide operation detection unit 77) detects the operation of the operation unit (the first operation unit and the second operation unit). The control unit executes fine and coarse movement of the optometry unit. Note that, as described above, fine movement refers to moving the optometry unit less (or more slowly) than coarse movement in order to finely adjust the relative position between the subject's eye and the optometry unit. Coarse movement refers to moving the optometry unit more greatly (or faster) than fine movement in order to roughly adjust the relative position between the subject's eye and the optometry unit.

[0012] The first operation unit (e.g., the first operation unit 61) is operated by the examiner to finely and coarsely move the optometry unit. 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. The second operation unit may be a control rod supported so as to be slidable in two dimensions. The second operation unit may also 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 (e.g., tilt range Ra1). 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.

[0013] Because the second operating unit is disposed around the outer periphery of the first operating unit, the examiner can input a command to coarsely move 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 will not slide even if the first operating unit is tilted, so that a command to finely move the optometry unit can be input appropriately. This improves the operational feel when the examiner operates the first operating unit and the second coarse operating unit.

[0014] The control unit executes a first step and a second step in response to operations of the second operation unit and the first operation unit. In the first step, when the operation detection unit detects operation of the second operation unit, the control unit controls the drive unit in response to the operation of the second operation unit to coarsely move the optometry unit. In the second step, when the operation detection unit detects operation of the first operation unit, the control unit switches between control of the drive unit that finely moves the optometry unit in response to the operation range of the first operation unit and control of the drive unit that coarsely moves the optometry unit. Then, in the second step, when the operation detection unit detects operation of the first operation unit that exceeds a first predetermined range (for example, tilt range Rb1) of the first operation unit, the control unit prioritizes detection of operation of the first operation unit even if operation of the second operation unit is also performed.

[0015] Additionally, in the second step, when the operation detection unit detects an operation of the first operation unit within a first predetermined range, the control unit controls the drive unit in accordance with the detected operation to finely move the position of the optometry unit, and when the operation detection unit detects an operation of the first operation unit beyond the first predetermined range, the control unit controls the drive unit in accordance with the detected operation to coarsely move the position of the optometry unit. The operation range of the first operation unit may be any range that is detectable by the operation detection unit and within which the examiner can operate the first operation unit.

[0016] The ophthalmic device of the present disclosure allows for easier and more appropriate input of both fine and coarse movement instructions for the optometry unit. For example, when the first operation unit comes into contact with the second operation unit and the second operation unit is slid, priority is given to detection of the operation of the second operation unit with respect to coarse movement of the position of the optometry unit, which may result in unstable detection by the operation detection unit. However, the ophthalmic device of the present disclosure reduces this inconvenience.

[0017] In addition, with regard to prioritizing detection of operation of the first operating unit, in addition to control to ignore the detection signal of operation of the second operating unit, control may also be used to not accept the detection signal or to stop detection of operation of the second operating unit.

[0018] Furthermore, in the first step, when the operation of the second operating unit is detected by the operation detection unit, the control unit may prioritize detection of the operation of the second operating unit even if the operation of the first operating unit is detected within a first predetermined range (for example, tilt range Rb1). For example, when the second operating unit is moved largely on its own, the second operating unit may hit the first operating unit (for example, the operating rod) and move the first operating unit. Even in this case, because the first operating unit is within the first predetermined range, detection of the operation of the first operating unit is not prioritized, and the operation of the second operating unit is prioritized, allowing the examiner to appropriately input a command for coarse movement of the optometry unit as intended.

[0019] For example, in a configuration in which 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 when the tilt angle of the first operating unit exceeds the predetermined tilt range, the second operating unit slides along with the tilt of the first operating unit, the first predetermined range may be set wider than the second predetermined range, which is the predetermined tilt range of the tilt angle of the first operating unit. In other words, the second predetermined range may be set narrower than the first predetermined range, which is the range in which the optometry unit is finely moved. This ensures that the first operating unit is more reliably returned to the first predetermined range when the second operating unit is returned to its initial position, thereby avoiding the inconvenience of unintentional coarse movement of the optometry unit.

