Ophthalmic examination equipment

Abstract

To provide ophthalmic examination equipment that allows for easy optimization of the balance between component lifespan and inspection efficiency for each facility. [Solution] The ophthalmic examination device comprises an observation optical system for acquiring observational images of the eye under examination, an examination means for examining the eye under examination, and a control means. The observation optical system includes a scanning optical system that continuously drives an optical element for irradiating light into the observation range of the eye under examination to scan the light over the tissue of the eye under examination. The control means sets, according to user selection, a first period which is a series of periods in which adjustment operations of the examination conditions in the examination means and examination operations on the eye under examination are performed at least, and a second period which is the period from the end of the first period to the start of the next first period, a first mode in which the continuous driving of the optical element is continued during the first period, and a second mode in which the continuous driving of the optical element is continued during both the first and second periods.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In the field of ophthalmology, various ophthalmic examination devices used for photographing and measuring an eye to be examined (hereinafter collectively referred to as "examination") are known.

[0003] Many ophthalmic examination devices are provided with an observation optical system for acquiring an observation image used for observing an eye to be examined. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that acquires a scanning optical system that two-dimensionally scans light from a laser light source on an observation site and acquires an observation image based on the returned light from the scan as an observation optical system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When two-dimensionally scanning a light beam on an observation site as in Patent Document 1, for example, an optical scanner for main scanning operates very fast. It may take about several tens of seconds from the start of driving the optical scanner for main scanning until it reaches the required speed. In addition, each time the optical scanner starts driving, it may require a certain amount of time for preparation operations, operation checks, etc. Further, for example, it may take time from the start of output of the light source of the observation optical system until the output (light amount) stabilizes. Due to at least any one of these factors, a waiting time during which the examination cannot proceed may occur.

[0006] On the other hand, if optical elements such as optical scanners or laser light sources are continuously driven even when not acquiring observation images, it is conceivable that the wear and tear on these optical elements will accelerate.

[0007] In contrast, this disclosure addresses one of the problems of the prior art, and aims to provide an ophthalmic inspection device that allows for easy optimization of the balance between component lifespan and inspection efficiency for each facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An ophthalmic examination apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an ophthalmic examination apparatus for examining an eye to be examined, comprising: an observation optical system for acquiring an observation image of the eye to be examined; an examination means for examining the eye to be examined; and a control means, wherein the observation optical system includes a scanning optical system that continuously drives an optical element for irradiating light into the observation range of the eye to be examined to scan light over the tissue of the eye to be examined, and the control means sets, according to the user's selection, a first period which is a series of periods in which adjustment operations of examination conditions in the examination means and examination operations on the eye to be examined are performed at least; and a second period which is the period from the end of the first period to the start of the next first period, a first mode in which the continuous driving of the optical element is continued during the first period; and a second mode in which the continuous driving of the optical element is continued during both the first period and the second period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide ophthalmic inspection equipment that makes it easy to optimize the balance between component lifespan and inspection efficiency for each facility. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of the ophthalmic examination device in the example. [Figure 2] This figure shows the operation of the ophthalmic examination device of the embodiment, for both the first mode and the second mode. [Figure 3]This is a diagram illustrating the sleep mode of the ophthalmic examination device in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] "overview" The ophthalmic examination device of this embodiment is used to examine the eye of a subject. After the examination is performed and the examination results are saved to storage, the ophthalmic examination device is also used for analyzing the examination results, viewing the examination results or the analysis results of the examination results, generating reports based on the examination results or analysis results, and data transfer.

[0012] The examination may involve either imaging or measuring the eye under examination. Specific examples of ophthalmic examination devices used for imaging include OCT (optical coherence tomography) and SLO (Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope). Specific examples of ophthalmic examination devices used for measurement include visual function testing devices with observation systems (e.g., perimeters, ERGs, ORGs). However, the ophthalmic examination device may be a combination of multiple modalities as shown in the examples. Furthermore, the ophthalmic examination device may be a modality different from any of the multiple modalities shown in the examples.

[0013] In this embodiment, the ophthalmic examination apparatus comprises at least an observation optical system, an examination unit, and a control unit.

[0014] The examination unit includes, for example, the optical system used for the examination. For example, if the ophthalmic examination device is an OCT, the examination unit includes the OCT optical system. For example, if the ophthalmic examination device is an SLO, the examination unit includes the SLO optical system. In this case, the examination unit may also be used for observation optical systems. Furthermore, if the ophthalmic examination device is a visual function testing device, the examination unit includes a stimulus light projection system (or a visual target projection system).

