Visual-field test method, visual-field test apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide an estimated luminance value and reliability of an uninspected point.SOLUTION: The visual field examination method includes an examination process for examining the sensitivity of a first examination point selected from an examination point set of a plurality of examination points, and an estimation process for estimating the sensitivity of a second examination point different from the first examination point and the reliability of the sensitivity of the second examination point on the basis of the sensitivity of the first examination point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a visual field testing method, a visual field testing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a visual field testing device that can obtain the sensitivity of the subject's eye to light stimuli. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5048284 Summary of the Invention

[0004] A visual field examination method according to a first aspect of the disclosed technology includes an examination step of examining the sensitivity of a first examination point selected from a set of a plurality of examination points, and an estimation step of estimating the sensitivity of a second examination point different from the first examination point and the reliability of the sensitivity of the second examination point based on the sensitivity of the first examination point.

[0005] A visual field examination device according to a second aspect of the disclosed technology comprises a memory and a processor connected to the memory, and the processor performs an examination step of examining the sensitivity of a first examination point selected from a set of multiple examination points, and an estimation step of estimating the sensitivity of a second examination point different from the first examination point and the reliability of the sensitivity of the second examination point based on the sensitivity of the first examination point.

[0006] A program of a third aspect of the technology disclosed herein causes a computer to execute an inspection step of inspecting the sensitivity of a first inspection point selected from a set of multiple inspection points, and an estimation step of estimating the sensitivity of a second inspection point different from the first inspection point and the reliability of the sensitivity of the second inspection point based on the sensitivity of the first inspection point. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an ophthalmology system 100. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a perimeter 110. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a CPU 12 of the perimeter 110. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a visual field examination process executed by a CPU 12 of a perimeter 110. [Figure 5A] 5 is a flowchart of the thinning-out inspection process in step 212 of FIG. 4. [Figure 5B] 5 is a flowchart of the additional inspection process in step 220 of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart of the process of estimating the overall visual field sensitivity in step 216 of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] A set of all inspection points including inspection points to be inspected and inspection points not to be inspected for the optic nerve of the retina of the eye 12 to be inspected is conceptually shown. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an update process of a cumulative function. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating the update process of the cumulative function. [Figure 8C] FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating the update process of the cumulative function. [Figure 8D] FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating the update process of the cumulative function. [Figure 8E] FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating the update process of the cumulative function. [Figure 8F] FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating the update process of the cumulative function. [Figure 8G] FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating the update process of the cumulative function. [Figure 8H] FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating the update process of the cumulative function. [Figure 8I] FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating the update process of the cumulative function. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the luminance values ​​(dB) of the index light at each test point and the reaction results of the subjects (patients). [Figure 10]10 is a graph showing a luminance value-correctness curve indicating the relationship between a luminance value and the probability fa, b(θ) that the test point on the optic nerve of the patient's eye 12 to be examined will recognize the index light of that luminance value. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing estimated luminance values ​​of inspected points. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between inspection points and the estimated brightness value and reliability of each inspection point. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the luminance value (dB) of the indicator light and the reaction results for each test at the additional test points. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing estimated luminance values ​​of additional inspection points. [Figure 15A] 10 is a graph showing the estimated luminance value of each inspection point in the entire inspection point set. [Figure 15B] This is a graph in which confidence levels have been added to the graph of FIG. 15A. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 shows a visual field sensitivity map 510M. [Figure 17A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of tests and the difference between the correct sensitivity value and the estimated sensitivity in the prior art. [Figure 17B] FIG. 10 is another diagram showing the relationship between the number of tests and the difference between the correct value of sensitivity and the estimated sensitivity in the prior art. [Figure 17C] FIG. 10 is another diagram showing the relationship between the number of tests and the difference between the correct value of sensitivity and the estimated sensitivity in the prior art. [Figure 18A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of tests and the difference between the correct sensitivity value and the estimated sensitivity in the present embodiment. [Figure 18B] FIG. 10 is another diagram showing the relationship between the number of tests and the difference between the correct value of sensitivity and the estimated sensitivity in the present embodiment. [Figure 18C] FIG. 10 is another diagram showing the relationship between the number of tests and the difference between the correct value of sensitivity and the estimated sensitivity in the present embodiment. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for interpolating estimated luminance values ​​of uninspected points. [Figure 20] 10 is a graph showing estimated luminance values ​​and reliability values ​​obtained in the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] The configuration of an ophthalmologic system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the ophthalmologic system 100 includes a static visual field testing device (hereinafter referred to as a "perimeter") 110, a management server device (hereinafter referred to as a "server") 140, and an image display device (hereinafter referred to as a "viewer") 150. The perimeter 110 is an example of the "visual field testing device" of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0010] The perimeter 110 is an instrument for testing the visual field sensitivity (luminance value) of a patient's eye to be examined, which will be described in detail later, and is used for diagnosing glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and the like.

[0011] Here, visual field sensitivity refers to the intensity (luminance value: luminance (dB)) of the index light that reaches the test point on the optic nerve of the retina at the fundus of the subject's eye and is perceived by the patient. Note that the larger the luminance value expressed in dB, the lower the intensity of the index light presented to the test point, and the darker the index light. In other words, the smaller the luminance value expressed in dB, the higher the intensity of the index light presented to the test point, and the brighter the index light.

[0012] The server 140 stores the test results (estimated luminance values, etc.) of the visual field sensitivity of the patient's eye to be examined by the perimeter 110 in association with the patient ID. The viewer 150 displays medical information such as the test results of the visual field sensitivity of the patient's eye to be examined acquired from the server 140.

[0013] The perimeter 110 , the server 140 , and the viewer 150 are connected to each other via a network 130 .

[0014] FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the perimeter 110.

[0015] When the perimeter 110 is placed on a horizontal plane, the horizontal direction is defined as the "X direction," the vertical direction relative to the horizontal plane is defined as the "Y direction," and the direction connecting the center of the pupil of the anterior segment of the subject's eye 12 and the center of the eyeball is defined as the "Z direction." Therefore, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the perimeter 110 includes a control device 10, an index presenting unit 30, an external storage device 40, an input / display unit 50, and a response unit 60.

[0017] The control device 10 comprises a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 14, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 16, and an input / output (I / O) port 18, which are interconnected by a bus 20. The ROM 14 stores a visual field testing program, which will be described later.

[0018] The ROM 14 is an example of a "memory" in the technology of the present disclosure. The CPU 12 is an example of a "processor" in the technology of the present disclosure. The memory stores a visual field test program. The processor is connected to the memory and executes the visual field test program.

