Ophthalmic device, method for controlling the ophthalmic device, program, and recording medium

Abstract

An anterior segment image with a similar appearance to that obtained with a slit lamp microscope is generated by an anterior segment scan using a rotational scanning method. [Solution] An exemplary embodiment of the ophthalmic apparatus, a shineproof imaging system, is configured to satisfy the shineproof conditions and generates data by imaging the anterior segment of the eye under examination. The illumination system illuminates the surface of the shineproof imaging system with slit light generated using a non-monochromatic visible light source. The rotation mechanism rotates the shineproof imaging system and the illumination system around a predetermined axis. The control unit controls the shineproof imaging system, the illumination system, and the rotation mechanism to cause the shineproof imaging system to generate datasets corresponding to multiple rotation positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic device, a method for controlling the ophthalmic device, a program, and a recording medium.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of ophthalmology, image diagnosis plays an important role. In ophthalmic image diagnosis, various types of ophthalmic devices (ophthalmic imaging devices) such as a slit lamp microscope, a fundus camera, a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO), and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) are used. The ophthalmic device having an imaging function is not limited to these ophthalmic imaging devices, and an imaging function is also mounted on ophthalmic examination devices and ophthalmic measurement devices such as a refractometer, a keratometer, a tonometer, a specular microscope, a wavefront analyzer, and a microperimeter, and is used for examinations and measurements or for operations such as alignment and focusing.

[0003] Although a slit lamp microscope has been widely used for anterior eye segment observation, other modalities have been proposed in recent years. For example, the ophthalmic devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are configured to collect a plurality of images of the anterior eye segment by integrally rotating, about an axis substantially coinciding with the optical axis of the subject eye, an illumination optical system for projecting slit light onto the anterior eye segment and a shine-proof camera for digitally photographing the anterior eye segment.

[0004] These known techniques focus on the fact that light scattering in the anterior segment of the eye is particularly pronounced at short wavelengths, and therefore use slit light consisting of short-wavelength components of visible light (i.e., blue slit light) for anterior segment illumination. On the other hand, general slit lamp microscopes have long used broadband visible light such as white light. Therefore, the characteristics of images obtained with these known techniques differ from those obtained with general slit lamp microscopes, and may not be easy for specialists (such as doctors) accustomed to images obtained with slit lamp microscopes to observe. Furthermore, it may not be easy to perform comparative observation or comparative analysis with images obtained with slit lamp microscopes.

[0005] Regarding ophthalmic devices for anterior segment observation, various methods have been proposed in addition to the combination of blue slit illumination, a shineproof camera, and rotational scanning described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. For example, methods combining two non-scanning monochrome shineproof cameras, methods combining a non-scanning monochrome shineproof camera with a color frontal imaging camera, and methods combining a non-scanning color shineproof camera with a through-illumination imaging camera have been put into practical use. In methods using monochrome shineproof cameras, similar to the methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, problems include the inability to provide images that are easy for many specialists to observe and the difficulty of comparing them with images obtained with a slit lamp microscope. Furthermore, in methods using non-scanning shineproof cameras, problems include the inability to capture a wide area of ​​the anterior segment, and in particular, the inability to generate images of the three-dimensional region of the anterior segment. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,286,958 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 7425068 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] One object of this disclosure is to provide ophthalmic imaging capable of generating anterior segment images, similar in appearance to those obtained with a slit lamp microscope, using a rotational scanning method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One exemplary embodiment of the embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus configured to satisfy shineproof conditions, comprising: a shineproof imaging system for photographing the anterior segment of an eye under examination and generating data; an illumination system for illuminating the surface of the shineproof imaging system with slit light generated using a non-monochromatic visible light source; a rotation mechanism for rotating the shineproof imaging system and the illumination system around a predetermined axis; and a control unit that controls the shineproof imaging system, the illumination system, and the rotation mechanism to cause the shineproof imaging system to generate datasets corresponding to a plurality of rotation positions.

[0009] Another exemplary embodiment is a method for controlling an ophthalmic device for photographing the anterior segment of an eye under examination, the ophthalmic device being configured to satisfy shineproof conditions and comprising: a shineproof imaging system for photographing the anterior segment of an eye under examination and generating data; an illumination system for illuminating the surface of the shineproof imaging system with slit light generated using a non-monochromatic visible light source; a rotation mechanism for rotating the shineproof imaging system and the illumination system about a predetermined axis; a display unit; and a processor, the method of this embodiment comprising the steps of causing the processor to control the shineproof imaging system, the illumination system, and the rotation mechanism for causing the shineproof imaging system to generate a dataset corresponding to a plurality of rotation positions; and causing the processor to control the display unit for displaying an image of the anterior segment based on the dataset.

[0010] Another exemplary embodiment of the embodiment is a program that causes a computer to perform the method according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0011] A further exemplary embodiment of the embodiment is a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which a program relating to the exemplary embodiment is recorded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one embodiment, it is possible to provide ophthalmic imaging capable of generating anterior segment images similar in appearance to those obtained with a slit lamp microscope, using a rotational scanning method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. [Figure 11]It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of an embodiment. **Mode for Carrying Out the Invention**

[0014] A non-limiting embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0015] Any known technology can be combined with the embodiment. For example, any matter described in the documents cited in the present disclosure can be combined with any aspect of the embodiment. Furthermore, at least one of any known document in the technical field of the present disclosure, any known technology in a technical field similar to the technical field of the present disclosure, and any known technology in a technical field different from the technical field of the present disclosure can be combined with any aspect of the embodiment. Also, any technical matter (matters disclosed in patent applications, papers, etc.) disclosed by the applicant of the present application regarding the technology related to the present disclosure can be incorporated into the present disclosure by reference.

[0016] Any two or more of various non-limiting aspects according to the embodiment can be at least partially combined.

[0017] At least some of the various functions related to this disclosure are implemented using a circuitry or processing circuitry. The circuitry or processing circuitry is configured and / or programmed to perform at least some of the disclosed functions and is a general-purpose processor, dedicated processor, integrated circuit, CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), programmable logic device (e.g., SPLD (Simple Programmable Logic Device), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate) This includes any of the following: an array, a conventional circuit configuration, and any combination thereof. A processor is considered a processing circuit configuration or circuit configuration, including transistors and / or other circuit configurations. In this disclosure, a circuit configuration, unit, means, or similar terms means hardware that performs at least a portion of the disclosed functions, or hardware programmed to perform at least a portion of the disclosed functions. The hardware may be the hardware disclosed herein, or it may be known hardware programmed and / or configured to perform at least a portion of the described functions. If the hardware is a processor that can be considered a certain type of circuit configuration, then a circuit configuration, unit, means, or similar terms means a combination of hardware and software, the software being used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0018] <Overview of Embodiments> One objective of the embodiments described herein is to generate anterior segment images similar in appearance to those obtained with a slit lamp microscope, using a rotational scanning method for anterior segment scanning. By achieving this objective, it becomes possible to provide images that are easy for experts (such as doctors) familiar with images obtained with a slit lamp microscope to observe using a rotational scanning method for anterior segment scanning. Furthermore, it becomes possible to perform comparative observation and comparative analysis between images acquired with a slit lamp microscope and images obtained with a rotational scanning method for anterior segment scanning.

