Imaging method, ophthalmic equipment, and program

Abstract

Generates a high-quality fluorescence image of the eye being examined. [Solution] The imaging method includes receiving a first fluorescence from a first fluorescent substance and a second fluorescence from a second fluorescent substance different from the first fluorescent substance from the eye under examination; generating a first fluorescence image data based on the first fluorescence and a second fluorescence image data based on the second fluorescence; and generating fluorescence image data of the eye under examination using the first fluorescence image data and the second fluorescence image data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a photographing method, an ophthalmic device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses performing fluorescence imaging using a plurality of fluorescent substances. There is a demand for performing fluorescence imaging using a fluorescent substance with fewer side effects.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The photographing method according to the first aspect of the technology disclosed herein includes receiving, from an eye to be examined, first fluorescence from a first fluorescent substance and second fluorescence from a second fluorescent substance different from the first fluorescent substance; generating first fluorescence image data based on the first fluorescence and second fluorescence image data based on the second fluorescence; and generating fluorescence image data of the eye to be examined using the first fluorescence image data and the second fluorescence image data.

[0005] The ophthalmic device according to the second aspect of the technology disclosed herein includes an irradiation unit that irradiates an eye to be examined with first excitation light that excites a first fluorescent substance and second excitation light that excites a second fluorescent substance different from the first fluorescent substance; a detector unit that receives, from the eye to be examined, first fluorescence from the first fluorescent substance excited by the first excitation light and second fluorescence from the second fluorescent substance excited by the second excitation light; and a control unit that controls the irradiation unit so that the eye to be examined is irradiated with the first excitation light and the second excitation light and controls the detector unit so that the first fluorescence and the second fluorescence from the eye to be examined are received.

[0006] A third aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a program that causes a control unit to perform an imaging process of an eye to be examined, the imaging process comprising: controlling an irradiation unit so that a first excitation light for exciting a first fluorescent substance and a second excitation light for exciting a second fluorescent substance different from the first fluorescent substance are irradiated onto the eye to be examined; and controlling a detector unit so that a first fluorescence from the first fluorescent substance excited by the first excitation light and a second fluorescence from the second fluorescent substance excited by the second excitation light are received by the eye to be examined.

[0007] An ophthalmic apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure includes: an irradiation unit capable of irradiating an eye under examination with each of a plurality of excitation lights that excite each of a plurality of fluorescent substances; a detector unit capable of receiving a plurality of fluoresces from each of the plurality of fluorescent substances excited by each of the plurality of excitation lights from the patient's eye under examination; a display unit that displays combinations of a plurality of fluorescent substance patterns, each comprising two of the fluorescent substances; a selection unit for selecting one combination from the displayed plurality of fluorescent substance patterns; and a control unit that controls the irradiation unit so that the eye under examination is irradiated with two excitation lights corresponding to the selected combination, and controls the detector unit so that two fluoresces from the eye under examination corresponding to the selected combination are received, generates two fluorescence image data based on the two received fluoresces, and generates fluorescence image data of the eye under examination using the two fluorescence image data. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of the ophthalmology system 100. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the ophthalmic device 110. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of the functions of the CPU 16A of the ophthalmic device 110. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the image processing program. [Figure 5A] This figure shows a list of 500 combination patterns of fluorescent materials. [Figure 5B]This diagram shows the wavelength range of light emitted by each of the first to fourth light sources 40. [Figure 5C] This diagram shows the wavelength range of light received by each of the first sensors 70 to the third sensor 74. [Figure 5D] This is a diagram of the shooting pattern table 550. [Figure 6A] This is a diagram showing the screen for selecting the shooting timing. [Figure 6B] This diagram shows the sequence of administration displayed when the corresponding buttons are pressed simultaneously to indicate the timing of the image capture. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the first fundus image display screen 700A. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the second fundus image display screen 700B. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the third fundus image display screen 700C. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the ophthalmology system 100 will be explained. As shown in Figure 1, the ophthalmology system 100 comprises an ophthalmology device 110, an axial length measuring device 120, a management server device (hereinafter referred to as "server") 140, and an image display device (hereinafter referred to as "viewer") 150. The ophthalmology device 110 irradiates the eye under examination with excitation light while a fluorescent substance flows through the blood vessels of the eye under examination, receives the fluorescence from the fluorescent substance, and generates a fluorescence image of the eye under examination. The axial length measuring device 120 measures the axial length of the patient's eye. The server 140 stores multiple fluorescence images, axial lengths, and tomographic images obtained by taking images of the fundus of multiple patients using the ophthalmology device 110, corresponding to the patient's ID. The viewer 150 displays the fluorescence images acquired from the server 140.

