Ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic equipment

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device with excellent operability for measuring the eye under examination. [Solution] The ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device comprises a probe and a measuring instrument. The probe is configured to transmit ultrasound to the eye under examination and to receive the reflected ultrasound waves from the eye under examination. The measuring instrument is configured to output the length of a predetermined part in the eye under examination as a measured value when the received signal from the probe satisfies a plurality of predetermined conditions. The measuring instrument is configured to control the display device so that it displays the waveform of the received signal and an indicator image indicating the satisfaction level of the plurality of conditions, and switches the display mode of the indicator image according to the number of conditions that are satisfied among the plurality of conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] As an ophthalmic apparatus, an apparatus for measuring the length of an eye to be examined is known. Specifically, an ophthalmic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for measuring the anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness, and axial length of an eye to be examined is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In an ophthalmic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, with the probe in contact with the eye to be examined directly or via an ultrasonic medium, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the probe toward the eye to be examined, and the reflected waves are received by the probe. Based on the received signal obtained from the probe, the length of each part of the eye to be examined is measured.

[0004] When the eye to be examined is measured via an ultrasonic medium, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the probe are reflected by the cornea, the front surface of the lens, the rear surface of the lens, and the retina of the eye to be examined. Therefore, in the received signal, peaks corresponding to the reflected wave components from the cornea, the front surface of the lens, the rear surface of the lens, and the retina appear as signal waveforms. Based on the elapsed time from the transmission of the ultrasonic waves to the reception of each peak corresponding reflected wave component and the propagation speed of the ultrasonic waves, the above-described ACD, lens thickness, and axial length are measured.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic equipment described above, the propagation path of ultrasound waves changes depending on the position of the probe. Therefore, in order to accurately measure the eye under examination, it is necessary to adjust the probe to the correct position relative to the eye under examination. For example, to accurately measure the axial length of the eye, the probe must be positioned so that the ultrasound waves propagate parallel to the axial length of the eye. Even a slight tilt of the probe can cause measurement errors in the axial length.

[0007] To suppress measurement errors caused by probe positioning and other factors, ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic devices only capture measurement values ​​based on the received signal if the signal from the probe satisfies predetermined conditions. Therefore, the probe operator must adjust the probe to the correct position relative to the eye under examination and ensure that a received waveform that meets the predetermined conditions is obtained; otherwise, measurement values ​​for the eye under examination cannot be obtained.

[0008] However, conventional devices only provide a response indicating whether or not to perform the measurement, even when the operator adjusts the probe's position or other settings for measuring the subject's eye. Therefore, with conventional devices, the operator may not correctly understand the situation when the measurement is not performed, potentially leading to strong frustration.

[0009] Therefore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, it is desirable to provide an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device that offers excellent operability when measuring the eye under examination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device is provided. The ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device comprises a probe and a measuring instrument. The probe is configured to transmit ultrasound to an eye under examination and to receive the reflected ultrasound waves from the eye under examination.

[0011] The measuring instrument is configured to output the length of a predetermined part of the eye under examination, which is identified from the received signal by the probe, as a measured value when the received signal satisfies several predetermined conditions.

[0012] The measuring instrument is configured to control the display device so that it displays the waveform of the received signal, as well as an indicator image indicating the satisfaction level of multiple conditions, and switches the display mode of the indicator image according to the number of conditions that are satisfied.

[0013] With an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device configured in this way, the probe operator can more easily perform tasks such as adjusting the probe's position while viewing the indicator image to obtain a received signal that satisfies predetermined conditions, compared to when there is no indicator image. Therefore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to provide an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device with excellent operability when measuring the eye under examination.

[0014] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the instruction image may include a plurality of image elements. Each of the plurality of image elements may correspond to one of a plurality of conditions. Each of the plurality of image elements may have a plurality of display modes that differ in their display configuration.

[0015] In this case, the measuring instrument may be configured to cause the display device to display multiple image elements as an indicator image, and when one or more of the multiple conditions are satisfied, to cause the display device to display one or more image elements corresponding to the one or more satisfied conditions in a different display mode from the remaining image elements excluding one or more of the multiple image elements. Through this display, the measuring instrument can cause the display device to display an indicator image that indicates the satisfaction level of the multiple conditions.

[0016] With an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device configured in this way, it is possible to display an indicator image to the user that facilitates easy adjustment of the probe's position and helps in acquiring received signals that meet predetermined conditions.

[0017] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the multiple display modes that each of the multiple image elements has may include multiple display modes with different display colors. The measuring instrument may be configured to cause the display device to display an instruction image such that one or more image elements are displayed in a different color from the remaining image elements.

[0018] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a measuring instrument may be configured to determine whether a received signal satisfies multiple conditions by determining, in a predetermined determination order, whether each of the multiple conditions satisfies the received signal. The measuring instrument may be configured to display an indicator image on a display device, which is an arrangement of multiple image elements corresponding to the multiple conditions in the same order as the determination order.

[0019] With this ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device, the indicator image can be displayed in a manner that corresponds to the satisfaction level of multiple conditions, such as a level meter. Therefore, this ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device can display the indicator image in a manner that makes it easy for the user to understand the situation.

[0020] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the measuring instrument may be configured to repeatedly determine whether the received signal satisfies several conditions and to update the indicator image accordingly. With an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device configured in this way, the indicator image can be updated to follow the reception status. Therefore, an indicator image that facilitates easy positional adjustment of the probe and helps in acquiring a received signal that satisfies predetermined conditions can be displayed to the user.

[0021] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the measuring instrument may be configured to output the measured value through a display device by displaying the measured value on the display device. With an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device configured in this way, the probe operator can check the waveform of the received signal and the indicator image, as well as the measured value, through the same display device.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the measuring instrument may be configured to output, as measurement values, one or more of the anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness, and axial length of the eye to be examined, which are specified from the received signal. According to such a configuration, as an ophthalmic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of measuring the ACD, lens thickness, and / or axial length, an apparatus with excellent operability can be provided.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of conditions may include at least one of a condition regarding the intensity of the reflected wave specified from the received signal, a condition regarding the shape of the reflected wave specified from the received signal, and a condition regarding the position of the reflected wave component specified from the received signal.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of conditions may vary according to the type of the eye to be examined. The instruction image may also vary according to the type of the eye to be examined. The measuring instrument may be configured to determine whether the received signal satisfies a plurality of conditions corresponding to the type of the eye to be examined, and cause the display device to display an instruction image corresponding to the type of the eye to be examined.