[0019] It should be noted that the purpose and effects of the embodiments relating to this disclosure are not limited to those described above. Several non-limiting embodiments are described below, and those skilled in the art will understand that each of these embodiments produces effects according to its characteristics (configuration, operation, function, use, etc.).

[0020] A first embodiment of the invention is an ophthalmic device applicable to a rotational scanning method for anterior segment scanning of an eye under examination, comprising a shineproof imaging system, an illumination system, a rotation mechanism, and a control unit. The shineproof imaging system is configured to satisfy shineproof conditions and to image the anterior segment of the eye under examination and generate data. The illumination system is configured to illuminate the object surface of the shineproof imaging system with slit light generated using a non-monochromatic visible light source. The rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the shineproof imaging system and the illumination system around a predetermined axis. The control unit is configured to control the shineproof imaging system, the illumination system, and the rotation mechanism, thereby causing the shineproof imaging system to generate datasets corresponding to multiple rotation positions.

[0021] The Scheinproof condition is a condition relating to the optical system (in this disclosure, the imaging system), specifying that the optical system is configured such that the object plane, the principal lens plane, and the film plane (imaging plane) intersect on the same straight line. In an optical system that satisfies the Scheinproof condition, the object plane is not arranged parallel to the principal lens plane. A camera using such a Scheinproof optical system (Scheinproof camera) can simultaneously focus and capture images over a wide depth range, from near to far objects. In the anterior segment scan of this disclosure, for example, it is possible to capture images with the entire wide depth range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens in focus. This has the effect of obtaining a high-resolution image that represents the entire main observation range of the anterior segment.

[0022] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the first embodiment, since it is configured to perform an anterior segment scan using a rotational scan method with slit light generated using a non-monochromatic visible light source, it is possible to generate an anterior segment image with a similar appearance to that obtained with a slit lamp microscope using an anterior segment scan using a rotational scan method. Furthermore, since it is configured to perform an anterior segment scan using a rotational scan method with an anterior segment scan using a Scheinproof imaging system, it is possible to obtain an image with a deep depth of field. Therefore, according to the ophthalmic apparatus of the first embodiment, it is possible to generate an anterior segment image with a deep depth of field that faithfully reproduces the appearance of an image obtained with a slit lamp microscope using an anterior segment scan using a rotational scan method.

[0023] A second embodiment of the embodiment is the ophthalmic apparatus of the first embodiment, wherein the non-monochromatic visible light source includes a white light source.

[0024] A third embodiment of the embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus of the second embodiment, wherein the shineproof imaging system is configured to generate data including RGB information.

[0025] A fourth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to third embodiments, wherein the non-monochromatic visible light source includes a wavelength-swept light source.

[0026] A fifth embodiment is the ophthalmic apparatus of the fourth embodiment, wherein the wavelength-swept light source is configured to sweep wavelengths across the visible wavelength band, and the shineproof imaging system is configured to generate data including RGB information.

[0027] A sixth embodiment of the embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to fifth embodiments, comprising a first shineproof imaging system, a first illumination system, a second shineproof imaging system, and a second illumination system. The first shineproof imaging system is configured to satisfy shineproof conditions and to image the anterior segment of the eye under examination to generate first data. The first illumination system is configured to illuminate the surface of the first shineproof imaging system with first slit light generated using a first non-monochromatic visible light source. The second shineproof imaging system is configured to satisfy shineproof conditions and to image the anterior segment of the eye under examination to generate second data. The second illumination system is configured to illuminate the surface of the second shineproof imaging system with second slit light generated using a second non-monochromatic visible light source.

[0028] A seventh embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to sixth embodiments, further comprising a fixation optical system for presenting a fixation target to the eye under examination.

[0029] An eighth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus of the seventh embodiment, wherein the fixation optical system is configured to project fixation light having a higher intensity than slit light onto the eye under examination in order to present a first fixation target, which is placed in the exit pupil of the illumination system, to the eye under examination.

[0030] A ninth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus of the seventh or eighth embodiment, wherein the fixation optical system is configured to project fixation light onto the eye to present a large second fixation target, positioned within the exit pupil of the illumination system, to the eye under examination.

[0031] A tenth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the seventh to ninth embodiments, wherein the fixation optical system is configured to project fixation light onto the eye to present to the eye to be examined a third fixation target, which is located in the exit pupil of the illumination system and is at least partially variable.

[0032] An eleventh embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the seventh to tenth embodiments, wherein the fixation optical system is configured to present a fourth black fixation target, positioned within the exit pupil of the illumination system, to the eye under examination.

[0033] A twelfth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the seventh to eleventh embodiments, further including a housing for an illumination system. The housing for the illumination system is provided with a notch or a light-transmitting portion outside the exit pupil of the illumination system. The fixation optical system is configured to project fixation light onto the eye through the notch or light-transmitting portion in order to present a fifth fixation target, positioned outside the exit pupil of the illumination system, to the eye under examination.

[0034] A thirteenth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to twelfth embodiments, wherein the angle between the optical axis of the illumination system and a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the shineproof imaging system is in the range of 0 to 90 degrees, preferably in the range of 30 to 60 degrees, and more preferably in the range of 35 to 53 degrees.

[0035] A fourteenth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to thirteenth embodiments, wherein the shineproof imaging system includes an image sensor. The image sensor is eccentrically positioned with respect to the optical axis of the shineproof imaging system.

[0036] A fifteenth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to the fourteenth embodiment, wherein the image sensor includes a photodetector array and a microlens array configured as an imaging lens group for the photodetector array. Furthermore, the image sensor is eccentrically positioned with respect to the optical axis of the Scheinproof imaging system such that the angle between the light rays guided to the microlens array by the Scheinproof imaging system and the optical axis of the microlens array is reduced.

[0037] A sixteenth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to the fourteenth or fifteenth embodiment, wherein the center of the light-receiving surface of the image sensor is located away from the intersection point of the optical axis of the Shineproof imaging system and the image plane.

[0038] The 17th embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the 14th to 16th embodiments, wherein the center of the light-receiving surface of the image sensor is positioned closer to the optical axis of the illumination system with respect to the intersection of the optical axis of the shineproof imaging system and the image plane.

[0039] Any two or more aspects relating to the first to seventeenth embodiments can be combined at least partially. Furthermore, any aspects described in this disclosure can be combined at least partially with the first to seventeenth embodiments. An ophthalmic apparatus of such a combination will exhibit the effects based on each of the combined aspects, as well as the synergistic effects of the two or more combined aspects.

