Ophthalmic examination apparatus and ophthalmic examination method

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmologic examination apparatus capable of smoothly advancing the alignment of an eye to be examined and an examination part.SOLUTION: An operation unit configured to be operated by an examiner, an examination unit configured to examine an eye to be examined, a driving unit configured to adjust a relative positional relationship between the eye to be examined and the examination unit, a display unit configured to be rotatable about at least one of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis with respect to the examination unit, a detection unit configured to detect a rotation angle of the display unit with respect to the examination unit, and a control unit that moves the test unit, in which the control unit can switch a correspondence relationship of an absolute movement direction of the test unit with respect to an operation input of the operation unit between a first mode and a second mode, and in the first mode, the correspondence relationship is a first correspondence relationship that is constant regardless of the rotation angle detected by the detection unit, and in the second mode, the correspondence relationship is a second correspondence relationship that changes according to the rotation angle detected by the detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic examination apparatus and an ophthalmic examination program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, ophthalmic examination devices such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), scanning laser ophthalmoscopes (SLO), fundus cameras, eye refractive power measurement devices, corneal curvature measurement devices, and intraocular pressure measurement devices have been widely used in medical institutions and testing facilities. In such ophthalmic examination devices, various types of test information can be obtained by examining the subject's eye with the relative positions of the subject's eye and the testing unit appropriately aligned.

[0003] For example, the ophthalmic examination device described in Patent Document 1 has a display unit that can be rotated around a horizontal axis to tilt up (or tilt down), and also rotated around a vertical axis to move the display unit to the front, left side, or right side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-051616 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the ophthalmic examination apparatus of Patent Document 1 may be difficult for some examiners to perform the alignment operation. For example, if the movement direction of the examination unit in response to the examiner's input is constant between the case where the examiner performs the alignment operation while checking an observation image of the anterior segment of the subject's eye on the display unit and the case where the examiner performs the alignment operation while directly checking the distance between the subject's eye and the examination unit, the examiner may feel uncomfortable with the alignment operation. For this reason, there is room for improvement in operability so that the operation method can be adapted to each examiner.

[0006] In view of the problems of the above-described conventional techniques, the present disclosure has as its technical object to provide an ophthalmic examination apparatus that can smoothly align the subject's eye with the examination unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An ophthalmic examination apparatus according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises an operation unit operated by an examiner, an examination unit for examining the subject's eye, a drive unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the subject's eye and the examination unit, a display unit rotatable around at least one of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis relative to the examination unit, a detection unit for detecting the rotation angle of the display unit relative to the examination unit, which is at least one of an elevation / depression angle around the horizontal axis and a rotation angle around the vertical axis, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit and moving the examination unit based on operation input from the operation unit, wherein the control unit is capable of switching the correspondence relationship between the operation input of the operation unit and the absolute movement direction of the examination unit between a first mode and a second mode, and in the first mode, the correspondence relationship is a first correspondence relationship that is constant regardless of the rotation angle detected by the detection unit, and in the second mode, the correspondence relationship is a second correspondence relationship that changes depending on the rotation angle detected by the detection unit.

[0008] An ophthalmic examination program according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is an ophthalmic examination program executed by an ophthalmic examination device including an operation unit operated by an examiner, an examination unit for examining an eye to be examined, a drive unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the eye to be examined and the examination unit, and a display unit that is rotatable around at least one of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis relative to the examination unit, the ophthalmic examination program being executed by a processor of the ophthalmic examination device, and comprising: a detection step of detecting a rotation angle of the display unit relative to the examination unit, the rotation angle being at least one of an elevation / depression angle about the horizontal axis and a rotation angle about the vertical axis; an ophthalmic examination program that causes the ophthalmic examination device to execute a control step of controlling the drive unit and moving the examination unit based on operation input from the operation unit, wherein the control step is capable of switching between a first mode and a second mode a correspondence relationship of the absolute movement direction of the examination unit to the operation input from the operation unit, wherein in the first mode, the correspondence relationship is a first correspondence relationship that is constant regardless of the rotation angle detected by the detection step, and in the second mode, the correspondence relationship is a second correspondence relationship that changes depending on the rotation angle detected by the detection step. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of an ophthalmic examination apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an optical system of an ophthalmic examination apparatus. [Figure 3] 1 shows the touch panel support mechanism as viewed from above. [Figure 4] This shows the touch panel support mechanism as seen from the side. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a display screen of a touch panel. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a touch panel placed at a rotation angle of 0 degrees and a pitch angle of 0 degrees. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a touch panel placed at a rotation angle of -90 degrees and a pitch angle of 0 degrees. [Figure 8]This is a schematic diagram of a touch panel placed at a rotation angle of 0 degrees and a tilt angle of 180 degrees. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first correspondence relationship in a first mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second correspondence relationship in the second mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [overview] The technology exemplified in the present disclosure can be applied to various ophthalmic examination 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 examination devices that photograph 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 examination devices that measure 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 examination devices such as a photocoagulator, a YAG laser surgery device, and a slit lamp that perform surgery or treatment on tissues of the subject's eye while observing the subject's eye.

[0011] The ophthalmic examination apparatus exemplified in the present disclosure includes an operation unit, an examination unit, a drive unit, a display unit, a detection unit, a control unit, and the like. The operation unit is operated by the examiner. The examination unit (e.g., the imaging unit 3) is used to examine the subject's eye. The drive unit (e.g., the drive unit 8) is used to adjust the relative positional relationship between the subject's eye and the examination unit. The display unit (e.g., the touch panel 100) displays an observed image of the anterior segment of the subject's eye. The display unit is rotatable around at least one of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis relative to the examination unit. The detection unit detects the rotation angle of the display unit relative to the examination unit, which is at least one of the elevation / depression angle around the horizontal axis and the rotation angle around the vertical axis. For example, the detection unit may serve as both a first detection unit (e.g., the detection unit 73) for detecting the elevation / depression angle of the display unit and a second detection unit (e.g., the detection unit 72) for detecting the rotation angle of the display unit, or may be provided separately. The control unit (for example, the control unit 50) controls the drive unit based on an operation input from the operation unit, and moves the inspection unit.

[0012] In this embodiment, the operation unit may be any of various user interfaces. For example, the operation unit may be a control stick (a joystick, for example) that is supported so as to be tiltable in any direction. Also, for example, the operation unit may be an electrostatic or pressure-sensitive touch panel (for example, the touch panel 100). If the operation unit is a touch panel, the operation unit may also function as a display unit. Of course, for example, the operation unit may be a controller, a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a button, or the like.

