Ophthalmologic apparatus

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmologic apparatus that can prevent an examination part and a detection part from being left unconnected.SOLUTION: An ophthalmologic apparatus for examining an eye to be examined includes: an examination part for examining the eye to be examined; an approach part including a metal part and approaching a subject in the examination part; and a detection part for detecting at least one of the approaching and contact between the approach part and the subject. The examination part includes: a circuit for processing a signal; and a base part for holding the circuit. Fixing the base part and the approach part while coming into direct contact with each other allows conduction between the circuit and the metal part of the approach part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic apparatus for examining an eye to be examined. [Background technology]

[0002] Known conventional ophthalmic devices include, for example, an eye refractive power measuring device, a corneal curvature measuring device, an intraocular pressure measuring device, a fundus camera, an OCT (optical coherence tomography), and an SLO (scanning laser ophthalmoscope). In these ophthalmic devices, an examination unit is generally moved up, down, left, right, front, and back relative to the subject's eye to align the examination unit to a predetermined position relative to the subject's eye. Furthermore, to prevent a nozzle or the like of the examination unit from coming into contact with the subject (e.g., the subject's eye), a device has been proposed that includes a detection unit (e.g., a contact sensor) that detects contact and performs an avoidance action when the subject comes into contact with the examination unit (see Patent Document 1). It is also conceivable to employ a detection unit that detects when the subject approaches within a predetermined distance of the examination unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-41092 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The inspection unit and the detection unit are electrically connected by a harness or the like, which allows them to detect when the subject's eye approaches or comes into contact with the inspection unit. However, when assembling the inspection unit and the detection unit during device manufacturing or device maintenance, the harness or the like connecting the inspection unit and the detection unit may be forgotten to be connected. In this case, the detection unit is unable to detect approach or contact with the subject's eye. Furthermore, it is often impossible to tell from the exterior of the device that the harness or the like has been forgotten to be connected. Therefore, in the past, ophthalmic devices often continued to be used without being able to detect whether the subject approached or came into contact with the contact part.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure has as its technical object to provide an ophthalmologic apparatus that can prevent forgetting to connect an examination unit and a detection unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure is characterized by having the following configuration.

[0007] The ophthalmic device disclosed herein is an ophthalmic device that examines a subject's eye, and includes an examination unit that examines the subject's eye, an approach unit that has a metal part and approaches the subject in the examination unit, and a detection unit that detects at least one of approach and contact between the approach unit and the subject, and the detection unit includes a circuit that processes signals and a base part that holds the circuit, and the base part is fixed in direct contact with the approach unit, thereby providing electrical conductivity between the circuit and the metal part of the approach unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of an ophthalmologic apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a first inspection unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a nozzle unit and a detection unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first measurement optical system. [Figure 5]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the optical system of a second inspection unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control unit of the ophthalmologic apparatus. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of an examination screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Summary> An overview of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. The items grouped in < > below can be used independently or in conjunction with each other.

[0010] The ophthalmic apparatus of the present disclosure is an apparatus for examining an eye to be examined. For example, the ophthalmic apparatus may be an objective ophthalmoscopic apparatus that objectively measures eye characteristics (e.g., ocular refractive power, axial length, corneal shape) of the eye to be examined. For example, the ophthalmic apparatus may be an ophthalmic imaging apparatus that photographs the anterior segment of the eye to obtain anterior segment image data of the eye to be examined, corneal shape data of the eye to be examined, etc. Furthermore, for example, the ophthalmic apparatus may be an ophthalmic imaging apparatus that photographs the fundus of the eye to obtain frontal fundus image data of the eye to be examined, fundus tomographic image data of the eye to be examined, etc. That is, the ophthalmic apparatus may be at least one of an ocular refractive power measuring apparatus, a corneal curvature measuring apparatus, a corneal shape measuring apparatus, an intraocular pressure measuring apparatus, an axial length measuring apparatus, a fundus camera, an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), an SLO (Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope), etc.

[0011] The ophthalmologic apparatus of the present disclosure includes an examination unit (e.g., examination unit 3). The examination unit examines the ocular characteristics of the subject's eye. For example, the examination unit may include an examination optical system as part of the examination unit. As an example, the examination optical system may include at least one of various optical systems such as an eye imaging optical system (a fundus imaging optical system, a tomographic imaging optical system, etc.) for imaging the tissues of the subject's eye, and an eye characteristic measuring optical system (e.g., an intraocular pressure measuring optical system, an axial length measuring optical system, an eye refractive power measuring optical system, a corneal curvature measuring optical system, etc.) for measuring the ocular characteristics of the subject's eye.

[0012] For example, the examination unit may include an eye refraction examination unit. For example, the eye refraction examination unit projects a measurement light beam onto the fundus of the eye to be examined and measures the eye refraction of the eye to be examined based on a reflected light beam of the measurement light beam reflected by the fundus. For example, the eye refraction examination unit may include an eye refraction measurement optical system as a part of the eye refraction examination unit. Also, for example, the examination means may include an ocular pressure examination unit. For example, the ocular pressure examination unit has a fluid ejection unit that ejects a fluid onto the cornea of ​​the eye to be examined and measures the intraocular pressure by deforming the cornea with the fluid. For example, the ocular pressure examination unit may include an ocular pressure measurement optical system as a part of the ocular pressure examination unit.

[0013] The ophthalmic device of the present disclosure may include a proximity portion (e.g., nozzle portion 206) as part of the examination unit. The proximity portion is the portion of the examination unit that approaches the subject. The proximity portion includes a metal portion (e.g., metal portion 208). The proximity portion may be a portion that is positioned in front of the subject's eye during measurement and has a shape that protrudes toward the subject, such as the tip of the fluid ejection portion.