[0040] An eighteenth embodiment provides an invention of a method corresponding to the ophthalmic apparatus of the first embodiment. The method of this embodiment is a method for controlling an ophthalmic apparatus for photographing the anterior segment of an eye under examination. The ophthalmic apparatus controlled by the method of this embodiment includes a shineproof imaging system, an illumination system, a rotating mechanism, a display unit, and a processor. The shineproof imaging system is configured to satisfy shineproof conditions and to photograph the anterior segment of an eye under examination and generate data. The illumination system is configured to illuminate the surface of the shineproof imaging system with slit light generated using a non-monochromatic visible light source. The rotating mechanism is configured to rotate the shineproof imaging system and the illumination system around a predetermined axis.

[0041] The method of this embodiment causes the processor to control the Shineproof imaging system, illumination system, and rotation mechanism to generate a dataset corresponding to multiple rotation positions in the Shineproof imaging system. Furthermore, the method of this embodiment causes the processor to control the display unit to display an image of the anterior segment based on the generated dataset.

[0042] The method relating to the 18th embodiment produces the same effect as the ophthalmic apparatus relating to the first embodiment.

[0043] Any aspect relating to the 1st to 17th aspects can be combined at least partially with the method relating to the 18th aspect. Furthermore, any aspect described in this disclosure can be combined at least partially with the method relating to the 18th aspect. The method relating to such a combination will produce the effects of each combined aspect, as well as the synergistic effects of two or more combined aspects.

[0044] A 19th aspect of the embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute the method of the 18th aspect. The computer of the 19th aspect includes the processor of the 18th aspect.

[0045] The program according to the 19th embodiment produces the same effect as the ophthalmic device according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Any aspect relating to the first to seventeenth aspects can be combined at least partially with the program relating to the ninth aspect. Furthermore, any aspect described in this disclosure can be combined at least partially with the program relating to the ninth aspect. The program relating to such an aspect will produce the effects of each combined aspect, as well as the synergistic effects of two or more combined aspects.

[0047] A 20th aspect of the embodiment is a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which the program of the 19th aspect is recorded.

[0048] The recording medium according to the 20th embodiment has the same effect as the ophthalmic device according to the first embodiment.

[0049] Any aspect relating to the 1st to 17th aspects can be combined at least partially with the recording medium relating to the 20th aspect. Furthermore, any aspect described in this disclosure can be combined at least partially with the recording medium relating to the 20th aspect. A recording medium relating to such a combination will exhibit the effects based on each of the combined aspects, as well as the synergistic effects of two or more of the combined aspects.

[0050] This disclosure describes various non-limiting embodiments, including embodiments 1 through 20. This disclosure primarily describes exemplary embodiments of ophthalmic devices, exemplary embodiments of methods for controlling ophthalmic devices, exemplary embodiments of programs, and exemplary embodiments of recording media. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the categories that may constitute embodiments are not limited to these.

[0051] <Ophthalmological equipment> Several non-limiting embodiments of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. The ophthalmic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a rotation-type anterior segment scanner similar to those in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0052] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to one embodiment. The ophthalmic device 1 in this embodiment is used for anterior segment imaging of the eye E under examination and includes an illumination imaging optical system 2, a fixation optical system 3, a movement mechanism 6, a control unit 7, a data processing unit 8, a communication unit 9, and a user interface (UI) 10. The cornea of ​​the eye E under examination is indicated by the code Co, the iris by the code Ir, and the lens by the code Cr.

[0053] Following the conventions in ophthalmology, the direction along the axis of the eye E under examination is defined as the Z direction (Z-axis), and the plane perpendicular to the Z direction is defined as the XY plane. The left-right direction (horizontal direction) for the subject is defined as the X direction (X-axis), and the direction perpendicular to both the X and Z directions (up-down direction, body axis direction) is defined as the Y direction (Y-axis).

[0054] Reference numeral 2a indicates the optical axis of the illumination and imaging optical system 2. The optical axis 2a of the illumination and imaging optical system 2 (in this embodiment, the illumination optical axis 21a shown in Figure 2) is positioned substantially parallel to the Z axis. Reference numeral 3a indicates the optical axis of the fixation optical system 3 (referred to as the fixation optical axis). The fixation optical axis 3a is positioned at an angle α with respect to the Z axis (illumination optical axis 21a). The angle α is called the fixation angle. The magnitude of the fixation angle α is non-negative, i.e., zero or positive.

[0055] In the embodiment where a fixation angle α=0 is applied, the fixation optical system 3 is an optical system arranged coaxially with the illumination and imaging optical system 2, and presents a fixation target coaxial with the light (slit light) projected onto the eye E by the illumination and imaging optical system 2 to the eye E under examination. In this embodiment, the optical path of the Scheinproof optical system and the optical path of the fixation optical system are coaxially coupled by an optical path coupling element. This optical path coupling element may be, for example, a half mirror or a dichroic mirror.

[0056] In the embodiment where a fixation angle α > 0 is applied, the fixation optical system 3 presents the fixation target to the eye E under examination from a direction inclined with respect to the optical axis 2a (Z-axis) of the illumination and imaging optical system 2. This inclination direction may be arbitrarily determined and may be variable.

[0057] The moving mechanism 6 moves the illumination and imaging optical system 2 and the fixation optical system 3. The moving mechanism 6 may be capable of moving the illumination and imaging optical system 2 and the fixation optical system 3 in three dimensions (i.e., in the X, Y, and Z directions). This three-dimensional movement is used for alignment and tracking. The moving mechanism 6 also rotates the illumination and imaging optical system 2 to apply a rotational scanning method to the eye E under examination. Details of the moving mechanism 6 will be described later.

[0058] The control unit 7 is configured to control various parts of the ophthalmic device 1. For example, the control unit 7 controls the illumination and imaging optical system 2 (illumination light source, image sensor, optical elements, mechanism, etc.), the fixation optical system 3 (fixation light source, etc.), the movement mechanism 6, the data processing unit 8, the communication unit 9, the user interface 10, and so on.

[0059] The control unit 7 includes a processor, main memory, and auxiliary memory. The auxiliary memory stores various computer programs, such as control programs. These computer programs may be stored in a computer or memory device accessible by the ophthalmic device 1. The functions of the control unit 7 are realized through the cooperation of software, such as control programs, and hardware, such as the processor.

[0060] The data processing unit 8 performs various data processing operations. The data to be processed may be either data acquired by the ophthalmic device 1 or data input from an external source.

[0061] The data processing unit 8 includes a processor, main memory, and auxiliary storage. The auxiliary storage contains computer programs, such as various data processing programs. These computer programs may be stored in a computer or storage device accessible by the ophthalmic device 1. The functions of the data processing unit 8 are realized through the cooperation of software, such as data processing programs, and hardware, such as the processor.

[0062] The communication unit 9 performs data communication between the ophthalmic device 1 and other devices. The method of this data communication can be arbitrarily determined and may be either wired or wireless communication. The transmitted and received data may be encrypted. In this case, the ophthalmic device 1 (for example, the control unit 7 or the data processing unit 8) includes a processor capable of performing encryption and decryption.

