ophthalmic devices

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmic device that allows for the rapid and accurate acquisition of test results through operation of the control unit by the patient. [Solution] The ophthalmic device 10 includes a target presentation unit (21, 12) that presents a target 25 to the eye under examination and allows adjustment of the presentation method, an increase / decrease operation unit (33) that allows increase / decrease operations to increase or decrease a numerical value, a control unit 14 that changes the presentation method of the target 25 by the target presentation unit (21, 12) based on the increase / decrease operation, and a direction notification unit (35) that notifies the direction of increase / decrease operation of the increase / decrease operation unit. The control unit 14 sets a predicted value Vp as the presentation method of the target 25 that is expected to be suitable for the eye under examination, sets an operation start value Vs to be different from that, sets the operation start value Vs to the increase / decrease operation unit, and notifies the operation direction Do from the operation start value Vs to the predicted value Vp via the direction notification unit (35).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an ophthalmic device that can examine (refract) the visual function of a subject's eye by having the subject adjust how the test target presented to the test eye looks by their own operation (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this ophthalmic device, the subject can confirm how the test target changes by operating the operation unit and adjust it so that the test target looks most appropriate, thereby obtaining a satisfactory test result.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the above-described ophthalmic device, due to the subject's familiarity and knowledge about the examination, etc., differences occur in the time required for the above selection by operating the operation unit and the degree of appropriateness thereof.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an ophthalmic device capable of quickly obtaining an appropriate test result by the subject's operation of the operation unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the ophthalmic device of the present disclosure comprises: a target presentation unit that presents a target to the eye under examination and allows adjustment of the presentation manner; an increase / decrease operation unit that allows increase / decrease operations to increase or decrease a numerical value; a control unit that changes the presentation manner of the target by the target presentation unit based on the increase / decrease operation of the increase / decrease operation unit; and a direction notification unit that notifies the direction of increase / decrease operation of the increase / decrease operation unit. The control unit sets a predicted value for the presentation manner of the target that is expected to be suitable for the eye under examination, sets an operation start value that is different from the predicted value, sets the increase / decrease operation unit to the operation start value, and notifies the direction of operation from the operation start value to the predicted value via the direction notification unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the ophthalmic device disclosed herein, the patient can quickly obtain appropriate test results by operating the control unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing an ophthalmic device of Embodiment 1 as an example of an ophthalmic device relating to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing a controller as an example of an ophthalmic device. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the flow of the course eye examination process performed by the control unit of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the predicted value, starting value, maximum adjustment range, operating direction, and effective adjustment range for the rotation operation of the rotary control unit. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the flow of the self-inspection process performed by the control unit of Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] An embodiment of the ophthalmic apparatus according to this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In Figure 4, the predicted value Vp, the starting value Vs, the maximum adjustment range Rm, the operating direction Do, and the effective adjustment range Re are superimposed on the rotation operation unit 33, but this is a simplified representation for ease of understanding and does not necessarily correspond to the actual appearance. (Embodiment 1)

[0010] The ophthalmic device 10 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure is an example of a subjective ophthalmic device for subjective eye examination. This ophthalmic device 10 is capable of subjective eye examination (subjective eye examination) in which various visual targets 25 are presented to the subject S and visual function is examined based on the subject S's response regarding how they appear. The ophthalmic device 10 of Embodiment 1 is a binocular open type in which the visual function of the subject S can be examined and corrected with both eyes open, and it is also possible to cover one eye and examine one eye at a time.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the ophthalmic device 10 comprises a refractor head 11 (measuring head), a target display device 12, an eye examination table 13, a control unit 14, and a controller 15. The refractor head 11, the target display device 12, the control unit 14, and the controller 15 are connected to each other via a general communication interface (I / F). The eye examination table 13 supports the refractor head 11 and can also support the arm of the subject S and the controller 15. The eye examination table 13 is movable in the vertical direction and can be stopped at any position in the vertical direction.

[0012] The refractor head 11 comprises a pair of optometry units 21 and a support mechanism 22. The pair of optometry units 21 are attached to the optometry table 13 by the support mechanism 22. The support mechanism 22 comprises a support column 22a, a support arm 22b, and a support member 22c. The support column 22a extends vertically from above the optometry table 13 and, as indicated by the arrows, is extendable and retractable vertically and rotatable circumferentially. The support arm 22b extends diagonally upward from the support column 22a. A support member 22c is provided at the tip of this support arm 22b, and the refractor head 11 is suspended from the support member 22c. The support mechanism 22 can position the refractor head 11 between the subject S and the visual target display device 12 by rotating the support column 22a circumferentially, and can also retract the refractor head 11 from there.

[0013] The eye examination units 21 are provided in pairs, one for the left and one for the right eye, corresponding to the left and right eyes of the subject S, and each unit has a separate eye examination optical system for the left eye and one for the right eye. Each eye examination unit 21 is slidably mounted along the support member 22c of the support mechanism 22, allowing them to be brought closer together and further apart. This allows each eye examination unit 21 to be positioned to fit the left and right eyes of the subject S. Each eye examination unit 21 is provided with an eye examination window 23. Each eye examination window 23 forms an optical path from the eye side of the corresponding eye examination unit 21 to the target display device 12 side.

[0014] Each eye examination unit 21 houses an optical element unit 24 inside. Each optical element unit 24 allows for the appropriate selection and placement of optical components used for eye examination in the optical path formed by the eye examination window 23 within each eye examination unit 21. These optical components include various lenses and polarizing members used to correct the visual function of the eye being examined, and include, for example, polarizing filters, spherical lenses, cylindrical lenses, and prisms. Each optical element unit 24 is configured, for example, by providing optical components on multiple turret plates that can be rotated and stopped at any position, allowing any optical component to be positioned facing the eye examination window 23. As a result, each eye examination unit 21 can adjust each optical element unit 24 and pass it through the eye examination window 23 to show the visual target display device 12 (and its visual target 25) to the left and right eyes of the subject S under desired optical characteristics.

