Ophthalmologic device

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmologic device capable of improving operability of an operation part by an examiner.SOLUTION: An ophthalmologic device includes an operation unit operated by an examiner and slidable in a two-dimensional direction, an optometric unit for examining a subject's eye, and a control unit for moving a position of the optometric unit relative to the subject's eye according to operation directions of the operation unit, where the operation unit has a tactile part allowing the examiner to tactilely recognize a direction in which the optometric unit is moved. For example, the tactile part of the operation unit is provided in at least one of reference directions in which the examiner can move the optometry unit, the reference direction allowing the examiner to acquire the positional relation between the examiner and the optometry unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic apparatus for examining an 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. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-130227 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional ophthalmic devices have not provided sufficient operability for examiners. For example, when an examiner examines a subject's eye, the examiner often operates a control unit at hand to align the device while looking directly at a monitor displaying an anterior ocular segment image of the subject's eye or at the distance between the subject and the ophthalmic device. Furthermore, when an ophthalmic device is used in a darkroom or semi-darkroom, it is difficult to visually check the control unit. Furthermore, for example, if the side of the ophthalmic device is positioned against a wall in an examination room where the ophthalmic device is installed, the examiner may have to operate the ophthalmic device from the side, for example, because it is difficult for the examiner to sit directly in front of the device. In such situations, for example, it is difficult for the examiner to operate the control unit, potentially causing the ophthalmic device to move in an unintended direction.

[0005] In view of the problems of the related art, the present disclosure has as its technical object to provide an ophthalmologic apparatus capable of improving the operability of an operation unit by an examiner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An ophthalmologic device provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure includes an operating unit that is slidable in two dimensions and operated by an examiner, an eye examination unit for examining the subject's eye, and a control unit that moves the relative position of the eye examination unit with respect to the subject's eye in accordance with the operating direction of the operating unit, and is characterized in that the operating unit has a tactile part that allows the examiner to tactilely recognize the direction in which to move the eye examination unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [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 from the state shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a touch-sensitive portion 80 and a non-touch-sensitive portion 81 in the second operation unit 70. [Figure 7] This is an example in which the tactile section 80 of the second operating section 70 has a concave shape. [Figure 8] This is an example in which the tactile section 80 of the second operating section 70 has an uneven shape. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] <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.

[0009] 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, etc. The optometry unit (e.g., the optometry unit 2) is used to examine the eye to be examined. The drive unit (e.g., the drive unit 4) moves the relative position of the optometry unit with respect to the eye to be examined. The operation unit (e.g., the operation unit 60) is operated by the examiner. The operation detection unit detects the operation of the operation unit. The control unit performs fine and coarse movement of the optometry unit. As described above, fine movement means moving the optometry unit less (or more slowly) than in coarse movement in order to finely adjust the relative position between the eye to be examined and the optometry unit. Coarse movement means moving the optometry unit more (or more quickly) than in fine movement in order to roughly adjust the relative position between the eye to be examined and the optometry unit.

[0010] The operation unit is an operation unit that is operated by the examiner and can slide in two dimensions. The operation unit may have a first operation unit (e.g., the first operation unit 61) for finely moving the optometry unit and a second operation unit (e.g., the second operation unit 70) for coarsely moving the optometry unit.

[0011] The first operating unit is operated by the examiner to finely move the optometry unit. The first operating unit may be a control rod supported so as to be tiltable in any direction. The second operating unit is operated by the examiner to coarsely move the optometry unit. The second operating unit may be a control rod supported so as to be slidable in two dimensions. In this case, the first operating unit and the second operating unit may be independent or may be combined. Furthermore, the second operating unit may be an annular member disposed around the outer periphery of the first operating unit (for example, a control rod) and supported so as to be slidable in two dimensions. In this case, the first operating unit may be tilted independently of the second operating unit when the tilt angle is within a predetermined tilt range. When the tilt angle exceeds the predetermined tilt range, the first operating unit may come into contact with the second operating unit and be tilted while operating the second operating 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] It is also possible to change the configuration of at least one of the first operating unit and the second operating unit. For example, the first operating unit and the second operating unit may be configured not to come into contact with each other when the tilt angle of the first operating unit exceeds a predetermined tilt range. In this case, the control unit may perform coarse movement control of the optometry unit by detecting a tilt operation of the first operating unit that exceeds the predetermined tilt range and an operation of the second operating unit. For example, instead of a slidable annular member arranged to surround the outer periphery of the first operating unit, a slidable member of another shape (e.g., a non-annular shape such as a square or circular shape), a knob, a trackball, or the like may be used as the second operating unit.

[0014] The operation unit has a tactile section (e.g., tactile section 80) that allows the examiner to tactilely recognize the direction in which to move the optometry unit. The tactile section may be provided only on the first operation unit, or only on the second operation unit. Of course, the tactile section may be provided on both the first operation unit and the second operation unit. This makes it easier to operate the optometry unit to move it, even when the examiner does not or has difficulty visually checking the operation unit, or when the examiner operates the operation unit from the side of the optometry unit, for example. This improves the examiner's operability of the operation unit.

[0015] In the operation unit, the touch panel is provided in at least one of the reference directions in which the optometry unit can be moved, which serves as a reference direction for the examiner to grasp the positional relationship between the examiner and the optometry unit. For example, the touch panel may be provided in the operation unit with any one of the directions in which the operation unit is slid in two dimensions as the reference direction. That is, any one of the directions in which the optometry unit is moved by sliding the operation unit in two dimensions as the reference direction, and the touch panel 80 may be provided in any of the sliding directions of the operation unit. Furthermore, for example, the touch panel may be provided in multiple directions in which the operation unit is slid in two dimensions as the reference directions. That is, each of the multiple directions in which the optometry unit is moved by sliding the operation unit in two dimensions as the reference direction, and the touch panel 80 may be provided in any of the sliding directions of the operation unit.