[0011] The ophthalmic device 110, the axial length measuring instrument 120, the server 140, and the viewer 150 are interconnected via the network 130.

[0012] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the ophthalmic device 110 will be described. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the ophthalmic device 110.

[0013] For convenience of explanation, a scanning laser ophthalmoscope is referred to as "SLO". Also, an optical coherence tomography is referred to as "OCT".

[0014] When the ophthalmic device 110 is installed on a horizontal plane, the horizontal direction is the "X direction", the vertical direction with respect to the horizontal plane is the "Y direction", and the optical axis direction of the imaging optical system 19 described later is the "Z direction". The device is arranged with respect to the subject eye so that the pupil center of the subject eye is located on the optical axis in the Z direction. And the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0015] The ophthalmic device 110 includes an imaging device 14 and a control device 16. The imaging device 14 includes an SLO unit 18 that acquires an image of the fundus 12A of the subject eye 12, an OCT unit 20 that acquires a tomographic image of the subject eye 12, and an imaging optical system 19.

[0016] The control device 16 includes a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory) 16B, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 16C, and an input / output (I / O) port 16D and is equipped with a computer having. The ROM 16C (or a storage device not shown) stores an imaging processing program described later and identification data of the fluorescent substance.

[0017] The control device 16 includes an input / output display device 16E connected to the CPU 16A via the I / O port 16D. The input / output display device 16E has a graphic user interface for displaying an image of the eye under examination 12 and receiving various instructions from the user. The input / output display device 16E can use a touch panel display.

[0018] The control device 16 includes an IC chip reader 16F connected to the I / O port 16D.

[0019] The control device 16 includes an image processing device 16G connected to the I / O port 16D. The image processing device 16G generates an image of the eye under examination 12 based on the data obtained by the imaging device 14. The control device 16 includes a communication interface (I / F) 16H connected to the I / O port 16D. The ophthalmic device 110 is connected to the axial length measuring device 120, the server 140, and the viewer 150 via the communication interface (I / F) 16H and the network 130.

[0020] As described above, in FIG. 2, the control device 16 of the ophthalmic device 110 includes the input / output display device 16E, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the control device 16 of the ophthalmic device 110 may not include the input / output display device 16E, and may include a separate input / output display device physically independent of the ophthalmic device 110. In this case, the display device includes an image processing processor unit that operates under the control of the CPU 16A of the control device 16. The image processing processor unit may display an SLO image or the like based on the image signal output-instructed by the CPU 16A.

[0021] The imaging device 14 operates under the control of the control device 16. The imaging device 14 includes an SLO unit 18, an imaging optical system 19, and an OCT unit 20.

[0022] The SLO system is realized by the control device 16, the SLO unit 18, and the imaging optical system 19 shown in FIG. 2.

[0023] The SLO unit 18 is equipped with multiple light sources. For example, as shown in Figure 2, it is equipped with four light sources, from the first light source 40 to the fourth light source 46.

[0024] Now, referring to Figure 5B, we will explain the wavelength range of light emitted by each of the first to fourth light sources 40. The light emitted by each of the first to fourth light sources 46 is the excitation light for the fluorescent material described later. Figure 5B shows that P1 to P5 correspond to patterns P1 to 5 described later.

[0025] The first light source 40 emits first light in a first predetermined wavelength band including 425 nm and 448 nm. Since the first light includes light at 425 nm, it is excitation light for fucoxanthin (see pattern 5 in Figure 5A), and since it includes light at 448 nm, it is excitation light for riboflavin and chlorophyll (see patterns 1 and 2 in Figure 5A).

[0026] The second light source 42 emits second light in a second predetermined wavelength band including 488 nm and 494 nm. Since the second light includes light at 488 nm, it is excitation light for phycoerythrin (see pattern 1 in Figure 5A), and since it includes light at 494 nm, it is excitation light for fluorescein (see pattern 3 in Figure 5A).

[0027] The third light source 44 emits third light in a third predetermined wavelength band that includes 610 nm. Since the third light includes light at 610 nm, it is the excitation light for phycocyanin (see pattern 2 in Figure 5A).

[0028] The fourth light source 46 emits fourth light in a fourth predetermined wavelength band that includes 774 nm. Since the fourth light includes light at 774 nm, it is the excitation light for Indocinian green (see pattern 5 in Figure 5A).