[0015] The observation optical system is used to acquire observation images. The observation images are live images (real-time moving images) of the tissue of the eye being examined. The observation optical system in this embodiment includes a scanning optical system that continuously drives optical elements to illuminate the observation range of the eye being examined with light and scans the tissue of the eye being examined with light. Examples of continuously driven optical elements include a light source and an optical scanner. These optical elements are required to operate stably during scanning. It is known that the cost of these optical elements generally accounts for a large proportion of the cost of the observation optical system.

[0016] The control unit is responsible for controlling and processing each part of the ophthalmic examination device. In this embodiment, the control unit sets a first mode and a second mode according to the user's selection. Between the first mode and the second mode, the drive control of the optical elements that are continuously driven to scan light over the tissue of the eye being examined in the scanning optical system differs. Specifically, the drive control of the optical elements differs during the following first period and second period while the ophthalmic examination device is powered on and operating.

[0017] Here, the first period is a series of (continuous) periods in which at least the adjustment of examination conditions in the examination unit and the examination operation on the eye to be examined are performed. In addition, the control unit may further accept input for the selection of the subject to be examined, accept input for the selection of the examination type, display the examination results before saving, and perform saving processing. At least one of the above may be included. The first period may also be a period in which the examination application software providing some or all of the above functions is started and ready for use.

[0018] The second period may be a period from the end of the first period to the start of the next first period. In the second period, the control unit may at least display the inspection results captured and stored in the immediately preceding first period. Additionally, in the second period, the control unit may analyze the inspection results and further display the analysis results, may generate and display a report based on the inspection results and the analysis results, and may transfer at least any one of the inspection results, the analysis results, and the report to another system. The second period may be a period during which viewer application software or analysis application software that provides some or all of the above functions is activated and available for use.

[0019] When the first mode is selected, the control unit continues the continuous driving of the optical element in the first period. In the second period, the control unit may stop the continuous driving of the optical element. Also, in the second mode, the control unit continues the continuous driving of the optical element in both the first period and the second period among the first period and the second period.

[0020] In the first mode, the total usage time of the optical element is suppressed, and the replacement frequency of the optical element is suppressed. On the other hand, in the second mode, imaging can proceed without waiting until the optical element reaches a state suitable for image acquisition, which is useful for examining more subjects per unit time. Therefore, by appropriately setting the first mode and the second mode for each ophthalmic facility according to the usage frequency of the ophthalmic examination device in the ophthalmic facility, it becomes easier to optimize the balance between the component life of the optical element and the inspection efficiency for each facility. As a result, it contributes to improving the productivity of the ophthalmic facility.

[0021] <Regarding the continuous drive control of the optical element in the sleep mode> The control unit may transition to a sleep mode that suppresses power consumption when no operation input from the operation means has been performed for a certain period of time. The sleep mode is a mode that restricts the power supply to some components of the ophthalmic examination device and stops the screen display.

[0022] In this embodiment, in the second mode, the control unit may continue to continuously drive the optical element even after the transition to the sleep mode. As a result, when the sleep mode is released, imaging can proceed without waiting for the optical element to reach a state suitable for image acquisition, which is useful for examining more subjects per unit time.

[0023] Furthermore, in the second mode, the control unit may stop the continuous driving of the optical element after a certain period of time has elapsed after the transition to the sleep mode. If the inspection is not resumed for a longer period after the transition to the sleep mode, the driving of the optical element is stopped, so that the consumption of the optical element is suppressed.

[0024] <Specific example of scanning optical system> As described above, the optical element whose drive control is switched between the first mode and the second mode can be either the light source or the optical scanner. In particular, when the light source is a laser light source that tends to require time until its output stabilizes, the ability to select between the first mode and the second mode as in this embodiment is effective.

[0025] Also, the optical scanner may be a polygon mirror. The polygon mirror is used for main scanning in a spot scan (in other words, a flying spot) type scanning optical system and may require about several tens of seconds to reach the required speed. Therefore, the ability to select between the first mode and the second mode as in this embodiment is effective. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and the ability to select between the first mode and the second mode is also effective when continuously driving other optical scanners such as a galvanometer scanner.