[0016] For example, the touch panel may be provided with at least one reference direction, such as 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees, for moving the operation unit in the forward / backward or left / right direction (in other words, moving the optometry unit in the forward / backward or left / right direction). Furthermore, the touch panel may be provided with at least one reference direction, such as 45 degrees, 135 degrees, 225 degrees, or 315 degrees, for moving the operation unit in a diagonal direction (in other words, moving the optometry unit in a diagonal direction). This allows the direction in which the touch panel is located on the operation unit to serve as a guide for the examiner to slide the operation unit and move the optometry unit in the intended direction. By knowing the reference direction in which the touch panel is located in advance, the examiner can easily move the optometry unit using the touch panel. For example, if the examiner wants to move the optometry unit in the same direction as the reference direction, the examiner can move the optometry unit in that direction by sliding the operation unit in the direction in which the touch panel is located. Furthermore, for example, if the examiner wants to move the eye examination unit in a direction different from the reference direction, the examiner can move the eye examination unit in the intended direction by taking into account the position of the tactile element and determining the direction in which to slide the operating unit using the tactile element as a guide.

[0017] In the operation unit, the touch panel is provided in at least one position, including the forward direction in which the optometry unit is brought closer to the subject's eye. For example, in this case, the direction for moving the operation unit forward (moving the optometry unit forward) becomes the reference direction, and the touch panel may be provided in a position that coincides (substantially coincides) with the reference direction of the operation unit. Therefore, when the examiner brings the optometry unit closer to the subject's eye (i.e., performs an alignment operation) to examine the subject's eye, the touch panel allows the examiner to immediately determine the forward direction. This improves the examiner's operability of the operation unit, thereby facilitating the alignment operation.

[0018] Furthermore, the operation unit has tactile sensations provided at at least four locations, including a forward direction for moving the optometry unit closer to the eye to be examined, a backward direction for moving the optometry unit away from the eye to be examined, and a left-right direction for moving the optometry unit relative to the eye to be examined. For example, in this case, the reference directions are the direction for moving the operation unit forward, the direction for moving the operation unit backward (moving the optometry unit backward), the direction for moving the operation unit left (moving the optometry unit left), and the direction for moving the operation unit right (moving the optometry unit right). Therefore, the tactile sensations may be provided at positions that coincide (approximately coincide) with the respective reference directions of the operation unit. This allows the examiner to immediately know the respective directions using the tactile section not only when bringing the optometry unit closer to the subject's eye, but also when moving the optometry unit left or right to switch between left and right eye examinations, when temporarily moving the optometry unit backward when switching between left and right eye examinations, or when moving the optometry unit backward after completing the examination (i.e., retracting it).This improves the examiner's operability of the operation section, and as a result, makes alignment operations easier.

[0019] In the operation unit, the tactile section may be configured to make the examiner feel a change through a stimulus to the examiner's skin so that the examiner can tactilely recognize the direction in which to move the optometry unit. For example, the tactile section may be configured to make the examiner feel a change through a mechanical stimulus or a thermal stimulus to the skin.

[0020] For example, the tactile element may be configured with at least one of a concave shape and a convex shape. For example, the tactile element may have one concave shape or multiple concave shapes in a predetermined reference direction. For example, the tactile element may have one convex shape or multiple convex shapes in a predetermined reference direction. For example, the tactile element may have an uneven shape in a predetermined reference direction by combining one or multiple concave shapes and one or multiple convex shapes. Note that, for example, when tactile elements are provided for each of multiple reference directions, the first tactile element, the second tactile element, ..., the n-th tactile element may have the same shape, or at least one of them may have a different shape.

[0021] For example, the sensitive portion may have at least one of a concave and a convex shape, thereby making the surface roughness different from that of a portion other than the sensitive portion (for example, the non-sensitive portion 81). As an example, the surface roughness may be made different by applying a coating or the like to the sensitive portion. More specifically, a roughened surface may be applied. Of course, when the surface roughness of the sensitive portion and the portion other than the sensitive portion is made different, a coating or the like may be applied to at least one of the sensitive portion and the portion other than the sensitive portion. For example, a roughened or smoothed surface may be applied to either the sensitive portion or the portion other than the sensitive portion. For example, a roughened surface may be applied to one of the sensitive portion and the portion other than the sensitive portion, and a smoothed surface may be applied to the other.

[0022] This allows the examiner to easily recognize the tactile part by touching the unevenness of the tactile part when operating the operation part. Even when the examiner does not or has difficulty visually checking the operation part, or when the examiner operates the operation part from the side of the optometry unit, the examiner can rely on the unevenness of the tactile part to easily operate the optometry unit to move it.

[0023] In the operation unit, the tactile portion and the portion other than the tactile portion may be made of different materials. More specifically, one of the tactile portion and the portion other than the tactile portion may be made of resin, and the other may be made of metal. Of course, the combination of resin and metal is not limited, and any suitable material may be selected from among resin, metal, glass, ceramic, and the like. For example, when tactile portions are provided for each of multiple reference directions, the first tactile portion, the second tactile portion, ..., the nth tactile portion may be made of the same material, or at least one of them may be made of a different material. This allows the examiner to easily recognize the tactile portion when operating the operation unit based on the difference in feel when touching the tactile portion and the non-tactile portion. Even when the examiner does not or has difficulty visually observing the operation unit, or when the examiner operates the operation unit from the side of the optometry unit, the texture of the tactile portion can facilitate the operation to move the optometry unit.

[0024] Of course, in order to allow the examiner to recognize the tactile part, the operating unit can be formed in at least one of a concave and convex shape, and the tactile part and parts other than the tactile part can be made of different materials.