[0029] Light emitted from each light source 40, 42, 44, and 46 is directed to the same optical path via each optical element 48, 50, 52, 54, and 56. Optical elements 48 and 56 are mirrors, and optical elements 50, 52, and 54 are beam splitters. The first light is guided to the optical path of the imaging optical system 19 via optical elements 48, 50, and 54. The second light is guided to the optical path of the imaging optical system 19 via optical elements 50 and 54. The third light is guided to the optical path of the imaging optical system 19 via optical elements 52 and 54. The fourth light is guided to the optical path of the imaging optical system 19 via optical elements 56 and 52. LED light sources and laser light sources can be used as light sources 40, 42, 44, and 46. An example using a laser light source is described below. Total reflection mirrors can be used as optical elements 48 and 56. Furthermore, dichroic mirrors, half mirrors, and the like can be used as optical elements 50, 52, and 54.

[0030] Laser light, incident from the SLO unit 18 to the imaging optical system 19 via beam splitters 58, 60, and 64, is scanned in the X and Y directions by the first optical scanner 22, which will be described later. The scanning light passes through the pupil 27 and irradiates the posterior segment of the eye under examination 12 (e.g., the fundus 12A). As will be described in detail later, fluorescence generated by the excitation of fluorescent substances flowing in the blood vessels of the fundus 12A is incident on the SLO unit 18 via the imaging optical system 19.

[0031] The fluorescence generated when a fluorescent substance flowing through the blood vessels of the fundus 12A is excited is detected by sensors 70, 72, and 74 via beam splitters 64, 58, and 60. Sensors 70, 72, and 74 receive from the eye under examination the first fluorescence from the first fluorescent substance (described later) and the second fluorescence from the second fluorescent substance, which has different excitation characteristics from the first fluorescent substance. Specifically, sensors 70, 72, and 74 receive the fluorescence generated when a fluorescent substance flowing through the blood vessels of the fundus 12A is excited.

[0032] Here, referring to Figure 5C, the first sensor 70 to the third sensor 74 will be described. The first sensor 70 to the third sensor 74 receive fluorescence generated when a fluorescent substance is excited. P1 to P5 in Figure 5C correspond to patterns P1 to P5, which will be described later.

[0033] The first sensor 70 is constructed by arranging sets of a first photodetector, a second photodetector, and a third photodetector (not shown) in a matrix. The first photodetector receives light in a first predetermined wavelength range including 521 nm. 521 nm is the fluorescence wavelength of fluorescein (see pattern 3 in Figure 5A). The second photodetector receives light in a second predetermined wavelength range including 550 nm. 550 nm is the fluorescence wavelength of riboflavin (see pattern 1 in Figure 5A). The third photodetector receives light in a third predetermined wavelength range including 577 nm. 577 nm is the fluorescence wavelength of phycoerythrin (see pattern 1 in Figure 5A).

[0034] The first predetermined range, the second predetermined range, and the third predetermined range do not overlap. The first sensor 70 detects light in a wavelength band that includes the first predetermined range to the third predetermined range reflected by the beam splitter 64. Each first, second, and third photodetector in each set outputs a signal to the image processing device 16G whose size corresponds to the intensity of the received light.

[0035] The image processing device 16G generates first image data of a fluorescence image based on the fluorescence of fluorescein based on the signals output from each first photodetector. The image processing device 16G generates second image data of a fluorescence image based on the fluorescence of riboflavin based on the signals output from each second photodetector. The image processing device 16G generates third image data of a fluorescence image based on the fluorescence of phycoerythrin based on the signals output from each third photodetector.

[0036] The second sensor 72 is configured by arranging sets of light on a matrix, each set comprising a fourth photodetector that receives light in a fourth predetermined range including 640 nm, and a fifth photodetector that receives light in a fifth predetermined range including 680 nm. 640 nm is the fluorescence wavelength of phycocyanin (see pattern 2 in Figure 5A). 680 nm is the fluorescence wavelength of chlorophyll and fucoxanthin (see patterns 2 and 5 in Figure 5A). The fourth predetermined range and the fifth predetermined range do not overlap. The second sensor 72 detects light in the wavelength range including the fourth and fifth predetermined ranges that has passed through the beam splitter 64 and been reflected by the beam splitter 58. From each fourth photodetector and each fifth photodetector in each set, a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light is output to the image processing device 16G.

[0037] The image processing device 16G generates a fourth image data of a fluorescence image based on the fluorescence of phycocyanin, based on the signals output from each fourth photodetector. The image processing device 16G generates a fifth image data of a fluorescence image based on the fluorescence of chlorophyll or fucoxanthin, based on the signals output from each fifth photodetector.