[0063] The user interface 10 includes any user interface devices, such as display devices and operating devices. Users such as doctors, patients, and assistants can use the user interface 10 to operate the ophthalmic device 1 and input information into the ophthalmic device 1. At least a part of the user interface 10 may be peripheral devices for the ophthalmic device 1.

[0064] The user interface 10 in this embodiment includes a display unit 11 as shown in Figure 3. The display unit 11 displays various information under the control of the control unit 7. The display unit 11 may include a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0065] The user interface 10 may include operating devices (not shown). These operating devices include devices for operating the ophthalmic apparatus 1 and devices for inputting information. For example, operating devices include buttons, switches, levers, dials, handles, knobs, mice, keyboards, trackballs, and control panels. The user interface 10 may also include a device that integrates a display device and an operating device, such as a touchscreen.

[0066] The illumination imaging optical system 2 includes an imaging system (Shineproof imaging system) configured to satisfy the conditions for Shineproof imaging, and an illumination system for illuminating the object surface of the Shineproof imaging system, enabling Shineproof imaging of the anterior segment of the eye E under examination. The illumination imaging optical system 2 is used to apply an anterior segment scan to the eye E under examination and collect a dataset consisting of multiple anterior segment images (anterior segment image set, anterior segment image group). The method of anterior segment scanning is a rotational scan similar to that described in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0067] The illumination light used for anterior segment scanning in this embodiment is slit light. This slit light is generated from light emitted by a non-monochromatic visible light source 13 shown in Figure 3. The non-monochromatic visible light source 13 may be an element of the ophthalmic device 1 (illumination imaging optical system 2, illumination system 21) or an external device connected to the ophthalmic device 1.

[0068] The non-monochromatic visible light source 13 is a light source that outputs visible light with a wavelength band wider than that of monochromatic visible light. For example, the light generated by the non-monochromatic visible light source 13 (non-monochromatic visible light) has a wider wavelength band than the short-wavelength component (blue monochromatic light) used in Patent Documents 1 and 2. The wavelength band of blue monochromatic light may be approximately 380 to 500 nanometers, not limited and typically.

[0069] Non-limiting examples of light source devices that can be used as a non-monochromatic visible light source 13 include white light sources, broadband visible light sources, and wavelength-swept visible light sources. In some embodiments, the non-monochromatic visible light source 13 includes a light-emitting device that generates a first non-monochromatic visible light and a bandpass filter that extracts a second non-monochromatic visible light with a narrower wavelength band than the first non-monochromatic visible light from the first non-monochromatic visible light. In this case, slit light is generated from the second non-monochromatic visible light. In embodiments that do not include a bandpass filter, slit light is generated from non-monochromatic visible light (corresponding to the first non-monochromatic visible light) generated by the non-monochromatic visible light source 13 (light-emitting device).

[0070] Figure 2 shows one example of the illumination imaging optical system 2. The optical axis 2a of the illumination imaging optical system 2 shown in Figure 1 corresponds to the illumination optical axis 21a shown in Figure 2. The illumination imaging optical system 2 in this example includes an illumination system 21 and a shineproof imaging system 22.

[0071] Some embodiments may include two or more shineproof imaging systems. For example, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7466607, a pair of shineproof imaging systems that take images from opposite directions may be provided. The two or more shineproof imaging systems have a common object surface, which is illuminated by an illumination system.

[0072] The illumination system 21 is configured to project illumination light (non-monochromatic visible illumination light, non-monochromatic visible slit light) onto the anterior segment of the eye E under examination based on non-monochromatic visible light generated by the non-monochromatic visible light source 13. The non-monochromatic visible slit light is projected onto the object surface of the Scheinproof imaging system 22. In this way, the illumination imaging optical system 2 is configured to apply Scheinproof imaging to the anterior segment illuminated by the non-monochromatic visible slit light.

[0073] In some embodiments, the illumination system 21 includes a non-monochromatic visible light source 13 that generates non-monochromatic visible light, a slit forming unit that forms a slit aperture for converting the non-monochromatic visible light into slit light (non-monochromatic visible slit light), and an optical system (such as an objective lens) that projects the non-monochromatic visible slit light onto the eye E under examination. The illumination system 21 may be configured to have variable dimensions (slit width, slit length) and orientation of the slit aperture.

[0074] In some embodiments, the Shineproof imaging system 22 includes an optical system including an objective lens, a variable magnification optical system, and an imaging lens, and an image sensor that detects the light guided by this optical system. The image sensor is an area image sensor having a light-receiving surface (imaging surface) formed by a two-dimensionally arranged array of photodetectors, and may be, for example, a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor.

[0075] The illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging system 22 are moved by the moving mechanism 6. As shown in Figure 3, the moving mechanism 6 includes a parallel movement mechanism 61 and a rotation mechanism 62. Although not shown in the figure, the moving mechanism 6 may also include a mechanism for tilting the illumination imaging optical system 2 vertically and swiveling it horizontally.

[0076] The translation mechanism 61 is configured to translate the illumination and imaging optical system 2 in three dimensions and is used for alignment purposes, such as positioning the illumination and imaging optical system 2 relative to the eye E under examination.

[0077] The rotation mechanism 62 is configured to rotate the illumination imaging optical system 2 around a predetermined axis. In an anterior segment scan using non-monochromatic visible slit light, the rotation mechanism 62 rotates the illumination system 21 and the Scheinproof imaging system 22 together. The axis of rotation in this anterior segment scan may be, for example, the optical axis (illumination optical axis) 21a of the illumination system 21. By combining the operation of the illumination system 21, the operation of the Scheinproof imaging system 22, and the operation of the rotation mechanism 62, an anterior segment scan using a rotational scanning method with non-monochromatic visible slit light is realized.

[0078] In addition to the rotational scanning method of anterior segment scanning using the rotational mechanism 62, the ophthalmic device 1 of this embodiment may also be capable of performing a parallel scanning method of anterior segment scanning using the parallel translation mechanism 61. For example, anterior segment scanning using the parallel translation method can be performed by moving a slit beam with the Y direction as the longitudinal direction in the X direction.

[0079] The angle between the illumination optical axis 21a of the illumination system 21 and the optical axis (photography optical axis) 22a of the Scheinproof imaging system 22 is called the Scheinproof angle. The magnitude of the Scheinproof angle is called the Scheinproof angle θ. The Scheinproof angle θ can be determined arbitrarily.

[0080] Figure 4 shows a non-limiting configuration example of the illumination system 21 and the Shineproof imaging system 22. The illumination system 21 projects non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b onto the eye E under examination. The Shineproof imaging system 22 images the anterior segment of the eye E under examination onto which the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b is projected. The Shineproof imaging system 22 includes an image sensor 221. The imaging surface of the image sensor 221 is positioned on the image plane 221P of the Shineproof imaging system 22.