[0013] In this embodiment, the display unit may be rotatable about a horizontal axis for tilting the display unit up and down on the inspection unit. In other words, the display unit may be rotatable about a horizontal axis relative to a plane parallel to the installation surface of the device. The display unit may also be rotatable about a vertical axis for rotating the periphery of the inspection unit on the inspection unit. In other words, the display unit may be rotatable about an axis vertical to the installation surface of the device. For example, the display unit may be supported by a support mechanism (e.g., support mechanism 200) that supports the display unit rotatably about a horizontal axis and also rotatably about a vertical axis relative to the installation surface of the device.

[0014] In this embodiment, the control unit can switch the correspondence relationship of the absolute movement direction of the inspection unit to the operation input of the operation unit between a first mode and a second mode. That is, the control unit can switch the correspondence relationship (in other words, allocation) of the movement direction of the inspection unit based on the orientation of the device to the operation input of the operation unit between the first mode and the second mode. This allows the examiner to appropriately select two modes with different correspondence relationships and smoothly perform alignment between the subject's eye and the inspection unit.

[0015] In the first mode, the correspondence between the operation input of the operation unit and the absolute movement direction of the examination unit may be a constant first correspondence regardless of the rotation angle detected by the detection unit. For example, the first mode may be switched when the examiner performs an alignment operation while observing an anterior eye observation image displayed on the display unit. At this time, the examiner focuses on an anterior eye observation image captured from the front of the subject's eye, and always sees the same anterior eye observation image regardless of the rotation angle of the display unit. Therefore, a constant correspondence between the operation input of the operation unit and the absolute movement direction of the examination unit makes the alignment operation easier.

[0016] In the second mode, the correspondence between the operation input of the operation unit and the absolute movement direction of the examination unit may be a second correspondence relationship that changes depending on the rotation angle detected by the detection unit. For example, the second mode may be switched to when the examiner performs an alignment operation while directly checking the relationship between the subject's eye and the examination unit. In this case, the examiner determines whether to place the display unit on the front, side, or back of the subject, depending on the support of the subject's face and the presence or absence of eyelid opening assistance, and moves the display unit to a predetermined rotation angle. As a result, the examiner views the subject's eye and the examination unit from different directions. In other words, the examiner views the subject's eye (or the examination unit) from different angles in the horizontal direction. Therefore, changing the correspondence between the operation input of the operation unit and the absolute movement direction of the examination unit makes the alignment operation easier.

[0017] For example, when the examiner aligns the subject's eye with the examination unit, the directions relative to the examiner and the moving direction of the examination unit in response to the examiner's operation input differ depending on which part the examiner focuses on when performing the alignment operation. However, by appropriately switching between the first mode and the second mode, the examiner can reduce the possibility of feeling that the alignment operation is not right.

[0018] In this embodiment, when the display unit also functions as a touch panel-type operation unit operated by the examiner, the control unit may receive a first touch operation as an operation input for moving the examination unit in both the first mode and the second mode, and may further switch between the first mode and the second mode based on a predetermined second touch operation input to the operation unit that is different from the first touch operation. This allows the examiner to perform an alignment operation and switch the control mode simply by operating a single terminal. This makes it easier to change the control mode and improves operability compared to, for example, a case in which a separate mode-switching switch or the like is provided in the ophthalmic examination apparatus.

[0019] Any touch operations may be used for the first touch operation and the second touch operation as long as they can be distinguished as an operation input for moving the inspection unit and an operation input for switching between the first mode and the second mode. For example, the first touch operation and the second touch operation may be selected and set in different combinations as appropriate from at least one of a single tap operation, a double tap operation, a long tap operation, a flick operation, etc. Furthermore, for example, the first touch operation and the second touch operation may use different numbers of fingers for a given operation.

[0020] The control unit may constantly switch between the first mode and the second mode based on the input of a second touch operation from the operation unit by the examiner. In other words, after switching between the first mode and the second mode, the other mode may be continuously set. In this case, the control unit may apply the switched mode to the input of a first touch operation following the input of the second touch operation and to the input of subsequent first touch operations, and move the inspection unit.

[0021] The control unit may also temporarily switch between the first mode and the second mode based on the examiner's input of a second touch operation from the operation unit. In other words, after switching between the first mode and the second mode, the control unit may set the first mode again. In this case, the control unit may apply the switched mode to move the examination unit in response to a first touch operation input following the second touch operation input, and may apply the previous mode to move the examination unit in response to subsequent first touch operations input. This temporarily switches the control mode, improving the operability of alignment when the examiner appropriately switches between checking the anterior eye segment observation image on the display unit and directly checking the distance between the subject's eye and the examination unit during the alignment operation. Furthermore, this switches between the first mode and the second mode with the examiner's second touch operation, and automatically returns to the control mode before switching when the examiner completes the input of the first touch operation applying the corresponding control mode, thereby reducing the hassle of switching the control mode.

[0022] In the present embodiment, in the second mode, the second correspondence relationship may be corrected with respect to the first correspondence relationship so that the correspondence relationship between the relative movement direction of the inspection unit as seen by the examiner positioned in front of the display unit and the operation input from the operation unit is constant. This allows the examiner's sense of direction for the alignment operation to match the actual movement direction of the inspection unit, thereby improving the operability of alignment. For example, when the operation unit and the display unit are combined, regardless of the rotation angle of the operation unit (display unit), the inspection unit moves in the same direction in response to operation inputs such as left / right, up / down, front / back, and diagonal directions relative to the examiner, allowing the examiner to perform an intuitive alignment operation.

[0023] Furthermore, the control unit may correct the first correspondence relationship in the first mode to the second correspondence relationship in the second mode by converting it using a transformation matrix. This makes it possible to easily change the correspondence relationship between the absolute movement direction of the inspection unit and the operation input of the operation unit. For example, when the operation unit and the display unit are used together, the second correspondence relationship can be set even when the rotation angle of the display unit is arranged in increments of 1 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, etc. Therefore, the examiner can intuitively perform alignment operations even when the operation unit (display unit) is arranged at an angle to the inspection unit, such as when the rotation angle is 45 degrees.

[0024] The present disclosure is not limited to the devices described in the present embodiment. For example, terminal control software (programs) that perform the functions of the above embodiments may be supplied to a device or system via a network or various storage media, and a control device (e.g., a CPU) of the device or system may read and execute the program.