[0025] The above plurality of conditions can be changed according to the type of the eye to be examined. By causing the display device to display an instruction image corresponding to the type of the eye to be examined, an ophthalmic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with excellent operability in measuring various types of eyes to be examined can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the configuration of an exemplary measurement screen. [Figure 3] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing waveforms of exemplary received signals. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining the measurement of the eye to be examined. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an operation reception process executed by the processor. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing a measurement-related process executed by the processor. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the capture condition definition table. [Figure 8] It is a diagram explaining the change in the display mode of the instruction image. [Figure 9] FIG. 9A is a diagram explaining an instruction image for an eye with hypermature cataract or an IOL eye, and FIG. 9B is a diagram explaining an instruction image for an aphakic eye or a shallow anterior chamber eye. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing the intensity condition determination process executed by the processor. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the range condition determination process executed by the processor. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the waveform condition determination process executed by the processor.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The ophthalmic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is configured to measure the anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and / or axial length of the eye to be examined using ultrasonic waves. Hereinafter, the anterior chamber depth will be expressed as ACD, and the lens thickness will be expressed as lens thickness. Measuring the ACD, lens thickness, and / or axial length of the eye to be examined will be expressed as measuring the eye to be examined.

[0028] This ophthalmic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a device main body 10 and an ultrasonic probe 50 that is cable-connected to the device main body 10. Hereinafter, the ultrasonic probe 50 will be simply expressed as the probe 50.

[0029] The device main body 10 includes a controller 20, a transmission circuit 31, a reception circuit 35, an AD converter 37, a display 41, a touch panel 43, and a speaker 45. The transmission circuit 31 inputs a transmission signal to the probe 50 in accordance with a control signal from the controller 20. The transmission signal corresponds to a drive signal for the probe 50.

[0030] The probe 50 is configured to emit, i.e., transmit, ultrasonic waves of a corresponding waveform (e.g., a pulse waveform) based on the transmission signal from the transmission circuit 31. The probe 50 includes a transducer (not shown) that converts the transmission signal as an electrical signal into ultrasonic waves and outputs them.

[0031] The probe 50 is configured to receive reflected ultrasonic waves from the emitted ultrasound, and converts the received ultrasound into an electrical signal which is then output as a received signal. The received signal is input to the receiving circuit 35. The received signal shows the waveform of the ultrasound received by the probe 50, i.e., the time variation of the signal intensity, and includes the reflected wave component of the emitted ultrasound.

[0032] The receiving circuit 35 includes an amplifier and a filter to amplify the received signal and remove noise. The amplified and noise-removed received signal is converted into a digital signal by the AD converter 37 and input to the controller 20.

[0033] The controller 20 controls the probe 50 by inputting a control signal to the transmission circuit 31, and is also configured to measure the eye under examination based on the received signal input through the AD converter 37. The controller 20 functions as both a controller and a measuring instrument.

[0034] The controller 20 is further configured to provide a graphic user interface to the operator of the ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device 1 via the display 41, and to output notification sounds and the like to the speaker 45 according to the measurement status.

[0035] The controller 20 includes a processor 21 and memory 23. The processor 21 performs processing related to the measurement of the eye under examination according to a computer program stored in memory 23. Memory 23 may include ROM, RAM, and NVRAM such as flash memory. Memory 23 may include storage such as a solid-state drive (SSD).

[0036] Although not shown in the diagram, the controller 20 may further include a clock generation circuit and a counter circuit. The clock generation circuit is used to drive the probe 50. The counter circuit is used to measure the elapsed time since ultrasonic emission.

[0037] The display 41 is an example of a display device, controlled by the controller 20, and displays various information to the user of the ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device 1. The user may be the operator of the probe 50. The display 41 is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0038] The touch panel 43 is integrated with the display 41 and is configured to receive user touch operations on the screen of the display 41 and input the operation signals to the controller 20. The speaker 45 is controlled by the controller 20 and is configured to output notification sounds based on control signals from the controller 20.

[0039] Figure 2 shows the configuration of an exemplary measurement screen G0 displayed on the display 41 under the control of the controller 20. The measurement screen G0 includes a type display area R1, a waveform display area R2, a measured value display area R3, an instruction image display area R4, an operation button display area R5, and other display areas R6.

[0040] The type display area R1 is an area for displaying the measurement mode and the type of eye being examined. In the example shown in Figure 2, the type display area R1 indicates that the measurement mode is automatic measurement mode and that the type of eye being examined is a phakic eye. The ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment is configured to measure multiple types of eyes being examined, including phakic eyes, hypermature cataract eyes, IOL (Intra Ocular Lens) eyes, aphakic eyes, and shallow anterior chamber eyes.

[0041] Waveform display area R2 is the area that displays the waveform of the signal received by probe 50. In the example shown in Figure 2, the waveform of the received signal is displayed in waveform display area R2 on a graph with time on the horizontal axis and signal strength on the vertical axis.

[0042] The measurement value display area R3 is the area that displays the measured values ​​of the eye under examination. As shown in the example in Figure 2, the measured values ​​obtained from multiple measurements are listed along with the measurement number. Each measurement includes the axial length, ACD, and lens thickness.

[0043] The symbol "S" displayed to the left of the number is placed at the beginning of the display row for the measurement with the shortest axial length among the measurement values ​​displayed in the measurement value display area R3. The symbol "L" displayed to the left of the number is placed at the beginning of the display row for the measurement with the longest axial length among the measurement values ​​displayed in the measurement value display area R3.

[0044] The measurement value display area R3 includes an area at the top that displays the average, standard deviation, and range of variation of the axial length obtained from multiple measurements. The range of variation corresponds to the data range of the axial length and is the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the axial length measurements obtained from multiple measurements. The measurement value display area R3 also includes an area at the bottom that displays the average values ​​of the axial length, ACD, and lens thickness obtained from multiple measurements.

[0045] The indicator image display area R4 is an area that displays an indicator image 70 indicating the extent to which the received signal satisfies the acquisition conditions for the measured value. The acquisition conditions consist of a set of multiple conditions. The extent to which the received signal satisfies the acquisition conditions for the measured value, i.e., the satisfaction level, corresponds to the number or percentage of the multiple conditions that make up the acquisition conditions that the received signal satisfies.

[0046] The instruction image 70 includes multiple image objects. Each image object corresponds to an image element that makes up the instruction image 70. Hereinafter, each of the multiple image objects will be referred to as a panel 80. Each of the multiple panels 80 corresponds to one of the multiple conditions that make up the capture conditions. Each of the multiple panels 80 has multiple display modes with different display characteristics. The multiple display modes include a first display mode and a second display mode with different display colors.

[0047] Each panel 80 is displayed in a first display mode if the received signal satisfies the corresponding conditions, and in a second display mode if the received signal does not satisfy the corresponding conditions.