[0014] The inspection unit may include a first inspection unit (e.g., first inspection unit 3a) that inspects first subject's eye information, and a second inspection unit (e.g., second inspection unit 3b) that inspects second subject's eye information different from the first subject's eye information. The first inspection unit includes a contact unit. The second inspection unit is disposed below the first inspection unit. In this case, since the second inspection unit is disposed below the first inspection unit, the space for each component below the first inspection unit is limited. Therefore, by disposing a detection unit on at least one of the top and side surfaces of the first inspection unit, it becomes easier to ensure space for arranging other components.

[0015] The ophthalmologic apparatus of the present disclosure may include a detection unit (e.g., detection unit 250). The detection unit detects at least one of approach and contact between the approach unit and the subject (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "approach / contact"). The detection unit includes a circuit for processing signals and a base unit for holding the circuit. The metal part of the approach unit and the circuit of the detection unit are electrically connected. As a result, the detection unit can detect approach or contact of the subject's eye with the examination unit. When the base unit of the detection unit is fixed in direct contact with the approach unit, the circuit of the detection unit and the metal part of the approach unit are electrically connected. In other words, the detection unit may be configured to be directly fixed to the approach unit without being connected to the metal part of the approach unit by a harness or the like. For example, a board (including a circuit) or the like included in the detection unit may be directly fixed to the approach unit. In other words, the base unit may be a board for holding the circuit. The base unit may also be a housing or the like that holds the circuit internally.

[0016] For example, during device manufacturing or maintenance, a harness or the like that provides electrical continuity between the contact portion and the detection portion's circuit may be forgotten to be connected. In this case, the detection portion cannot detect the approach or contact of the contact portion with the subject. In contrast, the ophthalmic device disclosed herein fixes the base portion of the detection portion in direct contact with the approach portion, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the metal portion of the approach portion and the detection portion's circuit. This prevents the harness or the like that connects the contact portion and the detection portion's circuit from being forgotten to be connected.

[0017] The detection unit may be fixed to at least one of the top surface (surface facing upward) and side surface (surface facing sideways) of the approach unit. More specifically, for example, the detection unit may be connected so as to be in contact with the top surface of the approach unit. Also, for example, the detection unit may be connected so as to be in contact with the right side surface of the approach unit, or the left side surface of the housing of the approach unit. This makes it easier for an operator to visually confirm that the inspection unit and the detection unit are correctly connected when assembling them.

[0018] The detection unit may be a contact sensor that detects contact between the approach unit and the subject. The contact sensor may be a capacitance sensor or the like. For example, in the case of a non-contact sensor (e.g., a current sensor, a voltage sensor, or the like), depending on the shape of the subject's face and the test environment (temperature, etc.), contact detection may be repeated even when there is no actual contact with the subject, making it impossible to perform the test. Therefore, by detecting contact between the approach unit and the subject using a contact sensor, the accuracy of contact detection can be improved, allowing the test to be performed smoothly.

[0019] Furthermore, in the case of a fully automatic ophthalmic device that sequentially measures the left and right eyes of a subject, there are cases where the examiner is not present at the device. For example, by using a contact sensor to detect contact between the approach part and the subject, it is possible to monitor contact between the approach part and the subject, thereby enabling the examination to be performed safely.

[0020] The ophthalmic device of the present disclosure includes a control unit. When the electrical connection between the control unit and the detection unit is interrupted, the control unit executes a contact process, which is a process for when the contact unit and the subject are in contact, or a detection-disabled process, which indicates that a signal from the detection unit cannot be received. As described above, if a harness or the like connecting the contact unit and the detection unit circuit is not connected, the detection unit cannot detect the subject's approach or contact with the contact unit. In this case, even if the detection unit circuit and the control unit are electrically connected, there is a high possibility that the ophthalmic device will continue to be used without the control unit being able to determine whether the subject has approached or contacted the contact unit.

[0021] In contrast, in the ophthalmologic device disclosed herein, the base of the detection unit is fixed in direct contact with the approach unit, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the circuit of the detection unit and the metal part of the approach unit. Therefore, when the detection unit is fixed to the contact unit, electrical continuity is established between the contact unit and the circuit of the detection unit. Furthermore, when the electrical connection between the control unit and the detection unit is interrupted, a contact process or a detection disabled process is executed. This appropriately reduces the possibility that the ophthalmologic device will continue to be used without the control unit being able to determine whether the subject has approached or contacted the contact unit.

[0022] For example, the control unit may control the display means to display contact information (information indicating that the contact unit and the subject are in contact) or detection impossible information (information indicating that the detection unit cannot detect contact between the subject) on the display means. For example, the control unit may display a message on the display means as contact information or detection impossible information. Furthermore, for example, the control unit may display the contact information or detection impossible information by highlighting the screen on the display means. As an example, this may be at least one of inverting or changing the color of the screen, flashing the screen, changing the display size, etc. Furthermore, for example, the control unit may display the contact information or detection impossible information by displaying a sign (e.g., at least one of a window, mark, icon, letter, number, symbol, etc.) on the display means. Of course, for example, the control unit may further highlight such a sign.

[0023] For example, the control unit may cause a sound generating unit to generate the contact information or the detection impossible information as a sound. Alternatively, for example, the control unit may control a notification unit (for example, a lamp) to indicate the contact information or the detection impossible information by lighting or blinking the notification unit. Alternatively, for example, the control unit may control a printing unit (for example, a printer) to cause the printing unit to print the contact information or the detection impossible information. Alternatively, for example, the control unit may control an external storage unit (for example, a memory or a server) to transmit the contact information or the detection impossible information to the external storage unit. Of course, for example, the control unit may execute a combination of these controls, or may execute a different control. This makes it possible to check whether the detection unit and the control unit are properly electrically connected and whether the detection signal from the detection unit is properly received by the control unit.

