Ophthalmologic apparatus and ophthalmologic apparatus control program

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmologic apparatus which enables an examiner to easily perform alignment while securing safety, and an ophthalmologic apparatus control program.SOLUTION: The ophthalmologic apparatus for examining the eye to be examined includes an examination means for examining the eye to be examined, an approach part for approaching the subject in the examination means, a detection means for detecting the approach of the approach part and the subject, and a control means for performing automatic alignment control different from that at the time of non-detection when the approach is detected by the detection means. The control means continues the automatic alignment by the automatic alignment control when the approach is detected by the detection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic apparatus that examines an eye to be examined, and an ophthalmic apparatus control program executed by the ophthalmic apparatus. [Background technology]

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

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-255677 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, depending on the shape of the examinee's face, the examination may only be possible when the examination unit is in contact with the examinee. In such cases, the examiner must be skilled in operating the conventional ophthalmic device in order to perform alignment.

[0005] In view of the problems of the conventional techniques, the present disclosure has as its technical object to provide an ophthalmic apparatus and an ophthalmic apparatus control program that allow an examiner to easily perform alignment while ensuring safety. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0007] (1) An ophthalmic device for examining an eye to be examined includes an examination means for examining the eye to be examined, an approach unit in the examination means that approaches the eye to be examined, a detection means provided in the approach unit that detects the approach between the approach unit and the eye to be examined, and a control means. When the detection means detects the approach, the control means performs automatic alignment control that differs from when the detection means does not detect the approach. (2) An ophthalmic device control program executed in an ophthalmic device that examines a subject's eye, characterized in that the ophthalmic device executes the following: an approaching section that approaches the subject in an examination means that examines the subject's eye; a detection step that detects the approaching section to the subject using a detection means that detects the approaching section to the subject; and a control step that, when the approaching section detects the approaching section to the subject, performs automatic alignment control that is different from when no detection is performed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of an ophthalmologic apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an ophthalmologic apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a measurement optical system of an ophthalmic apparatus. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an examination process executed by an ophthalmologic apparatus. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of an anterior eye image displayed on a display unit of an ophthalmologic apparatus. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of an anterior eye image displayed on a display unit of an ophthalmologic apparatus. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of an anterior eye image displayed on a display unit of an ophthalmologic apparatus. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a notification displayed on a display unit of an ophthalmologic apparatus. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a notification displayed on a display unit of an ophthalmologic apparatus. [Figure 10]10 is an example of a notification displayed on a display unit of an ophthalmologic apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An ophthalmic apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described. The ophthalmic apparatus according to the present disclosure (e.g., the ophthalmic apparatus 1) is an apparatus for examining an eye to be examined. Examples of the ophthalmic apparatus include an intraocular pressure measurement apparatus, an eye refractive power measurement apparatus, a corneal curvature measurement apparatus, a corneal shape measurement apparatus, an axial length measurement apparatus, a fundus camera, an OCT, or an SLO. The ophthalmic apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an examination unit (e.g., the examination unit 100), an approach unit (e.g., the nozzle unit 205), a detection unit (e.g., the detection unit 250), and a control unit (e.g., the control unit 80). The examination unit examines the eye to be examined. The approach unit approaches the subject in the examination unit. The detection unit detects approach between the approach unit and the subject. The detection unit may be provided in the approach unit, for example. The detection unit may be a contact sensor provided in the approach unit, and may detect approach by detecting contact between the approach unit and the subject. The detection unit may be, for example, a capacitance sensor provided in the approach unit, and may detect the approach (or contact) of the subject. When the detection unit detects the approach, the control unit performs automatic alignment control that is different from when no detection is made.

[0010] With the above-described configuration, the ophthalmic apparatus of the present disclosure performs automatic alignment control different from when approach is not detected by the detection unit. Conventional ophthalmic apparatuses, for example, perform avoidance operations when approach is detected. However, by performing automatic alignment control different from when approach is not detected, the control unit can continue automatic alignment control even after approach is detected by the detection unit. Therefore, the examiner can easily perform alignment.

[0011] Note that automatic alignment control in the present disclosure refers to control for automatically aligning the examination unit to a position where the subject's eye can be measured. Examples of automatic alignment control include coarse adjustment for roughly and quickly aligning the examination unit, fine adjustment for small and precise alignment, and tracking for following eye movement. When an examiner manually aligns the examination unit, control for driving the drive unit in response to an operation signal or the like is referred to as manual alignment control.