[0020] Furthermore, when the tilt angle of the first operating unit exceeds a predetermined tilt range (first predetermined range), the first operating unit comes into contact with the second operating unit, and the second operating unit is slid in the same direction as the tilt direction of the first operating unit, allowing an instruction for coarse movement of the optometry unit to be appropriately input. Therefore, the tilt direction when inputting an instruction for fine movement of the first operating unit matches the tilt direction when inputting an instruction for coarse movement of the first operating unit, improving the operating feel when the examiner inputs instructions for fine and coarse movement.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 a first predetermined range (e.g., tilt range Rb1) and an operation of the second operating unit. For example, instead of a slidable annular member arranged around the outer periphery of the first operating unit, a slidable member, knob, trackball, or the like having another shape (e.g., a non-annular shape such as a square or circular shape) may be used as the second operating unit.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[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 (e.g., tilt range Ra1, the second predetermined range described above) 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. The biasing portion may also serve as a return mechanism that returns the tilt angle of the first operating unit to a predetermined tilt range (for example, tilt range Ra1). In this case, the first operating unit does not need to be provided with a return mechanism, thereby simplifying the configuration of the first operating unit.

[0027] Furthermore, 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 in a direction within a first predetermined range and an operation of returning the second operation unit in a direction toward a predetermined initial position. In this case, after adjusting the position of the optometry unit by coarse movement, it becomes easy to further adjust it by fine movement of the optometry unit. In other words, operability is improved when the examiner wishes to move the optometry unit slightly after completing coarse movement of the optometry unit relative to the subject's eye. Furthermore, unintentional coarse movement of the optometry unit is prevented, improving operability.

[0028] The operation unit exemplified in the present disclosure is an operation unit operated by an examiner to move the relative position of an optometry unit of an ophthalmic apparatus with respect to the subject's eye, and includes a first operation unit operated by the examiner to finely and coarsely move the optometry unit, a second operation unit operated by the examiner to coarsely move the optometry unit, and an operation detection unit that detects the operation of the first operation unit and the second operation unit. When the operation detection unit detects the operation of the second operation unit, the optometry unit is coarsely moved in response to the operation of the second operation unit. When the operation detection unit detects the operation of the first operation unit, the optometry unit is switched between fine and coarse movement in response to the operation range of the first operation unit. Furthermore, when the operation detection unit detects an operation exceeding a first predetermined range of the first operation unit, detection of the operation of the first operation unit takes priority even if the second operation unit is operated. The operation unit of the present disclosure allows both fine and coarse movement instructions of the optometry unit to be input more easily and appropriately.

[0029] <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).

[0030] (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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] (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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] (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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the operation unit 60 as seen from the diagonally rear right. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the central axis JC of the first operation unit 61 is tilted in the +X direction within a tilt range Rb1 from the state shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the central axis JC of the first operation unit 61 is tilted in the +X direction within a tilt range Rb2 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.

[0046] (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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] In this embodiment, when a tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 within the tilt range Rb1 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 (amount of change in tilt angle) of the first operation unit 61). When a tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 within a tilt range R2 that exceeds 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).

[0049] 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 Rb1 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.

[0050] (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 Rb1 and Rb2) based on an initial position K0. When the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 reaches position K1 in tilt range Ra1, 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 Ra1 and moves into the outer tilt range Ra2, the second operation unit 70 slides in response to the tilt of the first operation unit 61. When the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 reaches position K2, which is the limit of tilt range Ra2 (same for Rb2), the first operation unit 61 cannot be tilted any further.

[0051] For example, the central 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 a tilt range Rb1, which is set wider than the tilt range Ra1 in which the first operation unit 61 comes into contact with the second operation unit 70, is the tilt range in which the optometry unit 2 can be finely moved. In other words, the tilt range Rb1 is a range that has a margin of angle α with respect to the tilt range Ra1 in which the first operation unit 61 comes into contact with the second operation unit 70. Furthermore, for example, within the tilt range in which the first operation unit 61 can be tilted, a tilt range Rb2 that is outside the tilt range Rb1 in which the optometry unit 2 can be finely moved is the tilt range in which the optometry unit 2 can be coarsely moved.

[0052] The examiner can input an operation command to finely move the optometry unit 2 in the XZ direction in a direction corresponding to the tilt direction of the first operation unit 61 by tilting the first operation unit 61 within the tilt range Rb1 in the direction in which the examiner wants to move the optometry unit 2. In addition, the examiner can input an operation command to coarsely move the optometry unit 2 in the XZ direction in a direction corresponding to the tilt direction of the first operation unit 61 by tilting the first operation unit 61 within the tilt range Rb2 in the direction in which the examiner wants to move the optometry unit 2.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 ).