[0025] [Example] An example of the ophthalmic examination apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. In this example, the side of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 on which the face support unit 9 is arranged is referred to as the rear side of the apparatus, and the side opposite the face support unit 9 is referred to as the front side of the apparatus. In this example, when viewing the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 from the front, the right direction is referred to as the +X direction, the left direction is referred to as the -X direction, the up direction is referred to as the +Y direction, the down direction is referred to as the -Y direction, the front direction is referred to as the +Z direction, and the rear direction is referred to as the -Z direction.

[0026] The ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 captures an OCT image of the subject's eye E. Furthermore, it also captures at least a color fundus image as a two-dimensional reflection image of the fundus Er.

[0027] FIG. 1 is an external view of an ophthalmic examination apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 includes an imaging unit 3, a base 7, a driving unit 8, a face support unit 9, a face photographing camera 20, a control unit 50, a support mechanism 200, and a touch panel display 100 (hereinafter referred to as the touch panel 100). In the following description, for convenience, the unit in which the imaging unit 3 is installed will be referred to as the device main body 6. In this embodiment, the base 7, the driving unit 8, the face support unit 9, the face photographing camera 20, the control unit 50, and the touch panel 100 are part of the device main body 6. However, the control unit 50 and the touch panel 100 may be separate units from the device main body 6. The base 7, the driving unit 8, and the face support unit 9 can be omitted from the device main body 6 as appropriate.

[0028] In this embodiment, the drive unit 8 moves the imaging unit 3 on the drive unit 8 in each of the X, Y, and Z directions relative to the subject's eye E. The drive unit 8 has an actuator for moving the imaging unit 3 in each movable direction, and is driven based on a control signal from the control unit 50. The face support unit 9 supports the subject's face. The face support unit 9 is fixed to the base 7. The face support unit 9 has a chin rest 9a. The chin rest 9a is movable in the vertical direction, thereby adjusting the height of the subject's eye E according to the eye level of the device.

[0029] The imaging unit 3 mainly includes the optical system shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 has an OCT optical system 31, a front imaging optical system 32, and an anterior segment observation optical system 33. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the objective optical systems of these three optical systems are shared and are coaxially arranged by a beam splitter / combiner (for example, a half mirror and a dichroic mirror, etc.).

[0030] The face imaging camera 20 captures the face of the subject. The control unit 50 identifies the position of the examined eye E from the captured face image, and aligns the imaging unit 3 with respect to the identified position of the examined eye E by driving and controlling the driving unit 8.

[0031] <OCT optical system> The OCT optical system 31 is used for capturing an OCT image of the fundus Er. The OCT image may be a two-dimensional tomographic image or a three-dimensional image. Also, as the OCT image, an intensity OCT image may be acquired, or a motion contrast image may be acquired.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the OCT optical system 31 scans the measurement light on the tissue of the examined eye E by a plurality of scan patterns. As an optical scanner for scanning the measurement light, for example, the OCT optical system 31 may have two galvanometer mirrors. Instead of the galvanometer mirrors, for example, MEMS and acousto-optic elements, etc. can also be used.

[0033] The OCT optical system 31 has at least a detector, and a spectral interference signal between the return light from the tissue by the measurement light and the reference light is detected by the detector. An OCT image is generated by performing a predetermined process on the spectral interference signal by the control unit 50.

[0034] For a more detailed configuration of the OCT optical system 31, for example, refer to "Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-147609" by the present applicant, etc.

[0035] <Front imaging optical system> The front imaging optical system 32 acquires a two-dimensional reflection image of the fundus based on fundus reflected light as a captured image. The front imaging optical system may be a scanning optical system or a non-scanning optical system. Examples of scanning optical systems include a spot scan type optical system and a line scan type optical system. In a spot scan type optical system, spot-shaped imaging light is scanned two-dimensionally on the fundus. In a line scan type optical system, line-shaped imaging light is scanned in one direction (details will be described later in the second embodiment). An example of a non-scanning optical system is the optical system of a general fundus camera. For further detailed configurations of the front imaging optical system 32, please refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2019-118721, 2019-141737, and 2008-6105 filed by the present applicant.

[0036] <Anterior segment observation optical system> The anterior-segment observation optical system 33 captures an image of the anterior segment of the subject's eye E and acquires it as an anterior-segment observation image. In this embodiment, the anterior-segment observation optical system 33 illuminates the anterior segment with infrared light as observation light, and acquires a front image of the anterior segment as the anterior-segment observation image based on reflected light. The anterior-segment observation image is used for alignment and tracking of the imaging unit 3 with respect to the subject's eye E when photographing the fundus.

[0037] <Control unit> The control unit 50 is a processing device (processor) that controls each unit and performs calculations. The control unit 50 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. For convenience, the control unit 50 is also assumed to perform image processing of various images obtained by the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1. In other words, the control unit 50 also functions as an image processing unit.

[0038] The control unit 50 is electrically connected to each of the OCT optical system 31, the front photographing optical system 32, the anterior eye observation optical system 33, the drive unit 8, the face photographing camera 20, the memory unit 51, the touch panel 100, etc.

[0039] The storage unit 51 may be a non-transitory storage medium that can retain its contents even when the power supply is cut off. For example, the storage unit 51 stores various control programs, fixed data, etc. Furthermore, for example, the storage unit 51 stores images captured by the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1. The captured images may be transferred to an external storage device (for example, a storage device connected to the control unit 50 via a LAN or WAN).

[0040] <Touch panel display> The touch panel 100 serves as both a monitor and an operation input unit in the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1. Various images are displayed on the touch panel 100. A graphical user interface (GUI) is also displayed on the touch panel 100, and operations by the examiner on UI elements (widgets) are accepted.

[0041] Various touch operations are input via the touch panel 100. For example, normally (in a first mode described below), the imaging unit 3 can be moved left and right (X direction) and up and down (Y direction) by swiping the touch panel 100. Also, for example, normally the imaging unit 3 can be moved forward and backward (Z direction) by pinching the touch panel 100. As an example, when an examiner faces a subject and the touch panel 100 is in front of the examiner (i.e., when the examiner faces the touch panel 100 arranged in front of the device), if the examiner swipes the touch panel 100 to the right, the imaging unit 3 can be moved to the right (+X direction) from the examiner's perspective. Also, if the examiner swipes the touch panel 100 upward, the imaging unit 3 can be moved upward (+Y direction) from the examiner's perspective. Also, if the examiner pinches in on the touch panel 100, the imaging unit 3 can be moved toward the examiner (-Z direction).