[0025] The tactile element of the operation unit may be provided on the annular member. That is, for example, the first operation unit may be a control stick, the second operation unit may be a ring-shaped member that surrounds the outer periphery of the control stick and is supported so as to be slidable in two dimensions, and the tactile element may be provided on the second operation unit. For example, the examiner operates the control stick by gripping it and pinching the ring-shaped member between their thumb and index finger. For example, the examiner's thumb tends to rotate relative to the movement of their wrist, which may prevent the ring-shaped member from moving in a straight line. Furthermore, for example, the control stick is tilted with one end fixed, while the ring-shaped member is slidable in two dimensions, so its center position moves. For example, for these reasons, the direction of movement of the ring-shaped member when the examiner slides it is prone to instability, which may result in the ring-shaped member sliding in a direction different from the intended direction, or the examiner's current position may become unclear. However, by providing a tactile element on the ring-shaped member in the ophthalmic apparatus as in this embodiment, the examiner can easily push the ring-shaped member in the intended direction.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The control unit moves the relative position of the optometry unit with respect to the subject's eye in accordance with the operation direction of the operation unit. The control unit finely moves the position of the optometry unit when the operation detection unit detects operation of the first operation unit. For example, the control unit finely moves the position of the optometry unit when the operation detection unit detects a tilt operation of the first operation unit within a predetermined tilt range. The control unit also coarsely moves the position of the optometry unit when the operation detection unit detects operation of the second operation unit. For example, the control unit coarsely moves the position of the optometry unit when the operation detection unit detects at least one of a tilt operation of the first operation unit that exceeds the predetermined tilt range and an operation of the second operation unit.

[0028] <Embodiment> A typical embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. An ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment examines the subject's eye E with its relative position relative to the subject's eye E 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 an examination by the ophthalmic apparatus 1 is defined as the Z-axis direction, the direction approaching the subject's eye (direction away from the examiner) is defined as the +Z direction, and the direction away from the subject's eye (direction approaching the examiner) is defined as the -Z direction. The horizontal direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is the X-axis direction (left-right direction), the direction toward the left eye of the subject's eye E (to the examiner's right) is the +X direction, and the direction toward the right eye of the subject's eye E (to the examiner's left) is the -X direction. The direction perpendicular to both the Z-axis and the X-axis is the Y-axis direction (up-down direction), the upward direction of the subject's eye E is the +Y direction, and the downward direction of the subject's eye E is the -Y direction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0042] (Operation unit) The operation unit 60 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. 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 position of the optometry unit 2 relative to the subject's eye E.

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

[0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the operation unit 60 as seen from the diagonally rear right. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which the first operation unit 61 is tilted in the +X direction 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 and 5, the right side of the page is the +X direction, the left 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 rear side of the page is the +Z direction, and the front side of the page is the -Z direction.

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

[0046] The operation unit 60 also includes an operation detection unit that detects operations of the first operation part 61 and the second operation part 70. As will be described in detail later, the operation detection unit of this embodiment includes a tilt operation detection part 68 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and slide operation detection parts 77 (77XP, 77XM, 77ZP, 77ZM, see FIG. 3).

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

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

[0049] (1st operation part) As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 , the first operation unit 61 is a generally rod-shaped member that is held by the examiner. The first operation unit 61 of this embodiment extends upward from the housing 3. The first operation unit 61 of this embodiment can be tilted in any direction within a predetermined tilt range (within tilt ranges R1 and R2) based on an initial position K0. When the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 reaches position K1, which is the limit of tilt range R1, the first operation unit 61 comes into contact with the second operation unit 70. When the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 exceeds tilt range R1 and moves into tilt range R2, the second operation unit 70 slides as the first operation unit 61 is tilted. When the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 reaches position K2, which is the limit of tilt range R2, the first operation unit 61 cannot be tilted any further.

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

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

[0052] The first operation unit 61 includes a gripping portion 62, a rotary dial 63, a measurement button 64, a spherical portion 65 (see FIGS. 4 to 5), and an operating portion 66 (see FIGS. 4 to 5). The gripping portion 62 is gripped by the examiner. The rotary dial 63 is operated by the examiner to input an instruction to move the optometry unit 2 in the up-down direction (Y direction) to the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. The rotary dial 63 in this embodiment is provided circumferentially on the side surface of the gripping portion 62 of the first operation unit 61. The rotation of the rotary dial 63 is detected by a rotation detection unit (e.g., an encoder). For example, when the rotary dial 63 is rotated clockwise, an operation signal is output to move the optometry unit 2 upward (+Y direction), and when the rotary dial 63 is rotated counterclockwise, an operation signal is output to move the optometry unit 2 downward (-Y direction). The measurement button 64 is operated by the examiner to input an instruction to start examination of the subject's eye E using the optometry unit 2. The measurement button 64 of this embodiment is provided on the top of the first operation unit 61.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the ball portion 65 is located closer to the base end (lower in this embodiment) than the grip portion 62 of the substantially rod-shaped first operating unit 61. The ball portion 65 is rotatably held by a bearing portion 69. As a result, the first operating unit 61 can be tilted in any direction around the ball portion 65. The action portion 66 is located further closer to the base end than the ball portion 65 of the substantially rod-shaped first operating unit 61 (i.e., on the opposite side of the grip portion 62 across the ball portion 65). Therefore, when the first operating unit 61 is tilted, the action portion 66 moves in the direction opposite to the tilt direction of the grip portion 62 of the first operating unit 61. With the above configuration, it becomes easier to appropriately accommodate the configuration for detecting the tilt operation of the first operating unit 61 inside the housing 3 (see FIG. 1 ).

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

[0055] (2nd operation section) 3 to 5, the second operating unit 70 of this embodiment is an annular (substantially circular in this embodiment) member that is arranged to surround the outer periphery of the substantially rod-shaped first operating unit 61. For example, the second operating unit 70 is made up of a tactile section 80 (tactile sections 80a to 80d) and a non-tactile section 81 that is a part different from the tactile section 80.