[0024] <Example> An example of the ophthalmic apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

[0025] <Device configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an ophthalmic apparatus 1. For example, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 includes an examination unit 3 that measures the eye to be examined. The examination unit 3 includes a first examination unit 3a and a second examination unit 3b. The first examination unit 3a functions as a tonometry unit that measures the intraocular pressure of the eye to be examined. The second examination unit 3b functions as an ocular refractive power examination unit that measures the ocular refractive power of the eye to be examined.

[0026] Furthermore, for example, the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 includes a base 2, a face support unit 4, a drive unit 5, a speaker 6, a display unit 75, an operation unit 76, a control unit 70, and the like. The base 2 supports each unit of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. The face support unit 4 is used to fix the subject's face. The face support unit 4 is fixed to the base 2 and supports the subject's face. For example, the face support unit 4 includes a forehead rest 4a, a chin rest 4b, a chin rest sensor 4c, a chin rest drive unit 4d, and the like. The chin rest sensor 4c detects whether the chin is resting on the chin rest 4b. The chin rest drive unit 4d drives the chin rest 4b in the Y direction to change its height. The drive unit 5 drives the first examination unit 3a and the second examination unit 3b integrally. The drive unit 5 moves the first examination unit 3a and the second examination unit 3b in three dimensional directions, i.e., up and down, left and right, front and back, relative to the base. The speaker 6 generates audio announcements, etc.

[0027] The display unit 75 is controlled by the control unit 70 and displays the measurement results of the subject's eye, etc. For example, the display unit 75 displays the ocular refractive power of the subject's eye, the corneal shape distribution, the intraocular pressure, a frontal image of the anterior segment, etc. on the screen.

[0028] The operation unit 76 accepts operations by the examiner. If the display unit 75 has a touch panel, the display unit 75 may function as the operation unit 76. As the operation unit 76, various human interfaces such as a joystick, a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, or a button may be used.

[0029] <First Inspection Department> 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the first testing unit 3a. The first testing unit 3a includes a face imaging unit 400, a fluid discharge unit 200, and a first measurement optical system 300. The fluid discharge unit 200 generates compressed air for measuring intraocular pressure. The face imaging unit 400 images the subject's face. The first measurement optical system 300 includes an optical system for measuring intraocular pressure.

[0030] <Facial Photography Department> The face photographing unit 400 includes a face illumination optical system 410, a face photographing optical system 420, etc. The face illumination optical system 410 illuminates the face of the subject. The face illumination optical system 410 includes an illumination light source 411, etc. The illumination light source 411 may be a light source with low directionality. Alternatively, the illumination light source 411 may be a light source that emits infrared light.

[0031] The face photographing optical system 420 photographs the face of the subject. The face photographing optical system 420 includes an imaging lens 421, an imaging element 422, etc. The imaging element 422 receives a light beam reflected from the face. This captures a face image including at least one of the left eye and the right eye of the subject's eye E. An output signal from the imaging element 422 is input to the control unit 70 and the display unit 75.

[0032] <Fluid discharge part> The fluid discharge unit 200 discharges fluid onto the cornea of ​​the subject's eye E. The fluid discharge unit 200 includes a cylinder 201, a piston 202, a solenoid actuator 203 (hereinafter referred to as the solenoid 203), a nozzle unit 206, and the like. The cylinder 201 and the piston 202 are used as an air compression mechanism that compresses air to be discharged into the subject's eye. For example, the cylinder 201 is cylindrical. The piston 202 slides along the axial direction of the cylinder 201. The piston 202 compresses air in an air compression chamber 234 inside the cylinder 201. The solenoid 203 of this embodiment is a so-called direct-acting solenoid, and operates linearly. The solenoid 203 includes a movable body 204 and a coil 205. For example, the movable body 204 is made of a magnetic material such as a permanent magnet. When a current flows through the coil 205, a magnetic field is generated inside the coil 205. The movable body 204 is moved in the direction A in Fig. 3 by the electromagnetic force received from the magnetic field. The movable body 204 is fixed to the piston 202 by screws, bolts, nuts, etc. (not shown). Therefore, the piston 202 moves together with the movable body 204. The movement of the movable body 204 moves the piston 202 in the compression direction (or forward direction, direction A in Fig. 3).

[0033] The nozzle unit 206 is an approach unit that is placed in front of the subject's eye during measurement and approaches the subject. For example, the nozzle unit 206 includes a nozzle 207, a metal unit 208, and the like. The nozzle 207 ejects compressed air to the outside of the device. The metal unit 208 houses the nozzle 207. In this embodiment, the metal unit 208 is electrically connected to the circuit of the detection unit 250, which will be described later. As a result, the detection unit 250 can detect at least one of the approach and contact between the nozzle unit 206 and the subject.

[0034] The fluid compressed in the air compression chamber 234 in the cylinder 201 by the movement of the piston 202 is discharged from the nozzle 207 toward the cornea of ​​the subject's eye E through a tube (which may be a pipe) 220 connected to the tip of the cylinder 201 and an airtight chamber 221 that stores the compressed air. For example, the cylinder 201 may be arranged parallel to the horizontal plane (XZ plane), and the piston 202 may be moved horizontally within the cylinder 201 by driving the solenoid 203, thereby compressing the fluid. For example, the cylinder 201 may be arranged so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the inner surface of the cylinder 201 guides the piston 202. Therefore, the movement direction (compression direction) of the piston 202 is horizontal. Each of the above-mentioned components is arranged on a stage provided within the housing of the device main body.