[0055] 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. For example, in this embodiment, a potentiometer that can detect the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 in two-dimensional directions is used as the tilt operation detection unit 68. Note that it is also possible to change the configuration for detecting the tilt operation of the first operation unit 61.

[0056] (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 with the initial position N0 as the reference. For example, the second operation unit 70 is slid in any direction within a predetermined movement range (within movement range N2) with the initial position N0 as the reference. 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.

[0057] 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 a slide plate 71a that is fixed to the second operation unit 70 and supported by the operation unit 60 so as to be movable in parallel in the XZ directions, and a connecting member 71b that is connected to the slide plate 71a. The connecting member 71b is used to transmit the movement of the slide plate 71a, which moves in the XZ directions integrally with the second operation unit 70, to a detection unit 72 located away from the slide plate 71a. 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.

[0058] 3, a slide operation detector 77 is provided on connecting member 71b of slide operation interlocking unit 71. Slide operation detector 77 includes a +X operation detector 77XP, a -X operation detector 77XM, a +Z operation detector 77ZP, and a -Z operation detector 77ZM. In the main body of operation unit 60, +X operation detector 77XP is provided on the +X side of X detection target 72X, and -X operation detector 77XM is provided on the -X side. When second operation unit 70 is operated in the +X direction, +X operation detector 77XP detects that X detection target 72X of slide operation interlocking unit 71 has moved in the +X direction, thereby detecting that second operation unit 70 has been operated in the +X direction. Furthermore, when the second operating unit 70 is operated in the -X direction, the -X operation detection unit 77XM detects that the X detection target portion 72X of the slide operation interlocking unit 71 has moved in the -X direction, thereby detecting that the second operating unit 70 has been operated in the -X direction.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Note that the slide operation detection unit 77 may use a single potentiometer capable of detecting the movement of the slide operation interlocking unit 71 in the XZ directions in two dimensions, similar to the tilt operation detection unit 68. In this case, the configuration of the slide operation detection unit 77 is simplified.

[0061] Each of the multiple slide operation detectors 77 (77XP, 77XM, 77ZP, 77ZM) may detect that the second operation unit 70 has been operated when the slide 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.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, a biasing portion 79 is provided on a part of the slide operation interlocking portion 71. For example, the biasing portion 79 includes a spring, which is an example of a biasing member. 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 Ra1 of the first operation unit 61 has been performed.

[0063] (How to input fine and coarse movement commands) In this embodiment, the examiner can input a command to finely move the optometry unit 2 in the tilt direction of the first operation unit 61 by tilting the first operation unit 61 in a desired direction within the tilt range Rb1. Then, the examiner can input a command to coarsely move the optometry unit 2 in the tilt direction of the first operation unit 61 by tilting the first operation unit 61 in the desired direction beyond the tilt range Rb1 (i.e., by tilting the first operation unit 61 in the desired direction within the tilt range Rb2). That is, when the tilt operation detection unit 68 detects the operation of the first operation unit 61, control is switched from finely moving the optometry unit 2 to coarsely moving the optometry unit 2 in accordance with the operation range of the first operation unit 61 to coarsely moving the optometry unit 2. When the tilt operation detection unit 68 detects an operation in which the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 exceeds a predetermined tilt range Ra1, the detection of the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 takes priority even if an operation of the second operating unit 70 is detected (details will be described later).

[0064] For example, 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 Ra1. In this case, if the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is within the tilt range Ra1, the second operation unit 70 does not slide even when the first operation unit 61 is tilted, and therefore, a command to slightly move the optometry unit 2 is appropriately input. On the other hand, when the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 enters a tilt range Ra2 that exceeds the tilt range Ra1, the first operation unit 61 comes into contact with the annular second operation unit 70 (more specifically, comes into contact with the inner peripheral edge of the second operation unit 70) and is tilted while sliding the second operation unit 70. At this time, the sliding of the second operation unit 70 is detected by the slide operation detection unit 77.

[0065] Here, if priority is given to detection of the sliding of the second operation unit 70 by the slide operation detection unit 77 rather than tilting of the first operation unit 61 as an instruction to coarsely move the optometry unit 2, research by the inventors et al. has revealed that there is a possibility of inconvenience, such as detection by the slide operation detection unit 77 being unstable and the examiner being unable to input an instruction to coarsely move the position of the optometry unit 2 as intended. This inconvenience will be explained below.