[0081] The imaging ray group 22b shows the field of view (range in the Z direction) of the Scheinproof imaging system 22. In this example, the Scheinproof imaging system 22 is designed so that the field of view includes the area from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens.

[0082] Two planes perpendicular to the imaging optical axis 22a are denoted by reference numerals 22P1 and 22P2. The vertical plane 22P1 is positioned to pass through the intersection point C1 of the illumination optical axis 21a and the imaging optical axis 22a. The vertical plane 22P2 is positioned to pass through the intersection point C2 of the imaging optical axis 22a and the image plane 221P.

[0083] In the example shown in Figure 4, the Scheinproof angle formed by the illumination optical axis 21a and the imaging optical axis 22a, and the angle formed by the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 22P1 are complementary angles. In other words, the sum of the Scheinproof angle and the angle formed by the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 22P1 is a right angle.

[0084] In some embodiments, the magnitude of the angle between the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 22P1 may be any value within the range of 0 to 90 degrees. That is, the Scheinproof angle θ may be any value within the range of 0 to 90 degrees. In this case, for example, it is possible to apply Scheinproof imaging to at least a shallow region of the anterior segment of the eye. In some specific examples, Scheinproof imaging can be applied to a region including at least the cornea and its vicinity.

[0085] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the angle between the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 22P1 may be any value within the range of 30 to 60 degrees. In other words, the Scheinproof angle θ may be any value within the range of 30 to 60 degrees. In this case, for example, it becomes possible to apply Scheinproof imaging to areas ranging from shallow to slightly deeper regions of the anterior segment of the eye. In some specific examples, Scheinproof imaging can be applied to areas including at least the anterior surface of the cornea and the anterior chamber.

[0086] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the magnitude of the angle between the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 22P1 may be any value within the range of 35 to 53 degrees. In other words, the Scheinproof angle θ may be any value within the range of 37 to 55 degrees. In this case, for example, it becomes possible to apply Scheinproof imaging to a wide range from the shallow to the deep regions of the anterior segment of the eye. In some specific examples, Scheinproof imaging can be applied to the range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens.

[0087] Here, we have described the case where the Scheinproof angle θ is selected considering the width of the shooting range, but other factors may also be considered. For example, the Scheinproof angle θ may be determined by considering at least one of the various factors related to Scheinproof photography, such as the width of the shooting range, the brightness of the lighting, the characteristics of the optical elements, the degree of image quality (difficulty of image quality correction), and the degree of trapezoidal distortion (difficulty of trapezoidal correction). The same may apply to other design values.

[0088] In this example, the image sensor 221 is eccentrically positioned with respect to the optical axis 22a. In a typical Scheinproof optical system, the center of the image sensor's light-receiving surface is located on the optical axis. In contrast, in this example, the center position 221x of the image sensor 221's light-receiving surface is located away from the optical axis 22a. More specifically, the center position 221x of the image sensor 221's light-receiving surface is located away from the intersection point C2 between the optical axis 22a and the image plane 221P. The light-receiving surface of the image sensor 221 is located on the image plane 221P. That is, the displacement of the image sensor 221 occurs along the image plane 221P (on the image plane 221P).

[0089] Figure 5 shows one example configuration of the image sensor 221 shown in Figure 4. The image sensor 221 in this example, like a typical color image sensor, includes a microlens array 221a, a color filter array 221b, and a photodetector array 221c. The photodetector array 221c is an optical device in which numerous photodiodes are arranged. The microlens array 221a is an optical device in which numerous microlenses are arranged to act as imaging lenses corresponding to the photodiode group of the photodetector array 221c. The color filter array 221b is an optical device in which a group of color filters (red (R) filter group, green (G) filter group, blue (B) filter group) corresponding to the photodiode group of the photodetector array 221c is arranged.

[0090] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the image sensor 221 is positioned eccentrically with respect to the optical axis 22a such that the angle between the light rays (photographic rays 22c) guided by the imaging system 2 to the photodetector array 221c (imaging surface, light-receiving surface) and the optical axis 221d of the microlens array 221a (referred to as the incident angle β of the photographic rays) is smaller than the angle in a conventional configuration (i.e., a configuration in which the center position of the light-receiving surface of the image sensor is located on the photographic optical axis). The incident angle β of the photographic rays can be determined arbitrarily, preferably 30 degrees or less, and more preferably 10 degrees or less. The orientation of the optical axis of each microlens in the microlens array 221a is constant. That is, the optical axes of each microlens in the microlens array 221a are parallel. The orientation of the optical axis 221d corresponds to the orientation of these optical axes.

[0091] Furthermore, in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the image sensor 221 is positioned eccentrically with respect to the optical axis 22a such that the angle between the imaging light ray 22c guided to the microlens array 221a by the imaging system 2 and the optical axis 221d of the microlens array 221a (referred to as the imaging light ray incidence angle γ) is smaller than the angle in conventional configurations. The imaging light ray incidence angle γ can be determined arbitrarily.

[0092] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 4, the center position 221x of the light-receiving surface of the image sensor 221 is positioned offset towards the illumination system 2 side (closer to the illumination optical axis 21a) with respect to the intersection point C2 of the imaging optical axis 22a and the image plane 221P.

[0093] In some embodiments, by adopting a configuration in which the image sensor 221 is eccentrically positioned with respect to the shooting optical axis 22a, the shooting light rays 22c can be guided at an angle of 90 degrees or close to it to the light-receiving surface of the image sensor 221. In other words, the shooting light rays 22c can be guided in a direction parallel to or close to the optical axis 221d of the image sensor 221. This makes it possible to improve the light-receiving efficiency of the image sensor 221.

[0094] The eccentricity Δ of the image sensor 221 shown in Figure 4 is the offset amount of the center position 221x of the light-receiving surface of the image sensor 221 with respect to the intersection point C2 of the imaging optical axis 22a and the image plane 221P. The eccentricity Δ may be determined based on arbitrary parameters and characteristics. Non-limiting examples of factors that can be referenced for determining the eccentricity Δ include the incident angle of the imaging light ray (β, γ), the position of the entrance pupil of the Scheinproof imaging system 22, and the target resolution value.

[0095] Next, the fixation optical system 3 will be described. In this embodiment, the anterior segment is scanned by rotating a non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b that is clearly visible to the human eye. Therefore, this anterior segment scan itself can be a factor that destabilizes the fixation state of the eye under examination E. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is desirable to introduce means for stabilizing the fixation state of the eye under examination E during the anterior segment scan.

[0096] The fixation optical system 3 is configured to present a fixation target to the eye E under examination. The fixation optical system 3 may have a general configuration. In some embodiments, the fixation optical system 3 may include a fixation light source, a diffuser plate, a pinhole member, a first lens, a cross reticle plate, and a second lens, according to the non-limiting configuration example described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-49320. The fixation light source generates visible light (e.g., green light). The generated visible light is diffused by the diffuser plate and then projected onto the pinhole member. The visible light that passes through the opening (pinhole) formed in the pinhole member is projected onto the cross reticle plate via the first lens. The visible light that passes through the cross-shaped light-transmitting portion formed in the cross reticle plate is guided to the eye E under examination via the second lens. The subject can see the cross-shaped fixation target.