[0035] Furthermore, the solenoid 203 of this embodiment can change the direction of movement of the movable body 204 by changing the direction of current flowing through the coil 205. For example, when a current flows in the forward direction through the coil 205, the movable body 204 moves in the compression direction (forward direction, direction A in FIG. 2), and when a current flows in the reverse direction, the movable body 204 moves in the opposite direction (rearward direction, direction B in FIG. 2). Therefore, by switching the direction of current flowing through the coil 205, the direction of movement of the piston 202, which moves together with the movable body 204, can be changed. For example, after a current flows in the forward direction through the coil 205, the piston 202 moves in the direction A to compress the fluid in the air compression chamber 234, and then a current flows in the reverse direction through the coil 205, the piston 202 moves in the direction B to return to its initial position.

[0036] For example, the fluid ejection unit 200 may include a glass plate 209 and a glass plate 210. The glass plate 209 is transparent, holds the nozzle 207, and transmits observation light and alignment light. The glass plate 210 forms the rear wall of the airtight chamber 221 and transmits observation light and alignment light.

[0037] For example, the fluid discharge part 200 may include a pressure sensor 212 and an air vent hole 213. The pressure sensor 212 detects, for example, the pressure in the airtight chamber 221. The air vent hole 213 reduces resistance until the piston 202 gains initial velocity, for example, and can obtain a pressure change that rises proportionally over time.

[0038] <Detection unit> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the nozzle unit 206 and the detection unit 250. The detection unit 250 detects at least one of approach and contact between the nozzle unit 206 and the subject. As an example, the detection unit 250 of this embodiment detects contact between the nozzle unit 206 and the subject. The detection unit 250 is disposed on the right side of the nozzle unit 206 as seen from the subject, and is fixed to the metal portion 208 (the shaded portion in FIG. 4) of the nozzle unit 206. The detection unit 250 includes a sensor unit 251 and a base unit 252. In addition, a screw 253, an electric wire 254, etc. are attached to the detection unit 250.

[0039] The sensor unit 251 includes at least a portion of the configuration of a sensor for detecting proximity or contact between the nozzle unit 206 and the subject (for example, at least a portion of the configuration of a capacitance sensor). The sensor unit 251 of this embodiment is disposed on a base unit 252. At least one of the sensor unit 251 and the base unit 252 is electrically connected to the control unit 70 by an electric wire 254 or the like. The base unit 252 holds a circuit for processing a signal generated when the nozzle unit 206 comes into contact with the subject (for example, the subject's eye, etc.). As an example, the base unit 252 of this embodiment is a substrate that holds the circuit. The base unit 252 is fixed in direct contact with the nozzle unit 206 (in this embodiment, the metal portion 208 of the nozzle unit 206). As a result, the circuit of the sensor unit 251 is electrically connected to the metal portion 208 via the base unit 252, which is a substrate. The base unit 252 is fixed to the nozzle unit 206 by a screw 253 or the like.

[0040] <1st measurement optical system> 4 is a diagram showing the first measurement optical system 300. The first measurement optical system 300 measures the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye. For example, the first measurement optical system 300 includes a first fixation target optical system 330, a first observation optical system 340, a first index optical system 390, a deformation detection optical system 350, and a corneal thickness measurement optical system 370.

[0041] <First fixation target optical system> The first fixation target optical system 330 presents a fixation target to the subject's eye E from the front direction. The first fixation target optical system 330 has, for example, a visible light source (fixation lamp) 331, a projection lens 332, and a dichroic mirror 333, and projects light onto the subject's eye E to fixate the subject's eye E in the front direction. The light source 331 may be a light source such as an LED or a laser. The light source 331 may also be, for example, a pattern light source such as a point light source, a slit light source, or a ring light source, or a two-dimensional display such as a liquid crystal display.

[0042] Visible light emitted from the light source 331 passes through the projection lens 332, is reflected by the dichroic mirror 333, passes through the objective lens 302, and is then projected onto the fundus of the subject's eye E. This causes the subject's eye E to fixate on a fixation point in the front direction, and the direction of the line of sight is fixed. Note that the visible light emitted from the light source 331 is converted into a parallel beam of light by passing through the projection lens 332 and the objective lens 302.

[0043] <First observation optical system> The first observation optical system 340 is disposed to capture an image of the anterior segment of the subject's eye. The first observation optical system 340 is disposed in the reflecting direction of the dichroic mirror 333 and the beam splitter 341. The dichroic mirror 333 has the property of transmitting light emitted from the light source 311 and reflecting infrared light emitted from the light source 381 for illuminating the anterior segment. The first observation optical system 340 includes an imaging lens 342, a filter 343, and an imaging element (e.g., a CCD) 344. The imaging lens 342 focuses light reflected from the subject's eye onto the imaging element 344. The filter 343 transmits light from the light source 381 and the light source 391, for example, but is opaque to light from a light source 351 for corneal deformation detection (described later) and visible light. The imaging element 344 receives the light reflected from the subject's eye. The imaging element 344 outputs the acquired light reception signal to the control unit 70.

[0044] The illumination light from the light source 381 reflected by the subject's eye passes through the nozzle 206, passes through the objective lens 302, is reflected by the dichroic mirror 333 and the beam splitter 341, and passes through the imaging lens 342 and the filter 343 to form an image on the imaging element 344.

[0045] <1st index optical system> The first target optical system 390 projects a target onto the subject's eye. The first target optical system 390 includes, for example, a light source 391, a projection lens 392, and a beam splitter 393. Infrared light projected from the light source 391 via the projection lens 392 is reflected by the beam splitter 393 and projected onto the subject's eye from the front. A corneal bright spot formed at the corneal vertex by the light source 391 is imaged on the image sensor 344 of the first observation optical system 340 and is used to detect alignment in the up, down, left, and right directions.