[0019] To the I / O port 18, an index presentation unit 30, an external storage device 40, a communication interface (I / F) 45, an input / display unit 50, and a response unit 60 are connected.

[0020] The input / display unit 50 has a graphic operator interface that displays images and receives various instructions from an operator. An example of the graphic operator interface is a touch panel display.

[0021] The response unit 60 includes a switch (not shown) that is operated by the patient, and a transmitter. When the patient recognizes the indicator light during a visual field test (described later), the patient turns on the switch. When the switch is turned on, the transmitter transmits a recognition signal to the control device 10 indicating that the patient has recognized the indicator light.

[0022] The communication interface (I / F) 45 is connected to a server 140 and a viewer 150 via a network 130 .

[0023] The target presentation unit 30 includes a dome 30D, the inner surface of which is a hemisphere and is a reflective surface, and a projection device (not shown) that presents targets (specifically, projects light) at multiple test points dp (see also FIG. 7 ) on the inner surface of the dome 30D. Under the control of the control device 10 in accordance with a visual field test program for a visual field test (described later), the projection device presents targets at multiple different points (target presentation points) dp on the inner surface of the dome 30D with a time lag. The target light from the target presentation points dp reaches the test points on the retina of the subject's eye 12 that correspond to the target presentation points dp. As described above, the patient recognizes the target light and turns on the switch, and the transmitter transmits a recognition signal to the control device 10. The indicator presenting unit 30 is an example of the "presenting unit" of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0024] In the technology of the present disclosure, the configuration of the index presenting unit 30 is not limited to a configuration including the dome 30D and a projection device. In the technology of the present disclosure, for example, a configuration in which a point on the inner surface of the dome 30D is self-luminous, or a configuration in which index light is directly irradiated onto an inspection point on the retina of the subject's eye 12, can be adopted as the configuration of the index presenting unit 30.

[0025] The server 140 and the viewer 150 each include a computer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., an input device, a display, an external storage device, etc.

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates various functions realized by the CPU 12 of the perimeter 110 executing the visual field examination program. The visual field examination program has a display processing function, an acquisition function, a judgment function, a reading function, a thinning-out examination function, an estimation function, a determination function, an additional examination function, a storage function, a calculation function, and a visualization function. When the CPU 12 executes the visual field examination program having each of these functions, the CPU 12 functions as a display processing unit 72, an acquisition unit 74, a judgment unit 76, a reading unit 78, a thinning-out examination unit 80, an estimation unit 82, a determination unit 84, an additional examination unit 86, a storage unit 88, a calculation unit 90, and a visualization unit 92, as shown in Figure 3. The thinning inspection unit 80 and the additional inspection unit 86 are an example of a "detection unit" of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of the visual field testing process executed by the CPU 12 of the perimeter 110. The visual field testing process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5 is realized by the CPU 12 executing a visual field testing program. The visual field testing process starts when the operator operates a start button (not shown) displayed on the input / display unit 50.

[0028] In step 202, the display processing unit 72 displays a patient ID input screen on the input / display unit 50. The operator inputs the patient ID into the input / display unit 50. In step 204, the acquisition unit 74 acquires the patient ID.

[0029] In step 206, the determination unit 76 inquires of the server 140 whether past data on visual field sensitivity test results exists corresponding to the acquired patient ID. That is, the determination unit 76 inquires whether visual field sensitivity test results are stored corresponding to the acquired patient ID. The determination unit 76 acquires the inquiry result from the server 140 and determines whether past data on visual field sensitivity test results exists corresponding to the patient ID based on the acquired inquiry result. The past data is, for example, estimated luminance values ​​(visual field sensitivity) and cumulative functions for each test point, which will be described later. The past data is data for each patient and for each test point for each patient. The past data may be data acquired from all tests conducted in the past, or data updated after the most recent test.

[0030] If it is determined that there is past data on visual field sensitivity test results corresponding to the patient ID, then in step 208 the reading unit 78 reads the latest estimated luminance value (visual field sensitivity) of each test point in the set of all test points for the optic nerve of the subject's eye from the past data corresponding to the input patient ID. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no past data on visual field sensitivity test results corresponding to the patient ID, then in step 210 the reading unit 78 reads a predetermined luminance value for each test point in the set of all test points. The predetermined luminance value is, for example, a reference value for each test point in the set of all test points for a normal eye.

[0031] In step 212, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 executes a thinning-out inspection process to inspect the visual field sensitivity (luminance value) of the inspection points in the visual field of the patient's eye 12 to be inspected and to obtain a cumulative function. The process of step 212 is an example of an "inspection process" or "inspection step" of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0032] In this embodiment, a patient-specific cumulative function is calculated for each of a plurality of examination points selected from a set of examination points on the optic nerve of the retina of the eye 12 to be examined.

[0033] Here, the cumulative function is a function that shows the relationship between the luminance value of the index light and the number of inspections, and more specifically, a function that corresponds the cumulative number of times used in inspections to the luminance value of each index light.

[0034] FIG. 5A shows a flowchart of the thinning-out inspection process in step 212 of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5A, in step 252, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 selects from the total set of inspection points a plurality of inspection points to be actually inspected in the thinning-out inspection. The total set of inspection points is a set of all inspection points in the visual field of the patient's eye 12 to be inspected for visual field sensitivity (brightness value). The total set of inspection points may also be referred to as the inspection point set. The total set of inspection points is a set of a plurality of inspection points. The total set of inspection points is made up of inspection points that are actually inspected and inspection points that are not inspected. When the thinning-out inspection is performed, the total set of inspection points is made up of a first inspection point that is subject to the thinning-out inspection and is actually inspected, and a second inspection point that is not selected in the thinning-out inspection and is not inspected. Furthermore, when an additional inspection, which will be described later, is performed, the total set of inspection points is made up of a first inspection point that is subject to the thinning-out inspection, a third inspection point that is subject to the additional inspection, and a fourth inspection point that is not actually inspected in either the thinning-out inspection or the additional inspection.

[0035] FIG. 7 conceptually shows the entire set of inspection points for the optic nerve of the retina of the subject's eye 12. Each inspection point in the entire set of inspection points is arranged over a range that the target light reaches through the pupil of the subject's eye 12. First, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 selects, for example, randomly from the entire set of inspection points. In FIG. 7, the thus-selected inspection points that are actually inspected in the thinning-out inspection are indicated by ●. The set consisting of the inspection points indicated by ● that are actually inspected in the thinning-out inspection is called inspection point set P. The inspection points remaining after excluding inspection point set P from the entire set of inspection points are indicated by ○. The inspection points indicated by ○ are points that are not subjected to visual field inspection (thinned-out inspection points).