Example

[0026] Next, while referring to the drawings, the ophthalmic imaging device 1 will be described as an example of the present disclosure. The ophthalmic imaging device 1 is a combined device of OCT and SLO. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the ophthalmic imaging device 1 is assumed to image the fundus of the eye to be examined. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and parts other than the fundus, such as the anterior segment of the eye, may be imaged by the ophthalmic imaging device 1.

[0027] First, while referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the ophthalmic imaging device 1 will be described. In the description of the embodiment, the axial direction of the eye to be examined E will be described as the Z direction, the horizontal direction as the X direction, and the vertical direction as the Y direction.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the ophthalmic imaging device 1 according to the embodiment includes an imaging unit 2, a drive unit 5, a face support unit 7, and a control unit 70.

[0029] <Imaging unit> The imaging unit 2 has the main optical system in the ophthalmic imaging device 1. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 2 includes an OCT optical system (interference optical system) 10, a light guiding optical system 10a, a fundus observation optical system (SLO optical system) 30, and an anterior segment observation optical system 40 (anterior segment observation optical system). The optical paths of the OCT optical system 10, the fundus observation optical system 30, and the anterior segment observation optical system 40 are branched / joined by beam splitters / combiners 16 and 17.

[0030] <OCT optical system> )]The OCT optical system 10 detects the spectral interference signal between the measurement light and the reference light irradiated to the fundus of the eye to be examined E. The OCT optical system 10 may be, for example, SD-OCT, SS-OCT, or OCT based on other imaging principles.

[0031] The OCT optical system 10 includes at least an OCT light source 11, an optical splitter 12, a reference optical system 20, and a detector 25. In this embodiment, the reference optical system 20 will be described as a reflective optical system, but it may also be a transmissive optical system.

[0032] The OCT light source 11 emits low-coherent light. The light emitted from the OCT light source 11 is split into measurement light and reference light by the optical splitter 12. In this embodiment, a coupler (splitter) is used as the optical splitter 12. The measurement light is guided to the eye under examination E via the optical guide optical system 10a, and the reference light is guided to the reference optical system 20. In Figure 1, the polarizer 13 is positioned on the reference light path. The reference light is folded back by a mirror (not shown) positioned on the reference light path, and combined with the reflected measurement light by the optical splitter 12 before being incident on the detector 25. This allows for the detection of the spectral interference signal between the reflected light and the reference light. For example, in SD-OCT, a spectrometer is used as the detector 25.

[0033] In this embodiment, a mirror (not shown) positioned in the reference optical system 20 is movable along the optical axis, and the difference in optical path length between the measurement light and the reference light is adjusted according to the position of the mirror. In addition, the polarization of the measurement light and the reference light is adjusted by the polarizer 13.

[0034] In addition, a focusing lens 14, a scanning unit (optical scanner) 15, and an objective lens 60 are arranged in the optical path between the optical splitter 12 and the eye under examination E. The optical system between the optical splitter 12 and the eye under examination E, including the focusing lens 14, the scanning unit (optical scanner) 15, and the objective lens 60, forms the light guide optical system 10a in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the focus position in the OCT optical system 10 is changed by displacing the focusing lens 14 in the direction of the optical axis.

[0035] The scanning unit 15 is used to change the acquisition position of the OCT image. The scanning unit 15 may also be used to scan the measurement light two-dimensionally in the fundus of the eye E being examined. The scanning unit 15 may include, for example, two optical scanners with different scanning directions. Each optical scanner may be a galvanometer mirror or another type of optical scanner.

[0036] The objective lens 60 guides the measurement light to the fundus of the eye under examination. The measurement light is rotated via the objective lens 60, with a rotation point at a position conjugate to the scanning unit 15. As shown in Figure 1, when the anterior segment of the eye under examination is located at the rotation point, the measurement light reaches the fundus without being vignetted by the iris, and the measurement light is scanned over the fundus based on the drive of the scanning unit 15. In this case, the focusing surface of the measurement light is formed on the fundus.

[0037] <Fundus observation optical system> The fundus observation optical system 30 is used to acquire a frontal image of the fundus as an observation image. The frontal image of the fundus is acquired as an observation image via the fundus observation optical system 30.

[0038] Figure 1 shows an SLO optical system as an example of a fundus observation optical system 30. The fundus observation optical system 30 may have at least an illumination optical system and a light-receiving optical system. The illumination optical system illuminates the imaging area of ​​the eye under examination with observation light. The light-receiving optical system receives the fundus reflected light from the observation light using a light-receiving element 39. Observation images are acquired sequentially based on the output signal from the light-receiving element 30. The fundus observation optical system 30 further includes a focus adjustment unit. The focus adjustment unit includes a focusing lens 34.