[0038] The third sensor 74 is constructed by arranging a sixth photodetector on a matrix that receives light in a sixth predetermined wavelength range including 805 nm. 805 nm is the fluorescence wavelength of indocynian green (see pattern 5 in Figure 5A). The third sensor 74 detects light in a wavelength range including the sixth predetermined range that has passed through the beam splitters 64 and 58 and been reflected by the beam splitter 60. Each sixth photodetector outputs a signal to the image processing device 16G, the signal being the size of which corresponds to the intensity of the received light. The image processing device 16G generates sixth image data based on the fluorescence of indocynian green based on the signals from each sixth photodetector.

[0039] The image processing device 16G generates fluorescence image data using at least two of the first to sixth image data.

[0040] For example, the image processing device 16G generates fluorescence image data using at least two of the first image data, the second image data, and the third image data.

[0041] The image processing device 16G generates fluorescence image data using the fourth image data and the fifth image data.

[0042] The image processing device 16G generates fluorescence image data using at least one image data from the first to fifth image data and the sixth image data. For example, the image processing device 16G generates fluorescence image data using the fifth image data and the sixth image data.

[0043] The fluorescence image of the eye examined, obtained from at least two types of image data, is a fluorescence angiography image of the fundus (fundus fluorescence image). Depending on the excitation light and fluorescence wavelength of the fluorescent substance, blood vessels at different depths in the fundus can be visualized. For example, retinal blood vessels or choroidal blood vessels can be visualized. Furthermore, by performing fluorescence imaging not only on the posterior segment such as the fundus of the eye being examined, but also on the anterior segment, it is possible to obtain angiographic images of the anterior segment using fluorescence (anterior segment fluorescence images). In the structure of the anterior segment, the vascular structure of tissues containing blood vessels, such as the reticular formation, can be visualized. The anterior segment of the eye under examination includes, for example, the cornea, iris, iridocorneal angle, lens, ciliary body, and part of the vitreous humor. The posterior segment of the eye under examination includes, for example, the remaining part of the vitreous humor, retina, choroid, and sclera. The vitreous humor belonging to the anterior segment of the eye is the part of the vitreous humor that lies on the corneal side, with the XY plane passing through the point of the lens closest to the center of the eyeball as the boundary, while the vitreous humor belonging to the posterior segment of the eye is the part of the vitreous humor other than that belonging to the anterior segment. Fluorescent angiography images of the fundus and anterior segment are examples of "fluorescence images of the eye under examination" using this technology.

[0044] Examples of sensors 70, 72, and 74 include APDs (avalanche photodiodes). Dichroic mirrors, half-mirrors, etc., can be used as beam splitters 58, 60, and 64.

[0045] The OCT system is a three-dimensional image acquisition device realized by the control device 16, OCT unit 20, and imaging optical system 19 shown in Figure 2. The OCT unit 20 includes a light source 20A, a sensor (detection element) 20B, a first optical coupler 20C, a reference optical system 20D, a collimating lens 20E, and a second optical coupler 20F.

[0046] The light source 20A generates light for optical coherence tomography. For example, a superluminescent diode (SLD) can be used as the light source 20A. The light source 20A generates low-coherence light of a broadband light source with a wide spectral width. The light emitted from the light source 20A is split by the first optical coupler 20C. One of the split beams of light is made into parallel light by the collimating lens 20E and then incident on the imaging optical system 19 as measurement light. The measurement light is scanned in the X and Y directions by the scanning unit (148, 142), which will be described later. The scanning light is irradiated onto the anterior segment of the eye under examination and then onto the posterior segment via the pupil 27. The measurement light reflected from the anterior or posterior segment is incident on the OCT unit 20 via the imaging optical system 19 and then incident on the second optical coupler 20F via the collimating lens 20E and the first optical coupler 20C. In this embodiment, an SD-OCT using an SLD as the light source 20A is exemplified, but the invention is not limited to this, and an SS-OCT using a wavelength-swept light source instead of an SLD may also be employed.

[0047] The other beam of light emitted from the light source 20A and branched by the first optical coupler 20C is incident on the reference optical system 20D as reference light, and then, via the reference optical system 20D, is incident on the second optical coupler 20F.

[0048] The measurement light (return light) reflected and scattered by the eye under examination 12 and the reference light are combined by the second optical coupler 20F to generate interference light. The interference light is detected by the sensor 20B. The image processing device 16G generates a tomographic image of the eye under examination 12 based on the detection signal (OCT data) from the sensor 20B.