[0036] In step 252, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 then determines an initial luminance value to be used for the first inspection for each inspection point in the inspection point set P. Specifically, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 determines a luminance value that is predetermined for each inspection point in the entire inspection point set as the initial luminance value.

[0037] In step 252, if the above-mentioned past data does not exist, the thinning inspection unit 80 initializes the cumulative function for each inspection point in the inspection point set P as shown in FIG. 8A, for example, by setting the number of inspections corresponding to each brightness value to zero.

[0038] Each inspection point in the inspection point set P is an example of a "first inspection point" in the technology of the present disclosure. The inspection points remaining after excluding inspection point set P from the total inspection point set are an example of a "second inspection point" in the technology of the present disclosure. The total inspection point set consists of inspection point set P, which is a set of multiple "first inspection points," and at least one "second inspection point." The set of "second inspection points" is thinned out from the total inspection point set, and the remaining set of first inspection points is designated as inspection point set P.

[0039] In step 254, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 selects one inspection point p from the inspection point set P. Specifically, it initializes a variable p that identifies each inspection point in the inspection point set P to zero, and then increments the variable p by 1. As a result, one inspection point p is selected from the inspection point set P by the variable p. Thinning-out inspection is an inspection that is performed after the thinning process.

[0040] In step 256, the thinning inspection unit 80 acquires the cumulative number of inspections for inspection point p based on the past data. The cumulative number of inspections is the number of inspections accumulated for each inspection point depending on the inspection. The cumulative number of inspections for inspection point p is, for example, the total number of inspections previously performed at inspection point p. If there is past data corresponding to the patient ID, the cumulative number of inspections for inspection point p is determined to be 1 or more. If there is no past data corresponding to the patient ID and the processing of step 258 is performed for the first time, the cumulative number of inspections for inspection point p is determined to be 0. On the other hand, if there is no past data corresponding to the patient ID but the processing of step 258 is the second or subsequent time, the cumulative number of inspections for inspection point p is determined to be 1 or more.

[0041] If it is determined that the cumulative number of inspections for inspection point p is 0, then in step 260, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 presents to the patient an index light of the initial luminance value determined for inspection point p in step 252. More specifically, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 controls the projection device so that the index light of the initial luminance value is incident on inspection point p.

[0042] If it is determined that the cumulative number of inspections for inspection point p is one or more, a cumulative function corresponding to inspection point p has been obtained. The cumulative function is a function that accumulates for each inspection point depending on the inspection. In step 262, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 first extracts a luminance value of the index light to be presented based on the cumulative function for inspection point p. More specifically, if it is determined that the cumulative number of inspections for inspection point p is one or more, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 extracts a luminance value range in which the number of inspections is a predetermined value from the cumulative function. For example, in this embodiment, a luminance value range in which the number of inspections is less than one is extracted. Note that the luminance value range in which the number of inspections is a predetermined value can be considered to be an area that requires search (inspection), as described below. Then, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 sets a luminance value of the index light to be presented from the extracted luminance value range. In the technology disclosed herein, the luminance value of the index light to be presented may be randomly extracted from the extracted luminance value range and set, or an arbitrarily determined value may be extracted and set. For example, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 may extract the median value or 3 / 4 value of the range as the brightness value of the index light to be presented from the range. Next, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 controls the projection device so that the index light is incident on the inspection point p with the extracted brightness value.

[0043] If the patient recognizes the presented indicator light, the patient turns on the switch of the response unit 60. This causes a recognition signal to be sent to the control device 10. However, if the patient does not recognize the presented indicator light, the patient does not turn on the switch of the response unit 60. Therefore, even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the indicator was presented, a recognition signal is not sent to the control device 10. In step 264, the thinning inspection unit 80 acquires the patient's response. More specifically, if a recognition signal is transmitted before a predetermined time has elapsed since the indicator was presented, the thinning inspection unit 80 acquires the patient's response that the indicator was recognized. On the other hand, if a recognition signal is not transmitted even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the thinning inspection unit 80 acquires the patient's response that the indicator was not recognized.

[0044] In step 266, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 stores in the external storage device 40 the brightness value of the presented index light and the patient's response result of whether or not they recognized the index light for the inspection point p.

[0045] In step 268, the thinning inspection unit 80 updates the accumulation function. As will be described later, the processes of steps 254 to 270 are repeated, and the process of updating the accumulation function in step 268 is also repeated. The number of accumulated inspection points is also updated. By repeating the processes of steps 254 to 270, index lights of different luminance values ​​are presented to inspection point p multiple times, the patient's response to each index light is obtained, and the accumulation function corresponding to inspection point p is updated based on the patient's response to each presentation. This will be explained in detail below.

[0046] The response obtained in step 264 by repeating the processes from step 254 to step 270 is an example of the "first response" of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0047] When there is no past data as described above and the processing of step 252 is performed, the cumulative number of tests before the test is 0 for each luminance value, as shown in FIG. 8A, and no cumulative function exists. By the processing of step 260, for example, an index light with an initial luminance value of 28 dB is presented to the patient. If the patient does not recognize the index light, the thinning-out test unit 80 increases the number of tests for each luminance value in the range defined by 28 dB as the boundary, i.e., the range of 28 dB or higher, by a predetermined amount, as shown in FIG. 8B. The predetermined increase is, for example, 1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, the number of tests for each luminance value in the range of 28 dB or higher is 1.

[0048] Here, for test point p, even though only a luminance value of 28 dB was presented, the number of tests for each luminance value in the range of 28 dB or greater was set to 1 for the following reason: If the patient does not recognize the 28 dB indicator light, it is presumed that the patient cannot recognize indicator lights with luminance values ​​greater than 28 dB, i.e., lights dimmer than the presented indicator light. Therefore, it is presumed that the patient's response for test point p is that they were unable to recognize indicators with luminance values ​​greater than 28 dB. Therefore, for luminance values ​​greater than 28 dB, a patient response is anticipated without the need for an actual test, and the number of tests is considered to have been performed, and the number of tests is increased by 1. The predetermined amount of increase may vary depending on the luminance value. For example, if the patient does not recognize the 28 dB indicator light, the number of tests for each luminance value in the range of 28 dB or greater but less than 32 dB may be increased by 1, the number of tests for each luminance value in the range of 32 dB or greater but less than 36 dB may be increased by 2, and the number of tests for each luminance value in the range of 36 dB or greater may be increased by 3. This is equivalent to increasing the number of tests for each of the above luminance values ​​by one for the three tests, including the pseudo test, on the assumption that the patient would not be able to recognize any of the pseudo 32 dB and 36 dB index lights presented in addition to the 28 dB index light.