[0046] <Deformation detection optical system> The deformation detection optical system 350 includes a light projecting optical system 350a and a light receiving optical system 350b, and is used to detect the deformation state of the cornea Ec.

[0047] The light projecting optical system 350a has an optical axis L13 as a light projecting optical axis, and irradiates illumination light obliquely toward the cornea Ec of the eye E. The light projecting optical system 350a includes, for example, a light source 351, a collimator lens 352, and a beam splitter 353. The light receiving optical system 350b includes a photodetector 357, and receives reflected light of the illumination light from the cornea Ec of the eye E. The light receiving optical system 350b is disposed approximately symmetrically to the light projecting optical system 350a with respect to the optical axis L11. The light receiving optical system 350b includes, for example, a lens 354, a beam splitter 355, a pinhole plate 356, and a photodetector 357, and forms an optical axis L12 as a light receiving optical axis.

[0048] Light (e.g., infrared light) emitted from the light source 351 is converted into a substantially parallel beam by a collimator lens 352, reflected by a beam splitter 353, and then becomes coaxial with (coincides with) an optical axis L23 of a light-receiving optical system 370b (described later) and projected onto the cornea Ec of the subject's eye. The light reflected by the cornea Ec becomes coaxial with (coincides with) an optical axis L12 of a light-projecting optical system 370a (described later), passes through a lens 354, is reflected by a beam splitter 355, passes through a pinhole plate 356, and is received by a photodetector 357. The lens 354 is coated with a coating that is opaque to the light from the light sources 381 and 391. The deformation detection optical system 350 is positioned so that the amount of light received by the photodetector 357 is maximized when the subject's eye is in a predetermined deformation state (e.g., applanation state).

[0049] Moreover, this deformation detecting optical system 350 also serves as part of a first working distance detecting system 360b, and the light projecting optical system of the first working distance detecting system also serves as the light projecting optical system 350a of the deformation detecting optical system 350. First working distance detecting system 360b, which receives light reflected by the cornea Ec from the light source 351, has, for example, lens 354, beam splitter 358, condenser lens 359, and position detecting element 360 of the light projecting optical system 350a, and forms an optical axis L12 as a light receiving optical axis.

[0050] Illumination light projected from the light source 351 and reflected by the cornea Ec forms a target image, which is a virtual image of the light source 351. The light of the target image passes through a lens 354 and a beam splitter 355, is reflected by a beam splitter 358, passes through a condenser lens 359, and is incident on a one-dimensional or two-dimensional position detector 360 such as a PSD or a line sensor. When the subject's eye E (cornea Ec) moves in the working distance direction (Z direction), the target image formed by the light source 351 also moves on the position detector 360. Therefore, the control unit 70 obtains working distance information based on the output signal from the position detector 360. Note that the output signal from the position detector 360 in this embodiment is used for alignment (coarse adjustment) in the working distance direction (Z direction). The magnification of the first working distance detection system 360b is not as high as that of the light receiving optical system 370b (described later). Therefore, the distance detection range of the position detector 360 in the Z direction is wider than that of the light receiving element 377.

[0051] <Corneal thickness measurement optical system> The corneal thickness measuring optical system 370 includes a light projecting optical system 370a and a light receiving optical system 370b, and is used to measure the corneal thickness of the subject's eye E. The light projecting optical system 370a also serves as part of the deformation detecting optical system 350 and the first working distance detecting system 360b.

[0052] The light projecting optical system 370a has an optical axis L12 as a light projecting optical axis, and irradiates illumination light (measurement light) from an oblique direction toward the cornea Ec of the subject's eye E. The light projecting optical system 370a includes, for example, a light source 371, a condenser lens 372, a light limiting member 373, a concave lens 374, and a lens 354 that also serves as the deformation detection optical system. The light source 371 is a visible light source or an infrared light source (including near-infrared), such as an LED or a laser. The condenser lens 372 condenses the light emitted from the light source 371.

[0053] The light limiting member 373 is disposed in the optical path of the light projecting optical system 370a and limits the light emitted from the light source 371. The light limiting member 373 is disposed at a position approximately conjugate with the cornea Ec. For example, a pinhole plate, a slit plate, or the like is used as the light limiting member 373. The light limiting member 373 is used as an aperture that passes a portion of the light emitted from the light source 371 and blocks the other light. The light projecting optical system 370a forms a predetermined pattern light beam (for example, a spot light beam, a slit light beam) on the cornea of ​​the subject's eye E.

[0054] The light-receiving optical system 370b has a light-receiving element 377 and receives reflected light of the illumination light from the front and back surfaces of the cornea of ​​the subject's eye E. The light-receiving optical system 370b is disposed approximately symmetrically with the light-projecting optical system 370a with respect to the optical axis L11. The light-receiving optical system 370b has, for example, a light-receiving lens 375, a concave lens 376, and a light-receiving element 377, and forms an optical axis L13 as a light-receiving optical axis. The light-receiving optical system 370b in FIG. 5 also serves as a second working distance detection system that detects the alignment state in the Z direction with respect to the subject's eye E.

[0055] The light receiving element 377 has multiple photoelectric conversion elements and receives light reflected from the front and back surfaces of the cornea. The light receiving element 377 may be, for example, a light detection device such as a one-dimensional line sensor or a two-dimensional area sensor. The corneal thickness measurement optical system and the light receiving optical system 370b of the second working distance detection system perform observations at a high magnification. Therefore, the distance detection range of the light receiving element 377 in the Z direction is narrower than that of the position detection element 360.