[0012] Furthermore, when approach is detected, the control unit continues automatic alignment using automatic alignment control. Conventional ophthalmic devices stop automatic alignment when approach is detected. In this case, the examiner had to perform alignment manually. By continuing automatic alignment, the number of cases where the examiner needs to perform manual alignment is reduced. Therefore, the burden on the examiner is reduced.

[0013] Furthermore, the control unit may perform automatic alignment control to restrict movement of the approaching unit when approach is detected, thereby suppressing unexpected movement of the approaching unit and improving operability.

[0014] For example, when approach is detected, the control unit may limit movement of the approach unit by performing automatic alignment control to reduce the automatic alignment range compared to when approach is not detected. The automatic alignment range is the range in which automatic alignment by the control unit operates. This makes it possible to suppress large distance movement of the approach unit when approaching the subject, improving operability.

[0015] Furthermore, for example, when approach is detected, the control unit may limit the movement of the approach unit by performing automatic alignment control that reduces the movement range of the approach unit compared to when approach is not detected. This makes it possible to reduce movement of the approach unit to unexpected positions while approach between the approach unit and the subject is being detected, thereby improving operability.

[0016] Furthermore, when approach is detected, the control unit performs automatic alignment control to slow down the movement speed of the approaching unit compared to when approach is not detected. This allows the control unit to suppress sudden movements of the approaching unit, improving operability.

[0017] The ophthalmic device may also be a non-contact tonometer equipped with a fluid ejection unit that ejects fluid onto the cornea of ​​the subject's eye through a nozzle unit, in which case the approach unit is the nozzle unit. Intraocular pressure measurement using a non-contact tonometer requires spraying fluid onto the cornea of ​​the subject's eye to accurately detect corneal deformation. Therefore, the range in which the alignment is complete is smaller than that of other ophthalmic devices. Manual alignment by the examiner places a particular burden on the examiner. Therefore, applying the present disclosure to a tonometer and having the control unit control alignment even when the approach unit is close to the subject reduces the burden on the examiner.

[0018] An ophthalmic apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that although an intraocular pressure measurement device will be used as an example of the ophthalmic apparatus, the present invention can also be applied to other ophthalmic apparatuses such as an eye refractive power measurement device, a corneal curvature measurement device, a corneal shape measurement device, an axial length measurement device, a fundus camera, an OCT, or an SLO.

[0019] The ophthalmic apparatus of this embodiment measures, for example, the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye in a non-contact manner. For example, the ophthalmic apparatus of this embodiment may measure the intraocular pressure of each eye separately, or may measure the intraocular pressure of both eyes simultaneously. Furthermore, the ophthalmic apparatus may measure the intraocular pressure of only one of the left and right eyes.

[0020] 1, the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an examination unit 100, a detection unit 250, a control unit 80, etc. Each component will be described below.

[0021] The examination unit 100 is an examination means for examining (measuring, photographing, etc.) the subject's eye. The examination unit 100 includes, for example, a fluid ejection unit and a measurement optical system for measuring the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye. Of course, the examination unit 100 may also include an optical system for measuring the eye's refractive power, corneal shape, etc. The examination unit 100 may also include an optical system for photographing the anterior segment, fundus, etc. of the subject's eye.

[0022] The fluid ejection unit 200 ejects air toward the subject's eye. As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid ejection unit 200 includes, for example, a cylinder 201, a piston 202, a solenoid actuator (hereinafter also referred to as a solenoid) 203, and a nozzle unit 205. The cylinder 201 and the piston 202 are used as an air compression mechanism that compresses the air to be ejected toward the subject's eye. The cylinder 201 is, for example, cylindrical. The piston 202 slides along the axial direction of the cylinder 201. The piston 202 compresses air in an air compression chamber 234 inside the cylinder 201. The solenoid 203 in this embodiment is a so-called direct-acting solenoid, and operates linearly. The nozzle unit 205 includes, for example, a nozzle 206 and a nozzle holder 207. The nozzle 206 ejects compressed air to the outside of the device. The nozzle holder 207 houses the nozzle 206 therein. The nozzle portion 205 is an approach portion that is placed in front of the subject's eye during measurement and approaches the subject.

[0023] The air compressed in the air compression chamber 234 in the cylinder 201 by the movement of the piston 202 is ejected from the nozzle 206 toward the cornea of ​​the subject's eye E through a tube (which may be a pipe) 220 connected to the tip of the cylinder 201 and an airtight chamber 221 that stores the compressed air. For example, the cylinder 201 may be arranged parallel to the horizontal plane (XZ plane), and the piston 202 may be moved horizontally within the cylinder 201 by driving the solenoid 203, thereby compressing the air. For example, the cylinder 201 may be arranged so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the inner surface of the cylinder 201 guides the piston 202. Therefore, the movement direction (compression direction) of the piston 202 is horizontal. Each of the above-mentioned components is arranged on a stage provided within the housing of the device main body.