[0048] In other words, in the instruction image display area R4, one or more panels 80 corresponding to the conditions satisfied by the received signal are displayed in the first display mode, and the remaining panels 80 are displayed in the second display mode. For example, in the first display mode, the panels 80 are displayed in a bright color such as light green, and in the second display mode, the panels 80 are displayed in a dark color such as gray. This switching of display colors creates the effect of turning the panels 80 on and off.

[0049] However, the display colors in the first and second display modes may be reversed. That is, in the first display mode, panel 80 may be displayed in a dark color, and in the second display mode, panel 80 may be displayed in a bright color. In this way, the satisfaction level of the capture conditions is displayed in the instruction image display area R4 by switching the colors of multiple panels 80, in other words, by turning on and off multiple panels 80 (see Figure 8).

[0050] The operation button display area R5 is an area where multiple operation buttons (not shown) that the user can press by touch are displayed as a graphical user interface. Other display areas R6 include an area for displaying patient information, an area for displaying the received ultrasound intensity at the probe 50, and / or an area for displaying ultrasound information such as frequency.

[0051] Next, the measurement method for the eye under examination will be explained using Figures 3A and 3B, along with the waveform of the received signal. When measuring the eye under examination, the probe 50 is operated by the user of the ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device 1, and the probe 50 is positioned relative to the eye under examination.

[0052] The probe 50 is positioned to contact the corneal surface of the eye under examination. Alternatively, the probe 50 is positioned to contact the corneal surface of the eye under examination via an ultrasonic medium. The correct orientation of the probe 50 is such that the ultrasound propagates coaxially with the axial axis of the eye under examination. The probe 50 is positioned so that it is in the correct orientation.

[0053] When the probe 50 is in the correct position, the ultrasound waves from the probe 50 propagate from the cornea to the retina of the eye being examined, passing through the central axis of the eye. When the probe 50 comes into contact with the corneal surface via the ultrasound medium, the ultrasound waves are reflected by the cornea, the anterior surface of the lens, the posterior surface of the lens, and the retina during this propagation process. The received signal includes the reflected components of the ultrasound waves transmitted from the probe 50, i.e., the reflected wave components, which include the components reflected by the cornea, the anterior surface of the lens, the posterior surface of the lens, and the retina.

[0054] The method of measuring the eye under examination by bringing the probe 50 into contact with the corneal surface via an ultrasonic medium is called the immersion method. Figure 3A shows the waveform of the received signal when the eye under examination is measured using the immersion method.

[0055] As an alternative, a method in which the probe 50 is placed in direct contact with the corneal surface to measure the eye under examination is called the contact method. In the contact method, ultrasound is reflected by the anterior surface of the lens, the posterior surface of the lens, and the retina. In this case, the received signal includes the reflected components of the ultrasound transmitted from the probe 50, i.e., the reflected wave components, which are the components reflected by the anterior surface of the lens, the posterior surface of the lens, and the retina. Figure 3B shows the waveform of the received signal when the eye under examination is measured using the contact method.

[0056] These reflected wave components exhibit peaks in signal intensity in the received signal. Hereinafter, the reflected wave component that appears in the received signal as a convex waveform with a peak upon reception of the reflected wave will be referred to as an echo. The received signal further includes an initial echo P0 caused by the difference in acoustic impedance due to contact between the probe 50 and the eye under examination. This initial echo P0 can occur in both immersion and contact applications.

[0057] In the signal waveforms of the received signals shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the first echo P0 corresponds to the initial echo P0 caused by the difference in acoustic impedance, the second echo P1 corresponds to the reflected wave component from the cornea, the third echo P2 corresponds to the reflected wave component from the front surface of the lens, the fourth echo P3 corresponds to the reflected wave component from the back surface of the lens, and the fifth echo P4 corresponds to the reflected wave component from the retina.

[0058] Each echo P1, P2, P3, and P4 appears temporally separated in the received signal, corresponding to the difference in the flight distance of the ultrasound due to the difference in the reflection points. The time difference D1 between the first echo P1 and the second echo P2 corresponds to the ACD. The time difference D2 between echo P2 and echo P3 corresponds to the lens thickness. The time difference D3 between echo P1 and echo P4 corresponds to the axial length of the eye. These time differences D1, D2, and D3 can be converted into distance by multiplying them by the propagation speed of the ultrasound.

[0059] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the controller 20 measures the elapsed time from the emission of the ultrasonic wave until the signal intensity of the received signal exceeds a predetermined threshold TH1. This allows the controller to measure the elapsed times L1, L2, L3, and L4 from the emission of the ultrasonic wave until the reception of the reflected wave components corresponding to each echo P1, P2, P3, and P4.

[0060] Based on the elapsed times L1, L2, L3, and L4, and the propagation speed of ultrasound, the distance corresponding to the time difference D1 = L2 - L1 is identified as the ACD, the distance corresponding to the time difference D2 = L3 - L2 is identified as the lens thickness, and the distance corresponding to the time difference D3 = L4 - L1 is identified as the axial length of the eye.

[0061] As in the contact type, when the probe 50 contacts the corneal surface, the transmission point of the ultrasound from the probe 50 coincides with the corneal surface, so time L1 converges to zero. In this case, the controller 20 can determine that the distances corresponding to time differences D1=L2, D2=L3-L2, and D3=L4 are ACD, lens thickness, and axial length, respectively.

[0062] The controller 20 can detect echoes P1, P2, P3, and P4 if the signal strength of the received signal exceeds threshold TH1, threshold TH2 (which is greater than threshold TH1), and threshold TH3 (which is greater than threshold TH2) in that order. However, the controller 20 may also detect the corresponding signal strength peak as an echo even if the signal strength does not exceed threshold TH3.

[0063] The controller 20 can further measure the time intervals W1, W2, W3, and W4 for each echo P1, P2, P3, and P4, from when the signal strength exceeds the threshold TH1 until it reaches the threshold TH3. The reciprocals 1 / W1, 1 / W2, 1 / W3, and 1 / W4 of each time interval W1, W2, W3, and W4 correspond to the rising slope, i.e., the sharpness of the rising edge, of the corresponding echo P1, P2, P3, and P4. Hereafter, these time intervals W1, W2, W3, and W4 will also be referred to as the rising time.

[0064] The controller 20 records the measured values ​​(ACD, lens thickness, and axial length) identified from the received signal (based on the signal strength, elapsed times L1, L2, L3, L4, and rise times W1, W2, W3, W4) when the received signal satisfies predetermined acquisition conditions, and controls the display 41 so that the measured values ​​are displayed in the measured value display area R3.

[0065] Next, the details of the operation reception process performed by the processor 21 will be explained using Figure 5. The processor 21 repeatedly performs the operation reception process to receive operations from the user for the operation button display area R5 of the measurement screen G0, and executes processing corresponding to the operations. The user referred to here is the operator of the ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device 1, and corresponds to the operator of the probe 50.