[0056] When the test eye E (cornea Ec) moves in the working distance direction (Z direction), the reflected light of the light source 371 on the cornea Ec also moves on the light receiving element 377, and the control unit 70 obtains working distance information based on the output signal from the light receiving element 377 of the second working distance detection system.

[0057] Light emitted from the light source 371 is condensed by the condenser lens 372 and illuminates the light-limiting member 373 from behind. Then, after being limited by the light-limiting member 373, the light from the light source 371 is imaged (condensed) near the cornea Ec by the lens 354. Near the cornea Ec, for example, a pinhole image (when a pinhole plate is used) or a slit image (when a slit plate is used) is formed. At this time, the light from the light source 371 is imaged near the intersection with the visual axis on the cornea Ec.

[0058] When illumination light is projected onto the cornea Ec by the light projecting optical system 370a, the reflected light of the illumination light from the cornea Ec travels in a direction symmetrical to the projected light beam with respect to the optical axis L11. The reflected light is then focused onto the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 377 by the light receiving lens 375.

[0059] <Second Inspection Department> 5 is a diagram showing the optical system of the first inspection unit 3b. The second inspection unit 3b includes a second measurement optical system 100, a second fixation target optical system 130, a second observation optical system 150, and a second index optical system 160. It also includes half mirrors 116 and 117 that branch and combine the optical paths of each optical system, an objective lens 118, and the like.

[0060] <Second measurement optical system> The second measuring optical system 100 objectively measures the ocular refractive power of the subject's eye E. The second measuring optical system 100 has a light projecting optical system 100a and a light receiving optical system 100b.

[0061] The light projecting optical system 100a has a measurement light source 111, and projects spot-shaped measurement light onto the fundus of the subject's eye E through the center of the pupil or the corneal apex of the subject's eye E. The measurement light source 111 may be an SLD light source, an LED light source, or other light source. In this embodiment, infrared light is used as the measurement light. For example, near-infrared light having a peak wavelength between 800 nm and 900 nm may be used. As an example, near-infrared light having a peak wavelength of 870 nm may be used. Of course, light of other wavelengths may also be used.

[0062] The light receiving optical system 100b has at least a ring lens 123 and an image sensor 124. The light receiving optical system 100b extracts the measurement light beam reflected from the fundus in a ring shape through the periphery of the pupil. The ring lens 123 is disposed at a pupil conjugate position, and the image sensor 124 is disposed at a fundus conjugate position. A ring image is formed on the image sensor 124 via the ring lens 123.

[0063] In this embodiment, a prism 115 is disposed on a common path of the light projecting optical system 100a and the light receiving optical system 100b. The prism 115 is rotated about the optical axis, thereby causing the projected light beam on the pupil to rotate eccentrically at high speed. As an example, in this embodiment, the projected light beam is rotated eccentrically in a region of φ2 mm to φ4 mm on the pupil. This region is the measurement region for the eye refractive power in this embodiment.

[0064] In this embodiment, since the measurement light is eccentrically rotated at high speed on the pupil, analysis is performed to derive the ocular refractive power on an output image from the image sensor 124 based on an exposure time that is sufficiently long relative to the rotation period, or on an added image of image data that is sequentially output from the image sensor 124. In this embodiment, values ​​such as SPH: spherical power, CYL: cylindrical power, and AXIS: astigmatic axis angle are acquired as the results of analysis.

[0065] The second measurement optical system 100 may include optical elements such as lenses and diaphragms in addition to the measurement light source 111, the prism 115, the ring lens 123, and the image sensor 124. The measurement light beam from the measurement light source 111 passes through the hole portion of the hole mirror 114 and the prism 115, and is reflected by the half mirrors 116 and 117, respectively, to become coaxial with the optical axis L1, and then reaches the fundus via the objective lens 118. The reflected light beam of the measurement light beam reflected by the fundus travels along the optical path that the measurement light beam passed through, is reflected by the mirror portion of the hole mirror 114, and reaches the image sensor 124 via the ring lens 123.

[0066] <Second fixation target optical system> The second fixation target optical system 130 presents a fixation target to the subject's eye E. The second fixation target optical system 130 causes the subject's eye to fixate and applies fogging and accommodative load to the subject's eye. For example, the second fixation target optical system 130 includes at least a light source 131 and a fixation target plate 132. The fixation target plate 132 may be disposed at a position conjugate with the fundus. A fixation light beam from the light source 131 passes through the fixation target plate 132, lens 133, lens 134, and half mirror 116 on the optical axis L2 and is reflected by the half mirror 117, thereby becoming coaxial with the optical axis L1. The fixation light beam further passes through the objective lens 118 and reaches the fundus.

[0067] The measurement light source 111, ring lens 123, and image sensor 124 in the second measurement optical system 100, and the light source 131 and fixation target plate 132 in the second fixation target optical system 130, are integrally movable along the optical axis by a drive unit 141 as a drive unit 140. For example, the focal length within the drive unit 140 in the second measurement optical system 100 and the focal length within the drive unit 140 in the second fixation target optical system 130 have a predetermined relationship. For example, by moving the drive unit according to the ocular refractive power of the subject's eye E, the presentation distance of the fixation target plate 132 relative to the subject's eye E (i.e., the presentation position of the fixation target) can be changed, and the measurement light source 111 and image sensor 124 are optically conjugate with the fundus. At this time, regardless of the movement of the drive unit, the hole mirror 114 and the ring lens 123 are pupil-conjugate at a constant magnification.

[0068] <Second observation optical system> The second observation optical system 150 captures a front image of the anterior segment of the subject's eye E. For example, the second observation optical system 150 includes an image sensor 151 and the like. The image sensor 151 may be disposed at a pupil conjugate position. The front image is used for alignment and the like. In addition, the second observation optical system 150 captures an index image (point image) projected onto the cornea from the first index optical system 160 and an index image (Mayer ring image).