[0015] Furthermore, each eye examination unit 21 may use a liquid lens whose optical properties can be changed by applying voltage, etc., as long as it is positioned in front of the eye to be examined and between it and the target display device 12, and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1.

[0016] The target display device 12 is positioned in front of the eye being examined, with the refractor head 11 on the eye examination table 13 in between. The target display device 12 is a device that displays a target 25 to be presented to the subject S. The target display device 12 comprises a display device body 27 provided with a display window 26 on which the target 25 is displayed. The display device body 27 houses a target optical system that generates a target image for testing the visual function of the subject S when they look at an object. The target optical system displays the target 25 at an arbitrary test distance through the display window 26. The target optical system can, for example, display the target 25 on an electronic display device (display) such as an LCD or organic EL, and form a virtual image at an image point position at an arbitrary test distance via multiple lenses, mirrors, and other optical elements.

[0017] At this time, the target optical system can be configured to change the inspection distance, so that the target 25 can be displayed with the inspection distance being changeable. And the target optical system can change the target 25 by changing the patterns and symbols displayed on the electronic display device. The target 25 is used for subjective optometry, and examples include a visual acuity test target, a red-green test target, an astigmatism test target, a binocular vision function test target, a Landolt ring, a Snellen target, an E chart, etc. Also, the target 25 may be a target composed of characters such as hiragana and katakana, a target composed of pictures such as animals and fingers, a specific figure for binocular vision function optometry such as a cross target, or a target composed of a landscape painting or a landscape photograph, etc. These targets 25 may be still images or moving images.

[0018] Under the control of the control unit 14, the target display device 12 can change the pattern or symbol as the target 25 to be displayed and the inspection distance at which the target 25 is displayed. Thereby, the target display device 12 can display the target 25 as an arbitrary pattern or symbol at an arbitrary inspection distance through the display window 26 of the display device main body 27. Note that this inspection distance is not the actual distance between the eye to be examined and the target 25, but the apparent distance created by the optical element unit 24 of each optometry unit 21 as if the target 25 is presented at this distance position.

[0019] Therefore, the ophthalmic device 10 causes the target display device 12 to display the optometry target 25 suitable for the purpose, and by adjusting each optical element unit 24 of the left and right optometry units 21 of the refractor head 11, the target 25 can be presented to the eye to be examined at an arbitrary inspection distance. And the ophthalmic device 10 can change the aspect of the presented target 25 by adjusting the optical characteristics of each optical element unit 24 of each optometry unit 21 or by adjusting the type and orientation of the target 25 displayed by the target display device 12. From these, in the ophthalmic device 10, the two optometry units 21 of the refractor head 11 and the target display device 12 function as a target presentation unit capable of presenting the target 25 to the eye to be examined and adjusting the aspect of the presentation.

[0020] The control unit 14 comprehensively controls the operations of each part of the ophthalmic device 10. According to a predetermined program or an operation performed on the controller 15, this control unit 14 sets the optical characteristics in the refractor head 11, sets the pattern or symbol as the target 25 displayed by the target display device 12, and sets the inspection distance of the target 25. Further, the control unit 14 appropriately displays a menu screen, an inspection result screen, the target 25 to be presented, etc. on the liquid crystal display unit 32 (to be described later) of the controller 15. Furthermore, the control unit 14 may appropriately display the predicted value Vp, the operation start value Vs, the maximum adjustment range Rm, the operation direction Do, and the effective adjustment range Re (to be described later) together with the rotation operation unit 33. The control unit 14 appropriately outputs sound from the sound output unit 35 (to be described later) of the controller 15. Although the control unit 14 is provided on the examination table 13 in FIG. 1, as long as it performs the control described in this specification, the location where it is provided may be appropriately set and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 15 is used for the examiner E and the subject S to operate the ophthalmic device 10, and is capable of transmitting and receiving signals and data with the control unit 14. This controller 15 has a controller main body 31 and a liquid crystal display unit 32 continuous thereto. The controller main body 31 is provided with a plurality of switches and the like, and operations of the refractor head 11 and the target display device 12 are enabled. The controller main body 31 of Embodiment 1 has at least a rotation operation unit 33, a determination operation unit 34, and a sound output unit 35.

[0022] The rotation operation unit 33 is capable of inputting quantitative data through rotation. This rotation operation unit 33 is used, for example, when changing the numerical values ​​of the refractive power or astigmatism axis of the lens. Turning it to the right changes it to the negative side, and turning it to the left changes it to the positive side. The rotation operation unit 33 can finely adjust quantitative changes by rotating it in steps, for example, by changing the amount little by little in each step. Therefore, the rotation operation unit 33 functions as an increase / decrease operation unit that increases or decreases numerical values. Furthermore, a rotation operation on the rotation operation unit 33 is an increase / decrease operation that increases or decreases numerical values. The rotation position of the rotation operation unit 33 becomes the operating position of the increase / decrease operation unit. This rotation operation unit 33 is capable of transmitting a signal to the control unit 14 according to the degree (step amount) of the rotation operation performed. The control unit 14 changes the presentation of the visual target 25 according to the degree (step amount) of the rotation operation of the rotation operation unit 33. The control unit 14, for example, when adjusting the refractive power of a lens, enables adjustment of the refractive power of the lens by changing the optical elements of each optometry unit 21 according to the degree of rotation (step amount) of the rotation operation unit 33. Furthermore, the control unit 14, for example, when adjusting the astigmatism axis, enables adjustment of the astigmatism axis by changing the orientation and type of the target 25 displayed on the electronic display device of the target display device 12 according to the degree of rotation (step amount) of the rotation operation unit 33. This rotation operation unit 33 can, for example, adjust or select spherical power, add power, astigmatism power, astigmatism axis, strabismus angle, interpupillary distance test target, test distance, etc., through rotation. Note that the rotation operation unit 33 is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1; any device that performs rotational operation can be used, and the operation method, position, and configuration can be set as appropriate.