[0097] Some non-limiting examples of fixation optics 3 applicable to the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment are described below. It is possible to combine at least two or more of these non-limiting examples in part.

[0098] The first example of the fixation optical system 3 aims to improve the visibility of the fixation target and stabilize the fixation state of the eye E during the anterior segment scan by presenting a high-intensity fixation light (bright fixation light) to the eye E in parallel with an anterior segment scan using non-monochromatic visible slit light. The presented fixation target may be dynamic or static. A dynamic fixation target is one whose appearance (intensity (brightness), dimensions, shape, color, etc.) and position are variable, while a static fixation target is one whose appearance and position remain unchanged.

[0099] As shown in Figure 7, the fixation optical system 3 in this example is configured to project fixation light having a higher intensity than the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b onto the eye E, so as to present the fixation target 31, which is (apparently) positioned within the exit pupil 21c of the illumination system 21 as seen from the eye E, to the eye E. The fixation target 31 is presented to the eye E while a rotational scanning method anterior segment scan using the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b is being performed.

[0100] The intensity of the fixation light can be determined arbitrarily. For example, a high-intensity fixation light can be used to make the fixation target 31, which is brighter than the image of the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b visible to the eye E, visible to the eye E, based on the brightness of that image.

[0101] The wavelength band of the fixation light may be determined arbitrarily. The wavelength band of the fixation light may differ at least partially from the wavelength band of the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b. In some embodiments, a portion of the visible light wavelength band may be used for the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b, and another portion of the visible light wavelength band may be used for the fixation light. In some embodiments, the entire visible light wavelength band may be used for the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b, and a wavelength band within the visible light wavelength band that is highly visible to the human eye (for example, a wavelength band corresponding to green) may be used for the fixation light.

[0102] A second example of the fixation optical system 3 aims to improve the visibility of the fixation target and stabilize the fixation state of the eye E during the anterior segment scan by presenting a large-sized fixation target to the eye E in parallel with an anterior segment scan using non-monochromatic visible slit light. The presented fixation target may be dynamic or static.

[0103] As shown in Figure 8 or Figure 9, the fixation optical system 3 in this example is configured to project fixation light onto the eye E so as to present to the eye E a large-sized fixation target 32A or 32B that is (apparently) positioned within the exit pupil 21c of the illumination system 21 as seen from the eye E. The fixation target 32A or 32B is presented to the eye E while a rotational scanning method anterior segment scan using non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b is being performed.

[0104] The dimensions of the fixation light may be determined arbitrarily. For example, the dimensions of the image of the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b seen by the eye E can be used as a reference, and a fixation light larger than that can be used to make the eye E see a fixation target 32A or 32B. As in the first example, the wavelength band of the fixation light may be determined arbitrarily.

[0105] In the example shown in Figure 8, fixation light is projected onto the eye E of the subject along with non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b to form an X-shaped (cross-shaped) fixation target 32A. The subject is instructed, for example, to gaze at the center of the fixation target 32A (the intersection of the two lines forming the X shape) or to gaze at the end of the fixation target 32A.

[0106] In the example shown in Figure 9, fixation light to form an annular fixation target 32B is projected onto the eye E under examination along with non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b. The subject is instructed, for example, to gaze at an arbitrary position on the fixation target 32B (e.g., the upper end) or to gaze at the center of the fixation target 32B.

[0107] The fixation targets 32A in Figure 8 and 32B in Figure 9 are non-limiting examples, and the dimensions, shape, and position of the fixation targets presented to the eye E under examination are not limited to these.

[0108] A third example of the fixation optical system 3 involves presenting a dynamic fixation target to the eye E under examination in parallel with an anterior segment scan using non-monochromatic visible slit light, thereby improving the visibility of the fixation target and stabilizing the fixation state of the eye E under examination during the anterior segment scan.

[0109] As shown in Figure 10, the fixation optical system 3 in this example is configured to project fixation light onto the eye E so as to present to the eye E dynamic fixation targets 33A and 33B, which are (apparently) positioned within the exit pupil 21c of the illumination system 21 as seen from the eye E. At least a portion of the dynamic fixation targets 33A and 33B are variable. The change in the fixation targets shown in Figure 10 (change from fixation target 33A to fixation target 33B) is only a non-limiting example. The dynamic fixation targets 33A (33B) are presented to the eye E while a rotational scanning method anterior segment scan using non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b is being performed.

[0110] The fixation target can be any change, for example, one of the following: change in intensity (brightness), change in size, change in shape, change in color, and change in position, or a combination of two or more of these. The mode of change of the fixation target can also be any, for example, a single change, multiple changes, repetitive changes (e.g., blinking), continuous changes, stepwise changes, etc. The change of the fixation target is realized by the control unit 7 controlling the fixation optical system 3.

[0111] A fourth example of the fixation optical system 3 involves presenting a black fixation target to the eye E under examination in parallel with an anterior segment scan using non-monochromatic visible slit light. This improves the visibility of the fixation target and stabilizes the fixation state of the eye E under examination during the anterior segment scan. The presented black fixation target may be dynamic or static. The dimensions and presentation position of the black fixation target may be determined arbitrarily.

[0112] As shown in Figure 11, the fixation optical system 3 in this example is configured to present a black fixation target 34, which is (apparently) positioned within the exit pupil 21c of the illumination system 21 as seen from the eye E under examination, to the eye under examination. The black fixation target 34 is presented to the eye under examination E, for example, by placing a black dot in the optical path of the illumination system 21. The black fixation target 34 is presented to the eye under examination E while an anterior segment scan using a rotational scan method with non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b is being performed.

[0113] A fifth example of the fixation optical system 3 aims to improve the visibility of the fixation target and stabilize the fixation state of the eye E during the anterior segment scan by presenting the fixation target, which is located outside the exit pupil 21c of the illumination system 21, to the eye E in parallel with the anterior segment scan using non-monochromatic visible slit light. The presented fixation target may be dynamic or static. The brightness and dimensions of the fixation target may also be determined arbitrarily.

[0114] As shown in Figure 12, the housing 21d of the illumination system 21 has a notch or a light-transmitting portion formed therein to allow fixation light to pass through. The notch or light-transmitting portion is located outside the exit pupil 21c of the illumination system 21. The fixation optical system 3 is configured to project fixation light onto the eye under examination E through the notch or light-transmitting portion of the housing 21d so as to present the fixation target 35, which is (apparently) located outside the exit pupil 21c of the illumination system 21, to the eye under examination E. The fixation target 35 is presented to the eye under examination E while a rotational scanning method anterior segment scan using non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b is being performed.

[0115] Next, the operation of the ophthalmic device 1 will be explained. Figure 13 shows an example of non-limited operation.