[0049] When the result shown in Figure 8B is obtained, as shown in Figure 8C, it is unclear whether a range of brightness values ​​less than 28 dB can be recognized for inspection point p, so it is necessary to search (inspect) whether a range of brightness values ​​less than 28 dB can be recognized.

[0050] Therefore, suppose that, through the above repetition, in step 262, 16 dB is extracted from the range of brightness values ​​for which the number of tests is less than 1 from the cumulative function (see FIG. 8B), and an index light with a brightness value of 16 dB is presented, as shown in FIG. 8D. Then, suppose that the patient does not recognize the index light with a brightness value of 16 dB. In this case, for the above-mentioned reason, the thinning-out test unit 80 increases the number of tests for each brightness value in the range defined by 16 dB as the boundary (the range of 16 dB or more) by a predetermined amount (for example, 1). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8D, the cumulative function is updated so that the number of tests for brightness values ​​from 16 dB to less than 28 dB is 1, and the number of tests for brightness values ​​in the range of 28 dB or more is 2. In this case, it is necessary to search (test) whether the range of brightness values ​​less than 16 dB can be recognized, as shown in FIG. 8E.

[0051] Therefore, suppose that, through the above repetition, in step 262, 4 dB is extracted from the range of brightness values ​​for which the number of tests is less than 1 from the cumulative function (see FIG. 8D), as shown in FIG. 8F, and an index light with a brightness value of 4 dB is presented. Then, suppose that the patient recognizes the index light with a brightness value of 4 dB. In this case, since the patient should recognize the index light with a brightness value less than 4 dB, as shown in FIG. 8F, the thinning-out test unit 80 updates the cumulative function so as to increase the number of tests for each brightness value in the range defined by 4 dB as the boundary (the range of 4 dB or less) by a predetermined amount (for example, 1). In this case, as shown in FIG. 8G, it is necessary to search (test) whether a range of brightness values ​​greater than 4 dB and less than 16 dB can be recognized.

[0052] Therefore, suppose that, through the above repetition, in step 262, 8 dB is extracted from the range of brightness values ​​for which the test count is less than 1 from the cumulative function (see FIG. 8F), as shown in FIG. 8H, and an index light with a brightness value of 8 dB is presented. Then, suppose that the patient recognizes the index light with a brightness value of 8 dB. In this case, since the patient should recognize the index light with a brightness value less than 8 dB, as shown in FIG. 8H, the thinning-out test unit 80 updates the cumulative function so as to increase the number of tests for each brightness value in the range defined by 8 dB as the boundary (the range of 8 dB or less) by a predetermined amount (for example, 1). Therefore, the number of tests for brightness values ​​in the range of 8 dB or less and greater than 4 dB is 1, and the number of tests for brightness values ​​in the range of 4 dB or less is 2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8I, it is necessary to search (test) whether the range of brightness values ​​greater than 8 dB and less than 16 dB can be recognized.

[0053] In this way, the range of brightness values ​​that need to be searched (inspected) is narrowed by repeating the processes from step 254 to step 270. Also, by repeating the processes from step 254 to step 270 in this way, the upper and lower limits of the range of brightness values ​​that need to be searched (inspected) are determined, and a cumulative function that is convex downward can be created.

[0054] The examples described above using Figures 8A to 8I are examples in which there is no past data, as mentioned above. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 206 of Figure 4 that there is past data, there is a cumulative function and an estimated value of visual field sensitivity for each examination point in the examination point set P corresponding to the patient ID. In this case, when the processing of step 258 of Figure 5A is executed for the first time, a positive determination is made in step 258, and in step 262, either the cumulative function or the estimated value of visual field sensitivity for each examination point in the examination point set P in the above-mentioned past data is used. A method for selecting the luminance value of the index term to be presented is, for example, to present the average value of 30 dB when the luminance value with the smallest cumulative function value is 32 dB and the estimated value of visual field sensitivity is 28 dB.

[0055] In step 270, the thinning-out inspection unit 80 determines whether the thinning-out inspection end determination condition is met.

[0056] Here, the condition for determining whether or not to terminate the thinning-out inspection is that the processing from step 254 to step 270 has been executed a predetermined number of times for each inspection point in the inspection point set P. The predetermined number of times may be any specified number, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 times. Alternatively, it may be determined that the processing from step 254 to step 270 has been executed a predetermined number of times when the probability that the inspection point p of the patient will recognize light of each luminance value within the range of luminance values ​​that needs to be searched (inspected) falls within a predetermined range. For example, it may be determined that the processing from step 254 to step 270 has been executed a predetermined number of times when the probability that the inspection point p of the patient will recognize light of each luminance value within the range of luminance values ​​that needs to be searched (inspected) falls within a 50% range.

[0057] If the processing from step 254 to step 270 has not been executed for the inspection point p the predetermined number of times, the thinning-out inspection processing returns to step 254. In this case, in step 254, the variable p is incremented by 1, and the above processing is executed for another inspection point in the inspection point set P.

[0058] When the processing from step 254 to step 270 has been executed a predetermined number of times for each inspection point in the inspection point set P, the determination in step 270 is affirmative, and the thinning inspection processing in step 212 in Fig. 4 is completed. The visual field inspection processing proceeds to step 214.

[0059] As described above, the processes from step 254 to step 270 are executed a predetermined number of times for each examination point in the examination point set P. Therefore, in this embodiment, the range of luminance values ​​that need to be searched (examined) is gradually narrowed, and luminance values ​​that the patient's examination points will recognize with a predetermined probability can be identified. This makes it possible to perform a visual field examination using light with luminance values ​​that the patient's examination points will recognize with a predetermined probability. The range of luminance values ​​that need to be searched (examined) may also be referred to as a priority search area. In the search step, the search may be carried out by narrowing the range of the priority search area so that the upper and lower limit values ​​of the priority search area are determined.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, inspection point set P is a set of inspection points indicated by ●, and has been inspected. Hereinafter, each inspection point in inspection point set P will be referred to as an inspected point. Each inspection point in the total inspection point set other than inspection point set P is indicated by a circle. Hereinafter, each inspection point in the total inspection point set other than inspection point set P will be referred to as an uninspected point. As shown in Figure 7, uninspected points may be located around inspected points.