[0023] The determination operation unit 34 is pressed when determining the value adjusted by the rotation operation unit 33 (hereinafter referred to as the determination operation). The determination operation unit 34 is capable of transmitting a signal of the performed determination operation to the control unit 14. The control unit 14, for example, determines that when the determination operation unit 34 is operated, the refractive power, astigmatism axis, etc. of the lens indicated by the rotation operation unit 33 at that time has been selected. In this way, the determination operation unit 34, when operated in conjunction with the rotation operation unit 33, facilitates operations for adjusting the refractive power, astigmatism axis, etc. of the lens. In Embodiment 1, the determination operation unit 34 is provided in a pair so as to sandwich the rotation operation unit 33. As a result, the determination operation unit 34 can perform the determination operation with the hand opposite to the hand used to rotate the rotation operation unit 33, regardless of whether the examiner E or the subject S rotates the rotation operation unit 33 with their left or right hand. Furthermore, the determination operation unit 34 is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1, as long as it performs a determination operation that determines the value adjusted by rotation, the manner of operation, position, and configuration can be set as appropriate.

[0024] This controller 15 is capable of performing various operations in addition to the rotation operation unit 33 and the decision operation unit 34. These various switches can be used to select eye examination programs for various measurements of the eye being examined, to select whether to measure one eye or both eyes, to start the selected eye examination program, and to end the measurement. These operations can be performed by providing switches etc. next to the rotation operation unit 33 and the decision operation unit 34 as shown in Figure 3, by displaying operation icons on the liquid crystal display unit 32, or by voice input via the voice recognition unit.

[0025] The audio output unit 35 can output audio that provides guidance regarding the operation of examinations using the ophthalmic device 10. This audio output unit 35 outputs predetermined audio under the control of the control unit 14. The audio output unit 35 of Embodiment 1 outputs various audio corresponding to operations performed on the rotation operation unit 33 and the decision operation unit 34 (see Figure 5), and is capable of outputting at least the guidance notification (step S10 in Figure 5), the first notification (step S14 in Figure 5), and the second notification (step S16 in Figure 5), which will be described later.

[0026] The liquid crystal display unit 32 can be composed of an electronic display device such as an EL (electroluminescent) or a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays any image under the control of the control unit 14. The liquid crystal display unit 32 displays menu screens, optometry parameters, examination information, examination results, and the presented visual target 25 as appropriate. The liquid crystal display unit 32 may also display operation icons for various operations. In this case, the convenience can be further improved if the liquid crystal display unit 32 is equipped with a touch panel function. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display unit 32 can display diagrams and text to guide the user through the operation of the selected optometry program.

[0027] Furthermore, the controller 15 does not need to have any other components as long as it has a rotation operation unit 33 capable of rotation and a decision operation unit 34 capable of decision operation, and may be composed of a notebook PC (personal computer), a tablet terminal, a smartphone or other mobile terminal (information processing device). Also, the audio output unit 35 is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1, as long as it can notify the subject S of guidance, first notifications, second notifications, etc., it may be provided on the refractor head 11, the visual target display device 12, the eye examination table 13, or provided separately from them.

[0028] The ophthalmic device 10 can perform eye examinations as follows. First, as shown in Figure 1, the support mechanism 22 of the ophthalmic device 10 is rotated as appropriate so that the refractor head 11 is positioned in front of the display window 26 of the target display device 12. The subject S sits in a chair or the like and assumes an eye examination posture facing the display window 26 of the target display device 12 with the refractor head 11 on the eye examination table 13 between them. Then, the ophthalmic device 10 adjusts the vertical height between the refractor head 11 and the target display device 12 to match the height of the subject S's eye, and the height of the eye examination unit 21 is finely adjusted by extending or retracting the support column 22a to fit the eye.

[0029] Subsequently, the ophthalmic device 10 displays a target 25 for eye examination tailored to the purpose on the target display device 12, and adjusts the optical element units 24 of the left and right eye examination units 21 to present the target 25 at an arbitrary examination distance. The ophthalmic device 10 performs the examination at an arbitrary examination distance for the eye by having the subject S fixate on the target image through the eye examination windows 23 of the left and right eye examination units 21. Then, the ophthalmic device 10 changes the power of the refractive lenses and prisms of each optical element unit 24 in the refractor head 11 according to how the target 25 appears in this state, thereby obtaining examination results that correct refractive errors, strabismus, etc., when viewed at an arbitrary examination distance.

[0030] Next, the course eye examination process performed in the ophthalmic device 10 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 3. This course eye examination process is executed by the control unit 14 based on a program stored in the internal memory, etc. The flowchart in Figure 3 starts when the course eye examination mode is selected in the ophthalmic device 10.

[0031] Step S1 involves providing instructions on the examination method, followed by a step S2. In Step S1, instructions on the examination method are provided. In Embodiment 1, the LCD display unit 32 of the controller 15 displays a video including the type of examination to be performed, an overview of each examination, and points to note during each examination. By watching this video, the subject S can understand the flow of various examination methods. This instruction on the examination method may also be provided by displaying the video on another display or by providing audio from the audio output unit 35. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, if the examiner E is present, the instruction on the examination method may be given verbally by the examiner E.

[0032] Step S2 involves obtaining data on subject S and proceeding to step S3. In step S2, various data on subject S's eye are obtained. This data can be, for example, the results of tests performed prior to the current test.