[0056] The second operation unit 70 will be described in detail using Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows an example of the tactile section 80 and the non-tactile section 81 of the second operation unit 70. Fig. 6(a) is a perspective view of the second operation unit 70. Fig. 6(b) is a top view of the second operation unit 70. Fig. 6(b) schematically shows an XZ plane in a 360-degree direction, with the initial position N0 of the second operation unit 70 at the center and the +X direction to the examiner's right as 0 degrees.

[0057] The touch panel 80 of the second operation unit 70 is provided in at least one of the directions in which the eye examination unit 2 can be moved, which serves as a reference direction for the examiner to grasp the positional relationship between the examiner and the eye examination unit 2. For example, the touch panel 80 may be provided with one of the directions in which the eye examination unit 2 can be moved as the reference direction. As an example, the touch panel 80 may be provided in the +Z direction corresponding to the direction for moving the eye examination unit 2 forward. In this case, the touch panel 80d may be provided at the 90-degree position shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b). As another example, the touch panel 80 may be provided in the −Z direction corresponding to the direction for moving the eye examination unit 2 backward. In this case, the touch panel 80c may be provided at the 270-degree position shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b). As another example, the touch panel 80 may be provided in the −X direction corresponding to the direction for moving the eye examination unit 2 leftward. In this case, the touch panel 80a may be provided at the 180-degree position shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b). As another example, the tactile sensation part 80 may be provided in the +X direction corresponding to the direction for moving the optometry unit 2 to the right. In this case, the tactile sensation part 80b may be provided at the 0 degree (360 degree) position shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b).

[0058] In this embodiment, the second operation unit 70 may be provided with a tactile element 80 (here, tactile element 80d) at one location on the annular member, with the +Z direction as the reference direction for moving the optometry unit 2 forward. This facilitates the operation of bringing the optometry unit 2 closer to the subject's eye when aligning the subject's eye with the optometry unit 2 (details will be described later). Of course, the second operation unit 70 may be provided with tactile elements 80 (here, tactile elements 80a to 80c) at each location on the annular member, with the -Z direction, -X direction, and +X direction as the reference directions for moving the optometry unit 2 backward and left and right. In other words, the four directions of the optometry unit 2 may be used as reference directions, and the tactile elements 80a to 80b may be provided on the annular member. This facilitates the operation of moving the optometry unit 2 in the desired direction when aligning the subject's eye with the optometry unit 2 (details will be described later).

[0059] The tactile portion 80 (tactile portions 80a to 80d) may have any shape and size that allows the tactile portion 80 to be recognized by touch. For example, the tactile portion 80 has a convex shape. As an example, the tactile portion 80 has a shape that protrudes in the radial direction of the annular member relative to the non-tactile portion 81. In this case, the position of the tactile portion 80 can be easily recognized by feeling the unevenness at the boundary between the tactile portion 80 and the non-tactile portion 81. For example, the tactile portion 80 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the radial plane of the annular member. For example, the center position of the tactile portion 80 in the left-right direction (the circumferential direction as viewed from the annular member) coincides with the positions in the +Z direction, -Z direction, -X direction, and +X direction (i.e., the reference direction). In this case, using the tactile portion 80 makes it easier to grasp the reference direction relative to the optometry unit 2. For example, the tactile portion 80 has a semicircular shape. Of course, the shape of the sensitive portion 80 is not limited to a semicircular shape, but may be a triangular or rectangular shape. For example, the sensitive portion 80 may be approximately the same size as the width of a typical finger.

[0060] Returning to FIGS. 3 to 5, 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 N1 and 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.

[0061] A slide operation interlocking unit 71 is connected to the second operation unit 70. The slide operation interlocking unit 71 moves in conjunction with the slide operation of the second operation unit 70. As an example, the slide operation interlocking unit 71 of this embodiment is configured by bending and connecting a substantially plate-shaped member. When the second operation unit 70 slides on the XZ plane, the slide operation interlocking unit 71 also slides and moves on the XZ plane.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 3 , slide operation interlocking portion 71 is provided with X detected portion 72X and Z detected portion 72Z. In the main body of operation unit 60, +X operation detector 77XP is provided on the +X side of X detected portion 72X, and -X operation detector 77XM is provided on the -X side. When second operation portion 70 is operated in the +X direction, +X operation detector 77XP detects that X detected portion 72X of slide operation interlocking portion 71 has moved in the +X direction, thereby detecting that second operation portion 70 has been operated in the +X direction. When second operation portion 70 is operated in the -X direction, -X operation detector 77XM detects that X detected portion 72X of slide operation interlocking portion 71 has moved in the -X direction, thereby detecting that second operation portion 70 has been operated in the -X direction.

[0063] 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.

[0064] In this embodiment, the phrase "detection of operation of the second operation unit 70" includes detection of direct operation of the second operation unit 70 by the examiner, as well as detection of tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 beyond the tilt range R1. This will be described in detail later. Furthermore, various detection elements (for example, photoelectric switches, etc.) can be used for the slide operation detection units 77 (77XP, 77XM, 77ZP, 77ZM).

[0065] Each of the multiple slide operation detectors 77 (77XP, 77XM, 77ZP, 77ZM) detects that the second operation unit 70 has been operated when the sliding amount of the second operation unit 70 exceeds a specified amount. As an example, the +X operation detector 77XP and the -X operation detector 77XM are arranged so that a certain distance is provided between the position where each of the +X operation detector 77XP and the -X operation detector 77XM can detect the X detection target 72X and the position of the X detection target 72X when the second operation unit 70 is in the initial position NO without being operated. Similarly, the +Z operation detector 77ZP and the -Z operation detector 77ZM are arranged so that a certain distance is provided between the position where each of the +Z operation detector 77ZP and the -Z operation detector 77ZM can detect the Z detection target 72Z and the position of the Z detection target 72Z when the second operation unit 70 is in the initial position NO without being operated. As a result, when the sliding amount of the second operating unit 70 exceeds a specified amount (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 in 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 of sliding operation may be provided from the start of the sliding operation of the second operating unit 70 until the sliding operation of the second operating unit 70 is actually detected. In this case, even if the second operating unit 70 is accidentally operated slightly, the optometry unit 2 is less likely to unintentionally move roughly.