[0066] In the configuration of this embodiment, the sliding operation of the second operation unit 70 is detected by the sliding operation detection unit 77 via the sliding plate 71a and connecting member 71b of the sliding operation interlocking unit 71. The sliding plate 71a is supported by the operation unit 60 so as to be slidable in the X and Z directions. Therefore, there is an unavoidable gap between the sliding plate 71a and the member supporting it so as to be slidable, resulting in some rattle. For example, in FIG. 3 , when the first operation unit 61 is operated in the +X direction, the first operation unit 61 pushes the second operation unit 70, causing the +X side of the sliding plate 71a to slide downward relative to the -X side due to the gap between the members. Conversely, when the first operation unit 61 is operated in the -X direction, the +X side of the sliding plate 71a slides upward relative to the -X side due to the gap between the members. Therefore, as the first operation unit 61 tilts, a detection error occurs in the X direction of the slide of the second operation unit 70 depending on whether the second operation unit 70 is pushed toward the +X side or the -X side. In addition, since the +X operation detection unit 77XP and the -X operation detection unit 77XM are located at positions away from the reference position (initial position N0) of the second operation unit 70, the detection error increases by the distance. This detection error also occurs in detection in the Z direction. In particular, this detection error is likely to occur when the slide operation detection unit 77 uses a single potentiometer that can detect the slide movement of the slide operation interlocking unit 71 in two dimensions.

[0067] Due to the occurrence of the detection error as described above, the trajectory of the position where the sliding of the second operation unit 70 is detected is biased in the X and Z directions relative to the trajectory of position K1 (see FIG. 4) where the first operation unit 61 contacts the second operation unit 70, and when a coarse movement instruction is input based on the detection of the sliding of the second operation unit 70, the instruction to coarsely move the position of the optometry unit 2 may not be input as intended by the examiner. Furthermore, even if the examiner weakens the force with which they grip the first operation unit 61 and the sliding position of the second operation unit 70 is returned to the initial position N0 by the biasing unit 79, the coarse movement instruction may still be input due to the detection error.

[0068] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a sliding operation of the second operation unit 70 is detected, the control unit 50 ignores this and prioritizes a detection signal due to a tilting operation of the first operation unit 61 as an instruction for coarse movement. This allows the examiner to accurately input an instruction for coarsely moving the position of the optometry unit 2, improving the operability of the operation unit 60.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tilt range Rb1 of the first operating unit 61 for switching from fine movement to coarse movement is set to be wider by plus α angle (see FIG. 4) than the tilt range Ra1 (i.e., position K1) where the first operating unit 61 comes into contact with the second operating unit 70. Therefore, when the sliding position of the second operating unit 70 is returned by the biasing unit 79 toward the initial position N0, even if the return tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 is slightly deviated from position K1, the possibility that a coarse movement command will remain input is reduced.

[0070] In addition, the tilt operation detection unit 68, which detects the operation of the first operating unit 61, is arranged symmetrically in the X direction and Z direction around the central axis JC of the first operating unit 61, so the error due to the tilt direction of the first operating unit 61 is relatively small (minor).

[0071] Furthermore, when the examiner operates the second operating part 70 alone, the second operating part 70 has a linear stroke along the XZ direction of the operating unit 60, and it is difficult to generate a force that tilts the slide plate 71a, so there is little detection error due to differences in the operating direction.

[0072] Furthermore, since the tilt direction of the first operation unit 61 when inputting a fine movement command matches the tilt direction of the first operation unit 61 when inputting a coarse movement command, the examiner feels an improved sense of operation when inputting fine and coarse movement commands. Furthermore, when the tilted first operation unit 61 comes into contact with the second operation unit 70 and the second operation unit 70 slides, the examiner feels a force returned by the biasing unit 79 to the second operation unit 70 toward the initial position N0, making the operation of the first operation unit 61 feel heavy. This allows the examiner to understand that a coarse movement command is being input to the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. Therefore, both fine movement commands and coarse movement commands of the optometry unit 2 can be input more easily and appropriately.

[0073] 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 Ra1, it comes into contact with the annular second operation unit 70. Therefore, when the tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 that exceeds the tilt range Ra1 ends, the biasing unit 79 moves the second operation unit 70 to the initial position N0 and can return the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61, which is in contact with the second operation unit 70, to the tilt range Ra1. In other words, when the coarse movement instruction by the first operation unit 61 ends and the examiner reduces the force with which he or she grips 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 Ra1, which is set inside the tilt range Rb1 for inputting fine movement instructions. Therefore, the operability of the first operating unit 61 and the second operating unit 70 is further improved.