[0033] Step S3 involves performing a course eye examination and proceeding to Step S4. In Step S3, a course eye examination, that is, various types of eye examinations, are performed in sequence. Step S3 includes, for example, spherical power testing, which includes spherical tests, distance visual acuity tests, and red-green tests; astigmatism axis angle testing and astigmatism power testing using a cross cylinder; binocular balance testing to make the accommodation amounts of the right and left eyes as equal as possible; and add power testing to measure the difference in power between the distance and near vision parts. The order in which these tests are performed may be as described above or in any other order. Furthermore, in Step S3, tests may be selected from the examples provided as appropriate, and tests other than those described may also be performed; the test is not limited to the examples given above.

[0034] In step S4, the test results are acquired, and the eye examination process for this course is completed. In step S4, the control unit 14 acquires the test results from the various tests performed in step S3. Also in step S4, the control unit 14 displays the acquired test results on the liquid crystal display unit 32 of the controller 15 as appropriate.

[0035] This allows the ophthalmic device 10 to perform various examinations of the eye being examined. Here, since the various examinations described above are subjective eye examinations based on the subject's vision, it is desirable that the subject S can adjust the device to achieve the best possible vision. For this reason, the ophthalmic device 10 of this disclosure allows the subject S to adjust their vision using the rotation operation unit 33 and the determination operation unit 34 of the controller 15. This will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0036] First, the ophthalmic device 10 has a control unit 14 that sets the data obtained as in step S2 of the course eye examination process as a predicted value Vp, and sets a value far from the predicted value Vp as the starting value Vs. Here, the predicted value Vp is thought to be close to the actual examination value of the eye being examined, since it uses the results of an examination performed before the current examination. This far value is a value in which the appearance is clearly different from that of the predicted value Vp, and is set to a value closer to the predicted value Vp than the limit of the maximum adjustment range Rm that can be adjusted by the rotation operation unit 33. Therefore, by adjusting the starting value Vs toward the predicted value Vp, it is possible to shorten the time it takes to approach the predicted value Vp while reliably grasping the change in appearance. Note that although the starting value Vs is set to the left in the rotation direction of the rotation operation unit 33 relative to the predicted value Vp, it may also be set to the right, and is not limited to the example shown in Figure 4.

[0037] Furthermore, when the control unit 14 sets an operation start value Vs, it notifies the voice output unit 35 of the operation direction Do from that operation start value Vs toward the predicted value Vp. That is, in the example shown in Figure 4, the control unit 14 notifies the operation direction Do, such as "Please rotate the rotation operation unit 33 clockwise." Therefore, in Embodiment 1, the voice output unit 35 functions as a direction notification unit that notifies the subject S of the operation direction Do from the operation start value Vs toward the predicted value Vp. This operation direction Do is the increase or decrease direction, indicating whether the increase or decrease operation on the increase / decrease operation unit will increase or decrease the numerical value. Note that the direction notification unit only needs to notify the subject S of the operation direction Do (increase / decrease direction), and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1. However, since the subject S looks into the eye examination window 23 of each eye examination unit 21 while the examination is being performed, it is desirable that the notification can be made while maintaining this state. One example of such a configuration is to display the direction of operation, "Do," using symbols or characters such as arrows around the target 25 displayed by the target display device 12.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 14 sets the effective adjustment range Re based on the predicted value Vp. This effective adjustment range Re is adjustable by the rotation operation of the rotary operation unit 33. In other words, when the effective adjustment range Re is set, the rotary operation unit 33 is prevented from exceeding the effective adjustment range Re. Here, the effective adjustment range Re may limit the range of physical rotation operation of the rotary operation unit 33, or it may limit only the change in value without restricting the rotation operation of the rotary operation unit 33. The effective adjustment range Re includes at least the predicted value Vp and is smaller than the maximum adjustment range Rm. Here, in the example of Figure 4, the effective adjustment range Re includes the operation start value Vs, but it may not include it. If it does not include the Vs, when the rotary operation unit 33 is rotated from the operation start value Vs toward the predicted value Vp, control should be started to limit the range adjustable by rotation to the effective adjustment range Re after the value indicated by the rotary operation unit 33 enters the effective adjustment range Re.

[0039] Then, after the control unit 14 has given instructions to start the corresponding test, if the rotation operation unit 33 is not rotated after a predetermined time has elapsed, it will cause the voice output unit 35 to send a first notification prompting the user to rotate the unit. This first notification may be, for example, "Please rotate the rotation operation unit 33 to a position where the target 25 is easily visible" or "Please rotate the rotation operation unit 33 to find a position where the target 25 is easily visible." This first notification is not limited to the above examples and can be set appropriately according to the content of the test, as long as it prompts the user to rotate the unit.

[0040] In addition, if a rotation operation is performed on the rotation operation unit 33 but a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 14 will send a second notification to the voice output unit 35 prompting the decision operation. Here, for example, in a situation where adjustment is required so that the appearance of two test values ​​arranged by the rotation operation becomes the same, there may be cases where the appearance of the two test values ​​does not become the same, and the appearance of one and the other becomes reversed. In such a case, the subject S may be confused, repeatedly performing the rotation operation on the rotation operation unit 33 because the appearance of the two test values ​​does not become the same. Anticipating such a situation, the second notification could be something like, "Please perform the decision operation when the appearance of the two test values ​​arranged by the rotation operation becomes roughly the same," to alleviate the subject S's confusion. This second notification is not limited to the above example and can be set appropriately according to the content of the test, as long as it prompts the rotation operation.