[0066] For example, the center of the movement range in which the second operation unit 70 can slide is the range of the dead band. In this embodiment, the range up to an arbitrary position N1 narrower than where the second operation unit 70 comes into contact with the first operation unit 61 (for example, the movement range D1) is the range in which the sliding operation of the optometry unit 2 is insensitive. Also, for example, within the movement range in which the second operation unit 70 can slide, the outside of the dead band is the movement range in which the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved. In this embodiment, the range from an arbitrary position N1 narrower than where the second operation unit 70 comes into contact with the first operation unit 61 to a position N2 at the limit of movement of the second operation unit 70 (i.e., the movement range D2) is the movement range in which the optometry unit 2 is coarsely moved.

[0067] 3 to 5, a biasing portion 79 is provided on a part of the slide operation interlocking portion 71. The biasing portion 79 biases the position of the second operation unit 70, which is connected to the slide operation interlocking portion 71, toward the initial position N0. The initial position N0 can also be expressed as a standby position of the second operation unit 70 in a state where the second operation unit 70 is not operated and where no tilting operation beyond the tilt range R1 of the first operation unit 61 has been performed.

[0068] (How to input coarse movement instructions) A method for inputting a coarse movement command in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described. As described above, in this embodiment, the examiner can input a command to coarsely move the optometry unit 2 in the direction of the movement of the second operation unit 70 by sliding the second operation unit 70 in a desired direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the examiner can input a command to coarsely move the optometry unit 2 in the direction of the tilt of the first operation unit 61 by tilting the first operation unit 61 in the desired direction beyond the tilt range R1 (i.e., by tilting the first operation unit 61 in the desired direction within the tilt range R2). In detail, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first operation unit 61 of this embodiment is tilted independently of the second operation unit 70 when the tilt angle is within the tilt range R1. In this case, if the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 is within the tilt range R1, the second operation unit 70 does not slide even when the first operation unit 61 is tilted, and therefore a command to finely move the optometry unit 2 is appropriately input. On the other hand, when the tilt angle of the first operating unit 61 exceeds the tilt range R1 and enters the tilt range R2, the first operating unit 61 comes into contact with the annular second operating unit 70 (specifically, the first operating unit 61 comes into contact with the inner peripheral edge of the second operating unit 70) and is tilted while sliding the second operating unit 70. Therefore, the tilt direction of the first operating unit 61 when inputting a fine movement command matches the tilt direction of the first operating unit 61 when inputting a coarse movement command, improving the operational feel when the examiner inputs fine and coarse movement commands. Furthermore, the examiner can appropriately determine whether a coarse movement command is input to the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 depending on whether the tilted first operating unit 61 comes into contact with the second operating unit 70 and the second operating unit 70 slides. Therefore, both fine movement commands and coarse movement commands for the optometry unit 2 can be input more easily and appropriately.

[0069] Note that the slide operation detection unit 77 (part of the operation detection unit) of this embodiment may detect both a tilt operation that exceeds the tilt range R1 of the first operation unit 61 and a direct operation of the second operation unit 70 by the examiner by detecting that the second operation unit 70 has been slid. Therefore, even if the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 does not have a configuration for detecting that a tilt operation that exceeds the tilt range R1 of the first operation unit 61 has been performed, it can properly accept both a coarse movement instruction by a tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 and a coarse movement instruction by a slide operation of the second operation unit 70.

[0070] As described above, the biasing unit 79 biases the position of the second operation unit 70, which is connected to the slide operation interlocking unit 71, toward the initial position N0. Furthermore, when the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 exceeds the tilt range R1, it comes into contact with the annular second operation unit 70. Therefore, when the tilt operation of the first operation unit 61 beyond the tilt range R1 ends, the biasing unit 79 moves the second operation unit 70 to the initial position N0 and returns the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61, which is in contact with the second operation unit 70, to the tilt range R1. In other words, when the coarse movement instruction by the first operation unit 61 ends and the examiner loosens their grip on the first operation unit 61, not only does the second operation unit 70 automatically return to the initial position N0, but the tilt angle of the first operation unit 61 also automatically returns to within the tilt range R1 for inputting fine movement instructions. This further improves the operability of the first operation unit 61 and the second operation unit 70.

[0071] (Alignment of the subject's eye and the optometry unit) The following describes alignment of the subject's eye and the optometry unit 2 using the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of this embodiment. Note that this embodiment takes as an example a case where coarse movement is performed by operating the second operation unit 70 of the optometry unit 2 relative to the subject's eye, and fine movement is performed by operating the first operation unit 61.

[0072] First, the examiner rotates the rotary dial 63 while checking the observation image of the subject's eye displayed on the display unit 8. The control unit 50 detects the operation direction (rotation direction) and operation amount (rotation amount) of the rotary dial 63, and transmits a movement signal for moving the optometry unit 2 in the up-down direction. Furthermore, the control unit 50 controls the driving of the drive unit 4 so as to move the optometry unit 2 in the +Y direction or the -Y direction based on the movement signal by an amount corresponding to the operation amount. This completes the alignment of the optometry unit 2 in the up-down direction (Y direction) with respect to the subject's eye.

[0073] Next, while checking the observation image of the subject's eye, the examiner pinches and slides the second operation unit 70 between his or her fingers. For example, the examiner places his or her thumb on the touch-sensitive portion 80a of the second operation unit 70 and his or her index finger on the touch-sensitive portion 80b, and then either pushes the thumb or index finger left or right, or pulls the annular member left or right with the thumb and index finger. At this time, the center of the second operation unit 70 (annular member) is moved left or right from the initial position N0.