[0074] Furthermore, since the biasing portion 79 also serves as a return mechanism that returns the first operating portion 61 to the tilt range Ra1, it is not necessary to provide the first operating portion 61 with a return mechanism, and therefore the configuration of the first operating portion 61 can be simplified.

[0075] (Relative position adjustment processing) 7, 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.).

[0076] 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 (S9). 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) (S9: NO), the control unit 50 returns the relative position adjustment process to S1.

[0077] 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 (S2). 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.

[0078] When the tilt operation detection unit 68 detects the 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 Ra1 (S4). If the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is within the tilt range Ra1 (S4: YES), the second operation unit 70 is not pushed in by the tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 and is not moved (operated), so no detection signal is input from the slide operation detection unit 77. In this case, the control unit 50 controls the drive of the drive unit 4 according to the detected tilt direction of the first operation unit 61, and finely 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 predetermined fine-movement speed (S5).

[0079] If the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is not within the tilt range Ra1 (S4: NO), the second operation unit 70 may be pressed in by the tilt operation of the first operation unit 61, and the slide operation may be detected by the slide operation detection unit 77. However, in this case, as described above, the detection by the slide operation detection unit 77 may be unstable. Therefore, the control unit 50 prioritizes the detection of the operation of the first operation unit 61 even if the operation of the second operation unit 70 is detected (S6). For example, if a detection signal due to the tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 is input first, even if a detection signal due to the operation of the second operation unit 70 is input, the control unit 50 ignores the signal, thereby prioritizing the detection of the operation of the first operation unit 61. Note that the priority of the detection of the operation of the first operation unit 61 may be given by, in addition to control to ignore the detection signal due to the operation of the second operation unit 70, control not to accept the detection signal, control to stop detection of the operation of the second operation unit, etc.

[0080] Then, if the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 is within the tilt range Rb1 (S7: YES), the control unit 50 continues to slightly move the position of the eye examination unit 2 according to the detected tilt direction of the first operating unit 61 (S5).

[0081] If the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is not within the tilt range Rb1 (S7: NO), the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is within the tilt range Rb2 that exceeds the tilt range Rb1, and therefore 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 predetermined coarse movement speed in the direction corresponding to the tilt direction (S8). That is, the control unit 50 switches the control of the drive unit 4 that finely moves the optometry unit from fine movement to coarse movement.

[0082] For example, the predetermined coarse movement speed is set to a speed at which the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved faster as the tilt angle of the first operation part 61 increases. Alternatively, the predetermined coarse movement speed may be a predetermined constant speed.

[0083] Thereafter, the examiner may, for example, reduce the force with which he or she grips 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 Ra2 to within the tilt range Ra1. Furthermore, if the examiner returns the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 to the initial position K0, or if no tilting of the first operating unit 61 is detected, the control unit 50 returns the relative position adjustment process to S1.

[0084] When the examiner independently operates the second operation unit 70 and the slide operation of the second operation unit 70 is detected by the slide operation detection unit 77 (S9: YES), the control unit 50 then prioritizes the detection signal of the second operation unit 70 that was input earlier, even if a tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 is detected (S10). For example, when the examiner slides the second operation unit 70, if the examiner loosens the grip on the first operation unit 61, the first operation unit 61 may remain positioned near position K1 within the tilt range Ra1 because there is no return mechanism for returning the first operation unit 61 to the initial tilt position K0. In this state, if the examiner independently operates the second operation unit 70 by slide operation, the second operation unit 70 may come into contact with the first operation unit 61, causing the first operation unit 61 to tilt, which may result in a detection signal being input from the tilt operation detection unit 68. In this case, even if a detection signal due to tilting of the first operation unit 61 is input, the control unit 50 ignores the signal and prioritizes the detection signal from the second operation unit 70. Prioritizing operation detection of the second operation unit 70 may include control to ignore the detection signal due to tilting of the first operation unit 61, control to not accept the detection signal, control to stop detection due to tilting of the first operation unit 61, etc. When a detection signal from the second operation unit 70 is input, the control unit 50 controls the drive of the drive unit 4 according to the detected sliding direction and sliding amount of the second operation unit 70, and coarsely moves the position of the optometry unit 2 in the front-rear and left-right directions (XZ directions) at a predetermined coarse movement speed in the direction corresponding to the sliding direction (S11). Note that the coarse movement speed of the optometry unit 2 when a detection signal from the second operation unit 70 is input (the speed in S11) may be different from the coarse movement speed of the optometry unit 2 when a tilting operation exceeding the predetermined tilt range Rb1 of the first operation unit is detected (the speed in S8). In this case, the relative position of the optometry unit 2 with respect to the subject's eye can be more appropriately adjusted.