[0066] When the operation reception process is started, the processor 21 waits until it receives an operation signal from the user through the touch panel 43 (S110), and when it receives the operation signal, it executes the processing corresponding to the operation that was performed (S120~S150).

[0067] If the operation performed by the processor 21 is an operation to set the type of eye to be examined (Yes in S120), the processor 21 displays the eye type selection screen (S121). The operation button display area R5 is provided with operation buttons for accepting the operation to set the type of eye to be examined.

[0068] Although not shown in the diagram, the eye type selection screen may be a screen in which the user can select one type of eye to be measured from a group of eye types that can be measured by the ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device 1 via the touch panel 43. The eye type selection screen may be a screen in which the user can select one of the following as the measurement target: phakic eye, hypermature cataract eye, IOL eye, aphakic eye, and shallow anterior chamber eye.

[0069] After the eye type selection screen is displayed, the processor 21 accepts a selection operation for the type of eye to be measured via the touch panel 43 (S123). If a selection operation is made, the processor sets the acquisition conditions for the measurement values ​​corresponding to the selected type of eye (S125). The ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can store an acquisition condition definition table (see Figure 7) in the memory 23, which defines the acquisition conditions for each type of eye to be measured.

[0070] After setting the acquisition conditions, the processor 21 closes the eye type selection screen and redisplays the measurement screen G0. At this time, the type display area R1 of the measurement screen G0 is updated so that the type of eye to be examined is displayed (S127). After that, the processor 21 moves to S110 and waits until the next operation is performed.

[0071] If the operation performed by the processor 21 is an operation other than the eye type setting operation or the measurement start operation (Yes in S130), the processor 21 executes the processing corresponding to the operation performed (S135). After that, the processor 21 proceeds to S110 and waits until the next operation is performed.

[0072] If the operation performed by the processor 21 is a measurement start operation (Yes in S140), the processor 21 starts the measurement-related processing shown in Figure 6 (S150). An operation button for accepting the measurement start operation is provided in the operation button display area R5. After starting the measurement-related processing, the processor 21 terminates the operation acceptance processing.

[0073] Next, the details of the measurement-related processing performed by the processor 21 will be explained using Figure 6. When the measurement-related processing is started, the processor 21 notifies the user that the measurement has started (S210). This notification can be achieved, for example, by displaying a message on the display 41 and / or by outputting a notification sound to the speaker 45.

[0074] In the subsequent S220, the processor 21 sets the variable N (hereinafter referred to as measurement count N), which is used to count the number of measurements, to a value of 1. Measurement count N corresponds to the measurement number displayed in the measurement value display area R3 (see Figure 2).

[0075] In the following S230, the processor 21 starts the measurement sequence. In the measurement sequence, the processor 21 performs transmission-related processing to cause the probe 50 to emit ultrasonic waves, and reception-related processing to analyze the received signal from the probe 50, which includes the reflected wave component of the ultrasonic waves.

[0076] The transmission-related processing includes the process of inputting the control signals described above to the transmission circuit 31. The reception-related processing includes the process of measuring the signal strength of the received signal, and the process of measuring the elapsed times L1, L2, L3, L4, and rise times W1, W2, W3, W4.

[0077] For example, the processor 21 can perform transmission-related processing and reception-related processing related to the emission, reception, and analysis of ultrasound waves, which are necessary for measuring one eye under examination, as part of the measurement sequence.

[0078] In the following S240, the processor 21 sets the variable M to a value of 1. Variable M is a variable used to control the condition to be judged. In the following S250, the processor 21 sets the Mth condition from among the multiple conditions that constitute the pre-set acquisition conditions as the condition to be judged. Here, the sum of the multiple conditions that constitute the acquisition conditions is expressed as ME.

[0079] As mentioned above, the multiple conditions that constitute the acquisition conditions differ depending on the type of eye being examined. When the type of eye being examined is a phakic eye, the multiple conditions that constitute the acquisition conditions are as follows. The following acquisition conditions apply when the eye being examined is measured using the contact method. - Intensity condition C1: The signal intensity of echoes P2, P3, and P4 from the anterior surface of the lens, the posterior surface of the lens, and the retina exceeds the threshold. - Contact condition C2: The width of the initial echo P0 (e.g., full width at half maximum) is less than or equal to the reference width. - Range condition C3: The measured values ​​of ACD, lens thickness, and axial length determined from the received signal must be within a predetermined range. -First waveform condition C4: The rise time W2 of the echo P2 on the anterior surface of the lens is less than or equal to the first reference value. -Second waveform condition C5: The rise time W3 of the echo P3 on the posterior surface of the lens is less than or equal to the second reference value. - Third waveform condition C6: The rise time W4 of the retinal echo P4 is below the third reference value. - Variability condition C7: The variation in ACD and axial length values ​​is within a specified range.

[0080] The "variability in ACD and axial length values" described in variability condition C7 corresponds to the variation in ACD and axial length values ​​based on multiple received signals obtained from multiple ultrasound transmissions and receptions, including past measurement sequences. The magnitude of the variation can be evaluated by the range of variation.

[0081] When the eye being examined is a hypermature cataract eye or an IOL eye, the following conditions constitute the acquisition conditions. The following acquisition conditions apply when the eye being examined is measured using a contact method. - Intensity condition C1a: The signal intensity of the P2 and P4 echoes on the anterior surface of the lens and the retina exceeds the threshold. - Contact condition C2: The width of the initial echo P0 (e.g., full width at half maximum) is less than or equal to the reference width. - Range condition C3a: The measured values ​​of ACD and axial length determined from the received signal must be within a predetermined range. -First waveform condition C4: The rise time W2 of the echo P2 on the anterior surface of the lens is less than or equal to the first reference value. - Third waveform condition C6: The rise time W4 of the retinal echo P4 is below the third reference value. - Variability condition C7: The variation in ACD and axial length values ​​is within a specified range.

[0082] The suffix "a" attached to the intensity condition C1a and range condition C3a indicates that these conditions are variations of the intensity condition C1 and range condition C3. The variations are based on differences in the type of eye being examined.

[0083] When the eye being examined is aphakia or a shallow anterior chamber eye, the following conditions constitute the acquisition conditions. The following acquisition conditions apply when the eye being examined is measured using a contact method. - Intensity condition C1b: The signal intensity of the P4 echo in the retina exceeds the threshold. - Contact condition C2: The width of the initial echo P0 (e.g., full width at half maximum) is less than or equal to the reference width. - Range condition C3b: Each measured value of the axial length determined from the received signal must be within a predetermined range. - Third waveform condition C6: The rise time W4 of the retinal echo P4 is below the third reference value. - Variability condition C7b: The variation in the axial length value is within a specified range.