[0049] In this embodiment, the OCT system generates tomographic images of the anterior or posterior segment of the eye 12 being examined.

[0050] The anterior segment of the eye under examination 12 includes, for example, the cornea, iris, iridocorneal angle, lens, ciliary body, and a portion of the vitreous humor. The posterior segment of the eye under examination 12 includes, for example, the remaining portion of the vitreous humor, retina, choroid, and sclera. The vitreous humor belonging to the anterior segment is the portion of the vitreous humor on the corneal side, with the XY plane passing through the point of the lens closest to the center of the eyeball as the boundary, while the vitreous humor belonging to the posterior segment is the portion of the vitreous humor other than that belonging to the anterior segment.

[0051] When the anterior segment of the eye 12 under examination is the target area for imaging, the OCT system generates, for example, a tomographic image of the cornea. When the posterior segment of the eye 12 under examination is the target area for imaging, the OCT system generates, for example, a tomographic image of the retina.

[0052] The imaging optical system 19 includes a first optical scanner 22, a second optical scanner 24, and a wide-angle optical system 30.

[0053] The first optical scanner 22 scans the light emitted from the SLO unit 18 in two dimensions in the X and Y directions. The second optical scanner 24 scans the light emitted from the OCT unit 20 in two dimensions in the X and Y directions. The first optical scanner 22 and the second optical scanner 24 can be any optical elements capable of deflecting a light beam, such as polygon mirrors or galvanometer mirrors. A combination of these may also be used.

[0054] The wide-angle optical system 30 includes an objective optical system having a common optical system 28, and a combining unit 26 that combines light from the SLO unit 18 and light from the OCT unit 20.

[0055] Furthermore, the objective optical system of the common optical system 28 may be a reflective optical system using a concave mirror such as an elliptical mirror, a refractive optical system using a wide-angle lens, or a reflective-refractory optical system combining a concave mirror and lenses. By using a wide-angle optical system using an elliptical mirror or a wide-angle lens, it becomes possible to photograph not only the central part of the fundus but also the peripheral part of the fundus.

[0056] When using a system that includes an elliptical mirror, a configuration using an elliptical mirror as described in International Publication WO2016 / 103484 or International Publication WO2016 / 103489 is also acceptable. Each of the disclosures in International Publication WO2016 / 103484 and International Publication WO2016 / 103489 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0057] The wide-angle optical system 30 enables observation of the fundus with a wide field of view (FOV) 12A. The FOV 12A indicates the range that can be captured by the imaging device 14. The FOV 12A can be expressed as the field of view angle. In this embodiment, the field of view angle can be defined by the internal illumination angle and the external illumination angle. The external illumination angle is the illumination angle of the light beam irradiated from the ophthalmic device 110 onto the eye under examination 12, defined with respect to the pupil 27. The internal illumination angle is the illumination angle of the light beam irradiated onto the fundus F, defined with respect to the center O of the eyeball. The external illumination angle and the internal illumination angle are in a corresponding relationship. For example, if the external illumination angle is 120 degrees, the internal illumination angle corresponds to approximately 160 degrees. In this embodiment, the internal illumination angle is set to 200 degrees.

[0058] The SLO unit 18 and the imaging optical system 19 are examples of the "illumination unit" of the technology disclosed. The first sensors 70 to the third sensors 74 are examples of the "detector unit" of the technology disclosed. The control device 16 is an example of the "control unit" of the technology disclosed. The input / display device 16E is an example of the "display unit" and "selection unit" of the technology disclosed.

[0059] Next, the axial length measuring device 120 will be described. The axial length measuring device 120 has two modes: a first mode and a second mode for measuring the axial length, which is the length of the eye in the direction of the eye axis of the eye being examined 12. In the first mode, light from a light source (not shown) is guided to the eye being examined 12, and the interference light of the reflected light from the fundus and the reflected light from the cornea is received, and the axial length is measured based on the interference signal indicating the received interference light. The second mode is a mode for measuring the axial length using ultrasound (not shown).

[0060] The axial length measuring device 120 transmits the axial length measured by the first mode or the second mode to the server 140. The axial length may be measured using both the first mode and the second mode. In this case, the average of the axial lengths measured in both modes is sent to the server 140 as the axial length.