[0041] Based on these considerations, in Embodiment 1, the audio output unit 35 also functions as an action notification unit that notifies the subject S of actions for the examination. The action notification unit only needs to notify the subject S of the first and second notifications, and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1. However, since the subject S looks into the eye examination window 23 of the eye examination unit 21 while undergoing the examination, it is desirable that notifications can be made while maintaining this state. One example of such a configuration is to display the first and second notifications in text around the eye target 25 displayed by the eye target display device 12.

[0042] Next, the self-examination process performed in the ophthalmic device 10 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 5. This self-examination process allows the subject S to perform an examination of the visual function of their eye by themselves using the ophthalmic device 10. The self-examination process may be performed when any one of the examinations is selected, or it may be performed in accordance with each examination performed in the course eye examination process in step S3 of the course eye examination process shown in Figure 3 above. This self-examination process is executed by the control unit 14 based on a program stored in the internal memory or the like.

[0043] Step S10 involves providing instructions on the examination method and proceeding to Step S11. Step S10 involves providing instructions on the examination method. In Embodiment 1, the LCD display unit 32 of the controller 15 displays a video that includes an overview of the examination to be performed, points to note, and how to rotate the rotation operation unit 33 in relation to the appearance of the visual target 25. By watching this video, the subject S can learn about the operations to be performed during the examination and how the visual target 25 will appear. This instruction on the examination method may also be provided by displaying the video on another display or by providing audio from the audio output unit 35.

[0044] Step S11 sets the starting value Vs and proceeds to step S12. In step S11, previous data from the same test on the eye of subject S is obtained and set as the predicted value Vp, and a value far from that is set as the starting value Vs. In addition, step S11 sets the effective adjustment range Re which includes the predicted value Vp. Therefore, step S11 is a step to set the predicted value Vp and a step to set the starting value Vs.

[0045] Step S12 involves notifying the operation direction Do and proceeding to step S13. In step S12, the operation direction Do, moving from the operation start value Vs to the predicted value Vp, is notified to the audio output unit 35, which acts as a direction notification unit. From step S12 onward, when the rotation operation unit 33 is rotated, the presentation of the target 25 is changed according to the degree of the rotation operation (step amount).

[0046] In step S13, it is determined whether or not a rotation operation was performed. If YES (rotation operation was performed), proceed to step S15; if NO (rotation operation was not performed), proceed to step S14. In this step S13, it is determined whether or not a rotation operation was performed on the rotation operation unit 33.

[0047] Step S14 sends a first notification and returns to step S13. In step S14, if the rotation operation unit 33 has not been rotated even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification of the operation direction Do in step S12, a first notification prompting the rotation operation is sent to the audio output unit 35.

[0048] In step S15, it is determined whether or not a decision operation has been performed. If YES (a decision operation has been performed), the process proceeds to step S17; if NO (a decision operation has not been performed), the process proceeds to step S16. In this step S15, it is determined whether or not a decision operation has been performed by the decision operation unit 34.

[0049] Step S16 involves sending a second notification and returning to step S15. In step S16, if a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since it was determined in step S13 that a rotation operation has been performed, but the decision operation unit 34 has not performed a decision operation, a second notification prompting the decision operation is sent to the audio output unit 35.

[0050] In step S17, the inspection value is determined, and this self-inspection process is terminated. In step S17, the value indicated by the rotation operation unit 33 when the determination operation unit 34 is performed is determined as the inspection value.

[0051] Furthermore, in the self-check process described above, if steps S14 and S16 are repeated multiple times, an upper limit may be set on the elapsed time or number of times each step is reached, and the self-check process itself may be terminated. This is because, since the problem has not been resolved in the first or second notification, it is considered appropriate to stop the self-check process at this point.

[0052] Next, the flow of the self-examination process (each step) described above will be explained. In this self-examination process, when the subject S faces the refractor head 11 of the ophthalmic device 10 and sets their face in a predetermined position, and the predetermined examination of the eye is started, the process proceeds from step S10 to S11 to S12. Then, the control unit 14 instructs the subject on the examination method, sets the operation start value Vs and the effective adjustment range Re, and notifies the operation direction Do to the voice output unit 35.

[0053] Then, the subject S, while looking at the target 25 presented by the refractor head 11 and the target display device 12, rotates the rotation operation unit 33 in the operation direction Do to adjust the appearance of the target 25 so that it appears as instructed in the examination method. Here, for example, if the examination being performed is a spherical power test or an astigmatism power test, the control unit 14 makes it possible to adjust the appearance of the target 25 by changing the optical elements of the ophthalmography unit 21 of the refractor head 11 in response to the rotation operation. This is a step in which the manner in which the target is presented is adjusted by adjusting the optical settings for the eye being examined in the ophthalmography unit, as an example. Also, for example, if the examination being performed is an astigmatism axis angle test, the control unit 14 makes it possible to adjust the appearance of the target 25 by changing the orientation of the optical elements of the ophthalmography unit 21 of the refractor head 11 and the target display device 12 in the rotation direction in response to the rotation operation. This involves adjusting the presentation of the visual target by, for example, adjusting the orientation of the visual target displayed by the visual target display device.

[0054] Subsequently, when the subject S sees the target 25 as instructed in the examination method, the subject S stops rotating the rotation unit 33 and performs a decision operation on the decision unit 34. Then, the self-examination process proceeds to steps S13 → S15 → S17, and the control unit 14 sets the value indicated by the rotation unit 33 when the decision unit 34 performs the decision operation as the examination value. In this way, the ophthalmic device 10 can set the value at which the subject S sees the target 25 appropriately as the examination value, and obtain an examination value that the subject S is satisfied with.