[0085] 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 Ra1. If no sliding operation of the second operating unit 70 is detected, the control unit 50 returns the relative position adjustment process to S1.

[0086] Note that movement of the optometry unit 2 may be prohibited 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 a direction within the tilt range Rb1) and an operation of returning the second operation unit 70 toward the initial position N0 is detected. This makes it easy to adjust the relative position between the subject's eye E and the optometry unit 2 by coarsely moving the optometry unit 2, and then by finely moving the optometry unit 2. That is, operability is improved when the examiner wishes to move the optometry unit 2 slightly after completing coarsely moving the optometry unit 2 relative to the subject's eye E.

[0087] <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.

[0088] For example, it is also possible to change the configuration of at least one of the first operating unit 61 and the second operating unit 70. For example, the first operating unit 61 and the second operating unit 70 may be configured not to come into contact with each other when the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 exceeds a predetermined tilt range Ra1. In this case, the control unit 50 may perform coarse movement control of the optometry unit 2 by detecting a tilt operation of the first operating unit 61 that exceeds the tilt range Rb1 and an operation of the second operating unit 70.

[0089] Also, for example, instead of a slidable annular member arranged around the outer periphery of the first operating unit 70, a slidable member of another shape (for example, a non-annular shape such as a square or circle) may be used as the second operating unit 70. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Ophthalmology equipment 2 Optometry Unit 3. Housing 4 Drive unit 50 control section 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; a first operation unit operated by an examiner to finely and coarsely move the optometry unit; a second operation unit operated by an examiner to coarsely move the optometry unit; an operation detection unit that detects operations of the first operation unit and the second operation unit; a control unit, The control unit a first step of coarsely moving the optometry unit by controlling the drive unit in response to the operation of the second operation unit when the operation of the second operation unit is detected by the operation detection unit; a second step of switching between control of the drive unit that moves the optometry unit slightly and control of the drive unit that moves the optometry unit coarsely in accordance with an operation range of the first operation unit when the operation detection unit detects an operation of the first operation unit, and prioritizing detection of the operation of the first operation unit when the operation detection unit detects an operation of the first operation unit that exceeds a first predetermined range, even if the second operation unit is operated; An ophthalmic device characterized by performing the above.

2. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, The ophthalmologic device is characterized in that, when operation of the second operating unit is detected by the operation detection unit, the control unit prioritizes detection of operation of the second operating unit even if operation of the first operating unit is detected within the first predetermined range.

3. 3. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, 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 operation unit and the second operation unit come into contact with each other at a boundary of a second predetermined range, which is a predetermined tilt range of the first operation unit, and when the tilt angle of the first operation unit exceeds the second predetermined range, the second operation unit slides together with the tilt of the first operation unit, An ophthalmologic apparatus, wherein the first predetermined range is set to be wider than the second predetermined range.

4. 4. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 3, a biasing unit that biases the second operating unit toward an initial position that is a boundary position of the second predetermined range in the first operating unit, an ophthalmic device characterized in that, when operation of the first operating unit beyond the second predetermined range is completed, the biasing unit moves the second operating unit to the initial position and returns the tilt angle of the first operating unit in contact with the second operating unit to within the second predetermined range.

5. The ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit prohibits movement of the ophthalmologic device when the operation detection unit detects at least one of an operation of the first operation unit returning in a direction within the first predetermined range and an operation of the second operation unit returning in a direction toward a predetermined initial position.

6. an operation unit operated by an examiner to move a relative position of an opthalmological apparatus unit with respect to an eye to be examined, a first operation unit operated by an examiner to finely and coarsely move the optometry unit; a second operation unit operated by an examiner to coarsely move the optometry unit; an operation detection unit that detects operations of the first operation unit and the second operation unit, When the operation of the second operation unit is detected by the operation detection unit, the optometry unit is coarsely moved in response to the operation of the second operation unit, An operation unit characterized in that, when operation of the first operation part is detected by the operation detection unit, the optometry unit is switched between fine movement and coarse movement depending on the operation range of the first operation part, and when operation exceeding a first predetermined range of the first operation part is detected by the operation detection unit, detection of the operation of the first operation part is given priority even if operation of the second operation part is also performed.

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