[0061] Next, referring to Figure 3, various functions realized by the CPU 16A of the ophthalmic device 110 executing the imaging processing program will be described. The imaging processing program includes a pattern presentation function, an imaging control function, an image processing control function, and a processing function. When the CPU 16A executes the imaging processing program having each of these functions, the CPU 16A functions as a pattern presentation unit 302, an imaging control unit 304, an image processing unit 306, and a processing unit 308, as shown in Figure 3.

[0062] Next, using Figure 4, the imaging process, including the fluorescence image generation process performed by the CPU 16A of the ophthalmic device 110, will be explained in detail. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of the imaging process program. When the CPU 16A of the ophthalmic device 110 executes the imaging process program, the imaging process, including the fluorescence image generation process shown in the flowchart of Figure 4, is realized. Here, Figure 4 is a flowchart for capturing a fundus fluorescence image (an angiographic image of the fundus due to fluorescence) of the eye under examination.

[0063] In this embodiment, instead of using fluorescein, which has high fluorescence efficiency but can cause allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylactic shock) in subjects, the aim is to generate a fundus fluorescence image of the subject's eye with the same image quality as the fundus fluorescence image of the subject's eye obtained when using only fluorescein.

[0064] The imaging processing program shown in Figure 4 starts when the patient ID, patient name, patient age, patient visual acuity, and whether it's the left or right eye are entered, and the start button (not shown) is pressed.

[0065] In step 402, the pattern presentation unit 302 displays a list of fluorescent material combination patterns on the display of the input / display device 16E. The list of combination patterns is stored in the ROM 16C (or a storage device not shown).

[0066] Here, with reference to Figure 5A, the list of fluorescent substance combination patterns 500 will be explained. As shown in Figure 5A, the list of combination patterns 500 includes buttons for selecting patterns, as shown in the pattern selection column 501, and multiple patterns, for example, five patterns 1 to 5, as shown in the pattern column 502. Each pattern column in the list of combination patterns 500 includes a combination of two fluorescent substances, as shown in the fluorescent substance column 504, consisting of a first fluorescent substance to be administered to the patient and a second fluorescent substance having different excitation characteristics from the first fluorescent substance. The information of the fluorescent material sequence 504 is an example of the "combined information" of the technology of this disclosure.

[0067] The two patterns of fluorescent substance combinations include, firstly, patterns for visible fluorescence angiography using fluorescent substances safe for the human body. In the first pattern, there is a combination of multiple types of fluorescent contrast agents that are safe for the human body and have fluorescence intensity comparable to fluorescein. For example, as shown in Pattern 1, this is a combination of riboflavin and phycoerythrin.

[0068] Secondly, there is a pattern for near-infrared fluorescence imaging using fluorescent substances safe for the human body. This second pattern involves a combination of multiple types of fluorescent contrast agents that are safe for the human body and have fluorescence intensity comparable to indocyanine green. For example, as shown in Pattern 2, it is a combination of chlorophyll and phycocyanin. Alternatively, as shown in Pattern 5, it may be a combination of indocyanine green and fucoxanthin. The concentration of indocyanine green is reduced to a level that does not affect the human body.

[0069] Thirdly, to mitigate the adverse effects of fluorescein on the human body, the concentration of fluorescein is reduced to a level that does not affect the human body, and instead, it is combined with a substance that has an equivalent fluorescence wavelength. For example, as shown in Pattern 3, this is a combination of fluorescein and riboflavin, and as shown in Pattern 4, this is a combination of fluorescein and phycoerythrin.

[0070] Each pattern in the list of 500 combination patterns further includes the molecular weight of each fluorescent substance, as shown in molecular weight column 506. For example, pattern 1 includes riboflavin with a molecular weight of 478.33 and phycoerythrin with a molecular weight of 30.97. Note that the larger the molecular weight, the slower the fluorescent substance flows through the blood vessels.

[0071] Each pattern in the combination pattern list 500 further includes the wavelength of the excitation light (light source wavelength, excitation wavelength) that excites each fluorescent substance and generates fluorescence, as shown in the light source wavelength series 508. For example, in pattern 1, the light source wavelength for riboflavin is 448 nm, and the light source wavelength for phycoerythrin is 488 nm. Note that the light source wavelengths for riboflavin and phycoerythrin are included in the wavelength band of the light emitted from the first light source 40 (see Figure 5B). Therefore, in the case of pattern 1, only the first light source 40 generates light (excitation light).