[0061] In step 214, the acquisition unit 74 acquires the thinned-out inspection results for each inspected point. The thinned-out inspection results include a cumulative function calculated for each inspection point in the inspection point set P, and, as shown in FIG. 9, the luminance value (dB) of the index light and the reaction result for each inspection of the inspected point. For example, the following luminance value and reaction result are obtained for a certain inspected point (inspection point x3). That is, in the first inspection, the luminance value is 24 (dB), and the reaction result is No (not recognized). In the second inspection, the luminance value is 20 (dB), and the reaction result is No. In the third inspection, the luminance value is 16 (dB), and the reaction result is Yes (recognized). Furthermore, the following luminance value and reaction result are obtained for another inspected point (x5). That is, in the first inspection, the luminance value is 16 (dB), and the reaction result is Yes. In the second inspection, the luminance value is 18 (dB), and the reaction result is Yes. In the third test, the luminance value was 20 dB and the response result was Yes. In the fourth test, the luminance value was 24 dB and the response result was Yes.

[0062] In step 216, the estimation unit 82 estimates the overall visual field sensitivity, i.e., the visual field sensitivity (estimated luminance value) for each inspection point in the entire inspection point set, based on the cumulative function obtained for each inspection point in the inspection point set P. Step 216 is an example of the "estimation process" or "estimation step" of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0063] Although details will be described later (see FIG. 6), in this embodiment, the estimation unit 82 calculates the visual field sensitivity (estimated luminance value) for each inspection point in the entire inspection point set including the inspection point set P. That is, the estimation unit 82 estimates the estimated luminance value of each inspected point. Furthermore, the estimation unit 82 estimates the estimated luminance value of an uninspected point from the estimated luminance value of each inspected point using a stochastic process. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the estimation unit 82 estimates a reliability indicating the likelihood of the estimated luminance value of an uninspected point using a stochastic process.

[0064] In this embodiment, the estimation unit 82 numerically determines the estimated luminance values ​​of uninspected points. The stochastic process in this case is also called a "random field" (https: / / kotobank.jp / word / %E7%A2%BA%E7%8E%87%E5%A0%B4-1153809). Therefore, in this embodiment, the estimation unit 82 uses the stochastic process or the random field to estimate the estimated luminance values ​​of uninspected points from the estimated luminance values ​​of each inspected point, and then uses the stochastic process or the random field to estimate the reliability of the estimated luminance values ​​of the uninspected points.

[0065] In this embodiment, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) is used as the stochastic process. Note that in the technology of the present disclosure, the stochastic process is not limited to Gaussian Process Regression. Other examples of stochastic processes include t-process regression.

[0066] As described above, the reliability is numerical data that indicates the likelihood of the estimated luminance value of the uninspected point. Specifically, the reliability is numerical data that indicates the possible range of the visual field sensitivity of the uninspected point, centered on the estimated luminance value of the uninspected point.

[0067] Each inspected point is an example of a "first inspection point" in the technique of the present disclosure. Each uninspected point is an example of a "second inspection point" in the technique of the present disclosure.

[0068] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of the process of estimating the overall visual field sensitivity in step 216 of Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 6, in step 301, the estimation unit 82 calculates an estimated luminance value of each inspected point. Specifically, to calculate the estimated luminance value (visual field sensitivity) of each inspected point, the estimation unit 82 first uses a luminance value-accuracy rate curve shown in Fig. 10, which indicates the relationship between luminance values ​​and the probability fa,b(θ) that the inspection point on the optic nerve of the patient's eye 12 will recognize the index light of that luminance value. The luminance value-accuracy rate curve is defined by the following equation.

[0069]

number

[0070] a is a constant greater than 0. b is a value in R (R is the set of all real numbers). That is,

[0071]

number

[0072] is.

[0073] θ is the brightness value used in each inspection at the inspection point.

[0074] The estimation unit 82 uses the equation representing the above curve to determine the likelihood L(a,b) of each inspected point from the following equation. More specifically, for example, if the luminance value is 20 dB in the first inspection at a certain inspected point and the patient's reaction is recognized (Yes), the estimation unit 82 uses the probability fa,b(20). If the luminance value is 24 dB in the second inspection and the patient's reaction is not recognized (No), the estimation unit 82 uses (1-fa,b(24). If the luminance value is 16 dB in the third inspection and the patient's reaction is recognized (Yes), the estimation unit 82 uses the probability fa,b(16). For each inspected point, the estimation unit 82 uses the product of the values ​​corresponding to the results of all the inspections as described above to determine b at which the likelihood (a,b) is maximized.

[0075]

number

[0076] Using the obtained b, the likelihood L(a, b) of each inspected point is calculated as the estimated luminance value of each inspected point. As a result, for example, as shown in Fig. 11, the estimated luminance value calculated for the inspected point (x2) is 21 dB, the estimated luminance value calculated for the inspected point (x3) is 19.6 dB, and the estimated luminance value calculated for the inspected point (x5) is 31.5 dB.

[0077] In step 303, the estimation unit 82 calculates an estimated luminance value of each uninspected point using Gaussian process regression. Specifically, the estimation unit 82 calculates an estimated luminance value E[X(x*)|D] for each uninspected point using the estimated luminance values ​​of each inspected point according to the following formula:

[0078]

number

[0079]

number

[0080]

number

[0081]

number

[0082] k* in number 4 D and K in number 5 D K(x,x') is the Gaussian RBF kernel (Radial basis function kernel) below.

[0083]

number

[0084] The x in K(x, x') represents each of x1, x2, ...XN, and x1, x2, ...X N Each of these is the X and Y coordinates of the location of the inspected point.

[0085] The x' in K(x, x') is the XY coordinate of each uninspected point x*.

[0086] Y D where y1, y2, ... YN are the estimated luminance values ​​of each inspected point.

[0087] The estimated luminance value E[X(x*)|D] of each uninspected point calculated as described above is the average value of the luminance value of each uninspected point estimated from the estimated luminance values ​​of each inspected point.

[0088] In step 305, the estimation unit 82 uses Gaussian process regression to calculate the variance V[X(x*)|D] from the following formula as the reliability of the estimated brightness value of each uninspected point.

[0089]

number

[0090] k** is

number

[0091] When the process of step 305 is completed, the process of step 216 in FIG. 4 is completed.

[0092] 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between inspection points (including uninspected points and inspected points) and the estimated luminance value of each inspection point. When the processing of step 216 in FIG. 4 is completed, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the estimated luminance value of each inspected point (x2, x3, x5, ...) is calculated, and the estimated luminance value and its reliability of the uninspected points (x1, x4, x6, x7, x8, ...) are calculated.