[0074] Although the examiner does not visually check the second operation unit 70, the provision of the touch panel 80 on the second operation unit 70 allows the examiner to grasp the reference direction for grasping the positional relationship between the examiner and the optometry unit 2. That is, the examiner can grasp the left-right direction of the second operation unit 70 (and the left-right direction of the optometry unit 2 corresponding to the left-right direction of the second operation unit 70). Therefore, the examiner can easily slide the second operation unit 70 in the direction where one of the touch panels is located, using the positions of the touch panels 80a and 80b of the second operation unit 70 as a guide. In addition, it is possible to prevent the examiner from unintentionally sliding the second operation unit 70 in a diagonal direction (for example, toward the right front).

[0075] When the examiner slides the second operation unit 70 leftward or rightward, the control unit 50 detects the operation direction (slide direction) and operation amount (slide amount) of the second operation unit 70, and transmits a movement signal to move the optometry unit 2 leftward or rightward. Furthermore, the control unit 50 controls the driving of the drive unit 4 so as to move the optometry unit 2 in the +X direction or the -X direction based on the movement signal by an amount corresponding to the operation amount. This completes rough alignment of the optometry unit 2 with the subject's eye in the left-right direction (X direction).

[0076] Next, the examiner re-holds the second operation unit 70 between his / her fingers while checking the observation image of the subject's eye. For example, the examiner places his / her thumb on the touch-sensitive portion 80c of the second operation unit 70 and his / her index finger on the touch-sensitive portion 80d. The examiner also pushes his / her thumb or index finger forward or backward, or pulls the annular member forward or backward with his / her thumb and index finger. At this time, the center of the second operation unit 70 (annular member) is moved forward or backward from the initial position N0.

[0077] Here again, the examiner does not visually check the second operation unit 70, but can grasp the reference direction for grasping the positional relationship between the examiner and the optometry unit 2 by the tactile element 80. In other words, the examiner can grasp the front-rear direction of the second operation unit 70 (and the front-rear direction of the optometry unit 2 corresponding to the front-rear direction of the second operation unit 70). This allows the examiner to easily slide the second operation unit 70 in the direction where one of the tactile elements is located, using the positions of the tactile elements 80c and 80d of the second operation unit 70 as a guide. In addition, it is possible to prevent the second operation unit 70 from being unintentionally slid obliquely.

[0078] When the examiner slides the second operation unit 70 forward or backward, the control unit 50 detects the operation direction (slide direction) and operation amount (slide amount) of the second operation unit 70, and transmits a movement signal to move the optometry unit 2 forward or backward. Based on the movement signal, the control unit 50 controls the driving of the drive unit 4 so as to move the optometry unit 2 in the +Z direction or the -Z direction by an amount corresponding to the operation amount. This completes rough alignment of the optometry unit 2 with the subject's eye in the forward or backward direction.

[0079] Next, the examiner tilts the first operating unit 61 within the tilt range R1 to finely adjust the left-right and front-back directions of the optometry unit 2 relative to the subject's eye. The control unit 50 detects the operating direction (tilting direction) and operating amount (tilting amount) of the first operating unit 61, and transmits a movement signal to move the optometry unit 2 left-right or front-back. The control unit 50 also controls the driving of the drive unit 4 to move the optometry unit 2 based on the movement signal. This completes the fine alignment of the optometry unit 2 relative to the subject's eye.

[0080] When the examiner completes the alignment of the optometry unit 2 with respect to the subject's eye in the left-right, up-down, and front-back directions, the examiner presses the measurement button 64. The control unit 50 detects the pressing of the measurement button 64 and transmits a measurement start signal to start measurement using the optometry unit 2. Based on this measurement start signal, the control unit 50 also starts measuring the ocular refractive power of the subject's eye. For example, the control unit 50 irradiates the fundus of the subject's eye with measurement light and measures the ocular refractive power based on the detection result of the measurement light reflected by the fundus.

[0081] In the above example, the examiner slides the second operating unit 70 in the left-right direction and then slides the second operating unit 70 in the front-back direction to complete rough alignment. However, the examiner can also slide the second operating unit 70 in a diagonal direction to complete rough alignment.

[0082] As an example, while viewing an observation image of the subject's eye, the examiner may use his / her thumb to tactilely confirm the position of the tactile portion 80c in the rear direction (-Z direction) and the position of the tactile portion 80a in the left direction (-Z direction) of the second operation unit 70. Similarly, the examiner may use his / her index finger to tactilely confirm the position of the tactile portion 80b in the front direction (+Z direction) and the position of the tactile portion 80d in the right direction (+Z direction) of the second operation unit 70. The examiner may then pinch the second operation unit 70 by placing his / her thumb near a position equivalent to the non-tactile portion 81 of the second operation unit 70, equidistant from the tactile portions 80c and 80a (225-degree position), and his / her index finger near a position equidistant from the tactile portions 80b and 80d (45-degree position).

[0083] In this way, even without visually checking the second operation unit 70, the examiner can use the tactile element 80 to grasp directions different from the reference direction (here, the right-front direction and the left-rear direction). The examiner can easily move the optometry unit 2 in the intended direction by pushing the thumb or index finger diagonally (in other words, toward the initial position N0) or by pulling the annular member diagonally with the thumb and index finger. Of course, the examiner can also easily move the optometry unit 2 in the 30-degree or 60-degree direction by changing the position of the thumb and index finger relative to the second operation unit 70.

[0084] In the above example, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 is an eye refractive power measuring device, and the examiner performs alignment by checking the observation image of the subject's eye without visually checking the second operation unit 70. However, for example, when the ophthalmic apparatus 1 is an OCT device, and the examiner examines the subject's eye in a dark room or semi-dark room, the second operation unit 70 is difficult to see, and the examiner may not even try to look at the second operation unit 70. For example, even in such a situation, the presence of the tactile element 80 on the second operation unit 70 makes it easy to determine the direction in which to move the optometry unit 2.