[0039] For example, a laser diode light source is used as the observation light source 31. In addition to the focusing lens 34, scanning units 35, 36 and an objective lens 60 are arranged in the observation light path. The scanning units 35, 36 scan light two-dimensionally in the area of ​​the eye being examined. In this embodiment, the scanning units 35, 36 are a combination of a polygon mirror 35 and a galvanometer scanner 36. For example, the polygon mirror 35 performs the main scan in the horizontal direction, and the galvanometer scanner 36 performs the sub-scan in the vertical direction. However, the main scan direction may be vertical and the sub-scan direction may be horizontal.

[0040] The polygon mirror 35 has multiple reflective surfaces formed on its outer circumference and is a device that scans light in one direction by rotating. In this embodiment, the polygon mirror 35 takes about 20 seconds to reach a certain speed necessary for image acquisition after starting to rotate.

[0041] Furthermore, a beam splitter 33 is positioned between the observation light source 31 and the focusing lens 34. A confocal aperture 37 and a photodetector 39 are positioned in the transmission direction of the beam splitter 33.

[0042] The observation light is reflected by the beam splitter 33 and then passes through the focusing lens 34 to the scanning units 35 and 36. After passing through the scanning units 35 and 36, the light passes through the beam splitter 17 and then shines onto the fundus of the eye being examined via the objective lens 60.

[0043] The reflected light from the fundus is guided back along the projection path to the beam splitter 33. The reflected light from the fundus passes through the beam splitter 33 and is then received by the photodetector 39 via the confocal aperture 37. Based on the received signal from the photodetector 39, a frontal image of the fundus is formed. The formed frontal image may be stored in the memory 72.

[0044] <Anterior segment observation optical system> The anterior segment observation optical system 40 is used to observe a frontal image (referred to as the observation image) of the anterior segment of the eye E under examination. The anterior segment observation optical system 40 has at least an image sensor 45. In this embodiment, an image of the anterior segment is formed on the image sensor 45. The observation image of the anterior segment acquired via the anterior segment observation optical system 40 is used for alignment and tracking control of the imaging unit 2 of the eye E under examination during fundus photography.

[0045] <Fixation projection optical system> The ophthalmic imaging device 1 further includes a fixation target projection optical system. The fixation target projection optical system may be an internal fixation lamp. The fixation target projection optical system guides the line of sight of the eye under examination E by projecting a fixation target (fixation beam) onto the eye under examination E. In this embodiment, the fixation target projection optical system can change the presentation position of the fixation target in two dimensions, and can guide the eye under examination E in multiple directions. As a result, the imaging area is changed. In this embodiment, the fixation projection optical system is also used by the fundus observation optical system 30, which is an SLO optical system. By providing a visible light source different from the observation light source and controlling the projection timing of the visible light, the fixation target is projected onto the eye under examination E.

[0046] <Drive Unit> The drive unit 5 moves the imaging unit 3 in the XYZ directions relative to the eye E under examination. The drive unit 5 has actuators for moving the imaging unit 2 in each direction and is driven based on control signals from the control unit 70.

[0047] <Face support unit> The face support unit 7 supports the subject's face so that the subject's eye E faces the imaging unit 2. The face support unit 7 may include, for example, a chin rest 7a. The subject's face is placed on the chin rest 7a. In this embodiment, the face support unit 7 has an actuator that moves the position of the chin rest 7a in the vertical direction. The chin rest 7a may also have a sensor that detects when the subject's face is placed on it.

[0048] <Control System> Next, we will explain the control system of the ophthalmic imaging device 1.

[0049] The control unit 70 of the ophthalmic imaging device 1 controls various operations of the ophthalmic imaging device 1. In this embodiment, various image processing is also performed by the control unit 70. In other words, the control unit 70 also functions as an image processor. The control unit 70 may be composed of, for example, a CPU, RAM, and ROM.

[0050] In this embodiment, the control unit 70 is connected to the monitor 80 and controls the display on the monitor 80. Furthermore, the control unit 70 is connected to the memory 72, the operation unit 85, and so on.

[0051] In this embodiment, the operating unit 85 may have a pointing device such as a mouse. Alternatively, the monitor 80 may be a touch panel display, in which case the monitor 80 also functions as the operating unit 85. The monitor 80 and the operating unit 85 may be located remotely from the ophthalmic imaging device 1 via a network or the like. .