[0084] The suffix "b" attached to the intensity condition C1b, range condition C3b, and variability condition C7b indicates that these conditions are variations of the intensity condition C1, range condition C3, and variability condition C7. The variations are based on differences in the type of eye being examined.

[0085] The uptake condition definition table, which defines the uptake conditions for each type of eye examined as described above, defines the uptake conditions and the order of determination of the multiple conditions that constitute the uptake conditions for each of the first, second, and third categories, as shown in Figure 7. Here, eyes with phakic vision belong to the first category. Eyes with hypermature cataracts and eyes with IOLs belong to the second category. Eyes without phakic vision and eyes with shallow anterior chambers belong to the third category.

[0086] When the eye under examination is classified as Category 1 (phakic eye), the first condition is the intensity condition C1. The second condition is the contact condition C2. The third condition is the range condition C3. The fourth condition is the first waveform condition C4. The fifth condition is the second waveform condition C5. The sixth condition is the third waveform condition C6. The seventh condition is the variability condition C7. The ordinal numbers assigned to the seventh conditions correspond to the order of judgment.

[0087] When the eye under examination is classified as Category 2 (hypermature cataract eye or IOL eye), the first condition is the intensity condition C1a. The second condition is the contact condition C2. The third condition is the range condition C3a. The fourth condition is the first waveform condition C4. The fifth condition is the third waveform condition C6. The sixth condition is the variability condition C7.

[0088] When the eye under examination is classified as Category 3 (aphakic eye or shallow anterior chamber eye), the first condition is the intensity condition C1b. The second condition is the contact condition C2. The third condition is the range condition C3b. The fourth condition is the third waveform condition C6. The fifth condition is the variability condition C7b.

[0089] In the subsequent S260 (see Figure 6), the processor 21 determines whether the received signal satisfies the Mth condition to be judged. If it determines that the Mth condition is not satisfied (No in S270), the processor 21 executes the process in S230, that is, it re-executes the measurement sequence. Furthermore, the processor 21 restarts the determination of whether the acquisition conditions are satisfied, starting from the first condition (S240, S250, S260).

[0090] On the other hand, if the processor 21 determines that the received signal satisfies the Mth condition (Yes in S270), it updates the instruction image 70 displayed in the instruction image display area R4 to a display mode corresponding to the number and proportion of conditions among the multiple conditions that the received signal satisfies (S280).

[0091] In other words, the processor 21 updates the instruction image 70 so that the panels 80 corresponding to the first to M conditions are displayed in a first display mode, and the panels 80 corresponding to the M+1 to ME conditions are displayed in a second display mode. As a result, the instruction image 70 is updated to a display mode corresponding to the satisfaction level of multiple conditions corresponding to the acquisition conditions (S280).

[0092] The instruction image 70 displayed on the measurement screen G0 has a number of panels 80 corresponding to the type of eye being measured (see Figure 2). The instruction image 70 has a number of panels 80 corresponding to the total ME of the multiple conditions that constitute the acquisition conditions corresponding to the type of eye being measured. Each panel 80 is a waveform image illustrating the corresponding condition.

[0093] The instruction image 70a displayed on the measurement screen G0 when a phakic eye is the subject of measurement has, as shown in Figure 8, a first panel 81a corresponding to the first condition, a second panel 82a corresponding to the second condition, a third panel 83a corresponding to the third condition, a fourth panel 84a corresponding to the fourth condition, a fifth panel 85a corresponding to the fifth condition, a sixth panel 86a corresponding to the sixth condition, and a seventh panel 87a corresponding to the seventh condition. Here, the suffix "a" is added to the designations of the instruction image 70a for phakic eyes and the first to seventh panels 81a to 87a. Instruction image 70a is a specific example of instruction image 70 when the type of eye being examined is specified as a phakic eye. The first to seventh panels 81a to 87a correspond to the multiple panels 80 that the instruction image 70 described above has.

[0094] Figure 8 illustrates that as the number of conditions that are satisfied among multiple conditions increases, the number of panels 80 displayed in the first display mode, specifically the illuminated panels 80, increases, while conversely, the number of panels 80 displayed in the second display mode, specifically the unlit panels 80, decreases.

[0095] The first instruction image 70a from the left in Figure 8 shows a state where the first panel 81a corresponding to the first condition is lit, and the second to seventh panels 82a to 87a corresponding to the second to seventh conditions are off. The second instruction image 70a from the left in Figure 8 shows a state where the first panel 81a and the second panel 82a corresponding to the first and second conditions are lit, and the third to seventh panels 83a to 87a corresponding to the third to seventh conditions are off.

[0096] The instruction image 70a shown third from the left in Figure 8 shows a state where the first to third panels 81a to 83a corresponding to the first to third conditions are lit, and the fourth to seventh panels 84a to 87a corresponding to the fourth to seventh conditions are off. The instruction image 70a shown fourth from the left (in other words, first from the right) in Figure 8 shows a state where the first to seventh panels 81a to 87a corresponding to the first to seventh conditions are lit.

[0097] When the measurement screen G0 is updated in S127, the instruction image 70 on the measurement screen G0 is switched to an instruction image 70 having a number of panels 80 corresponding to the type of eye that was selected as the measurement target immediately beforehand.

[0098] The instruction image 70b displayed on the measurement screen G0 when a hypermature cataract eye or IOL eye is the target of measurement has, as shown in Figure 9A, a first panel 81b corresponding to the first condition, a second panel 82b corresponding to the second condition, a third panel 83b corresponding to the third condition, a fourth panel 84b corresponding to the fourth condition, a fifth panel 85b corresponding to the fifth condition, and a sixth panel 86b corresponding to the sixth condition. Here, the suffix "b" is added to the symbols of the instruction image 70b for hypermature cataract eyes and IOL eyes, as well as the first to sixth panels 81b to 86b. Instruction image 70b is a specific example of instruction image 70 when the type of eye under examination is specified as a hypermature cataract eye or an IOL eye. The first to sixth panels 81b to 86b correspond to the multiple panels 80 that make up instruction image 70.

[0099] When an aphakia-free eye or a shallow anterior chamber eye is the subject of measurement, the indicator image 70 displayed on the measurement screen G0 has, as shown in Figure 9B, a first panel 81c corresponding to the first condition, a second panel 82c corresponding to the second condition, a third panel 83c corresponding to the third condition, a fourth panel 84c corresponding to the fourth condition, and a fifth panel 85c corresponding to the fifth condition. Here, the suffix "c" is added to the indicator image 70c for aphakia-free eyes and shallow anterior chamber eyes, as well as the symbols for the first to fifth panels 81c to 85c. Indicator image 70c is a specific example of the indicator image 70 when the type of eye being examined is specified as an aphakia-free eye or a shallow anterior chamber eye. The first to fifth panels 81c to 85c correspond to the multiple panels 80 that the indicator image 70 comprises.