[0072] Each pattern in the combination pattern list 500 further includes the wavelengths at which fluorescence is detected (detector wavelength, fluorescence wavelength) when excitation light of the light source wavelength corresponding to each fluorescent substance is irradiated, as shown in the detector wavelength series 510. For example, in pattern 1, the wavelength at which fluorescence from riboflavin is detected is 550 nm, and the wavelength at which fluorescence from phycoerythrin is detected is 577 nm. The wavelengths at which fluorescence from riboflavin and phycoerythrin is detected are included in the light-receiving band of the first sensor 70. Therefore, in pattern 1, only the first sensor 70 is operated.

[0073] By the way, in this embodiment, as described above, for each pattern of fluorescent material in the combination pattern list 500, there are two imaging patterns, as shown in Figure 5D. The imaging pattern table 550 for the two imaging patterns for each pattern of fluorescent material is stored in the ROM 16C (or a storage device not shown). In step 402, the pattern presentation unit 302 may display the imaging pattern table 550 along with the combination pattern list of fluorescent materials on the display of the input / display device 16E.

[0074] The imaging pattern table 550 shows that for each pattern shown in pattern column 522, there are simultaneous imaging patterns, as shown in the first imaging pattern column 524, and synchronous imaging patterns, as shown in the second imaging pattern column 526. In the simultaneous imaging pattern, two fluorescent substances are administered to the patient at different times, and imaging is taken of the state in which each of the two fluorescent substances flows simultaneously through the blood vessels in the fundus of the patient's eye. In the synchronous imaging pattern, two fluorescent substances are administered to the patient at the same time, and imaging is taken of the state in which each of the two fluorescent substances flows simultaneously through the blood vessels in the fundus of the patient's eye.

[0075] For example, let's explain the simultaneous imaging pattern in Pattern 1. Since riboflavin has a larger molecular weight than phycoerythrin, it flows more slowly through the blood vessels. For the two fluorescent substances to flow through the blood vessels of the patient's eye simultaneously, riboflavin needs to be injected into the patient's arm before phycoerythrin. Therefore, in Pattern 1, the administration order column 532 specifies that riboflavin and phycoerythrin should be administered to the patient in the order that phycoerythrin is injected after riboflavin ("riboflavin → phycoerythrin").

[0076] The time it takes for each fluorescent substance to reach the patient's eye after being injected into the patient's elbow is predetermined. Therefore, in the simultaneous imaging pattern of Pattern 1, it is predetermined how long T after injecting riboflavin should phycoerythrin be injected so that these two fluorescent substances flow simultaneously through the blood vessels in the fundus of the eye being examined. This time T is also stored in Pattern 1.

[0077] The light source wavelengths for riboflavin and phycoerythrin are 448 nm and 488 nm (see Figure 5A), and these wavelengths correspond to the wavelength bands of the first light source 40 and the second light source 42 (see P1 in Figure 5B). Therefore, in the simultaneous imaging pattern of pattern 1, as shown in Figure 5D, the light source operation sequence column 534 specifies that the first light source 40 and the second light source 42 should be operated simultaneously (see Figure 5D "First Light Source + Second Light Source"). The detector wavelengths for riboflavin and phycoerythrin are 550 nm and 577 nm (see Figure 5A), and these wavelengths correspond to the wavelength bands of the first sensor 70 (second photodetector, third photodetector) (see P1 in Figure 5C). Therefore, in the simultaneous shooting pattern of Pattern 1, as shown in Figure 5D, the sensor operation sequence column 536 specifies that only the first sensor 70 should be operated (see Figure 5D "First Sensor").

[0078] Next, we will explain the synchronous imaging pattern in Pattern 1. In the synchronous imaging pattern, two fluorescent substances are administered simultaneously (injected into the patient's elbow vein) as described above. Since two fluorescent substances are administered simultaneously in the synchronous imaging pattern, as shown in Figure 5D, the administration order column 532 specifies the timing for administering each of the two fluorescent substances to the patient, indicating that the two fluorescent substances are administered simultaneously. The two fluorescent substances have different molecular weights. Therefore, the two fluorescent substances reach the blood vessels of the patient's eye at different times. In the synchronous imaging pattern, the eye is imaged at each (different) time each fluorescent substance flows through the blood vessels of the eye. The order in which each fluorescent substance reaches the eye is predetermined based on the molecular weight of each fluorescent substance. Therefore, the order in which the light sources and sensors are operated is also predetermined according to that order.