[0024] The fluid jetting unit 200 may include, for example, a glass plate 208 and a glass plate 209. The glass plate 208 is transparent, holds the nozzle 206, and transmits observation light and alignment light. The glass plate 209 forms the rear wall of the airtight chamber 221 and transmits observation light and alignment light. Behind the glass plate 209, an observation / alignment optical system is arranged so that its observation optical axis and alignment optical axis are coaxial with the axis of the nozzle 206.

[0025] The fluid jetting part 200 may include, for example, a pressure sensor 212 and an air vent hole 213. The pressure sensor 212 detects, for example, the pressure in the airtight chamber 221. The air vent hole 213 reduces resistance until the piston 202 gains initial velocity, for example, and can obtain a pressure change that rises proportionally over time.

[0026] The detection unit 250 is, for example, a detection means that detects that the nozzle unit 205 has approached (or come into contact with) the subject. The detection unit 250 includes, for example, a contact sensor 251. The contact sensor 251 is, for example, a capacitance sensor. The contact sensor 251 is electrically connected to the nozzle holder 207 by, for example, an electric wire 252 or the like. Of course, the contact sensor 251 may be electrically connected to an electrode arranged on the surface of the nozzle holder 207 facing the subject. Note that the contact sensor 251 may also be a pressure-sensitive sensor or the like. In this case, the contact sensor 251 is arranged on the surface of the nozzle unit 205 facing the subject.

[0027] 3 is a schematic diagram of the measurement optical system 10 of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. An image of the subject's eye illuminated by an infrared illumination light source 30 is formed on a CCD camera 35 via a beam splitter 31, an objective lens 32, a dichroic mirror 33, an imaging lens 37, and a filter 34. That is, the optical system from the beam splitter 31 to the CCD camera 35 has an imaging element and is used as an observation optical system for observing the anterior segment of the subject's eye. In this case, an optical axis L1 is used as the observation optical axis.

[0028] The filter 34 transmits light from the light source 30 and the infrared light source 40 for alignment, but is opaque to light from a light source 50 for corneal deformation detection (described later) and visible light. The image formed on the CCD camera 35 is displayed on a display unit 85.

[0029] Infrared light projected from the light source 40 through the projection lens 41 is reflected by the beam splitter 31 and projected from the front onto the subject's eye. A corneal bright spot formed at the corneal vertex by the light source 40 is imaged on the CCD camera 35 via the beam splitter 31 to the filter 34 and is used to detect alignment in the vertical and horizontal directions. In other words, the optical system from the beam splitter 31 to the CCD camera 35 has an image sensor and is used as a detection optical system for detecting the alignment state in the vertical and horizontal directions with respect to the subject's eye. In this case, the optical axis L1 is used as the alignment optical axis. In this embodiment, the detection optical system also serves as an observation optical system for observing the anterior segment of the eye.

[0030] The fixation optical system 48 has an optical axis L1 and presents a fixation target to the subject's eye E from the front direction. In this case, the optical axis L1 is used as the fixation optical axis. The fixation optical system 48 has, for example, a visible light source (fixation lamp) 45, a projection lens 46, and a dichroic mirror 33, and projects light onto the subject's eye E to fixate the subject's eye E in the front direction. The visible light source 45 may be a light source such as an LED or a laser. The visible light source 45 may also be, for example, a pattern light source such as a point light source, a slit light source, or a ring light source, or a two-dimensional display such as a liquid crystal display.

[0031] Visible light emitted from the light source 45 passes through the projection lens 46, is reflected by the dichroic mirror 33, passes through the objective lens 32, and is then projected onto the fundus of the subject's eye E. This causes the subject's eye E to fixate on a fixation point in the front direction, and the direction of the line of sight is fixed. Note that the visible light emitted from the light source 45 is converted into a parallel beam of light by passing through the projection lens 46 and the objective lens 32.

[0032] The corneal deformation detection optical system includes a light projecting optical system 500a and a light receiving optical system 500b, and is used to detect the deformation state of the cornea Ec. Each of the optical systems 500a and 500b is disposed in the examination unit 100 and is moved three-dimensionally by the drive unit 4.