[0100] When the processor 21 updates the instruction image 70 in S280, it determines whether the variable M is a value ME that corresponds to the sum of the multiple conditions that constitute the acquisition condition (S290). This determination corresponds to determining whether the received signal satisfies all of the multiple conditions that constitute the acquisition condition corresponding to the type of eye being examined.

[0101] In S290, if the processor determines that the variable M is not the value ME, it updates the variable M to a value that is 1 greater than its current value (S300) and proceeds to S250. In S250, the processor sets the Mth condition corresponding to the updated variable M as the target of evaluation.

[0102] Subsequently, the processor 21 determines whether the Mth condition is satisfied (S260). If it is satisfied (Yes in S270), it updates the instruction image 70 (S280). The update is performed, for example, to increase the number of illuminated panels 80. If the Mth condition is not satisfied, the processor 21 proceeds to S230, resets the variable M to 1 (S240), and then determines again whether the multiple conditions are satisfied.

[0103] If the processor 21 determines in S290 that the variable M is value ME (Yes in S290), it displays the measured values ​​(ACD, lens thickness, and / or axial length) identified from the received signal in the measurement sequence in S230 in the measured value display area R3 (S310). Specifically, the processor 21 updates the measurement screen G0 displayed by the display 41 so that, as the Nth measurement result, the measured value is displayed in the Nth row of the measured value display area R3, associated with the number N (S310). As a result, the processor 21 outputs the measured value through the display 41.

[0104] Subsequently, the processor 21 updates the number of measurements N to a value that is 1 greater than the current value (S320). The processor 21 determines whether the number of measurements N exceeds the maximum number of displayable measurements NE (S330). In the example shown in Figure 2, the maximum number NE = 10.

[0105] If the processor 21 determines that the number of measurements N is less than or equal to the maximum number NE (No in S330), it returns to S230 and starts measuring the eye under examination for the Nth measurement round (S230-S300).

[0106] When the processor 21 determines that the number of measurements N exceeds the maximum number NE (Yes in S330), it notifies the user of the end of the measurement via sound output from the speaker 45 and the measurement screen G0 (S340), and then terminates the measurement-related processing. The processor 21 can terminate the measurement-related processing while the measurement value display area R3 on the measurement screen G0 is still displaying measurement results up to the maximum number NE.

[0107] The details of the measurement-related processing have been explained above, but the method for determining the intensity conditions C1, C1a, and C1b that constitute the acquisition conditions will be specifically explained as an example using Figure 10. When the Mth condition to be determined is one of the intensity conditions C1, C1a, or C1b, the processor 21 can execute the intensity condition determination process shown in Figure 10 in S260.

[0108] When the processor 21 starts the intensity condition determination process, it determines whether the object to be measured is in the third category (aphakic eye or shallow anterior chamber eye) (S410). If the object to be measured is in the third category (Yes in S410), it skips the processes in S420, S430, and S440 and executes the process in S450.

[0109] On the other hand, if the processor 21 determines that the measurement target is a phakic eye, a hypermature cataract eye, or an IOL eye, which are not classified as Category 3 (S410No), it determines whether the signal intensity of the echo P2 on the anterior surface of the lens exceeds a threshold (S420).

[0110] If the processor determines that the signal intensity of echo P2 on the front of the lens is below a threshold (No in S420), it determines that the received signal does not satisfy the intensity condition (S470). Determining that the received signal does not satisfy the intensity condition corresponds to determining in S260 that the received signal does not satisfy the Mth condition.

[0111] If the processor 21 determines that the signal intensity of echo P2 on the anterior surface of the lens exceeds the threshold (Yes in S420), it executes the process in S430. In S430, the processor 21 determines whether the measurement target is in the first category (phakic eye), and if the measurement target is not in the first category (No in S430), it skips the process in S440 and executes the process in S450. If the measurement target is in the first category (Yes in S430), the processor 21 determines whether the signal intensity of echo P3 on the posterior surface of the lens exceeds the threshold (S440).

[0112] If the processor determines that the signal strength of echo P3 on the posterior surface of the lens is below the threshold (No in S440), it determines that the received signal does not satisfy the strength condition (S470). If the processor determines that the signal strength of echo P3 on the posterior surface of the lens exceeds the threshold (Yes in S440), it executes the process in S450.

[0113] In S450, the processor 21 determines whether the signal intensity of the retinal echo P4 exceeds a threshold. If the processor 21 determines that the signal intensity of the retinal echo P4 exceeds a threshold (Yes in S450), it determines that the received signal satisfies the intensity condition (S460). Determining that the received signal satisfies the intensity condition corresponds to determining in S260 that the received signal satisfies the Mth condition.

[0114] On the other hand, if the processor 21 determines that the signal intensity of the retinal echo P4 is below a threshold (No in S450), it determines that the received signal does not satisfy the intensity condition (S470).

[0115] The processor 21 can determine whether the received signal satisfies the intensity conditions C1, C1a, and C1b by performing such intensity condition determination processing. The threshold used for the determination in S420, S440, and S450 may be the threshold TH1 shown in Figure 4. The threshold may be different in S420, S440, and S450.

[0116] Next, the method for determining the range conditions C3, C3a, and C3b that constitute the acquisition conditions will be explained using Figure 11. When the Mth condition to be determined is a range condition C3, C3a, or C3b, the processor 21 can execute the range condition determination process shown in Figure 11 in S260. The range conditions C3, C3a, and C3b are conditions relating to the position of the reflected wave component included in the received signal.

[0117] When the processor 21 starts the range condition determination process, it determines whether the object to be measured is in the third category (S510). If the object to be measured is in the third category (Yes in S510), it skips the processes in S520, S530, and S540 and executes the process in S550.

[0118] On the other hand, when the object to be measured is not in the third category (S510No), the processor 21 determines whether the ACD determined based on the difference between elapsed times L1 and L2 is within a predetermined appropriate range (S520).

[0119] If the ACD is determined to be outside the appropriate range (No in S520), the processor 21 determines that the received signal does not satisfy the range condition (S570). Determining that the received signal does not satisfy the range condition corresponds to determining in S260 that the received signal does not satisfy the Mth condition.

[0120] On the other hand, if the processor 21 determines that the ACD is within the appropriate range (Yes in S520), it executes the process in S530. In S530, the processor 21 determines whether the object to be measured is in the first category or not. If the object to be measured is not in the first category (No in S530), it skips the process in S540 and executes the process in S550. If the object to be measured is in the first category (Yes in S530), the processor 21 executes the process in S540.