[0116] First, the subject's head is placed on the holding parts (forehead rest, chin rest) of the ophthalmic device 1 (not shown). The ophthalmic device 1, for example, receives instructions made using the user interface 10, and starts projecting fixation light onto the subject eye E that is the target of the anterior segment scan, and performs alignment of the illumination imaging optical system 2 with respect to the subject eye E (S1).

[0117] Alignment may be performed automatically or manually. After alignment is complete, the ophthalmic device 1 may start tracking the illumination and imaging optical system 2 to follow the movement of the eye E being examined.

[0118] Alignment and tracking may be performed using an anterior segment observation system (not shown). The anterior segment observation system acquires observational images (moving images) of the anterior segment of the eye E under examination. The observational images are typically images of the anterior segment taken from the front, and may be either color or near-infrared images. For details on the anterior segment observation system, please refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 7517903.

[0119] Once preparatory actions such as alignment are complete, the ophthalmic device 1 projects non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b onto the anterior segment of the eye E being examined using the illumination system 21 (S2).

[0120] The initial position (initial orientation) of the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b may be determined arbitrarily. For example, the longitudinal direction of the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b is approximately aligned with the Y direction, and the center of the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b (the center in both the longitudinal and transverse directions) is approximately aligned with the axis of the eye E under examination. In this embodiment, the center of the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b corresponds to the illumination optical axis 21a of the illumination system 21.

[0121] Next, an anterior segment scan using a rotational scan method with non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b is applied to the eye E under examination (S3).

[0122] In this example, the anterior segment scan is performed by the control unit 7 controlling the illumination system 21, the shineproof imaging system 22, and the rotation mechanism 62. More specifically, the control unit 7 controls the illumination system 21 to output non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b, controls the shineproof imaging system 22 to repeat imaging (data generation) at predetermined time intervals (predetermined imaging rate), and controls the rotation mechanism 62 to rotate the illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging system 22 integrally around the illumination optical axis 21a, thereby performing the anterior segment scan in this example.

[0123] The rotation angles of the illumination system 21 and the Scheinproof imaging system 22 in the anterior segment scan in this example may be arbitrary. For example, as shown in Figure 14, by rotating the illumination system 21 and the Scheinproof imaging system 22 by 180 degrees around the axis Rc of the eye E (rotation along the trajectory R), a dataset corresponding to the three-dimensional region around the axis Rc of the eye E is collected.

[0124] The dataset collected by the anterior segment scan in this example, as shown in Figure 15, contains multiple data points corresponding to multiple cross-sections P1-PN arranged radially around the axis Rc of the eye E examined. The multiple cross-sections P1-PN correspond to multiple rotational positions in the anterior segment scan. The multiple rotational positions can be defined as multiple positions on the trajectory R of the anterior segment scan, and the multiple cross-sections P1-PN can be defined in the same way.

[0125] The data corresponding to each cross-section Pn is image data of that cross-section Pn and includes information corresponding to the wavelength band of the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b. For example, if the non-monochromatic visible slit light 21b is white light, the data corresponding to each cross-section Pn includes RGB information consisting of red (R) information, green (G) information, and blue (B) information. Even when a broadband visible light source or a wavelength-swept visible light source is used, information corresponding to its wavelength band is included. In this embodiment, for example, data is obtained that includes at least two of the red (R) information, green (G) information, and blue (B) information (RG information, GB information, RB information, or RGB information).

[0126] In this example, the rotation angle of the illumination system 21 and the Scheinproof imaging system 22 in the anterior segment scan is not limited to 180 degrees as shown in Figure 14. In some embodiments, the illumination system 21 and the Scheinproof imaging system 22 can be rotated by an angle greater than 180 degrees. In this case, two or more data points corresponding to a single rotation position can be acquired. This makes it possible to perform statistical calculations (such as averaging) for each rotation position and to select data for each rotation position.

[0127] In some embodiments, the illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging system 22 can be rotated by an angle of less than 180 degrees. In this case, an anterior segment scan can be performed targeting only the area of ​​interest in the anterior segment, thereby shortening the examination time.

[0128] The dataset collected in step S3 is stored, for example, in the storage device of the control unit 7 or the storage device of the data processing unit 8. The data processing unit 8 applies a predetermined analysis process to the dataset (S4).

[0129] This analysis process may be any known process, and may include, for example, corneal curvature analysis, corneal pachymetry, corneal elevation analysis, corneal topography, anterior chamber depth analysis, and gonioscopy. In distance measurement, pixel spacing is performed to determine the distance corresponding to one pixel (pixel interval).

[0130] Furthermore, the data processing unit 8 can correct each data collected by the anterior segment scan. For example, the data processing unit 8 may be configured to correct distortions (trapezoidal distortion, refractive distortion) in each data collected by the anterior segment scan. For details on distortion correction, please refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 7154044.

[0131] The control unit 7 displays the color anterior segment image based on the dataset collected in step S3 and the analysis data obtained in the analysis process of step S4 on the display unit 11 (S5). The color anterior segment image may have undergone correction processing such as distortion correction.

[0132] According to the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to generate anterior segment images with characteristics similar to those obtained with a slit lamp microscope using a rotational scanning method for anterior segment scanning. Furthermore, by using a Shineproof optical system, it is possible to obtain images with a deep depth of field. Therefore, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment achieves an exceptional effect that cannot be achieved with conventional ophthalmic apparatuses: it is possible to generate color anterior segment images with a deep depth of field that faithfully reproduce the characteristics of images obtained with a slit lamp microscope using a rotational scanning method for anterior segment scanning.

[0133] A modified example of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment will now be described. In the above embodiment, one pair of shineproof imaging system and illumination system is provided, but two or more pairs may be provided.

[0134] For example, in one modified configuration, a pair of a first shineproof imaging system and a first illumination system (the first pair) and a pair of a second shineproof imaging system and a second illumination system (the second pair) are provided. The first shineproof imaging system is configured to satisfy the shineproof conditions and to image the anterior segment of the eye E under examination to generate first data. The first illumination system is configured to illuminate the surface of the first shineproof imaging system with first slit light generated using a first non-monochromatic visible light source. Similarly, the second shineproof imaging system is configured to satisfy the shineproof conditions and to image the anterior segment of the eye E under examination to generate second data. The second illumination system is configured to illuminate the surface of the second shineproof imaging system with second slit light generated using a second non-monochromatic visible light source.

[0135] The arrangement of the first pair and the second pair can be determined arbitrarily. For example, the object surfaces of the first Shineproof imaging system and the second Shineproof imaging system may be common to each other or may be separate. Also, the wavelength bands of the first non-monochromatic visible light source and the second non-monochromatic visible light source may be equal to each other or may be different. Furthermore, the rotating mechanism 62 may rotate the first pair and the second pair in parallel (for example, integrally) or separately. The rotation axes of the first pair and the second pair may be common to each other or may be separate.

[0136] The above describes some non-limiting embodiments of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the embodiment. It is possible to combine at least two or more embodiments of the present disclosure in part.