[0033] The light projecting optical system 500a has an optical axis L3 as a light projecting optical axis, and irradiates illumination light from an oblique direction toward the cornea Ec of the subject's eye E. The light projecting optical system 500a has, for example, an infrared light source 50, a collimator lens 51, and a beam splitter 52. The light receiving optical system 500b has a photodetector 57, and receives light of the illumination light reflected by the cornea Ec of the subject's eye E. The light receiving optical system 500b is disposed approximately symmetrically to the light projecting optical system 500a with respect to the optical axis L1. The light receiving optical system 500b has, for example, a lens 53, a beam splitter 55, a pinhole plate 56, and a photodetector 57, and forms an optical axis L2 as a light receiving optical axis.

[0034] Light emitted from the light source 50 is converted into a substantially parallel beam by a collimator lens 51, reflected by a beam splitter 52, and then becomes coaxial with (coincides with) an optical axis L3 of a light-receiving optical system 70b (described later), and is projected onto the cornea Ec of the subject's eye E. The light reflected by the cornea Ec becomes coaxial with (coincides with) an optical axis L2 of a light-projecting optical system 70a (described later), passes through a lens 53, is reflected by a beam splitter 55, passes through a pinhole plate 56, and is received by a photodetector 57. The lens 53 is coated with a coating that is opaque to the light from the light source 30 and the light source 40. The optical system for detecting corneal deformation is positioned so that the amount of light received by the photodetector 57 is maximized when the subject's eye is in a predetermined deformation state (flat state).

[0035] This corneal deformation detecting optical system also serves as part of the first working distance detecting optical system, and the light projecting optical system of the first working distance detecting optical system also serves as the light projecting optical system 500a of the corneal deformation detecting optical system. The light receiving optical system 600b that receives light reflected by the cornea Ec from the light source 50 has, for example, the lens 53, beam splitter 58, condenser lens 59, and position sensitive element 60 of the light projecting optical system 500a, and forms an optical axis L2 as a light receiving optical axis.

[0036] Illumination light projected from the light source 50 and reflected by the cornea Ec forms a target image, which is a virtual image of the light source 50. The light from this target image passes through a lens 53 and a beam splitter 55, is reflected by a beam splitter 58, and then passes through a condenser lens 59 to enter a one-dimensional or two-dimensional position-sensing element 60, such as a PSD or a line sensor. When the subject's eye E (cornea Ec) moves in the working distance direction (Z direction), the target image generated by the light source 50 also moves on the position-sensing element 60. Therefore, the control circuit 20 obtains working distance information based on the output signal from the position-sensing element 60. Note that the output signal from the position-sensing element 60 in this embodiment is used for alignment (coarse adjustment) in the working distance direction (Z direction). The light-receiving optical system 600b of the first working distance detection optical system does not have as high a magnification as the light-receiving optical system 70b (described later). Therefore, the distance detection range of the position-sensing element 60 in the Z direction is wider than that of the light-receiving element 77.

[0037] The corneal thickness measuring optical system includes a light projecting optical system 70a, a light receiving optical system 70b, and a fixation optical system 48, and is used to measure the corneal thickness of the subject's eye E. The light projecting optical system 70a also serves as a part of the corneal deformation detecting optical system and the first working distance detecting optical system.

[0038] The light projection optical system 70a has an optical axis L2 as a light projection optical axis, and irradiates illumination light (measurement light) from an oblique direction toward the cornea Ec of the subject's eye E. The light projection optical system 70a includes, for example, an illumination light source 71, a condenser lens 72, a light-limiting member 73, a concave lens 74, and a lens 53 that also serves as the corneal deformation detection optical system. The illumination light source 71 is a visible light source or an infrared light source (including near-infrared), such as an LED or laser. The condenser lens 72 condenses the light emitted from the light source 71. Note that the light source 50 and the light source 71 each use the same wavelength band.

[0039] The light limiting member 73 is disposed in the optical path of the light projecting optical system 70a and limits the light emitted from the light source 71. The light limiting member 73 is disposed at a position that is approximately conjugate with the cornea Ec. For example, a pinhole plate, a slit plate, or the like is used as the light limiting member 73. The light limiting member 73 is used as an aperture that passes a portion of the light emitted from the light source 71 and blocks other light. The light projecting optical system 70a then forms a predetermined pattern light beam (for example, a spot light beam, a slit light beam) on the cornea Ec of the subject's eye E.