[0121] In S540, the processor 21 determines whether the lens thickness, determined based on the difference between elapsed times L2 and L3, is within a predetermined appropriate range. If it determines that the lens thickness is not within the predetermined appropriate range (No in S540), the processor 21 determines that the received signal does not satisfy the range conditions (S570). On the other hand, if the processor 21 determines that the lens thickness is within the appropriate range (Yes in S540), it executes the process in S550.

[0122] In S550, the processor 21 determines whether the axial length, determined based on the difference between elapsed times L1 and L4, is within a predetermined appropriate range. If it determines that the axial length is within a predetermined appropriate range (Yes in S550), the processor 21 determines that the received signal satisfies the range condition (S560). Determining that the received signal satisfies the range condition corresponds to determining in S260 that the received signal satisfies the Mth condition.

[0123] On the other hand, if the processor 21 determines that the axial length of the eye is not within a predetermined appropriate range, it determines that the received signal does not satisfy the range conditions (S570). By performing this range condition determination process, the processor 21 can determine whether or not the received signal satisfies the range conditions C3, C3a, and C3b.

[0124] Next, the determination method for the first waveform condition C4, the second waveform condition C5, and the third waveform condition C6, which constitute the acquisition conditions, will be explained using Figure 12. Here, the first waveform condition C4, the second waveform condition C5, and the third waveform condition C6 are collectively referred to as waveform conditions C4, C5, and C6. Waveform conditions C4, C5, and C6 are conditions relating to the shape of the reflected wave contained in the received signal. When the Mth condition to be determined is waveform conditions C4, C5, and C6, the processor 21 can execute the waveform condition determination process shown in Figure 12 in S260.

[0125] When the waveform condition determination process is started, the processor 21 obtains the time width W of the received signal during the process in which the signal strength of the received signal increases between threshold TH1 and threshold TH3 (S610). When the determination target is the first waveform condition C4, the time width W obtained is the rise time W2 of the echo P2 on the front surface of the lens. When the determination target is the second waveform condition C5, the time width W obtained is the rise time W3 of the echo P3 on the back surface of the lens. When the determination target is the third waveform condition C6, the time width W obtained is the rise time W4 of the echo P4 on the retina.

[0126] Subsequently, the processor 21 determines whether the acquired time width W is less than or equal to a reference value (S620). The reference value is determined considering the propagation speed of ultrasound. The reference value is a separate value corresponding to the waveform conditions C4, C5, and C6 to be judged. That is, when the target of judgment is the first waveform condition C4, the reference value is the first reference value described above; when the target of judgment is the second waveform condition C5, the reference value is the second reference value; and when the target of judgment is the third waveform condition C6, the reference value is the third reference value.

[0127] The processor 21 determines that the received signal satisfies the waveform conditions when the time width W is less than or equal to the reference value (Yes in S620) (S630). On the other hand, the processor 21 determines that the received signal does not satisfy the waveform conditions when the time width W exceeds the reference value (No in S620) (S640).

[0128] By performing the waveform condition determination process in this manner, the processor 21 can determine whether or not the received signal satisfies the waveform conditions C4, C5, and C6. Determining that the received signal satisfies the waveform conditions corresponds to determining in S260 that the received signal satisfies the Mth condition. Determining that the received signal does not satisfy the waveform conditions corresponds to determining in S260 that the received signal does not satisfy the Mth condition.

[0129] According to the ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment described above, the measured value is acquired and displayed in the measured value display area R3 only when it satisfies the acquisition conditions determined according to the type of eye being examined. The acquisition conditions consist of multiple conditions, and the instruction image display area R4 displays the instruction image 70 in a display manner corresponding to the number and / or proportion of the conditions that the received signal satisfies among the multiple conditions that constitute the acquisition conditions. The instruction image 70 has image elements (panels 80) corresponding to each condition.

[0130] The indicator image 70 illuminates and extinguishes the panel 80, like a level meter, according to the number and / or percentage of conditions satisfied by the received signal. Furthermore, each panel 80 represents the corresponding condition using a visual symbol or illustration instead of text. The display mode of the indicator image 70 changes virtually in real time, following the changes in the received signal.

[0131] Therefore, the ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment can support the user's probe operation through an instruction image 70, until the user operating the probe 50 adjusts the position of the probe 50 so as to satisfy the conditions for acquiring the measured values.

[0132] The user, i.e., the operator of the probe 50, can more easily adjust the probe 50's posture toward the correct position by looking at the instruction image 70 than would be possible without the instruction image 70.

[0133] In this embodiment, as described above, the display of panel 80 is switched by color, making it easy for the user to visually understand the satisfaction level of the acquisition conditions. According to this embodiment, the arrangement order of the panels 80 that constitute the instruction image 70 corresponds to the order of condition determination by the processor 21, so the display mode of panel 80 can be switched according to the satisfaction level of the acquisition conditions, similar to a level meter.

[0134] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number and arrangement of panels in the instruction image 70 displayed on the measurement screen G0 also change in conjunction with the switching of acquisition conditions according to the type of eye being examined. Thus, the instruction image 70 in this embodiment is displayed in a manner appropriate to the type of eye being examined, and the visibility of the satisfaction level of the acquisition conditions is excellent. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to effectively support the adjustment of the position of the probe 50 in a direction that satisfies the acquisition conditions.

[0135] In addition, the instruction image 70 is displayed on the measurement screen G0 along with the waveform of the received signal and the measured value. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device 1 that offers excellent operability when measuring the eye under examination.

[0136] [Other embodiments] This disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various forms can be adopted. In the above embodiments, the number of panels in the instruction image 70 is switched according to the type of eye being examined.

[0137] However, the measurement screen G0 may display an instruction image 70 with a uniform number of panels regardless of the type of eye being examined. In this case, the instruction image 70 may be configured to have the maximum number of panels 80 corresponding to the number of conditions ME that constitute the acquisition conditions, according to the type of eye being examined with the most conditions ME. Panels 80 corresponding to conditions that do not need to be satisfied may be displayed in gray. This can indicate to the user that it is not necessary to satisfy the conditions corresponding to the panels 80. Instead of graying out, the display mode (number of panels) of the instruction image 70 may be switched according to the type of eye being examined by not displaying unnecessary panels 80.

[0138] In addition, the ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may be configured so that the acquisition conditions can be changed by the user. In this case, a button for changing the acquisition conditions can be provided in the operation button display area R5 of the measurement screen G0. The processor 21 may be configured to accept insertion and deletion operations of the panel 80 to the instruction image display area R4 when the button for changing the acquisition conditions is pressed. As a result, the processor 21 can accept operations to change the arrangement of the panel 80 in the instruction image display area R4 and change the existing acquisition conditions to the acquisition conditions corresponding to the arrangement of the panel 80. Such an acquisition condition change function is convenient for users who desire rapid measurement rather than accuracy of the measured values.