[0055] Furthermore, if the rotation control unit 33 is not rotated after a predetermined time has elapsed since step S12, the self-examination process proceeds to step S14, where the control unit 14 sends a first notification to the audio output unit 35 prompting the rotation operation. In this way, the ophthalmic device 10 can inform the subject S that it is time to adjust by rotating the rotation control unit 33. This allows the ophthalmic device 10 to appropriately facilitate the examination even if the subject S does not know what action to take or whether it is okay to start adjusting on their own.

[0056] Furthermore, if the decision operation unit 34 does not perform a decision operation after a predetermined time has elapsed since step S14, the self-examination process proceeds to step S16, where the control unit 14 causes the voice output unit 35 to send a second notification prompting the decision operation. In this way, the ophthalmic device 10 informs the subject S that it is time to determine the test value by performing a decision operation on the decision operation unit 34, and allows the subject S to understand the optimal point for adjustment through rotation. As a result, the ophthalmic device 10 can appropriately facilitate the examination even if the subject S does not know how to make a decision or has forgotten to perform a decision operation.

[0057] In conventional ophthalmic devices, the starting point for adjustment is often set near the previously obtained test result to facilitate adjustment by the patient rotating the rotating control unit. However, with this configuration, it becomes difficult for the patient to grasp the changes in how the target appears, and they may end up moving back and forth near the starting value, making it difficult to determine the position that provides the appropriate appearance (see arrow A in Figure 4). This is particularly noticeable in patients who have little knowledge of or are unfamiliar with the examination.

[0058] In response to this, the ophthalmic device 10 has a control unit 14 that sets a value far from the predicted value Vp as the starting value Vs of the operation, sets this starting value Vs as the starting point for the rotation operation by the rotation operation unit 33, and notifies the voice output unit 35 of the direction of operation Do from the starting value Vs toward the predicted value Vp. As a result, the ophthalmic device 10 can reliably enable the subject S to grasp the change in how the target 25 appears with respect to the rotation operation, as well as the degree of change in appearance in relation to the degree of rotation operation. Therefore, the ophthalmic device 10 can reliably enable the subject S to grasp the value at which the target 25 appears appropriately, and makes it easy for the subject S to adjust to the appropriate value through their own rotation operation. Thus, even if the subject S has little knowledge of or is unfamiliar with the examination, the ophthalmic device 10 can reliably, quickly, and appropriately determine the examination value through the subject S's own rotation operation.

[0059] Furthermore, the ophthalmic device 10 has a control unit 14 that sets an effective adjustment range Re including the predicted value Vp, which prevents the patient S from setting a value far from the appropriate value due to their own rotation operation of the rotation unit 33, making it difficult to adjust to the appropriate value. For this reason, the ophthalmic device 10 enables the determination of examination values ​​more reliably, quickly, and appropriately by the patient S's own rotation operation of the rotation unit 33.

[0060] Furthermore, if the ophthalmic device 10 changes the presentation of the visual target 25 by rotating the rotation operation unit 33 under the control of the control unit 14, it can be applied simply by setting the rotation operation unit 33 to the operation start value Vs. For this reason, the ophthalmic device 10 can be configured with a minimum number of newly introduced components, and existing ophthalmic devices can be effectively utilized.

[0061] The ophthalmic device 10 can be adjusted by rotating the rotation control unit 33, allowing the patient S to adjust it intuitively. Furthermore, the ophthalmic device 10 can determine the test value by pressing the determination control unit 34, which is different from the rotation operation, thus allowing the test value to appropriately reflect the patient S's intentions. In other words, the ophthalmic device 10 requires two different operations: adjustment by rotating the rotation control unit 33, and determination of the result of that adjustment by determining the value using the determination control unit 34. Therefore, the ophthalmic device 10 allows for easy operation while enabling the patient to intuitively adjust the test value and then appropriately determine the result.

[0062] The ophthalmic device 10 of Embodiment 1 of the ophthalmic device according to this disclosure can obtain the following effects. The ophthalmic device 10 includes an eye examination unit 21 and an eye target display device 12, which serve as an eye target presentation unit and allow adjustment of the presentation manner for presenting the eye target 25 to the eye under examination, and a rotation operation unit 33, which allows rotation as an increase / decrease operation for increasing or decreasing a numerical value. The ophthalmic device 10 also includes a control unit 14 that changes the presentation manner of the eye target 25 by the eye examination unit 21 and the eye target display device 12 by rotating the rotation operation unit 33, and an audio output unit 35 that serves as a direction notification unit for notifying the direction of rotation of the rotation operation unit 33. The control unit 14 sets the presentation manner of the eye target 25 that is expected to be suitable for the eye under examination as a predicted value Vp, and sets an operation start value Vs that will result in a presentation manner of the eye target 25 different from the predicted value Vp. The control unit 14 then sets the rotation operation unit 33 to the operation start value Vs and notifies the operation direction Do from the operation start value Vs to the predicted value Vp via the audio output unit 35. Therefore, the ophthalmic device 10 can reliably enable the subject S to determine the value at which the visual target 25 appears appropriate, and it can also easily adjust the value to an appropriate level through the subject S's own rotational operation.

[0063] Furthermore, the ophthalmic device 10's control unit 14 uses the past presentation pattern of the visual target 25, which is suitable for the eye being examined, as a predicted value Vp. Therefore, the ophthalmic device 10 can set an operation start value Vs and an operation direction Do that are suitable for the eye being examined, making it easy for the subject S to determine appropriate test values ​​through their own rotational operation.

[0064] Furthermore, the ophthalmic device 10 has a control unit 14 that sets an effective adjustment range Re narrower than the maximum adjustment range Rm that can be adjusted by the rotation operation of the rotation operation unit 33, and this effective adjustment range Re includes the predicted value Vp. Therefore, the ophthalmic device 10 can prevent the subject S from setting a value far from the value that appears appropriate due to the subject's own rotation operation of the rotation operation unit 33, which can make it difficult to adjust to the value that appears appropriate.