[0052] <Operation Description> Next, the operation of the ophthalmic imaging device 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. In this embodiment, the period during which the ophthalmic imaging device 1 operates is broadly divided into the usage period of the capture application and the usage period of the analysis application.

[0053] The capture application and the analysis application are to be used interchangeably. In this embodiment, the analysis application can be called from the capture application, and vice versa. This allows the capture application and the analysis application to be launched seamlessly.

[0054] For example, in this embodiment, the capture application primarily handles a series of shooting operations. Specifically, it is responsible for selecting the subject to be photographed, selecting the type of shooting, adjusting the shooting conditions, executing the shooting, confirming the shooting results before saving, and executing the saving. In this embodiment, for example, the type of shooting is selected by selecting the OCT scan pattern type, the intensity OCT / OCTA type, etc. Also, in this embodiment, for example, the shooting conditions are adjusted by OPL adjustment (adjustment of the optical path length difference between the measurement optical path and the reference optical path), focus adjustment, and polarization adjustment in the OCT optical system. Furthermore, the scan length and scan position may also be adjusted as shooting conditions.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, the analysis application is primarily responsible for viewing the imaging results. Specifically, it handles selecting the subject from whom to read the imaging results, performing analysis on the captured images, displaying and viewing the imaging results, displaying and viewing the analysis results, generating reports, and transferring data. However, the specific operations of each application are merely examples.

[0056] In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the capture application and the analysis application are described as independent application programs, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the capture application and the analysis application may be integrated into a single application program. In this case, it is desirable that, for example, the screen used in a series of shooting operations and the screen used for viewing the shooting results switch selectively based on screen transitions or tab switching.

[0057] In an ophthalmic facility, the use of the ophthalmic imaging device 1 described above is expected to involve alternating use of the capture application and the analysis application. That is, it is expected that the capture application and the analysis application will be used separately each time an examination is performed on a patient.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the control unit 70 sets the drive mode of the polygon mirror 35, which is responsible for the main scan in the observation optical system 30, which is the SLO, to either a first mode or a second mode based on a selection operation by the user. The selection operation can be pre-selected, for example, through either a capture application or an analysis application.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first mode is a mode in which the polygon mirror 35 is continuously driven during the usage period of the capture application. In the first mode, the control unit 70 starts the continuous driving of the polygon mirror 35 when the capture application is started and stops the continuous driving of the polygon mirror 35 when the capture application is terminated. Therefore, in the first mode, the driving of the polygon mirror 35 is stopped during the usage period of the analysis application. In the first mode, the total usage time of the polygon mirror 35 is suppressed. As a result, the frequency of replacement of the polygon mirror 35 is suppressed. However, in this case, the standard usage time T1 of the capture application per examination (per subject) does not change from examination to examination, as shown in Figure 2.

[0060] Furthermore, the second mode is one in which the polygon mirror 35 is continuously driven during both the usage period of the capture application and the usage period of the analysis application. In the second mode of this embodiment, after the polygon mirror 35 reaches the rotation speed required for imaging, the rotation speed is maintained even during the usage period of the analysis application. By continuing to drive the polygon mirror 35 even during the usage period of the analysis application, when switching from the analysis application to the capture application and starting it up, imaging can proceed without waiting for the polygon mirror 35 to reach a sufficient rotation speed. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, in the second mode, although the standard usage time of the capture application for the first examination after power-up is T1, the same as in the first mode, for the second and subsequent examinations, the standard usage time T2 of the capture application per examination (per subject) is shortened by tens of seconds compared to T1. This reduces the waiting time during which imaging cannot proceed. Therefore, the second mode is useful for examining more subjects per unit of time.

[0061] For example, in the second mode, the continuous operation of the polygon mirror 35 may start at the time either the capture application or the analysis application is launched first after power-on. However, this is not necessarily the only option; in the second mode, the continuous operation of the polygon mirror 35 may start when the capture application is launched for the first time after power-on, and if the analysis application is launched before the capture application is launched for the first time, the continuous operation of the polygon mirror 35 may not start until the capture application is launched for the first time.

[0062] Thus, in this embodiment, a first mode in which the polygon mirror 35 is continuously driven during the usage period of the capture application, and a second mode in which the polygon mirror 35 is continuously driven during both the usage period of the capture application and the usage period of the analysis application can be selected based on the examiner's operation. By appropriately setting the first mode and the second mode for each ophthalmology facility according to the frequency of use of the ophthalmology imaging device 1 at the ophthalmology facility where the ophthalmology imaging device 1 is installed, it becomes easier to optimize the balance between the component lifespan of the polygon mirror 35 and the inspection efficiency for each facility. As a result, it contributes to improving the productivity of the ophthalmology facility.