[0042] 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating the support mechanism 200 of the touch panel 100. FIG. 3 shows the support mechanism 200 as viewed from above. FIG. 4 shows the support mechanism 200 as viewed from the side. The ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 is equipped with the support mechanism 200 for moving the position of the touch panel 100. The support mechanism 200 is a mechanism that supports the touch panel 100 rotatably about a vertical axis J1 and a horizontal axis J2 relative to the apparatus main body 6 (imaging unit 3). The support mechanism 200 is equipped with a horizontal rotation mechanism 210 and a tilt mechanism 260.

[0043] <Horizontal rotation mechanism> The horizontal rotation mechanism 210 is a mechanism that supports the touch panel 100 rotatably about a vertical axis J1 relative to the device body 6 (imaging unit 3). The horizontal rotation mechanism 210 has a support member 220 that supports the touch panel 100 rotatably about the vertical axis J1 on the device body 6. The support member 220 is formed into a substantially trapezoidal shape by a metal plate. One end of the support member 220 and the upper part of the device body 6 are connected by an attachment unit 30 in a state that allows rotation about the vertical axis J1. For example, the center position of the attachment unit 30 is the position through which the vertical axis J1 passes. The touch panel 100 is connected to the other end of the support member 220 via a tilt mechanism 260.

[0044] The horizontal rotation mechanism 210 also has a detection unit 72 for detecting the rotation angle (rotation angle α) of the touch panel 100 around the vertical axis J1. For example, the detection unit 72 is provided on the axis of the mounting unit 30. For example, the detection unit 72 is configured by an encoder or the like.

[0045] <Tilt mechanism> The tilt mechanism 260 is a mechanism that supports the touch panel 100 rotatably about the horizontal axis J2 relative to the device body 6 (imaging unit 3). A pair of left and right rotating brackets that are rotatable about the horizontal axis J2 are attached to the mounting portion 227 at the other end of the support member 220. For example, the center position of the rotating brackets is the position through which the horizontal axis J2 passes. The touch panel 100 is attached to such rotating brackets. Here, the length of the support member 220 is set so that it extends from the top of the device body 6 to a position that protrudes outward from the outer periphery. In other words, the length is set so that the position of the rotating bracket is located outward from the device body 6. The tilt mechanism 260 is configured at a position outward from the device body 6 via the support member 220.

[0046] The tilt mechanism 260 has a detector 73 for detecting the rotation angle (tilt / depression angle β) of the touch panel 100 about the horizontal axis J2. For example, the detector 73 is provided on the axis of the rotating bracket. For example, the detector 73 is configured by an encoder or the like.

[0047] <Movement of the horizontal rotation mechanism> The horizontal rotation mechanism 210 in the support mechanism 200 of this embodiment can move the touch panel 100 to the appropriate position when the examiner performs an examination on the subject from the opposite side of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 (i.e., the front side of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1) or when the examiner performs an examination from the left or right side of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1. The solid line in FIG. 3 indicates the touch panel 100 disposed on the front side of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1. For example, when the examiner moves the touch panel 100 to the right from the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3, the support member 220 rotates around the vertical axis J1 (i.e., rotates horizontally), causing the touch panel 100 to rotate to the right and be positioned on the right side of the apparatus. Furthermore, when the examiner moves the touch panel 100 to the left in order to return it to the front or to position the touch panel 100 on the left side of the device (the right side of the subject), the support member 220 rotates around the vertical axis J1 (horizontally), causing the touch panel 100 to rotate to the left and be positioned on the left side of the device.

[0048] The touch panel 100 can be placed at any position between the left and right sides of the device. That is, the touch panel 100 can be placed at any rotation angle α within the range of horizontal rotation about the vertical axis J1, with the front position of the device as the reference (0 degrees). Therefore, the examiner can stop the movement of the touch panel 100 at a horizontal position that the examiner wants to use.

[0049] <Tilt mechanism movement> As shown in FIG. 4, the touch panel 100 can be rotated upward (tilted up) around the horizontal axis J2. The touch panel 100 can also be rotated downward (tilted down) around the horizontal axis J2. That is, when the examiner performs an examination on the subject from the opposite side of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 (the front side of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1) or when the examiner performs an examination on the same side as the subject, the touch panel 100 can be moved to the appropriate position. The solid line in FIG. 4 indicates the touch panel 100 disposed on the front side of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1. For example, when the examiner tilts the touch panel 100 upward from the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 4, the rotation bracket rotates around the horizontal axis J2 (i.e., rotates vertically), causing the touch panel 100 to tilt up and point the display screen toward the rear side of the apparatus. Furthermore, when the examiner tilts the touch panel 100 downward to return it from its tilted-up state to its original state, the rotating bracket rotates vertically, tilting the touch panel 100 down so that the display screen faces the front of the device.

[0050] The touch panel 100 can be placed at any position between a position where the display screen faces the front side of the device and a position where the display screen faces the rear side of the device. That is, the touch panel 100 can be placed at any elevation / depression angle β within the range of vertical rotation about the horizontal axis J2. Therefore, the examiner can stop the movement of the touch panel 100 at the vertical position that the examiner wants to use.

[0051] Furthermore, when the examiner rotates the touch panel 100 around the horizontal axis J2, the display screen of the touch panel 100 is inverted upside down when the touch panel 100 is tilted up at an elevation / depression angle β of 105 degrees or more, with the position of the touch panel 100 arranged so that the display screen faces the front side of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 being set as the reference (0 degrees). This makes it easy to check the display screen from the rear side of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1. Furthermore, when the touch panel 100 is tilted down from a state where the elevation / depression angle β is 105 degrees or more to an elevation / depression angle β of 75 degrees or less, the display screen of the touch panel 100 is inverted upside down. This makes it easy to check the display screen from the front side of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1.

[0052] [Control action] The control operation of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described.

[0053] <Alignment> The examiner supports the face of the subject with the face support unit 9. The examiner also presses an alignment start switch (not shown) on the touch panel 100. In response to the operation input from the alignment start switch, the control unit 50 controls the anterior eye observation optical system 33 and displays an observation image of the anterior eye of the subject's eye on the touch panel 100.