[0139] In addition, the panels 80 for each condition in the instruction image 70 may be configured to explain the corresponding conditions using text rather than graphic symbols or illustrations.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the acquisition conditions for the contact method have been described in detail, but these acquisition conditions may also be applied to the immersion method. When the eye being examined is a phakic eye, the acquisition conditions for the immersion method may be the acquisition conditions for the contact method described above, with the following interval conditions added. -Interval condition: The interval between the initial echo P0 and the corneal echo P1 must be within a predetermined range.

[0141] The function of one component in the above embodiment may be distributed among multiple components. The functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Some of the components of the above embodiment may be omitted. Any aspect of the technical concept specified by the claims constitutes an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] [Technical Concept Disclosed in This Specified Specification] This specification can be understood to disclose the following technical concepts: [Item 1] A probe configured to transmit ultrasound to an eye under examination and to receive the reflected waves of the ultrasound from the eye under examination, A measuring instrument configured to output, as a measured value, the length of a predetermined part of the eye under examination, which is identified from the received signal by the probe, when the received signal satisfies a plurality of predetermined conditions, Equipped with, The measuring instrument is an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device that causes the display device to display the waveform of the received signal and an indicator image indicating the satisfaction level of the multiple conditions, and controls the display device to switch the display mode of the indicator image according to the number of conditions that are satisfied among the multiple conditions. [Item 2] An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device as described in item 1, The aforementioned instruction image includes multiple image elements, Each of the aforementioned multiple image elements corresponds to one of the aforementioned multiple conditions, Each of the aforementioned plurality of image elements has a plurality of display modes with different display characteristics. The measuring instrument is an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device that causes the display device to display the plurality of image elements as an instruction image, and when one or more of the plurality of conditions are satisfied, displays the instruction image on the display device in a different display mode from the remaining image elements of the plurality of image elements excluding the one or more satisfied conditions, thereby indicating the satisfaction of the plurality of conditions. [Item 3] An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device as described in item 2, The aforementioned multiple display modes include multiple display modes with different display colors, The measuring instrument is an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device that causes the display device to display the instruction image such that one or more image elements are displayed in a different color from the remaining image elements. [Item 4] An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device as described in item 2 or item 3, The measuring instrument determines whether the received signal satisfies each of the plurality of conditions in a predetermined determination order, thereby determining whether the received signal satisfies the plurality of conditions, and displays the instruction image, in which the plurality of image elements corresponding to the plurality of conditions are arranged, on the display device in the same order as the determination order. [Item 5] An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device described in any one of items 1 to 4, The measuring instrument is configured to repeatedly determine whether the received signal satisfies the plurality of conditions and to update the indicator image according to the determination, in an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device. [Item 6] An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device described in any one of items 1 to 5, The measuring instrument is an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device configured to output the measured value through the display device by displaying the measured value on the display device. [Item 7] An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device described in any one of items 1 to 6, The measuring instrument is an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device configured to output one or more of the anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness, and axial length of the eye under examination as measured values, which are identified from the received signal. [Item 8] An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device described in any one of items 1 to 7, An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic apparatus in which the plurality of conditions include at least one of the following: a condition relating to the intensity of the reflected wave identified from the received signal; a condition relating to the shape of the reflected wave identified from the received signal; and a condition relating to the position of the reflected wave component identified from the received signal. [Item 9] An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device described in any one of items 1 to 8, The aforementioned conditions vary depending on the type of eye being examined. The instruction image varies depending on the type of eye being examined. The measuring instrument is configured to determine whether the received signal satisfies the plurality of conditions corresponding to the type of eye being examined, and to cause the display device to display the instruction image corresponding to the type of eye being examined. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0143] 1...Ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device, 10...Device body, 20...Controller, 21...Processor, 23...Memory, 31...Transmitting circuit, 35...Receiving circuit, 37...AD converter, 41...Display, 43...Touch panel, 45...Speaker, 50...Ultrasound probe, 70...Indication image, 80...Panel, G0...Measurement screen, R1...Type display area, R2...Waveform display area, R3...Measured value display area, R4...Indication image display area, R5...Operation button display area.

Claims

1. A probe configured to transmit ultrasound to an eye under examination and to receive the reflected waves of the ultrasound from the eye under examination, A measuring instrument configured to output, as a measured value, the length of a predetermined part of the eye under examination, which is identified from the received signal by the probe, when the received signal satisfies a plurality of predetermined conditions, Equipped with, The measuring instrument is an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device that causes the display device to display the waveform of the received signal and an indicator image indicating the satisfaction level of the multiple conditions, and controls the display device to switch the display mode of the indicator image according to the number of conditions that are satisfied among the multiple conditions.

2. An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1, The aforementioned instruction image includes multiple image elements, Each of the aforementioned multiple image elements corresponds to one of the aforementioned multiple conditions, Each of the aforementioned plurality of image elements has a plurality of display modes with different display characteristics. The measuring instrument is an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device that causes the display device to display the plurality of image elements as an instruction image, and when one or more of the plurality of conditions are satisfied, displays the instruction image on the display device in a different display mode from the remaining image elements of the plurality of image elements excluding the one or more satisfied conditions, thereby indicating the satisfaction of the plurality of conditions.

3. An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 2, The aforementioned multiple display modes include multiple display modes with different display colors, The measuring instrument is an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device that causes the display device to display the instruction image such that one or more image elements are displayed in a different color from the remaining image elements.

4. An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 2, The measuring instrument determines whether the received signal satisfies each of the plurality of conditions in a predetermined determination order, thereby determining whether the received signal satisfies the plurality of conditions, and displays the instruction image, in which the plurality of image elements corresponding to the plurality of conditions are arranged, on the display device in the same order as the determination order.

5. An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1, The measuring instrument is configured to repeatedly determine whether the received signal satisfies the plurality of conditions and to update the indicator image according to the determination, in an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device.

6. An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1, The measuring instrument is an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device configured to output the measured value through the display device by displaying the measured value on the display device.

7. An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1, The measuring instrument is an ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device configured to output one or more of the anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness, and axial length of the eye under examination as measured values, which are identified from the received signal.

8. An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1, An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic apparatus in which the plurality of conditions include at least one of the following: a condition relating to the intensity of the reflected wave identified from the received signal; a condition relating to the shape of the reflected wave identified from the received signal; and a condition relating to the position of the reflected wave component identified from the received signal.

9. An ophthalmic ultrasound diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The aforementioned conditions vary depending on the type of eye being examined. The instruction image varies depending on the type of eye being examined. The measuring instrument is configured to determine whether the received signal satisfies the plurality of conditions corresponding to the type of eye being examined, and to cause the display device to display the instruction image corresponding to the type of eye being examined.

Images