[0093] 12, for example, the uninspected point (x4) is adjacent to the inspected points (x3, x5) and is relatively close to the inspected points (x3, x5). However, the uninspected point (x8) is relatively far from the inspected point (x5). Therefore, the reliability value of the estimated brightness value of the uninspected point (x4) is relatively small, but the reliability value of the estimated brightness value of the uninspected point (x8) is relatively large.

[0094] In step 216, the estimation unit 82 displays the estimated brightness values ​​of each inspected point and each uninspected point, and the reliability of the estimated brightness values ​​of each uninspected point, on the input / display unit 50, as shown in, for example, FIG. 12.

[0095] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to estimate both the luminance value and the reliability of the luminance value of uninspected points using the results of the thinned-out inspection of the inspection points. With this embodiment, the operator performing the inspection can not only obtain estimated luminance value data of uninspected points, but also determine how likely the estimated luminance value of the uninspected points is from the obtained reliability. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by actually inspecting only a portion of the inspection points in the set of inspection points, it is possible to estimate the sensitivity and reliability of the uninspected points, thereby shortening the inspection time.

[0096] 4 is completed, the visual field examination process proceeds to step 218. In step 218, the determination unit 84 determines whether a determination condition for determining whether an additional test is required for an untested point is satisfied. If it is determined that the determination condition is satisfied, the visual field examination process proceeds to step 220, and if it is determined that the determination condition is not satisfied, the visual field examination process proceeds to step 226.

[0097] Here, the judgment conditions include, firstly, a condition that is automatically judged by the control device 10, and a condition that is a condition that the operator specifies an uninspected point that needs to be inspected additionally.

[0098] The conditions that the control device 10 automatically determines include, for example, first, the presence of an uninspected point whose reliability is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If an uninspected point whose reliability is equal to or greater than a predetermined value exists, it is determined that the reliability of the estimated luminance value of the uninspected point is low, and therefore it is determined that the uninspected point needs to be inspected. This results in a determination that the determination condition is satisfied. Second, there is an uninspected point whose estimated luminance value is less than a predetermined value (dB), for example, 22 dB. If an uninspected point whose estimated luminance value is less than the predetermined value (dB) is not illuminated with a relatively bright index light, the uninspected point will not be able to recognize the index light, and therefore it is determined that there is some abnormality in the uninspected point. This results in a determination that the determination condition is satisfied.

[0099] The case where the condition is that an uninspected point requiring additional inspection has been specified by the operator is as follows: As described above, for example, as shown in Fig. 12, the estimated luminance values ​​of each inspected point and each uninspected point and the reliability of the estimated luminance values ​​of each uninspected point are displayed, and when the operator determines that there are uninspected points whose reliability is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and uninspected points whose estimated luminance values ​​are less than a predetermined value (dB), the operator specifies the uninspected points whose inspection requires additional inspection on the display screen of the input / display unit 50. As a result, it is determined that the judgment condition is satisfied.

[0100] As described above, an uninspected point that is determined to require additional inspection is hereinafter referred to as an additional inspection point. The additional inspection point is an example of a "third inspection point" in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0101] In step 220, the additional inspection unit 86 performs additional inspection processing for the additional inspection point. The process of step 220 is an example of the "additional inspection step" of the technique of the present disclosure.

[0102] Fig. 5B shows a flowchart of the additional inspection process in step 220 in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 5B, in step 282, the additional inspection unit 86 selects a set Q of additional inspection points to be additionally inspected, and determines an initial luminance value to be used for inspection for each additional inspection point in set Q. The initial luminance value is, for example, a value (dB) that is a predetermined value greater than the estimated luminance value of the additional inspection point.

[0103] In step 284, the additional inspection unit 86 sets a variable q that identifies each additional inspection point in the set Q of additional inspection points to zero and increments the variable q by 1. This selects the additional inspection point identified by the variable q in the set Q of additional inspection points.

[0104] In step 286, the additional inspection unit 86 obtains the number of inspections for each brightness value from the cumulative function of each additional inspection point in the set Q of additional inspection points.

[0105] In step 288, the additional inspection unit 86 determines whether the cumulative number of inspections for the additional inspection point q identified by the variable q is greater than or equal to 1. Also, it determines whether the number of inspections for each brightness value of the additional inspection point q identified by the variable q is greater than or equal to 1. By repeatedly executing steps 284 to 300, the cumulative function for the additional inspection point is updated and the number of inspections is determined to be greater than or equal to 1.

[0106] When step 288 is executed for the first time, a negative determination is made in step 288, and the additional inspection unit 86 presents the previously determined initial luminance value to the patient in step 290. Note that although the processing content of step 290 differs in that it is executed for additional inspection points, the specific processing content is the same as that of step 260 in Fig. 5A, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] Steps 284 to 300 are repeatedly executed, and if step 288 is executed two or more times, a positive determination is made in step 288, and in step 292, the additional examination unit 86 extracts a luminance value to be presented based on the cumulative function. The additional examination unit 86 presents an index light of the extracted luminance value to an additional examination point q of the patient's eye to be examined. Note that although the processing content of step 292 differs in that it is performed for an additional examination point, the specific processing content is the same as step 262 in FIG. 5A, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0108] The additional testing unit 86 acquires the patient's response in step 294, saves the test results in step 296, updates the cumulative function in step 298, and determines whether the additional testing termination criteria are met in step 300. Note that the processing content from step 294 to step 300 is the same as the processing from step 264 to step 270 in Fig. 5A, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] In this embodiment, the processing from step 284 to step 300 is executed a predetermined number of times (the same as the predetermined number of times in step 270 in FIG. 5A) for each additional examination point in the set Q of additional examination points. Therefore, in this embodiment, the range of luminance values ​​that need to be searched (examined) is gradually narrowed, and the visual field examination can be performed using light with luminance values ​​that the patient's examination points recognize with a predetermined range of probability.

[0110] If step 300 returns a positive determination, the processing of step 220 in FIG. 4 ends, and in step 224, the acquisition unit 74 acquires the additional inspection results. The additional inspection results include a cumulative function calculated for each additional inspection point in the set Q of additional inspection points, and the luminance value (dB) and reaction result of the index light for each inspection of the additional inspection point, as shown in FIG. 13. For example, the following luminance value and reaction result are obtained for a certain additional inspection point (inspection point x4). That is, in the first inspection, the luminance value is 24 (dB), and the reaction result is No. In the second inspection, the luminance value is 20 (dB), and the reaction result is No. In the third inspection, the luminance value is 18 (dB), and the reaction result is Yes. Furthermore, the following luminance value and reaction result are obtained for another inspected point (x8). That is, in the first inspection, the luminance value is 34 (dB), and the reaction result is No. In the second test, the luminance value was 28 dB and the response result was Yes. In the third test, the luminance value was 30 dB and the response result was Yes. In the fourth test, the luminance value was 32 dB and the response result was Yes.