[0085] Furthermore, depending on where the ophthalmic apparatus 1 is placed in the examination room, for example, it may be difficult for the examiner to operate the second operation unit 70. For example, if the side of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 is placed against a wall or if the front of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 (the operation unit 60 side) is placed against a wall, the examiner may operate it from the side of the ophthalmic apparatus 1. For example, even in such a situation, the tactile sensation unit 80 provided on the second operation unit 70 makes it easy for the examiner to know in which direction to slide the second operation unit to move the ophthalmic examination unit 2 in the intended direction.

[0086] As described above, the ophthalmologic apparatus in this embodiment includes an operation unit that is slidable in two dimensions and operated by the examiner, an optometry unit for examining the eye to be examined, and a control unit that moves the relative position of the optometry unit with respect to the eye to be examined in accordance with the operation direction of the operation unit, and the operation unit has a tactile part that allows the examiner to tactilely recognize the direction in which to move the optometry unit. This makes it easier to operate the optometry unit to move even when the examiner does not or has difficulty visually observing the operation unit or when the examiner operates the operation unit from the side of the optometry unit, etc. This improves the examiner's operability of the operation unit.

[0087] In the ophthalmic device of this embodiment, the touch panel of the operation unit is a reference direction for the examiner to grasp the positional relationship between the examiner and the optometry unit, and is provided in at least one of the reference directions in which the optometry unit can be moved. As a result, the direction in which the touch panel is located on the operation unit serves as a guide for the examiner to slide the operation unit and move the optometry unit in the intended direction. Therefore, by grasping the reference direction in which the touch panel is located in advance, the examiner can easily move the optometry unit using the touch panel. For example, if the examiner wants to move the optometry unit in the same direction as the reference direction, the examiner can move the optometry unit in that direction by sliding the operation unit in the direction in which the touch panel is located. Furthermore, for example, if the examiner wants to move the optometry unit in a direction different from the reference direction, the examiner can move the optometry unit in the intended direction by taking into account the position of the touch panel and determining the direction in which to slide the operation unit using the touch panel as a guide.

[0088] In the ophthalmologic apparatus of this embodiment, the touch-sensitive portion of the operation unit has at least one of a concave and a convex shape. This allows the examiner to easily recognize the touch-sensitive portion by touching the concave and convex portions of the touch-sensitive portion when operating the operation unit. Even when the examiner does not or has difficulty visually observing the operation unit, or when the examiner operates the operation unit from the side of the optometry unit, the examiner can rely on the concave and convex portions of the touch-sensitive portion to easily operate the operation to move the optometry unit.

[0089] In the ophthalmologic apparatus of this embodiment, the tactile sensation part of the operation unit is provided in at least one position, including the front direction where the optometry unit is brought closer to the subject's eye. Therefore, when the examiner brings the optometry unit closer to the subject's eye to examine the subject's eye (i.e., the alignment operation), the tactile sensation part allows the examiner to immediately know the front direction. This improves the examiner's operability of the operation unit, and as a result, makes the alignment operation easier.

[0090] For example, in the ophthalmologic apparatus of this embodiment, the tactile touch panels of the operation unit are provided in at least four locations, including the front, left, right, and rear directions. This allows the examiner to immediately identify the respective directions not only when bringing the optometry unit closer to the subject's eye, but also when moving the optometry unit left and right to switch between left and right eye examinations, temporarily moving the optometry unit rearward to switch between left and right eye examinations, or moving the optometry unit rearward after completing the examination (i.e., retracting it). This improves the examiner's operability of the operation unit, resulting in easier alignment operations.

[0091] In the ophthalmologic apparatus of this embodiment, the operating unit includes a control stick that can be tilted in any direction and a ring-shaped member that surrounds the outer periphery of the control stick and is supported so as to be slidable in two dimensions. The tactile interface of the operating unit is provided on the ring-shaped member. For example, an examiner operates the control stick by gripping it and pinching the ring-shaped member between their thumb and index finger. For example, the examiner's thumb tends to rotate relative to the examiner's wrist, which may prevent the ring-shaped member from moving in a straight line. Furthermore, while the control stick is tilted with one end fixed, the ring-shaped member can slide in two dimensions, causing its center position to move. For example, for these reasons, the direction of movement of the ring-shaped member when the examiner slides it is prone to instability, which may result in the ring-shaped member sliding in a direction different from the intended direction or the examiner losing track of the current position of the ring-shaped member. However, by providing a tactile interface on the ring-shaped member in the ophthalmologic apparatus of this embodiment, the examiner can easily push the ring-shaped member in the intended direction.

[0092] <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.

[0093] In this embodiment, the configuration in which the tactile portion 80 of the second operating unit 70 is convex has been described as an example. However, for example, the tactile portion 80 may be configured to have a shape other than a convex shape. As an example, the tactile portion 80 may be concave. As another example, the tactile portion 80 may have an uneven shape that includes both a convex and a concave shape. This also allows the examiner to easily recognize the position of the tactile portion by feeling the unevenness at the boundary between the tactile portion and the non-tactile portion when sliding the second operating unit 70.

[0094] FIG. 7 shows an example in which the tactile element 80 of the second operating unit 70 has a concave shape. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the tactile element 80 of the second operating unit 70 has an uneven shape. FIGS. 7(a) and 8(a) are perspective views of the second operating unit 70. FIGS. 7(b) and 8(b) are top views of the second operating unit 70. FIGS. 7 and 8 schematically show an XZ plane in a 360-degree direction, with the initial position N0 of the second operating unit 70 at the center and the +X direction to the examiner's right as 0 degrees. The concave and uneven shapes of the tactile element 80 will be described below in order.