[0040] The light-receiving optical system 70b has a light-receiving element 77 and receives reflected light of the illumination light from the front and back surfaces of the cornea of ​​the subject's eye E. The light-receiving optical system 70b is disposed approximately symmetrically with the light-projecting optical system 70a with respect to the optical axis L1. The light-receiving optical system 70b has, for example, a light-receiving lens 75, a concave lens 76, and a light-receiving element 77, and forms an optical axis L3 as a light-receiving optical axis. The light-receiving optical system 70b in FIG. 3 also serves as a second working distance detection optical system that detects the alignment state in the Z direction with respect to the subject's eye E.

[0041] The light-receiving element 77 has multiple photoelectric conversion elements and receives light reflected from the front and back surfaces of the cornea. The light-receiving element 77 may be a light-detecting device such as a one-dimensional line sensor or a two-dimensional area sensor. The light-receiving optical system 70b of the corneal thickness measurement optical system and the second working distance detection optical system performs observation at a high magnification. Therefore, the distance detection range of the light-receiving element 77 in the Z direction is narrower than that of the position detection element 60.

[0042] When the subject's eye E (cornea Ec) moves in the working distance direction (Z direction), the reflected light of the light source 71 on the cornea Ec also moves on the light receiving element 77, and the control unit 80 obtains working distance information based on the output signal from the light receiving element 77 of the second working distance detection optical system. Furthermore, the control unit 80 determines the state of corneal deformation and blinking of the subject's eye E from the output signal from this light receiving element 77, and controls the drive of the solenoid 203.

[0043] Light emitted from the illumination light source 71 is condensed by the condenser lens 72 and illuminates the light-limiting member 73 from behind. After being limited by the light-limiting member 73, the light from the light source 71 is focused (condensed) near the cornea Ec by the lens 53. Near the cornea Ec, for example, a pinhole image (when a pinhole plate is used) or a slit image (when a slit plate is used) is focused. At this time, the light from the light source 71 is focused near the intersection with the visual axis on the cornea Ec.

[0044] When illumination light is projected onto the cornea Ec by the light projection optical system 70a, the reflected light of the illumination light from the cornea Ec travels in a direction symmetrical to the projected light beam with respect to the optical axis L1. The reflected light is then focused onto the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 77 by the light receiving lens 75.

[0045] The lens 53, which is used by both the light receiving optical system 500b, 600b and the light projecting optical system 70a, is positioned so as to focus the light reflected by the cornea Ec from the light source 50 at the center of the hole in the pinhole plate 56, and to focus the illumination light from the light source 71 on the front and back surfaces of the cornea Ec.

[0046] The face photographing unit 90 is, for example, an optical system for photographing a face including at least one of the left and right eyes to be examined. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the face photographing unit 90 of this embodiment mainly includes, for example, an image sensor 91 and an image pickup lens 92.

[0047] The face image capturing unit 90 is provided at a position where it can capture images of both eyes of the subject when the examination unit 100 is in its initial position. In this embodiment, the initial position of the examination unit 100 is set to a position shifted to the right with respect to the optical axis L1 of the examination unit 100 to facilitate examination of the right eye. Therefore, the face image capturing unit 90 is provided at a position where it can capture images of both eyes of the subject when the examination unit 100 is in its initial position shifted to the right. For example, the face image capturing unit 90 is located at the mechanical center when the examination unit 100 is in its initial position. If the initial position is set based on, for example, half the interpupillary distance, i.e., the interpupillary distance of one eye, the face image capturing unit 90 may be located at a position shifted to the left or right by the interpupillary distance of one eye from the mechanical center of the device body.

[0048] The face photographing unit 90 of this embodiment is moved together with the inspection unit 100 by the driving unit 4. Of course, the face photographing unit 90 may be configured to be fixed to the base 2 and not move, for example.

[0049] The imaging lens 92 may be, for example, a wide-angle lens. Examples of wide-angle lenses include a fisheye lens and a conical lens. By providing a wide-angle lens, the face imaging unit 90 can capture an image of the subject's face at a wide angle of view.