[0069] <Second index optical system> The second target optical system 160 projects an index onto the subject's eye. The second target optical system 160 is used, for example, for alignment (positioning) of the subject's eye E. The second target optical system 160 includes a plurality of point light sources 161 and a light source 162. The point light source 161 projects an index at infinity by irradiating the cornea with parallel light. The point light source 161 emits infrared light. However, visible light may also be used. The point light sources 161 are arranged symmetrically both vertically and horizontally about the optical axis L1. For example, in this embodiment, two point light sources are provided on each side. This allows four point image indices to be projected onto the cornea. Note that the shape of the indices is not limited to this, and linear indices or the like may be included. Furthermore, the number of indices is not limited to this, and the second target optical system 160 may be configured with three or more point image indices.

[0070] The light source 162 projects a finite index by irradiating the cornea with diffused light. The light source 162 emits infrared light. However, visible light may also be used. The light sources 162 are arranged in a ring shape centered on the optical axis L1. As a result, in this embodiment, a ring index (so-called Mayer ring) is projected onto the cornea.

[0071] In this embodiment, the working distance is adjusted by moving the examination unit 3 in the front-rear direction so that the Purkinje image by the point light source 161 and the ring index by the light source 162 are photographed at a predetermined ratio.

[0072] <Control unit> 6 is a schematic diagram of the control unit of the ophthalmic apparatus 1. The control unit 70 includes a CPU (processor), RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU controls the driving of each unit in the ophthalmic apparatus 1. The RAM temporarily stores various types of information. The ROM stores various programs executed by the CPU, etc. The control unit 70 may be configured with multiple control units (i.e., multiple processors).

[0073] The control unit 70 is electrically connected to the first testing unit 3a, the second testing unit 3b, the face support unit 4, the drive unit 5, the speaker 6, the display unit 75, the operation unit 76, the fluid discharge unit 200, the first measurement optical system 300, the face imaging unit 400, the corneal shape distribution testing unit 500, a non-volatile memory 74 (hereinafter, memory 74), the detection unit 250, etc. The memory 74 is a non-transitory storage medium that can retain its stored contents even when the power supply is cut off. For example, the memory 74 may be a hard disk drive, a flash ROM, a USB memory, etc.

[0074] <Control action> The control operation of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. For example, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 measures the subject's eye by fully automatically executing processes from alignment of the subject's eye E with the examination unit 3 to acquisition of various measurement data. In this embodiment, a case will be illustrated in which an ocular refractive power measurement mode for measuring the ocular refractive power of the subject's eye and a corneal thickness and intraocular pressure measurement mode for measuring the corneal pressure and intraocular pressure of the subject's eye are set in this order.

[0075] <Checking the detection signal> For example, the examiner presses a power switch (not shown) to start the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. At this time, for example, when the electrical connection with the detection unit 250 is interrupted, the control unit 70 executes a contact process in which the nozzle unit 206 is in contact with the subject (or the subject's eye), or an undetectable process indicating that a signal from the detection unit 250 cannot be received. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a contact process in which the nozzle unit 206 is in contact with the subject (or the subject's eye) is executed when the electrical connection with the detection unit 250 is interrupted.

[0076] 7 is an example of the examination screen 600. For example, the examination screen 600 displays a captured image 601, setting change buttons 602, a message 603, and the like. The captured image 601 is an image captured in real time by the image sensor 422 of the face imaging optical system 420. The setting change buttons 602 are a plurality of buttons for changing various settings for measuring the subject's eye (for example, selection of the subject's eye (measurement eye)). The message 603 displays a message informing the user that the nozzle portion 206 and the subject (or the subject's eye) are in contact with each other.

[0077] For example, when the control unit 70 confirms that the examiner has pressed a power switch (not shown), it checks whether a detection signal from the detection unit 250 can be received. For example, if the electrical connection between the control unit 70 and the detection unit 250 is interrupted, the electrical signal from the detection unit 250 is not transmitted to the control unit 70. In this case, the control unit 70 cannot receive the electrical signal from the detection unit 250, and therefore displays a message 603 on the examination screen 600 of the display unit 75, indicating that the nozzle unit 206 is in contact with the subject (or the subject's eye). For example, the examiner checks the connection status between the control unit 70 and the detection unit 250 based on the message 603 displayed on the examination screen 600. More specifically, the examiner checks the connection between the control unit 70 and the detection unit 250 and the electric wire 254 connected to the sensor unit 251 of the detection unit 250. This makes it possible to check whether a detection signal from the detection unit 250 can be correctly received, thereby reducing the possibility that the ophthalmic apparatus will be continued in use without the control unit being able to determine whether the subject has approached or contacted the contact unit. Of course, the control unit 70 may be configured to constantly monitor whether or not a detection signal can be sent and received from the detection unit 250 from the time the ophthalmic device 1 is started until it is stopped, not just when the examiner presses the power switch (not shown).

[0078] Furthermore, for example, when the detection unit 250 detects contact between the nozzle unit 206 and the subject during alignment or measurement of the inspection unit 3, the control unit 70 causes a message 603 to be displayed on the inspection screen 600. Furthermore, the control unit 70 controls the drive unit 4 to perform a contact avoidance operation. For example, from a state in which the nozzle unit 206 is in contact with the subject, the control unit 70 causes the inspection unit 3 to retreat in a direction away from the subject (Z direction), and then stops the inspection unit 3.