[0111] In step 216, the estimation unit 82 estimates the overall visual field sensitivity, i.e., the estimated luminance value for each inspection point in the entire set of inspection points, based on the cumulative functions obtained for each inspection point in the set of additional inspection points Q and each inspection point in the set of inspection points P.

[0112] Specifically, the estimation unit 82 estimates an estimated luminance value of each inspected point and each additional inspection point in the set of all inspection points. The estimation unit 82 estimates an estimated luminance value of each uninspected point other than each inspected point and each additional inspection point in the set of all inspection points, and the reliability of the estimated luminance value.

[0113] In addition, the uninspected points other than the inspected points and the additional inspection points in the set of all inspection points are an example of the "fourth inspection point" of the technique of the present disclosure.

[0114] When step 216 is executed again after steps 220 and 224, the processing content of step 216 is substantially the same as the processing content when step 216 is executed for the first time, so the following explanation will mainly focus on the differences. Note that the process of step 216 being performed again after the processes of step 220 and step 224 is an example of the "additional estimation step" of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0115] 6, the estimation unit 82 calculates an estimated luminance value of each inspected point. Specifically, similar to the processing described above, the estimation unit 82 calculates the log-likelihood l(a, b)=logL(a, b) of each additional inspection point.

[0116] Also, y1, y2, . . . YN of YD in step 303 are estimated brightness values ​​of each inspected point and each additional inspection point.

[0117] As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, an estimated luminance value of 22 dB is calculated at the additional inspection point (x4), and an estimated luminance value of 30 dB is calculated at the additional inspection point (x8).

[0118] The processing of step 216 is completed by the above processing, and in step 218, the judgment unit 84 judges whether or not the judgment conditions are satisfied as described above. If it is judged that the judgment conditions are satisfied, the visual field examination processing proceeds to step 220, and if it is judged that the judgment conditions are not satisfied, the visual field examination processing proceeds to step 226.

[0119] In step 226, the storage unit 88 stores the accumulation functions for each inspected point and each additional inspection point, if one has been performed, in the external storage device 40, and in step 228, the storage unit 88 stores the estimated brightness value of each inspection point in the entire set of inspection points and the reliability of the estimated brightness values ​​of uninspected points in the external storage device 40. In step 226, the storage unit 88 transmits the accumulation functions for each inspected point and each additional inspection point, if one has been performed, the estimated brightness value of each inspection point in the entire set of inspection points, and the reliability of the estimated brightness values ​​of uninspected points to the server 140, corresponding to the patient ID. The server 140 stores the accumulation functions for each inspected point and each additional inspection point, if one has been performed, the estimated brightness value of each inspection point in the entire set of inspection points, and the reliability of the estimated brightness values ​​of uninspected points, corresponding to the patient ID, in the external storage device of the server 140.

[0120] In step 230, the visualization unit 92 creates screen data for visualizing the cumulative functions of each inspected point and each additional inspection point if one has been performed, the estimated brightness values ​​of each inspection point in the entire set of inspection points, and the reliability of the estimated brightness values ​​of uninspected points. The processing of step 230 is an example of the "generation step" of the technique of the present disclosure.

[0121] Specifically, the screen data first includes a graph showing the estimated luminance value of each inspection point in the set of all inspection points, as shown in FIG. 15A.

[0122] Second, as shown in FIG. 15B, this is a graph showing the estimated luminance values ​​of each inspection point in the entire set of inspection points, to which the reliability of the estimated luminance values ​​at uninspected points is added, centered on the visual field sensitivity.

[0123] Third, as shown in FIG. 16, there is a visual field sensitivity map. The visual field sensitivity map is an example of a method for displaying a visual field sensitivity distribution. The visual field sensitivity map displays the distribution of visual field sensitivity data for multiple inspection points included in an inspection point set. The visual field sensitivity map may be generated for the entire inspection point set or for a portion of the inspection point set. The visual field sensitivity map also includes reliability data. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the visual field sensitivity map 510M is screen data of a map in which an image simulating the fundus of the subject's eye 12 is displayed with an asterisk (*) on inspection points whose visual field sensitivity is less than a predetermined value (dB). The visual field sensitivity map 510M is also screen data that can display a range 510 of inspection points whose reliability is equal to or greater than a predetermined value using a dotted line. For example, among the inspection points in the entire inspection point set, uninspected points may be displayed in a color different from the colors of inspected points and additional inspection points. For example, when a cursor is positioned on an uninspected point, the screen data may display the reliability of the estimated brightness value of the uninspected point.

[0124] As described above, in this embodiment, the processing from step 254 to step 270 is executed a predetermined number of times for each test point (see ● in FIG. 7) in the test point set P. Therefore, in this embodiment, the range of luminance values ​​that needs to be searched (tested) is gradually narrowed, and the visual field test can be performed using light with luminance values ​​that the patient's test points will recognize with a predetermined probability. Therefore, this embodiment has the effect of allowing the visual field test to be performed in a short period of time. The above will be explained with reference to FIGS. 17A to 18C. In each of FIGS. 17A to 18C, the horizontal axis represents the number of tests, and the vertical axis represents the difference between the correct sensitivity value and the estimated sensitivity. A value of 0 on the vertical axis indicates that the estimation is accurate. Note that, although the technique of the present disclosure gradually narrows the range of luminance values ​​that need to be searched (tested), the visual field test may be performed by randomly selecting luminance values ​​without using a cumulative function.

[0125] Figures 17A to 17C show the number of tests required to ensure sufficient accuracy in the results of a visual field test when light intensities are randomly selected at three different points on the optic nerve of the fundus of the subject's eye. Figures 18A to 18C show the number of tests required to ensure sufficient accuracy when the method of this embodiment is applied to three different points on the optic nerve of the fundus of the subject's eye.

[0126] When brightness values ​​are selected randomly (FIGS. 17A to 17C), 70 to 80 inspections are required, whereas when brightness values ​​are selected using the method of this embodiment (FIGS. 18A to 18C), 3 to 15 inspections are sufficient. Therefore, it can be seen that the method of this embodiment contributes to reducing the number of inspections.

[0127] The reliability of the interpolated value is not taken into consideration when a method of linearly interpolating estimated luminance values ​​of uninspected points is used, as shown in Fig. 19. For example, when a method of interpolating by connecting estimated luminance values ​​of two uninspected points with a straight line or a spline method (interpolation using a polynomial) is used, the reliability of the interpolated value is not taken into consideration.