[0050] The face illumination optical system 95 illuminates the face of the subject's eye. The face illumination optical system 95 includes, for example, an illumination light source 96. The illumination light source 96 emits infrared light. In this embodiment, the illumination light sources 96 are provided on the left and right sides of the examination window. Note that the face illumination optical system 95 uses a light source with lower directivity than the index light source used for alignment.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the device 1 includes a control unit 80. The control unit 80 controls various aspects of the device 1. The control unit 80 includes, for example, a general CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, and the like. For example, the ROM 82 stores an ophthalmic apparatus control program for controlling the ophthalmic apparatus 1, initial values, and the like. For example, the RAM 83 temporarily stores various pieces of information. The control unit 80 is connected to the examination unit 100, the face imaging unit 90, the drive unit 4, the display unit 85, the operation unit 86, the chin rest drive unit 3d, a memory unit (e.g., non-volatile memory) 84, an audio output unit 89, and the like. The memory unit 84 is, for example, a non-transitory storage medium that can retain its contents even when the power supply is interrupted. For example, a hard disk drive, a removable USB flash memory, or the like can be used as the memory unit 84.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1 , the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 may include a base 2, a face support unit 3, a drive unit 4, a display unit 85, an audio output unit 89, a face imaging unit 90, and the like. The base 2 movably supports the examination unit 100. The face support unit 3 supports the subject's face. The face support unit includes a forehead rest 3a, a chin rest 3b, a chin rest sensor 3c, and a chin rest drive unit 3d. The chin rest sensor 3c detects whether the chin is resting on the chin rest 3b. The chin rest drive unit 3d moves the chin rest 3b up and down to adjust the height. The drive unit 4 moves the examination unit 100 in the X, Y, and Z directions (three-dimensional directions) relative to the base 2. The display unit 85 displays, for example, an observed image of the subject's eye and measurement results. The display unit 85 may be provided integrally with the apparatus 1 or separately from the apparatus. The display unit 85 may be arranged so that the display screen faces not only the subject but also the subject side. The display unit 85 may also be used as the operation unit 86. In this case, the display unit 85 is used for various settings of the device 1 and for operations at the start of measurement. Various operation instructions are input to the display unit 85 by the examiner or subject. Various human interfaces such as a joystick, mouse, keyboard, trackball, button, etc. may also be used as the operation unit 86. The face photographing unit 90 photographs, for example, the face of the subject's eye. The audio output unit 89 makes audio announcements to the subject or the examiner. The audio output unit 89 is, for example, a speaker. The face photographing unit 90 photographs, for example, the face including at least one of the left and right eyes to be examined.

[0053] The control operation of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a first automatic alignment control and a second automatic alignment control. The first automatic alignment control and the second automatic alignment control are alignment controls that automatically align the nozzle unit 205 with the subject's eye E. If the automatic alignment range in the first automatic alignment control is the first automatic alignment range and the automatic alignment range in the second automatic alignment control is the second automatic alignment range, the second automatic alignment range is set smaller than the first automatic alignment range. When the detection unit 250 detects that the nozzle unit 205 is approaching the subject, the control unit 80 switches from the first automatic alignment control to the second automatic alignment control. The ophthalmic apparatus 1 also has a manual alignment control. The manual alignment control is an alignment control in which the control unit 80 aligns the nozzle unit 205 with the eye E to be examined by the examiner manually operating the operation unit.

[0054] When the subject's face is placed on the face support unit 3, the control unit 80 detects that the face is placed on the face support unit 3 using the chin rest sensor 3c, and detects both eyes of the subject from the face image captured by the face imaging unit 90. Methods for detecting the subject's eyes from an image include various image processing methods, such as pupil detection using infrared imaging and edge detection of brightness values. For example, when the subject's face is captured using infrared imaging, the skin appears white and the pupils appear black. Therefore, the control unit 80 may detect a round, black (low brightness) part as the pupil from the infrared image obtained by infrared imaging. Using the above method, the control unit 80 detects the subject's eye E from the face image and acquires its two-dimensional position information.

[0055] When the subject's eye E is detected, the control unit 80 determines whether the detection unit 205 has detected the subject's approach (S1). If the subject's approach is not detected (S1=NO), the control unit 80 performs first automatic alignment control. The control unit 80 controls the drive unit 4 to automatically move the examination unit 100 to align it with the subject's eye. For example, the control unit 80 moves the examination unit 100 in the direction in which the subject's eye is detected in the facial image. The control unit 80 also moves the examination unit 100 in the direction in which the eye is detected until the subject's eye is captured in an anterior eye image captured by the observation optical system. When the subject's eye is captured in the anterior eye image, the control unit 80 aligns the examination unit 100 based on the bright spot captured in the anterior eye image.

[0056] If approach to the subject is detected (S1=YES), the control unit 80 switches the alignment control to second automatic alignment control (S3). The second automatic alignment has a smaller automatic alignment range than the first automatic alignment. The control unit 80 determines whether the subject's eye is included in the second automatic alignment range (S4). If the subject's eye is not included in the second automatic alignment range (S4=NO), the control unit 80 switches the alignment control to manual alignment control (S5) and moves the inspection unit 100 based on the examiner's operation of the operation unit 86 (S6). If the subject's eye is included in the second automatic alignment range (S4=YES), the control unit 80 moves the inspection unit 100 (S6).