[0079] <Eye Refractive Index Measurement Mode> For example, when the control unit 70 detects based on the detection result of the chin rest sensor 4c that the subject has placed his / her chin on the chin rest 4b, it sets the eye refractive power measurement mode, causes the speaker 6 to output an audio announcement instructing the subject to fixate the fixation target, and performs alignment. The control unit 70 turns on the light source 131 of the second fixation target optical system 130 in the second examination unit 3b, the point light sources 161 and 162 of the second target optical system 160, and the illumination light source 411 of the face imaging optical system 420 in the first examination unit 3a. This illuminates the subject's face, and a facial image of the subject is captured. The control unit 70 causes the facial image to be displayed on the display unit 75.

[0080] The control unit 70 moves the second examination unit 3b in the X, Y, and Z directions relative to the subject's eye. For example, the control unit 70 moves the examination unit 3 in the X and Y directions so that the second examination unit 3b is positioned in front of the subject's eye (measurement eye). Furthermore, for example, the control unit 70 moves the examination unit 3 in the Z direction so that the second examination unit 3b approaches the subject's eye (measurement eye).

[0081] When the working distance between the eye to be examined and the second examination unit 3b becomes appropriate, the control unit 70 completes fine alignment of the examination unit 3 with respect to the eye to be examined. Furthermore, based on an input signal indicating completion of alignment of the eye to be examined, the control unit 70 controls the second measurement optical system 100 to measure the ocular refractive power of the eye to be examined. More specifically, the control unit 70 irradiates the fundus of the eye to be examined with measurement light, and measures the ocular refractive power of the eye to be examined based on the detection result of the measurement light reflected by the fundus.

[0082] <Corneal thickness and intraocular pressure measurement mode> Upon acquiring the measurement results of the ocular refractive power of the subject's eye, the control unit 70 transitions to a corneal thickness and intraocular pressure measurement mode. For example, the control unit 70 controls the driving unit 5 to retract the examination unit 3 and controls the driving unit (not shown) to extend the nozzle 206 of the fluid discharge unit 200. At the same time, for example, the control unit 70 controls the driving unit 5 to move the examination unit 3 downward by a predetermined distance, adjusting the height so that the optical axis L11 of the first examination unit 3a is aligned with the subject's eye. Then, the control unit 70 turns on the light source 331 of the first fixation target optical system 330 and the light sources 381 and 391 of the first observation optical system 340. This illuminates the anterior segment of the subject's eye, and an image of the anterior segment is captured. The control unit 70 controls the display unit 75 to display the anterior segment image.

[0083] When the working distance between the eye and the first examination unit 3a reaches an appropriate value, the control unit 70 completes the alignment of the examination unit 3 with respect to the eye. Based on an input signal indicating the completion of alignment of the eye, the control unit 70 sequentially performs corneal pressure measurement and intraocular pressure measurement of the eye. For example, the control unit 70 controls the corneal thickness measurement optical system 370 to calculate the distance (peak-to-peak distance) between the reflection signal from the anterior surface of the cornea detected by the light receiving element 377 and the reflection signal from the posterior surface of the cornea, thereby measuring the corneal thickness. Next, for example, the control unit 70 controls the fluid ejection unit 200 to drive the solenoid 203 to move the piston 202, thereby compressing the air in the cylinder 201 and spraying the compressed air from the nozzle 206. Based on the output signal from the pressure sensor 212 and the output signal from the photodetector 57, the control unit 70 measures the intraocular pressure when the cornea gradually deforms due to the blowing of compressed air and reaches a flattened (or applanated) state.

[0084] <Result output> When the measurement is completed, the control unit 70 outputs the measurement result data. For example, the control unit 70 displays the measurement result on the display unit 75, prints it out, or outputs it to the outside of the device wirelessly or via a wired connection. When the data output is completed, the control unit 70 ends the process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 Ophthalmology equipment 80 Control Unit 100 Inspection Department 200 fluid discharge section 201 Cylinder 202 Piston 203 Solenoid 206 Nozzle part 250 detection unit 251 Sensor unit 252 Base 300 Intraocular Pressure Testing Department 400 Face Photography Department

Claims

1. An ophthalmic apparatus for examining an eye to be examined, an examination unit that examines the subject's eye; an approach portion having a metal portion and approaching the subject in the examination portion; a detection unit that detects at least one of approach and contact between the approach unit and a subject; Equipped with The detection unit a circuit for processing a signal; a base portion that holds the circuit; Equipped with An ophthalmic device, characterized in that the base portion is fixed in a state of direct contact with the approach portion, thereby conducting the circuit and the metal portion of the approach portion.

2. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 , The ophthalmologic apparatus is characterized in that the detection unit is fixed to at least one of the top surface and the side surface of the approach unit.

3. 3. The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 1, A control unit is provided, The ophthalmic device is characterized in that, when the electrical connection with the detection unit is interrupted, the control unit executes a contact processing state in which the contact unit is in contact with the subject, or a detection impossible processing state indicating that a signal from the detection unit cannot be received.

4. 4. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, The inspection unit a first testing unit having the contact unit and configured to test first information about the subject's eye; a second examination unit disposed below the first examination unit and configured to examine second information on the subject's eye that is different from the first information on the subject's eye, The ophthalmologic apparatus is characterized in that the detection unit is disposed on at least one of an upper surface and a side surface of the first examination unit.

5. 5. The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 3, a face photographing unit for photographing an image including the face of the subject; a driving unit that changes the relative positional relationship between the subject's eye and the examination unit; Equipped with The control unit detects the alignment state of the examination unit relative to the subject's eye in the left-right, up-down, and front-to-back directions using the face photographing unit, and controls the drive unit based on the detected alignment state to automatically perform measurements on the subject's left and right eyes sequentially.

Images