[0128] In contrast, in this embodiment, the reliability of the estimated brightness values ​​is also estimated along with the estimated brightness values ​​of uninspected points. Specifically, in Fig. 20, the horizontal axis represents each inspection point, and the vertical axis represents the estimated brightness values ​​corresponding to each inspection point. The dotted line represents the correct value, and the solid line represents the estimated brightness value, with the reliability shown as a width centered on the estimated brightness value. As shown in Fig. 20, the reliability is shown, so this embodiment allows the operator to recognize the likelihood of the estimated brightness value.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment, Gaussian process regression is used as the stochastic process, and a Gaussian RBF kernel is used. In the technology of the present disclosure, the stochastic process is not limited to Gaussian process regression, and for example, the following polynomial kernel may also be used:

[0130]

number

[0131] The following Matern kernel may also be used: (x, x') is as above. c is a real number. p is a positive integer.

[0132]

number

[0133] (x, x') are as above. Kv is the modified Bessel function of the second kind. v is a real number. Γ(v) is the gamma function.

[0134] In step 216 of FIG. 4 in this embodiment, the estimation unit 82 estimates the estimated luminance values ​​of the uninspected points and estimates the reliability of the estimated luminance values ​​of the uninspected points. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The estimation unit 82 may calculate a range of possible values ​​for the estimated luminance values ​​of each uninspected point from the estimated luminance values ​​of each inspected point, and calculate a value within the calculated range (e.g., the median value) as the estimated luminance value of each uninspected point.

[0135] Although the above-described stochastic processes are the same for each examination point in the entire set of examination points, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, different stochastic processes may be used for a central region of a predetermined range that includes the center of the fundus and a peripheral region around the central region.

[0136] Furthermore, the untested points for which estimated brightness values ​​are interpolated are located within the range that the index light reaches through the pupil of the test eye 12, but estimated brightness values ​​may also be estimated for points in the range adjacent to the range that the index light reaches, i.e., points at positions where the index light does not reach, i.e., points where visual field testing is not possible.

[0137] In the above-described examples, the visual field examination process is realized by a software configuration using a computer, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, instead of a software configuration using a computer, image processing may be performed only by a hardware configuration such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Part of the image processing may be performed by a software configuration, and the remaining part may be performed by a hardware configuration.

[0138] As such, the technology disclosed herein includes both cases in which visual field testing processing is realized by a software configuration using a computer and cases in which it is not realized, and therefore includes the following technologies.

[0139] (First Technology) an inspection unit that inspects the sensitivity of a first inspection point selected from an inspection point set of a plurality of inspection points; an estimation unit that estimates the sensitivity of a second inspection point different from the first inspection point and the reliability of the sensitivity of the second inspection point based on the sensitivity of the first inspection point; A visual field testing device comprising:

[0140] (Second Technology) an inspection step in which an inspection unit inspects the sensitivity of a first inspection point selected from an inspection point set of a plurality of inspection points; an estimation step in which an estimation unit estimates the sensitivity of a second inspection point different from the first inspection point and the reliability of the sensitivity of the second inspection point based on the sensitivity of the first inspection point; A visual field examination method comprising:

[0141] Based on the above disclosure, the following technology is proposed. (Third Technology) 1. A computer program product for visual field testing, comprising: the computer program product comprises a computer-readable storage medium that is not itself a transitory signal; The computer-readable storage medium stores a program, The program On the computer, an inspection step of inspecting the sensitivity of a first inspection point selected from an inspection point set of a plurality of inspection points; an estimation step of estimating the sensitivity of a second inspection point different from the first inspection point and the reliability of the sensitivity of the second inspection point based on the sensitivity of the first inspection point; A computer program product that causes the The control device 10 is an example of a "computer program product" of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0142] The visual field testing process described above is merely an example. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order of the processes may be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. The technology disclosed in this specification also includes a method for testing an eye, including the steps of: irradiating test points set on the retina of the eye with light at multiple light intensities to detect the sensitivity of the test points on the retina; estimating the sensitivity of areas other than the test points based on the detected sensitivity of the test points; and evaluating the reliability of the estimated sensitivity.

[0143] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 110 Perimeter 10 Control device 12 CPU 14 ROM 72 Display processing section 74 Acquisition Department 76 Judgment Department 78 Reading section 80 Inspection Department 82 Estimation part 84 Judgment section 86 Additional Inspection Department 88 Preservation Department 90 Calculation Unit 92 Visualization section 510M Field Sensitivity Map

Claims

1. an inspection step of inspecting the sensitivity of a first inspection point selected from an inspection point set of a plurality of inspection points; an estimation step of estimating a range of possible sensitivities of a second inspection point from the sensitivities of the plurality of first inspection points using a stochastic process; A visual field testing method comprising:

2. The visual field testing method according to claim 1 , wherein the estimation step further comprises estimating the sensitivity of the second test point.

3. 3. The visual field testing method according to claim 1, wherein the second test points are points located around the first test point.

4. The visual field testing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a generating step of generating a visual field sensitivity map using the sensitivity of the first test point and the sensitivity of the second test point.

5. 5. The visual field testing method according to claim 4, wherein the visual field sensitivity map also includes a range of sensitivities that the second test point can take.

6. The visual field examination method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stochastic process is a Gaussian process.

7. an additional inspection step of inspecting the sensitivity of a third inspection point, which is an inspection point other than the first inspection point and is selected from the set of inspection points based on at least one of the sensitivity of the second inspection point and a range of possible sensitivities of the second inspection point; an additional estimation step of estimating a possible sensitivity range of a fourth inspection point different from the first inspection point and the third inspection point based on the sensitivity of the first inspection point and the sensitivity of the third inspection point; The visual field examination method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:

8. Memory and a processor coupled to the memory; The processor: an inspection step of inspecting the sensitivity of a first inspection point selected from an inspection point set of a plurality of inspection points; an estimation step of estimating a range of possible sensitivities of a second inspection point from the sensitivities of a plurality of the first inspection points using a stochastic process; A visual field testing device.

9. The processor further selects the first test point from the set of test points; 9. The visual field testing device according to claim 8, further comprising a step of determining the luminance of an index to be presented at the first test point.

10. a presentation unit that presents an index of the brightness for the first inspection point; a detection unit that acquires a response of the subject to the indicator; The visual field testing device of claim 9 further comprising:

11. On the computer, an inspection step of inspecting the sensitivity of a first inspection point selected from an inspection point set of a plurality of inspection points; an estimation step of estimating a range of possible sensitivities of a second inspection point from the sensitivities of a plurality of the first inspection points using a stochastic process; A program that executes the following.

Images