[0057] The second automatic alignment range may be set as follows. For example, the first automatic alignment range of the examination unit 100 in the X or Y direction is the range 302a of the entire anterior eye image. In this case, the second automatic alignment range is a range 302b, which is smaller than the range 302a of the entire anterior eye image, as shown in FIG. 4. The second automatic alignment range is, for example, a range in which the examination unit 100 is substantially in front of the subject's eye. If the control unit 80 detects a bright spot 301 in the anterior eye image within the second automatic alignment range (see FIG. 5), it moves the examination unit 100 to perform alignment (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, for example, if the control unit 80 detects a bright spot 301 in the anterior eye image outside the second automatic alignment range, the control unit 80 switches to manual alignment control. This ensures safety during measurement. Similarly, the second automatic alignment range in the Z direction is set smaller than the first automatic alignment range. For example, if the first automatic alignment range is the entire range in which working distance information can be detected by the working distance detection optical system, the second automatic alignment range is set to a range smaller than that.

[0058] During alignment, if the control unit 80 does not receive a signal from the detection unit 205 detecting approach (S1=NO), the control unit 80 performs the first automatic alignment control (S2) and moves the inspection unit 100 (S6).

[0059] After moving the inspection unit 100, the control unit 80 determines whether alignment is complete (S7). If alignment is not complete (S9=NO), the process returns to S1, and the detection unit 205 determines whether the nozzle 250 has come close to the subject.

[0060] When alignment is complete (S7=YES), the control unit 80 performs measurement of the subject's eye (S8). For example, the control unit 80 measures the corneal thickness of the subject's eye using a corneal thickness measurement optical system. The control unit 80 calculates the distance (peak-to-peak distance) between the reflected signal from the anterior surface of the cornea detected by the light receiving element and the reflected signal from the posterior surface of the cornea.

[0061] Once the corneal thickness measurement is complete, the control unit 80 measures the intraocular pressure. For example, when the control unit 80 drives the solenoid 203 to move the piston 202, the air in the cylinder 201 is compressed, and the compressed air is blown from the nozzle 206 toward the cornea Ec. The cornea Ec gradually deforms as the compressed air is blown against it, and when it reaches a flat (or applanated) state, the maximum amount of light is incident on the photodetector 57. The control unit 80 calculates the intraocular pressure value based on the output signal from the pressure sensor 212 and the output signal from the photodetector 57. The control unit 80 then displays the measurement result on the display unit 85 (S9). Here, when a predetermined measurement completion condition is met, the intraocular pressure measurement of the subject's eye is completed.

[0062] When measuring both eyes, the control unit 80 determines whether the measurement of both the left and right eyes has been completed. If the measurement of both the left and right eyes has not been completed (S10=NO), the control unit 80 moves the examination unit 100 to the eye that is not being measured (S11: Switch between left and right eyes). For example, after measuring the right eye, the control unit 80 positions the examination unit 100 in front of the left eye. Then, the left eye is measured in the same way as the right eye.

[0063] The control unit 80 performs the second automatic alignment while the detection unit 250 detects the approach of the subject. When the detection unit 250 no longer detects the approach (S1=NO), the control unit 80 switches the alignment control to the first automatic alignment control.

[0064] When the measurement is completed, the control unit 80 outputs the data of the measurement result (S9). For example, the control unit 80 displays the measurement result on the display unit 85, prints it out, or outputs it to the outside of the device wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0065] In the above embodiment, when the detection unit 250 detects the nozzle unit 205 approaching the subject, the control unit 80 narrows the automatic alignment range of the inspection unit 100 and performs alignment. However, the control unit 80 may also perform alignment by slowing down the movement speed of the inspection unit 100. For example, the control unit 80 detects the approach of the nozzle unit 205 to the subject during the first automatic alignment using the detection unit 205, and switches the alignment control to the second automatic alignment control. The second automatic alignment control may be automatic alignment control in which the movement speed of the inspection unit 100 is slower than that of the first automatic alignment.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the second automatic alignment control is configured to perform alignment when the control unit 80 detects the bright spot 301 in the anterior eye image within the second automatic alignment range of the approach unit. However, for example, the control unit 80 may be configured to set a predetermined movement range or movement distance from the position where the detection unit 250 detects the approach between the approach unit and the subject, and to limit the movement until the approach is no longer detected (movement range 303 in FIG. 7).

[0067] In the above embodiment, while the second automatic alignment is being performed, the control unit 80 may display a message on the screen 300 of the display unit 85 indicating that the nozzle 205 and the subject are approaching each other (notification 304 in FIG. 8). Instead of displaying the notification 304, the control unit 80 may control the audio output unit 89 to make an audio announcement, or may perform both the display of the notification 304 and the audio announcement.