[0095] 7, the second operating unit 70 may include a concave tactile portion 82 and a non-tactile portion 83 that is different from the tactile portion 82. For example, the tactile portion 82 may be configured with a shape that is recessed in the radial direction of the annular member relative to the non-tactile portion 83. In this case, the position of the tactile portion 82 can be easily recognized by feeling the unevenness at the boundary between the tactile portion 82 and the non-tactile portion 83. Of course, the tactile portion 82 may be provided as tactile portions 82a to 82d at positions in the +X direction (0 degrees, rightward), +Z direction (90 degrees, forward), −X direction (180 degrees, leftward), and −Z direction (270 degrees, backward).

[0096] 8, the second operating unit 70 may include a tactile section 84 having a concave-convex shape and a non-tactile section 85 different from the tactile section 84. For example, the tactile section 84 may have a plurality of recesses recessed in the radial direction of the annular member, and the concave-convex shape may be formed by combining these recesses. In this embodiment, the concave-convex shape is formed by providing three recesses extending in the vertical direction (Y direction) along the side surface of the annular member and forming slits. Of course, for example, the tactile section 84 may have a plurality of protruding shapes protruding in the radial direction of the annular member, and the concave-convex shape may be formed by combining these protruding shapes. For example, the tactile section 84 may have a plurality of recesses recessed in the radial direction of the annular member and a plurality of protruding shapes protruding in the radial direction of the annular member, and the concave-convex shape may be formed by combining these concave and convex shapes. Note that the tactile section 84 may be provided as tactile sections 84a to 84d in each of the +X direction, +Z direction, −X direction, and −Z direction.

[0097] For example, the sensitive portion 80 and the non-sensitive portion 81 may be configured so that one is rougher than the other (in other words, one is smoother than the other). As an example, the sensitive portion 80 may be roughened by providing at least one of minute concave and convex shapes on the sensitive portion 80 so that the sensitive portion 80 is rougher than the non-sensitive portion 81. If the sensitive portion 80 is roughened, it may also serve as an anti-slip surface. Conversely, the sensitive portion 80 may be smoothed so that the sensitive portion 80 is more slippery than the non-sensitive portion 81. Of course, it is also possible to use a material with a roughened surface on one of the sensitive portion 80 and the non-sensitive portion 81, and a material with a smooth surface on the other. Even when the second operating unit 70 is configured in this manner, the position of the sensitive portion 80 can be easily recognized.

[0098] In this embodiment, the second operation unit 70 has a convex (or convex and concave) sensitive portion 80 (or the sensitive portion 82 and the sensitive portion 84) so ​​that the examiner can sense the direction in which to move the optometry unit 2 by touch. However, for example, the sensitive portion 80 and the non-sensitive portion 81 different from the sensitive portion 80 may be made of different materials, so that the examiner can sense the direction in which to move the optometry unit 2 by touch. That is, different materials may be used for the main portion of the second operation unit 70 (here, the non-sensitive portion 81) and the portion different from the main portion (here, the sensitive portion 80). As an example, one of the sensitive portion 80 and the non-sensitive portion 81 may be made of resin, and the other may be made of metal. As an example, one of the sensitive portion 80 and the non-sensitive portion 81 may be made of resin, and the other may be made of metal. Of course, the combination of resin and metal is not limited to this. In this case, the examiner can easily recognize the position of the sensitive portion 80 by feeling the difference in material at the boundary between the sensitive portion 80 and the non-sensitive portion 81. Therefore, the examiner can easily recognize the reference direction for grasping the positional relationship between the examiner and the eye examination unit 2.

[0099] For example, in the ophthalmologic apparatus of this embodiment, the tactile portion of the operation unit and the portion other than the tactile portion are made of different materials. This allows the examiner to easily recognize the tactile portion when operating the operation unit based on the difference in feel when touching the tactile portion and the non-tactile portion. Even when the examiner does not or has difficulty visually inspecting the operation unit, or when the examiner operates the operation unit from the side of the optometry unit, the examiner can rely on the texture of the tactile portion to easily operate the operation to move the optometry unit.

[0100] In this embodiment, the second operating unit 70 is an annular member (i.e., ring-shaped) as an example. However, the second operating unit 70 may be any member that can slide in two dimensions, and may be U-shaped as an example. Even in this case, arranging the tactile element 80 in an appropriate position makes alignment operations easier. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1 Ophthalmology equipment 2 Optometry Unit 3. Housing 4 Drive unit 50 control section 51 CPU 60 Operation Unit 61 1st operation section 68 Tilt operation detection unit 70 2nd operation section 77 Slide operation detector 79 Actuation part

Claims

1. an operation unit that is slidable in two dimensions and operated by an examiner; an optometry unit for examining the subject's eye; a control unit that moves a relative position of the optometry unit with respect to the subject's eye in accordance with an operation direction of the operation unit; Equipped with The operation unit has a touch section that allows the examiner to tactilely recognize the direction in which the optometry unit should be moved. An ophthalmic device characterized by:

2. The ophthalmic apparatus of claim 1, an ophthalmologic apparatus, characterized in that the tactile sensation part of the operation part is a reference direction for the examiner to grasp the positional relationship between the examiner and the optometry unit, and is provided in at least one reference direction among directions in which the optometry unit can be moved.

3. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, An ophthalmologic apparatus, wherein the touch-sensitive portion of the operation unit is configured to have at least one of a concave shape and a convex shape.

4. In the ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An ophthalmologic apparatus, wherein the touch-sensitive portion of the operation unit and a portion other than the touch-sensitive portion are made of members made of different materials.

5. In the ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive portion of the operation unit is provided at least in one position including a front direction in which the optometry unit is brought closer to the subject's eye.

6. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 5, An ophthalmologic apparatus, wherein the touch-sensitive portions of the operation unit are provided at at least four locations including the front, left and right directions, and rearward directions.

7. In the ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The operation unit includes: an operating rod that is supported so as to be tiltable in any direction; an annular member disposed around the outer periphery of the operating rod and supported so as to be slidable in the two-dimensional direction; and The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tactile portion of the operation unit is provided on the annular member.

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