[0063] <Sleep Mode> Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 70 transitions to a sleep mode that suppresses power consumption if no operation input is received from the operation unit 85 for a certain period of time. The sleep mode is a mode that restricts the power supply to some components of the ophthalmic examination device 1 or stops the screen display.

[0064] Here, as shown in Figure 3, in the second mode, the control unit 70 may continue to drive the polygon mirror 35 even after transitioning to sleep mode. This allows the camera to proceed with image acquisition without waiting for the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 35 to reach a state suitable for acquiring the observed image when sleep mode is released.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, in the second mode, the control unit 70 stops the continuous driving of the polygon mirror 35 after a certain period of time (8 hours in this embodiment as an example) has elapsed since the transition to sleep mode. If inspection is not resumed for a long period of time after transitioning to sleep mode, the driving of the polygon mirror 35 is stopped, thereby suppressing wear and tear on the polygon mirror 35. When sleep mode is released, the control unit 70 may restart the driving of the polygon mirror 35.

[0066] Although not shown in the diagram, in the first mode, the operation of the polygon mirror 35 is stopped when the system transitions to sleep mode. This suppresses wear and tear on the polygon mirror 35.

[0067] <Variation> Although the above description is based on examples, this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the above examples.

[0068] For example, the above embodiment shows a case where the optical element whose drive control is switched between the first mode and the second mode is the polygon mirror 35. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and the drive control of at least one of the observation light source 31 and the galvanoscanner 36 may be switched between the first mode and the second mode, instead of the polygon mirror 35, or both.

[0069] For example, in the above embodiment, it was explained that the polygon mirror 35 is stopped during the period of use of the analysis application in the first mode, and the polygon mirror 35 continues to be driven during the period of use of the analysis application in the second mode. In this case, in the above embodiment, it was assumed that in the second mode, the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 35 is maintained even during the period of use of the analysis application after it has reached the rotation speed required for imaging, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, in the second mode, the polygon mirror 35 may be driven at a lower rotation speed during the period of use of the analysis application compared to the period of use of the capture application. Even in this case, compared to the first mode, the second mode allows imaging to proceed while suppressing the waiting time until the polygon mirror 35 reaches a sufficient rotation speed.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the polygon mirror 35 is stopped during the usage period of the analysis application in the first mode, while the polygon mirror 35 continues to be driven at the same rotational speed as during the usage period of the capture application in the second mode. However, the polygon mirror 35 may be driven at a lower rotational speed than in the second mode during the usage period of the analysis application in the first mode. Even in this case, the second mode allows for faster image capture compared to the first mode, while suppressing the waiting time until the polygon mirror 35 reaches a sufficient rotational speed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 OCT device 2 shooting units 10 OCT optical system 30 Fundus observation optical system 70 Control Unit

Claims

1. An ophthalmic examination device for examining the eye under examination, An observation optical system for acquiring observational images of the eye under examination, Examination methods for examining the eye under test, Equipped with control means, The observation optical system includes a scanning optical system that continuously drives optical elements for irradiating light into the observation range of the eye under examination and scans the light over the tissue of the eye under examination, The control means is A first period is a series of periods in which at least the adjustment operation of the inspection conditions in the inspection means and the inspection operation on the eye to be examined are performed, and a second period is a period from the end of the first period to the start of the next first period, wherein the continuous driving of the optical element is continued during the first period, A second mode in which the optical element is continuously driven during both the first and second periods, An ophthalmic examination device that configures settings according to user selection.

2. In the ophthalmic examination device according to claim 1, The aforementioned optical element is an optical scanner.

3. In the ophthalmic examination apparatus according to claim 2, the optical scanner is a polygon mirror.

4. In the ophthalmic examination device according to claim 1, The optical element is a light source that emits the light.

5. In the ophthalmic examination device according to claim 1, The control means transitions to a sleep mode that suppresses power consumption when no operation input is received from the operation means for a certain period of time. In the second mode, the optical element continues to operate even after transitioning to the sleep mode.

6. In the ophthalmic examination device according to claim 5, In the second mode, the control means stops the continuous operation of the optical element after a certain period of time has elapsed since the transition to the sleep mode.

Images