[0054] 5 is an example of the display screen of the touch panel 100. The display screen of the touch panel 100 displays an anterior eye observation image 212, a chin rest height adjustment button 231, an auto-alignment button 233, and the like. The chin rest height adjustment button 231 includes a pair of buttons corresponding to the up and down directions and is used to adjust the height of the chin rest 9a. The auto-alignment button 233 is used to automatically move the position of the photographing unit 3 with respect to the subject's eye E. When performing alignment, the positions of the chin rest 9a in the face support unit 9 and the photographing unit 3 are adjusted from their respective predetermined initial positions until the optical axis of the photographing unit 3 is aligned with the subject's eye E and an appropriate working distance is established between the subject's eye E and the photographing unit 3.

[0055] In this embodiment, the position of the chin rest 9a relative to the subject's eye E and the position of the imaging unit 3 can be adjusted based on the examiner's touch operation on the touch panel 100. For example, the examiner can adjust the height of the subject's eye E by moving the chin rest 9a up and down by operating the chin rest height adjustment button 231. In addition, the examiner can adjust the position of the optical axis of the imaging unit 3 relative to the subject's eye E and adjust the distance (working distance) between the subject's eye E and the imaging unit 3 to the appropriate working distance of the device by swiping or pinching on the anterior eye observation image 212.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first mode and the second mode, which have different correspondence relationships between the absolute movement direction of the imaging unit 3 and the touch operation input, can be switched based on the examiner's touch operation on the touch panel 100. For example, the first mode and the second mode can be switched appropriately by a double-tap operation on the touch panel 100.

[0057] The first mode is a mode in which the correspondence relationship between the touch operation input and the absolute movement direction of the imaging unit 3 is set to a constant first correspondence relationship, regardless of the rotation angle of the touch panel 100 (at least one of the aforementioned rotation angle α and elevation / depression angle β). For example, the first mode is preferably used when the examiner performs alignment by touch operation while observing the anterior eye observation image 212. In this case, the anterior eye observation image 212 viewed by the examiner is always the same regardless of whether the examiner is positioned in front, on the right side, or on the left side of the device. Therefore, the constant absolute movement direction of the imaging unit 3 in response to the examiner's touch operation input makes the alignment operation easier.

[0058] On the other hand, the second mode is a mode in which the correspondence relationship between the absolute movement direction of the imaging unit 3 and the touch operation input is set to a second correspondence relationship, which is corrected from the first correspondence relationship, depending on the rotation angle of the touch panel 100. For example, the second mode is preferably used when the examiner performs alignment by touch operation while directly checking at least one of the left-right and up-down positions of the imaging unit 3 relative to the subject's eye and the working distance between the subject's eye and the imaging unit 3. In this case, the direction from which the examiner views the subject's eye changes depending on whether the examiner is positioned in front, on the right side, or on the left side of the device. Therefore, if the absolute movement direction of the imaging unit 3 is constant in response to the examiner's touch operation input, the movement direction of the imaging unit 3 will not necessarily coincide with the left-right, up-down, and front-back directions relative to the examiner, making intuitive operation difficult. Therefore, in the second mode, a second correspondence relationship is set so that the relative movement direction of the imaging unit 3 as seen from the examiner is constant in response to the examiner's touch operation input. This makes alignment operation easier.

[0059] The control operation of the first mode will be described in detail below, taking as an example a case where the first mode is selected as the initial setting of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1. Figs. 6 to 8 are diagrams schematically showing the position of the touch panel 100 relative to the photographing unit 3. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a first correspondence relationship between the position of the touch panel 100 relative to the photographing unit 3, input of touch operations (swipe operation and pinch operation), and the movement direction of the photographing unit 3 in the first mode. The first correspondence relationship in Fig. 9 can be expressed by the mathematical formula 1 described below, and the movement direction of the photographing unit 3 in Fig. 9 indicates the direction as seen by the examiner T.

[0060] The examiner roughly performs the alignment operation while checking the anterior eye-segment observation image 212 of the subject's eye. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the touch panel 100 is placed in front of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1, the examiner T faces the subject H through the apparatus. The control unit 50 detects the rotation angle α of the touch panel 100 with respect to the vertical axis J1 and the elevation / depression angle β with respect to the horizontal axis J2 using each detection unit provided in the support mechanism 200 of the touch panel 100. Here, because the position of the front of the touch panel 100 is used as the reference for the rotation angle α and the elevation / depression angle β, each angle is detected as 0 degrees.

[0061] When the subject's eye is deviated to the left in the anterior-segment observation image 212 (in other words, when the pupil center position 83 of the subject's eye is deviated to the left with respect to the optical axis center 82 as in the anterior-segment observation image 212 in FIG. 5 ), the examiner touches the anterior-segment observation image 212 and swipes leftward. The control unit 50 moves the photographing unit 3 in response to the leftward swipe input from the touch panel 100, according to the following mathematical formula and the first correspondence relationship shown in FIG.

[0062]

number

[0063] Here, the touch operation input by the examiner T is indicated as "in", the movement of the imaging unit 3 is indicated as "out", and the respective directions are indicated as "x, y, z".

[0064] 6, when the examiner swipes left, the imaging unit 3 moves to the right (-X direction) as seen by the subject H. When the examiner T views the imaging unit 3, the imaging unit 3 moves to the left (-X direction).

[0065] In the first correspondence relationship of the first mode, as shown in Expression 1, the absolute movement direction of the imaging unit 3 is uniquely determined in response to a touch operation input by the examiner T. Therefore, whether the touch panel 100 is arranged as shown in Fig. 7 or as shown in Fig. 8, when the examiner swipes left on the anterior eye observation image 212, the imaging unit 3 always moves rightward (-X direction) as seen from the examinee H. Note that, when viewed from the examiner's perspective, the movement direction of the imaging unit 3 differs depending on the arrangement of the touch panel 100.

[0066] Although the above example cites a leftward swipe operation by the examiner on the anterior-segment observation image 212, the same applies to a pinch-out operation, etc. For example, by using the first mode, the examiner can use the anterior-segment observation image 212 as a reference to determine in which direction the imaging unit 3 is shifted with respect to the subject's eye E, and input a touch operation on the anterior-segment observation image 212. This makes alignment easier.

[0067] Next, the control operation in the second mode will be described in detail using an example in which the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 is switched from the first mode to the second mode. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a second correspondence relationship in the second mode between the position of the touch panel 100 relative to the imaging unit 3, the input of touch operations (swipe operation and pinch operation), and the movement direction of the imaging unit 3. The second correspondence relationship in Fig. 10 can be expressed by the mathematical formula 2 described below, and the movement direction of the imaging unit 3 in Fig. 10 indicates the direction as seen by the examiner T.