[0065] The ophthalmic device 10 further includes a determination operation unit 34 that determines the presentation of the target 25 indicated by the rotation position of the rotation operation unit 33. Therefore, the ophthalmic device 10 can be intuitively adjusted by the subject S through rotation, while the test value can be determined by a determination operation separate from the rotation operation, thereby obtaining a test value that appropriately reflects the subject S's intentions.

[0066] The ophthalmic device 10 further includes an audio output unit 35 as an action notification unit that notifies the user of actions for the examination. When the control unit 14 determines that no rotation operation has been performed on the rotation operation unit 33, it causes the audio output unit 35 to send a first notification prompting the user to perform the rotation operation. When the control unit 14 determines that no rotation operation has been performed on the rotation operation unit 33 but no decision operation has been performed on the decision operation unit 34, it causes the audio output unit 35 to send a second notification prompting the user to perform the decision operation. As a result, the ophthalmic device 10 can provide appropriate advice to the patient S according to the situation in which a rotation operation is performed on the rotation operation unit 33 and the situation in which a decision operation is performed on the decision operation unit 34, thereby appropriately facilitating the examination.

[0067] The ophthalmic device 10 has a target presentation unit which includes a target display device 12 that displays a target 25 and an optometry unit 21 that displays the target 25 under arbitrary optical characteristics. The presentation of the target 25 is adjusted by adjusting the optical settings for the eye being examined in the optometry unit 21. Therefore, the ophthalmic device 10 can adjust the presentation of the target 25 with a simple configuration and can accommodate various examinations.

[0068] The ophthalmic device 10 has a target presentation unit which includes a target display device 12 that displays a target 25 and an optometry unit 21 that displays the target 25 under arbitrary optical characteristics. The presentation of the target 25 is adjusted by adjusting the orientation of the target 25 displayed by the target display device 12. Therefore, the ophthalmic device 10 can adjust the presentation of the target 25 with a simple configuration and can accommodate various examinations.

[0069] Therefore, in the ophthalmic device 10 as one embodiment of the ophthalmic device according to this disclosure, the subject S can quickly obtain appropriate examination results by operating the rotation operation unit 33.

[0070] Although the ophthalmic apparatus of this disclosure has been described above based on Embodiment 1, the specific configuration is not limited to Embodiment 1, and changes or additions to the design are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention as described in each claim of the patent.

[0071] For example, in Embodiment 1, the target presentation unit is composed of an optometry unit 21 and a target display device 12. However, the target presentation unit is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1 above, as it is capable of presenting the target 25 to the eye under the control of the control unit 14 and adjusting the manner of presentation.

[0072] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the controller 15 is provided with a rotation operation unit 33 and a decision operation unit 34. However, the location and configuration of the rotation operation unit 33 and the decision operation unit 34 can be set as appropriate, as long as the subject S can perform rotation and decision operations, and are not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1 described above. For example, the rotation operation unit 33 and the decision operation unit 34 may be made up of a jog dial, which is a rotary selector that operates with a simple action of "turning and pressing" the dial. Alternatively, for example, the controller 15 may have a simple configuration consisting only of the rotation operation unit 33 and the decision operation unit 34.

[0073] Furthermore, Embodiment 1 shows a rotary operation unit 33 as an example of an increase / decrease operation unit, which can increase or decrease a numerical value by rotation. However, the increase / decrease operation unit may have any other configuration as long as it can increase or decrease a numerical value, and is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1. Other configurations include, for example, an arrow icon or button indicating the direction of the increase or decrease of the numerical value, an icon or button paired left and right or up and down that allows selection of increase and decrease, or a wheel that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions, like a mouse wheel.