[0068] In the above embodiment, when approach is detected, the control unit 80 continues automatic alignment without stopping the movement of the device. However, for example, when approach is detected, the control unit 80 may be configured to temporarily stop the movement of the device. The control unit 80 may display on the screen 300 of the display unit 85 that approach between the detection unit and the subject has been detected (notification 304 in FIG. 8). The control unit 80 may also display buttons 306 and 307 to indicate that the display content has been confirmed on the notification 305 notifying the resumption of automatic alignment (FIG. 9). When the examiner presses button 306, the control unit 80 may resume alignment control using automatic alignment control. When the examiner presses button 307, the control unit 80 may resume alignment control based on the examiner's operation of the operation unit 86 by switching to manual alignment control. Instead of displaying the notification 304, the audio output unit 89 may be controlled to make an audio announcement, or both the notification 304 may be displayed and an audio announcement may be made.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the control unit 80 is configured to perform the second automatic alignment control only while the detection unit 250 detects the approach of the nozzle 205 to the subject. However, the control unit 80 may be configured to switch to the second automatic alignment control once the detection unit 250 detects the approach of the nozzle 205 to the subject, and to continue the second automatic alignment control regardless of whether or not the approach is detected thereafter. However, if the subject's eye E is located outside the second automatic alignment range during the second automatic alignment control, the control unit 80 may switch the alignment control to the manual alignment control.

[0070] In the above embodiment, when switching to manual alignment control, the control unit 80 may display on the screen 300 of the display unit 85 a message indicating that manual operation is required (notification 308 in FIG. 10). The control unit 80 may also display a button 309 on the notification 308 to indicate that the display content has been confirmed. This prevents the examiner from switching to manual alignment against his or her will (unintentionally). Furthermore, by providing the button 309 on the notification 308, the examiner may confirm whether or not he or she has recognized that the switch to manual alignment has been made. Note that instead of displaying the notification 308, the audio output unit 89 may be controlled to make an audio announcement, or both the display of the notification 308 and the audio announcement may be performed.

[0071] The approaching part that approaches the subject is not limited to the nozzle part, but may also be the inspection window (cover glass) of the inspection part 100, the objective lens, the optical attachment, or any other part that protrudes toward the subject.

[0072] The control unit 80 may cause the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 to execute the above-described processing as shown in FIG. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 Ophthalmology equipment 2 bases 3 Face support 4 Drive unit 80 Control Unit 100 Inspection Department 205 Nozzle part 250 detection unit

Claims

1. An ophthalmic apparatus for examining an eye to be examined, an examination means for examining the subject's eye; an approach unit of the inspection means that approaches the subject; a detection means for detecting the approach of the approach unit to a subject; and a control unit that, when the detection unit detects the approach, performs automatic alignment control that is different from that when the detection unit does not detect the approach.

2. 2. The ophthalmic apparatus of claim 1, The ophthalmologic apparatus is characterized in that the control means continues automatic alignment by the automatic alignment control when the approach is detected.

3. 3. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The ophthalmologic apparatus is characterized in that the control means performs the automatic alignment control to limit movement of the approaching portion when the approach is detected.

4. 4. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, The ophthalmologic apparatus is characterized in that, when the approach is detected, the control means performs the automatic alignment control to reduce the automatic alignment range compared to when the approach is not detected.

5. 5. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, The ophthalmologic apparatus is characterized in that, when the approach is detected, the control means performs the automatic alignment control to reduce the movement range of the approaching part compared to when the approach is not detected.

6. 6. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, The ophthalmologic apparatus is characterized in that, when the approach is detected, the control means performs the automatic alignment control to reduce the moving speed of the approaching part compared to when the approach is not detected.

7. 7. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, the ophthalmic apparatus is a non-contact tonometer including a fluid ejection unit that ejects a fluid onto the cornea of ​​the subject's eye through a nozzle unit, The ophthalmic apparatus is characterized in that the approach portion is the nozzle portion.

8. An ophthalmic apparatus control program executed in an ophthalmic apparatus that examines an eye to be examined, a detecting step of detecting the approach of an approach unit that approaches the subject in the examination means for examining the eye to be examined and the approach of the subject with a detecting unit that detects the approach of the approach unit and the subject; a control step of performing automatic alignment control different from that performed when the approach is not detected by the detection step; An ophthalmic apparatus control program that causes an ophthalmic apparatus to execute the above.

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