[0068] For example, when it is necessary to support the face of the examinee or assist in opening the eyelid, the examiner performs the alignment operation while directly checking at least one of the working distance between the subject's eye and the imaging unit 3 and the position of the imaging unit 3 relative to the subject's eye. At this time, by applying the second mode, the examiner can perform an intuitive alignment operation in which the examiner's sense of direction for the alignment operation matches the actual movement direction of the imaging unit 3.

[0069] To switch between the first mode and the second mode, the examiner double-tap on the touch panel 100. The control unit 50 sets the second mode in response to the operation input from the touch panel 100. For example, the control unit 50 may display an icon or the like on the display screen of the touch panel 100 indicating that the second mode is set.

[0070] The examiner then performs a rough alignment operation while directly checking the subject's eye and the imaging unit 3. For example, when the touch panel 100 is placed in front of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 as shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 50 detects the rotation angle α of the touch panel 100 relative to the vertical axis J1 and the elevation / depression angle β relative to the horizontal axis J2 as 0 degrees.

[0071] If the imaging unit 3 is misaligned to the right with respect to the subject's eye, the examiner touches the touch panel 100 and then swipes leftward. The control unit 50 moves the imaging unit 3 in response to the leftward swipe input from the touch panel 100, based on the rotation angle α and the elevation / depression angle β of the touch panel 100, in accordance with the following mathematical formula and the second correspondence relationship shown in FIG.

[0072]

number

[0073]

number

[0074]

number

[0075] Here, the touch operation input by the examiner T is indicated as "in," the movement of the imaging unit 3 is indicated as "out," and the respective directions are indicated as "x, y, z." Furthermore, the rotation of the touch panel 100 is indicated as "rotate," and the inversion of the display screen on the touch panel 100 is indicated as "reflect."

[0076] The control unit 50 obtains a transformation matrix by substituting the rotation angle α and the elevation / depression angle β of the touch panel 100 into a mathematical formula, and appropriately corrects a predetermined operation input from the touch panel 100 into another operation input to determine the direction in which to move the imaging unit 3. For example, in the arrangement of the touch panel 100 shown in FIG. 6, a leftward swipe operation input by the examiner is received as an operation signal for moving the imaging unit 3 leftward as seen by the examiner, and the imaging unit 3 is moved. In other words, a leftward swipe operation input by the examiner moves the imaging unit 3 leftward (−X direction) as seen by the examiner T. When seen by the subject H, the imaging unit 3 moves rightward (−X direction).

[0077] Note that the correspondence relationship between the examiner's touch operation input and the absolute movement direction of the imaging unit 3 is the same in the first mode and the second mode when the rotation angle α and the elevation / depression angle β are both 0 degrees. Therefore, when the touch panel 100 is placed in front of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1, correction of the correspondence relationship may be omitted.

[0078] 7, when the touch panel is disposed on the left side of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1, the examiner T is positioned near the right front of the subject H. At this time, the control unit 50 acquires the rotation angle α=-90 degrees and the elevation / depression angle β=0 degrees as the detection results of the rotation angles of the touch panel 100 by each detection unit.

[0079] 7, when the examiner swipes the touch panel 100 leftward, the control unit 50 substitutes the rotation angle α=-90 degrees and the elevation / depression angle β=0 degrees of the touch panel 100 into the formulas in Equations 2 to 4 to obtain a transformation matrix. As a result, the movement direction of the imaging unit 3 associated with the leftward swipe operation input in the first correspondence relationship in the first mode is corrected to a different movement direction in the second correspondence relationship in the second mode. For example, in the first mode, the imaging unit 3 moves toward the examiner T (-X direction), whereas in the second mode, the imaging unit 3 moves leftward (+Z direction) as seen by the examiner T.

[0080] For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the touch panel 100 in the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 is tilted up and placed with the display screen facing the rear side of the apparatus, the examiner T is positioned behind the subject H. At this time, the control unit 50 acquires the rotation angle α=0 degrees and the elevation / depression angle β=180 degrees as the detection results of the rotation angles of the touch panel 100 by each detection unit. When the examiner swipes the touch panel 100 to the left, the control unit 50 calculates a transformation matrix based on the rotation angle α and the elevation / depression angle β of the touch panel 100, and moves the imaging unit 3 in the movement direction of the imaging unit 3 corresponding to the leftward swipe operation input in the second correspondence relationship. For example, in the first mode, the imaging unit 3 moves to the right (−X direction) as seen from the examiner T, whereas in the second mode, the imaging unit 3 moves to the left (+X direction) as seen from the examiner T.

[0081] In the second correspondence relationship in the second mode, as shown in the formulas 2 to 4, the absolute movement direction of the imaging unit 3 changes depending on the rotation angle of the touch panel 100 in response to a touch operation input on the touch panel 100 by the examiner T. However, when the examiner T is positioned in front of the touch panel 100, the correspondence relationship between the touch operation input by the examiner T and the relative movement direction of the imaging unit 3 as seen from the examiner T is constant. That is, in the arrangement of the touch panel 100 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, when the examiner swipes the touch panel 100 to the left, the imaging unit 3 always moves to the left as seen from the examiner T. Note that, when viewed from the subject H, the movement direction of the imaging unit 3 differs depending on the arrangement of the touch panel 100.

[0082] The above example uses a left swipe operation on the touch panel 100 by the examiner, but the same applies to pinch-out operations, etc. For example, by using the second mode, the examiner can input touch operations based on the left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction, etc., as seen from the examiner's perspective. This makes alignment operations easier.

[0083] The examiner applies the first mode or the second mode and roughly aligns the imaging unit 3 with the subject's eye, and then selects the auto-alignment button 233 by touch operation. The control unit 50 performs detailed alignment of the imaging unit 3 based on the operation input from the auto-alignment button 233. For example, the control unit 50 projects an alignment target toward the subject's eye E and automatically moves the imaging unit 3 so that the optical axis center 82 coincides with the pupil center position 83 and the appropriate working distance is achieved.

[0084] <Adjusting the shooting conditions and acquiring images> Once the alignment of the subject's eye E and the imaging unit 3 is complete, the examiner operates a start switch (not shown) to start imaging the subject's eye E. The control unit 50 controls the OCT optical system 31 based on an operation signal from the touch panel 100 to adjust the imaging conditions of the fundus. For example, the control unit 50 adjusts the optical path length, focus, polarizer, etc., to enable imaging of desired characteristic areas with high sensitivity and high resolution. The control unit 50 also controls the OCT optical system 31 to scan the measurement light based on a scanning pattern, thereby acquiring (capturing) a two-dimensional tomographic image as an OCT image of the fundus Er.