[0074] Furthermore, the following is disclosed in relation to the above description of Embodiment 1. (1) A target presentation unit that presents a target to the eye under examination and allows adjustment of the manner of presentation, An increase / decrease operation unit that allows for increasing or decreasing the numerical value, A control unit that changes the manner in which the target is presented by the target presentation unit by increasing or decreasing the amount of the increase / decrease operation unit, The system includes a direction notification unit that notifies the direction of increase or decrease of the increase or decrease operation of the increase / decrease operation unit, The ophthalmic apparatus is characterized in that the control unit sets an operation start value for an operation that is different from the predicted value, using as a predicted value an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that unit sets as a starting value an operation start value for an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that unit sets as a starting value an operation start value for an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that unit sets as a starting value an operation start value for an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that set as a starting value (2) The ophthalmic apparatus according to (1), characterized in that the increase / decrease operation unit is a rotary operation unit that increases or decreases a numerical value by rotation. (3) The ophthalmic apparatus according to (1) or (2), characterized in that the control unit uses the past presentation patterns of the visual target that were suitable for the eye under examination as the predicted value. (4) The control unit sets an effective adjustment range that is narrower than the maximum adjustment range that can be adjusted by the increase / decrease operation of the increase / decrease operation unit, The ophthalmic device according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that the effective adjustment range includes the predicted value. (5) The ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising a determination operation unit which determines the manner in which the target is presented as indicated by the operating position of the increase / decrease operation unit. (6) Furthermore, it is equipped with an operation notification unit that notifies the operator of an operation for inspection, If the control unit determines that no increase or decrease operation is performed on the increase / decrease operation unit, it causes the operation notification unit to send a first notification prompting the increase or decrease operation. The ophthalmic apparatus according to (5), characterized in that, when it is determined that an increase or decrease operation has been performed on the increase / decrease operation unit but a decision operation has not been performed on the decision operation unit, the operation notification unit is instructed to issue a second notification prompting a decision operation. (7) The ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the target presentation unit comprises a target display device for displaying the target and an ophthalmological unit for displaying the target displayed by the target display device under arbitrary optical characteristics, and the manner of presentation of the target is adjusted by adjusting the optical settings for the eye to be examined in the ophthalmological unit. (8) The ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the target presentation unit comprises a target display device for displaying the target and an ophthalmological unit for displaying the target displayed by the target display device under arbitrary optical characteristics, and the manner of presentation of the target is adjusted by adjusting the orientation of the target displayed by the target display device. (9) A target presentation unit that presents a target to the eye under examination and allows adjustment of the manner of presentation, An increase / decrease operation unit that allows for increasing or decreasing the numerical value, A control unit that changes the manner in which the target is presented by the target presentation unit by increasing or decreasing the amount of the increase / decrease operation unit, A control method by the control unit of an ophthalmic device comprising a direction notification unit that notifies the direction of increase or decrease of the increase or decrease operation of the increase or decrease operation unit, A step of setting a predicted value for the manner in which the visual target is presented that is expected to be suitable for the eye under examination, The steps include setting an operation start value that results in a presentation of the target that differs from the predicted value, A control method characterized by including the step of setting the increase / decrease operation unit as the operation start value and notifying the operation direction from the operation start value to the predicted value using the direction notification unit. (10) The target presentation unit comprises a target display device that displays the target, and an optometry unit that displays the target displayed by the target display device under arbitrary optical characteristics, The control method according to (9), characterized by including the step of adjusting the manner in which the visual target is presented by adjusting the optical settings for the eye to be examined in the optometry unit. (11) The target presentation unit comprises a target display device that displays the target and an optometry unit that displays the target displayed by the target display device under arbitrary optical characteristics, The control method according to (9), characterized in that it includes the step of adjusting the manner in which the target is presented by adjusting the orientation of the target displayed by the target display device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 10 Ophthalmic device 12 (As an example of a target presentation unit) Target display device 14 Control unit 21 (As an example of a target presentation unit) Ophthalmography unit 25 Target 33 (As an example of an increase / decrease operation unit) Rotation operation unit 34 Decision operation unit 35 (As an example of a direction notification unit) Audio output unit Do Operation direction Re Effective adjustment range Rm Maximum adjustment range Vp Predicted value Vs Operation start value

Claims

1. A target presentation unit that presents a target to the eye under examination and allows adjustment of the presentation method, An increase / decrease operation unit that allows for increasing or decreasing the numerical value, A control unit that changes the manner in which the target is presented by the target presentation unit by increasing or decreasing the amount of the increase / decrease operation unit, The system includes a direction notification unit that notifies the direction of increase or decrease of the increase or decrease operation of the increase / decrease operation unit, The ophthalmic apparatus is characterized in that the control unit sets an operation start value for an operation that is different from the predicted value, using as a predicted value an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that unit sets as a starting value an operation start value for an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that unit sets as a starting value an operation start value for an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that unit sets as a starting value an operation start value for an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that is predicted to be suitable for the eye under examination an operation that set as a starting value

2. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the increase / decrease operation unit is a rotation operation unit that increases or decreases a numerical value by rotation.

3. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit uses the past presentation patterns of the visual target that were suitable for the eye under examination as the predicted value.

4. The control unit sets an effective adjustment range that is narrower than the maximum adjustment range that can be adjusted by the increase / decrease operation of the increase / decrease operation unit. The ophthalmic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the effective adjustment range includes the predicted value.

5. Furthermore, the ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized by comprising a determination operation unit that determines the manner in which the visual target is presented, as indicated by the operating position of the increase / decrease operation unit.

6. Furthermore, it is equipped with an operation notification unit that notifies the operator of an operation for inspection, If the control unit determines that no increase or decrease operation is performed on the increase / decrease operation unit, it causes the operation notification unit to send a first notification prompting the increase or decrease operation. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, if it is determined that an increase or decrease operation has been performed on the increase / decrease operation unit but a decision operation has not been performed on the decision operation unit, the operation notification unit is instructed to issue a second notification prompting a decision operation.

7. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the target presentation unit comprises a target display device that displays the target and an eye examination unit that displays the target displayed by the target display device under arbitrary optical characteristics, and the manner of presentation of the target is adjusted by adjusting the optical settings for the eye to be examined in the eye examination unit.

8. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the target presentation unit comprises a target display device for displaying the target and an optometry unit for displaying the target displayed by the target display device under arbitrary optical characteristics, and the manner of presentation of the target is adjusted by adjusting the orientation of the target displayed by the target display device.

9. A target presentation unit that presents a target to the eye under examination and allows adjustment of the presentation method, An increase / decrease operation unit that allows for increasing or decreasing the numerical value, A control unit that changes the manner in which the target is presented by the target presentation unit by increasing or decreasing the amount of the increase / decrease operation unit, A control method by the control unit of an ophthalmic device comprising a direction notification unit that notifies the direction of increase or decrease of the increase or decrease operation of the increase or decrease operation unit, A step of setting a predicted value for the manner in which the visual target is presented that is expected to be suitable for the eye under examination, The steps include setting an operation start value that results in a presentation of the target that differs from the predicted value, A control method characterized by including the step of setting the increase / decrease operation unit as the operation start value and notifying the operation direction from the operation start value to the predicted value using the direction notification unit.

10. The target presentation unit comprises a target display device that displays the target, and an optometry unit that displays the target displayed by the target display device under arbitrary optical characteristics. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that it includes the step of adjusting the manner in which the visual target is presented by adjusting the optical settings for the eye to be examined in the optometry unit.

11. The target presentation unit comprises a target display device that displays the target, and an optometry unit that displays the target displayed by the target display device under arbitrary optical characteristics. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that it includes the step of adjusting the manner in which the target is presented by adjusting the orientation of the target displayed by the target display device.

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