[0137] <Other forms> The embodiments relating to this disclosure are not limited to ophthalmic devices. Embodiments other than ophthalmic devices include methods for controlling ophthalmic devices, methods for photographing the anterior segment, programs, recording media, etc. According to these embodiments, similar to the embodiments of ophthalmic devices, it is possible to generate a color anterior segment image with a deep depth of field that faithfully reproduces the characteristics of the image obtained with a slit lamp microscope, using a rotational scanning method for anterior segment scanning.

[0138] Several embodiments provide a method for controlling an ophthalmic apparatus. This ophthalmic apparatus includes a Scheinproof imaging system, an illumination system, a rotation mechanism, a display unit, and a processor. The Scheinproof imaging system is configured to satisfy Scheinproof conditions and to image the anterior segment of the eye under examination and generate data. The illumination system is configured to illuminate the object surface of the Scheinproof imaging system with slit light generated using a non-monochromatic visible light source. The rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the Scheinproof imaging system and the illumination system around a predetermined axis. The method according to this embodiment includes a step (anterior segment scan control step) in which the processor is instructed to control the Scheinproof imaging system, the illumination system, and the rotation mechanism in order to generate a dataset in the Scheinproof imaging system corresponding to a plurality of rotation positions. Furthermore, the method according to this embodiment includes a step (display control step) in which the processor is instructed to control the display unit to display an image of the anterior segment based on the dataset collected by the anterior segment scan control step.

[0139] Any of the matters described in this disclosure can be combined with the methods according to the embodiments.

[0140] Some embodiments provide programs. These embodiment programs cause a computer, including a processor and memory, to execute the methods described in the embodiments above. Any of the matters described in this disclosure can be combined with the embodiment programs.

[0141] Some embodiments provide computer-readable non-temporary recording media. The recording media according to these embodiments contain a program that causes a computer to execute the methods described in the embodiments above. Any of the matters described in this disclosure can be combined with the recording media according to these embodiments.

[0142] The computer-readable non-temporary recording medium that can be used as a recording medium according to this embodiment may be any form of recording medium, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

[0143] The embodiments and aspects described herein are illustrative only. Any modifications (omissions, substitutions, additions, etc.) within the scope of the gist of the present invention can be applied to the embodiments and aspects of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 1 Ophthalmology equipment 2. Illumination and imaging optics 3 Fixation optical system 7 Control Unit 8. Data Processing Unit 11 Display section 13 Non-monochromatic visible light source 21 Lighting Systems 22 Shineproof Photography System 62 Rotating mechanism

Claims

1. A shine-proof imaging system is configured to satisfy the conditions for shine-proofing, and it captures images of the anterior segment of the eye under examination to generate data. An illumination system that illuminates the surface of the Shineproof photographic system with slit light generated using a non-monochromatic visible light source, A rotating mechanism that rotates the Shineproof imaging system and the illumination system around a predetermined axis, A control unit that controls the Shineproof imaging system, the illumination system, and the rotation mechanism to cause the Shineproof imaging system to generate a dataset corresponding to multiple rotation positions. Ophthalmic devices, including those mentioned above.

2. The aforementioned non-monochromatic visible light source includes a white light source. An ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned Shineproof imaging system generates the data including RGB information. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned non-monochromatic visible light source includes a wavelength-swept light source. An ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The wavelength-swept light source sweeps wavelengths across the visible wavelength band, The aforementioned Shineproof imaging system generates the data including RGB information. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 4.

6. A first shine-proof imaging system is configured to satisfy the shine-proof conditions and generates first data by imaging the anterior eye segment, A first illumination system that illuminates the surface of the first shineproof photographic system with a first slit light generated using a first non-monochromatic visible light source, A second shine-proof imaging system is configured to satisfy the shine-proof conditions and generates second data by imaging the anterior eye segment, A second illumination system that illuminates the surface of the second Shineproof photographic system with a second slit light generated using a second non-monochromatic visible light source, including, An ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The fixation optical system further includes a fixation optical system for presenting a fixation target to the eye under examination. An ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The fixation optical system projects fixation light having a higher intensity than the slit light onto the eye under examination so as to present a first fixation target, positioned within the exit pupil of the illumination system, to the eye under examination. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The fixation optical system projects fixation light onto the eye under examination so as to present a large second fixation target, positioned within the exit pupil of the illumination system, to the eye under examination. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 7.

10. The fixation optical system projects fixation light onto the eye under examination so as to present the eye under examination with a third fixation target, which is located within the exit pupil of the illumination system and whose part changes. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 7.

11. The fixation optical system presents the eye under examination with a fourth black fixation target positioned within the exit pupil of the illumination system. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 7.

12. The housing of the aforementioned lighting system further includes, The housing is provided with a notch or a light-transmitting portion outside the exit pupil of the illumination system. The fixation optical system projects fixation light onto the eye under examination through the notch or the light-transmitting portion so as to present the fifth fixation target, which is positioned outside the exit pupil of the illumination system, to the eye under examination. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 7.

13. The angle between the optical axis of the illumination system and the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the shineproof imaging system is in the range of 0 to 90 degrees, preferably in the range of 30 to 60 degrees, and more preferably in the range of 35 to 53 degrees. An ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1.

14. The aforementioned Shineproof imaging system includes an image sensor, The image sensor is eccentrically positioned with respect to the optical axis of the Shineproof imaging system. An ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1.

15. The aforementioned image sensor is A photodetector array and A microlens array configured as an imaging lens group for the aforementioned photodetector array and Includes, The Shineproof imaging system is positioned eccentrically with respect to the optical axis such that the angle between the light rays guided to the microlens array by the Shineproof imaging system and the optical axis of the microlens array is reduced. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 14.

16. The center of the light-receiving surface of the aforementioned image sensor is positioned away from the intersection point of the optical axis of the Shineproof imaging system and the image plane. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 14.

17. The center of the light-receiving surface of the image sensor is positioned closer to the optical axis of the illumination system with respect to the intersection of the optical axis of the shineproof imaging system and the image plane. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 14.

18. A method for controlling an ophthalmic device for photographing the anterior segment of the eye under examination, The aforementioned ophthalmic device is A shine-proof imaging system is configured to satisfy the conditions for shine-proofing, and it captures images of the anterior segment of the eye under examination to generate data. An illumination system that illuminates the surface of the Shineproof photographic system with slit light generated using a non-monochromatic visible light source, A rotating mechanism that rotates the Shineproof imaging system and the illumination system around a predetermined axis, Display unit and Processor and Includes, The steps include causing the processor to control the shineproof imaging system, the illumination system, and the rotation mechanism in order to generate a dataset corresponding to multiple rotation positions in the shineproof imaging system, The steps include: causing the processor to execute control to display the image of the anterior segment of the eye based on the dataset on the display unit; including, method.

19. A program that causes a computer to execute the method of claim 18.

20. A computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which the program of claim 19 is recorded.

Images