[0085] As described above, for example, the ophthalmic examination apparatus of this embodiment includes an operation unit operated by the examiner, an examination unit for examining the eye to be examined, a drive unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the eye to be examined and the examination unit, a display unit that can rotate around at least one of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis relative to the examination unit, a detection unit that detects the rotation angle of the display unit relative to the examination unit, which is at least one of the elevation / depression angle around the horizontal axis and the rotation angle around the vertical axis, and a control unit that controls the drive unit and moves the examination unit based on operation input from the operation unit, and the control unit is capable of switching the correspondence relationship of the absolute movement direction of the examination unit to the operation input of the operation unit between a first mode and a second mode, and in the first mode, the correspondence relationship is a first correspondence relationship that is constant regardless of the rotation angle detected by the detection unit, and in the second mode, the correspondence relationship is a second correspondence relationship that changes depending on the rotation angle detected by the detection unit. For example, by providing the ophthalmic examination apparatus 1 with such a configuration, the examiner can appropriately select between two modes that have different correspondence relationships between the operation input of the operation unit and the movement direction of the examination unit depending on the alignment operation method. Therefore, the examiner can smoothly align the subject's eye with the examination unit.

[0086] Furthermore, for example, in the ophthalmic examination apparatus of this embodiment, the display unit also serves as a touch panel-type operation unit operated by the examiner, and the control unit receives a first touch operation as an operation input for moving the examination unit in both the first mode and the second mode, and switches between the first mode and the second mode based on a predetermined second touch operation input to the operation unit that is different from the first touch operation. Therefore, the examiner can perform an alignment operation and switch the control mode simply by operating a single terminal. Therefore, it is easier to change the control mode and operability is improved compared to, for example, when a separate mode-switching switch or the like is provided in the ophthalmic examination apparatus.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, in the ophthalmic examination apparatus of this embodiment, in the second mode, the second correspondence relationship is corrected with respect to the first correspondence relationship so that the correspondence relationship between the relative movement direction of the examination unit as seen by the examiner positioned in front of the display unit and the operation input from the operation unit is constant. This allows the examiner's sense of direction for the alignment operation to match the actual movement direction of the examination unit, improving the operability of alignment. For example, when the operation unit and the display unit are combined, regardless of the rotation angle of the operation unit (display unit), the examination unit moves in the same direction in response to operation inputs such as left-right, up-down, front-back, and diagonal directions relative to the examiner, allowing the examiner to perform an intuitive alignment operation.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, in the ophthalmic examination apparatus of this embodiment, the control unit corrects the first correspondence relationship in the first mode to the second correspondence relationship in the second mode by converting it using a transformation matrix. This makes it possible to easily change the correspondence relationship between the absolute movement direction of the examination unit and the operation input of the operation unit. For example, when the operation unit and the display unit are combined, the second correspondence relationship can be set even when the rotation angle of the display unit is set in increments of 1 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, etc. Therefore, the examiner can intuitively perform alignment operations even when the operation unit (display unit) is set at an angle to the examination unit, such as when the rotation angle is set to 45 degrees.

[0089] <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.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the case where the examiner aligns the imaging unit 3 with the subject's eye E by operating the touch panel 100 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the examiner can also perform alignment by operating a joystick supported so that it can be tilted in any direction. In this case, for example, it may be possible to appropriately switch between a first mode in which the absolute movement direction of the imaging unit 3 relative to the operation input from the joystick is constant regardless of the rotation angle of the touch panel 100, and a second mode in which the absolute movement direction of the imaging unit 3 relative to the operation input from the joystick is changed depending on the rotation angle of the touch panel 100.

[0091] Since the joystick is fixedly disposed, when the examiner performs the alignment operation while directly checking the subject's eye and the imaging unit 3, by applying the first mode, it is possible to match the examiner's sense of direction for the alignment operation with the actual movement direction of the imaging unit 3. When the examiner performs the alignment operation while checking the anterior-segment observation image 212 of the subject's eye, by applying the second mode, it is possible to match the direction based on the anterior-segment observation image 212 with the actual movement direction of the imaging unit 3.

[0092] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the first mode and the second mode are switched by a double tap operation on the touch panel 100 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a switch button for switching between the first mode and the second mode may be provided on the touch panel 100 or on the device main body 6. In this case, the examiner can switch the control mode as needed by operating the switch button during the alignment operation of the subject's eye E.

[0093] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which an icon indicating whether the first mode or the second mode has been selected is displayed on the display screen of the touch panel 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least one of a configuration in which a lamp with a different pattern or color is turned on for each control mode, a configuration in which a message is displayed or output as audio guidance, etc. may also be used. In other words, it is sufficient if the currently set control mode can be notified to the examiner T, and this may enable the examiner T to understand the control mode.

[0094] In this embodiment, the case where the examiner T switches between the first mode and the second mode to an arbitrary control mode before starting the alignment operation of the photographing unit 3 with respect to the subject's eye E has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the examiner T can temporarily switch the control mode after starting the alignment operation of the photographing unit 3 with respect to the subject's eye E. For example, the examiner T can temporarily switch the control mode by performing a double tap operation on the touch panel 100 during the alignment.

[0095] When the subject's eye E is captured as the anterior-segment observation image 212, the examiner swipes in each direction on the touch panel 100 (on the anterior-segment observation image 212) while checking the anterior-segment observation image 212. The control unit 50 applies the first mode to the examiner's swipe input in each direction and moves the imaging unit 3. However, for example, if the examiner shifts the imaging unit 3 so much during alignment that the subject's eye E does not appear on the anterior-segment observation image 212, it may be easier to grasp the direction and distance of the shift by directly checking the distance between the subject's eye and the imaging unit 3.

[0096] Therefore, the examiner may perform a double tap operation on the touch panel 100 and then a swipe operation. The control unit 50 temporarily switches the control mode from the first mode to the second mode based on the examiner's double tap operation input, and applies the second mode only to the examiner's subsequent swipe operation input to move the imaging unit 3. Then, the control unit 50 automatically returns the control mode to the first mode, which is the initial setting.

[0097] For example, if the examiner moves the imaging unit 3 with a swipe operation that temporarily applies the second mode, but the subject's eye E does not yet appear on the anterior-segment observation image 212, the examiner may perform a double-tap operation before performing the swipe operation again. This allows the control unit 50 to temporarily apply the second mode and move the imaging unit 3 in the same directions as the left-right, up-down, and front-back directions as seen from the examiner. Also, for example, if the examiner moves the imaging unit 3 with a swipe operation that temporarily applies the second mode and the subject's eye E appears on the anterior-segment observation image 212, the examiner may perform a swipe operation without performing a double-tap operation. This allows the control unit 50 to apply the first mode to subsequent swipe operation inputs and move the imaging unit 3 in the same direction as the direction based on the anterior-segment observation image 212.

[0098] In the ophthalmic examination apparatus of this embodiment, the control unit temporarily switches between the first mode and the second mode based on the input of the second touch operation from the operation unit, and applies the switched mode to move the examination unit in response to the input of the first touch operation following the input of the second touch operation, and applies the mode before the switch to move the examination unit in response to the input of the next or subsequent first touch operation. For example, when the examiner appropriately switches between checking the anterior eye observation image on the display unit and directly checking the distance between the subject's eye and the examination unit during the alignment operation, the temporary switching of the control mode improves the operability of the alignment. Furthermore, for example, when the examiner switches between the first mode and the second mode with the second touch operation and completes the input of the first touch operation applying the corresponding control mode, the control unit automatically returns to the control mode before the switch, thereby reducing the hassle of switching the control mode.

[0099] In this embodiment, the combination of the rotation angle α of the touch panel 100 being 0 degrees, +90 degrees, or -90 degrees and the elevation / depression angle β being 0 degrees or 180 degrees has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the touch panel 100 can also be disposed at an angle to the imaging unit 3, such as when the rotation angle α is +45 degrees and the elevation / depression angle β is 0 degrees. Furthermore, even when the second mode is set with the touch panel 100 disposed in this manner, the imaging unit 3 can be moved in the left-right, up-down, and front-back directions relative to the examiner positioned directly in front of the touch panel 100.

[0100] For example, when the examiner T moves the touch panel 100 and the control unit 50 detects that the rotation angle α=+45 degrees and the elevation / depression angle β=0 degrees, the examiner's touch operation input and the movement direction of the imaging unit 3 have the following relationship in the second mode. As an example, a rightward swipe operation by the examiner moves the imaging unit 3 to the right as seen by the examiner. When the movement direction of the imaging unit 3 is expressed using the rotation angle α of the touch panel 100, the imaging unit 3 moves diagonally in the -45 degree direction. As another example, a pinch-in operation by the examiner moves the imaging unit 3 toward the examiner as seen by the examiner. When the movement direction of the imaging unit 3 is expressed using the rotation angle α of the touch panel 100, the imaging unit 3 moves diagonally in the +45 degree direction. Note that an upward swipe operation by the examiner moves the imaging unit 3 upward (in the +Y direction) as seen by the examiner. Therefore, regardless of the position of the touch panel 100, the examiner can move the imaging unit 3 in the same direction in response to operation inputs such as left / right, up / down, front / back, etc., based on the examiner, allowing for intuitive alignment operations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Ophthalmic examination equipment 3. Filming Department 6. Device body 8 Drive unit 9 Face Support Unit 50 control section 51 Storage section 100 Touch Panel 200 Support mechanism 210 Horizontal rotation mechanism 260 Tilt mechanism J1 Vertical axis J2 horizontal axis

Claims

1. an operation unit operated by an examiner; an examination unit for examining the subject's eye; a driving unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the subject's eye and the examination unit; a display unit that is rotatable around at least one of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis relative to the inspection unit; a detection unit that detects a rotation angle of the display unit relative to the inspection unit, the rotation angle being at least one of an elevation / depression angle about the horizontal axis and a rotation angle about the vertical axis; a control unit that controls the drive unit and moves the inspection unit based on an operation input from the operation unit; Equipped with the control unit is capable of switching a correspondence relationship of an absolute movement direction of the inspection unit with respect to an operation input of the operation unit between a first mode and a second mode; In the first mode, the correspondence relationship is a constant first correspondence relationship regardless of the rotation angle detected by the detection unit, In the second mode, the correspondence relationship is a second correspondence relationship that changes depending on the rotation angle detected by the detection unit. An ophthalmic examination apparatus characterized by:

2. 2. The ophthalmic examination apparatus of claim 1, the display unit also serves as the operation unit of a touch panel type operated by the examiner, The control unit In both the first mode and the second mode, a first touch operation is input as the operation input for moving the inspection unit, and switching between the first mode and the second mode based on input of a predetermined second touch operation on the operation unit, the second touch operation being different from the first touch operation. An ophthalmic examination apparatus characterized by:

3. 3. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 2, The control unit temporarily switching between the first mode and the second mode based on the input of the second touch operation from the operation unit; When a first touch operation is input following the second touch operation, the mode after the change is applied to move the inspection unit, and when a next or subsequent first touch operation is input, the mode before the change is applied to move the inspection unit. An ophthalmic examination apparatus characterized by:

4. In the ophthalmic examination apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In the second mode, the second correspondence relationship is corrected with respect to the first correspondence relationship so that a correspondence relationship between a relative movement direction of the inspection unit as seen by an examiner positioned in front of the display unit and the operation input is constant. An ophthalmic examination apparatus characterized by:

5. 5. The ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 4, the control unit converts the first correspondence relationship in the first mode using a conversion matrix to correct it to the second correspondence relationship in the second mode. An ophthalmic examination apparatus characterized by:

6. an operation unit operated by an examiner; an examination unit for examining the subject's eye; a driving unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the subject's eye and the examination unit; a display unit that is rotatable around at least one of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis relative to the inspection unit; An ophthalmic examination program executed by an ophthalmic examination apparatus comprising: When executed by a processor of the ophthalmic examination apparatus, a detection step of detecting a rotation angle of the display unit relative to the inspection unit, the rotation angle being at least one of an elevation / depression angle around the horizontal axis and a rotation angle around the vertical axis; a control step of controlling the drive unit based on an operation input from the operation unit to move the inspection unit; causing the ophthalmic examination apparatus to execute the the control step can switch a correspondence relationship of an absolute movement direction of the inspection unit with respect to an operation input of the operation unit between a first mode and a second mode; In the first mode, the correspondence relationship is a first correspondence relationship that is constant regardless of the rotation angle detected in the detecting step, In the second mode, the correspondence relationship is a second correspondence relationship that changes depending on the rotation angle detected in the detecting step. An ophthalmic examination program characterized by:

Images