[0079] In Pattern 1, phycoerythrin, which has a smaller molecular weight, reaches the eye of the subject earlier than riboflavin, which has a larger molecular weight. Therefore, the order in which the light from the second light source 42 is irradiated followed by the light from the first light source 40, and the order in which the sensors that receive fluorescence from each light source are activated are defined. In the synchronous imaging pattern in Pattern 1, the first sensor 70 is set to operate at each (synchronous) time when the excitation light is irradiated. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5D, the light source operation order column 534 specifies that the first light source 40 is activated after the second light source 42 (see Figure 5D "Second light source → First light source"). The sensor operation order column 536 specifies that the first sensor 70 is activated at each of the above times (see Figure 5D "First sensor → First sensor").

[0080] Furthermore, the time it takes for each fluorescent substance in each pattern to reach the blood vessels of the eye being examined, from the time it is injected into the patient, is predetermined. The time elapsed from the time each fluorescent substance is injected into the patient until imaging should begin is also predetermined. The imaging time-series patterns also store the time from when each fluorescent substance is injected into the patient until imaging should begin.

[0081] As described above, when the list of fluorescent substance combination patterns 500 is displayed, the operator uses the mouse to operate the button 501 corresponding to one of patterns 1 to 5. When button 501 is operated, in step 404, the processing unit 308 accepts the selection of the fluorescent substance combination pattern. In the example shown in Figure 5A, pattern 1 is shown to have been selected.

[0082] In step 406, the processing unit 308 displays the imaging timing selection screen. As shown in Figure 6A, the imaging timing selection screen 600 has an imaging timing selection field 602 and an administration order display field 604. The imaging timing selection field 602 is shown in the row of selection buttons 612. In addition, there are buttons for selection and columns indicating whether the shooting timings are simultaneous or staggered, as shown in the shooting timing display column 614. In step 406, the processing unit 308 may display (output) at least one of the information in the light source operation order column 534 and the sensor operation order column 536 in the shooting pattern table 550 (see Figure 5D) that corresponds to the selected pattern. The information in the administration order column 532 is an example of "administration timing information" in the technology of this disclosure. The information in the light source operation order column 534 is an example of "light source designation information" in the technology of this disclosure. The information in the sensor operation order column 536 is an example of "detector designation information" in the technology of this disclosure.

[0083] When the shooting timing selection screen 600 is displayed, the operator operates the button in the selection button row 612 that corresponds to simultaneous or staggered timing. For example, as shown in Figure 6B, the operator operates the button corresponding to simultaneous shooting timing. In step 408, the selection of shooting timing is accepted.

[0084] Upon receiving the selection of the imaging timing, in step 410, the processing unit 308 displays the administration order of the two fluorescent substances of the selected pattern in the administration order display column 616, based on the imaging pattern table 550, the selected fluorescent substance pattern, and the imaging timing.

[0085] For example, if pattern 1 is selected as the fluorescent substance pattern, as shown in Figure 5A, and simultaneous is selected as the imaging timing, as shown in Figure 6B, then the imaging pattern table 550 shown in Figure 5D will display "Administer phycoerythrin T minutes after riboflavin administration" as the administration order of the two fluorescent substances in pattern 1.

[0086] If a different time-based imaging pattern is selected, the administration order column 616 will display, "Administer riboflavin and phycoerythrin simultaneously."

[0087] Once the administration order is displayed, the operator proceeds to administer each fluorescent substance into the patient's elbow vein according to the order.

[0088] In step 412, the processing unit 308 checks the fluorescent substance to be administered (administered substance). Each container of administered substance is equipped with an IC chip containing identification data for the administered substance. The ROM 16C (or storage device) has the identification data for each fluorescent substance stored in advance. Before injecting the fluorescent substance into the syringe, the operator has the IC chip attached to the container of the fluorescent substance read by the IC chip reader 16F. When the IC chip reader 16F reads the identification data for the fluorescent substance, the IC chip reader 16F inputs the identification data of the fluorescent substance it has read. In step 412, the processing unit 308 determines whether the administered substance is correct by checking whether the identification data of the fluorescent substance input by the IC chip reader 16F matches the identification data of the fluorescent substances according to the above administration order. If the administered substance is not determined to be correct, in step 416, the processing unit 308 displays on the display that the administered substance is incorrect, and the imaging process returns to step 412.

[0089] If the administered substance is determined to be correct, in step 418, the processing unit 308 instructs the display to administer the substance. In step 420, the processing unit 308 determines whether the administration is complete or not. When the display instructs the operator to administer the substance and the operator has completed the administration of the fluorescent substance, the operator operates an administration complete button (not shown). When the administration complete button is operated, step 420 is determined to be positive.

[0090] In the next step 422, the imaging control unit 304 determines whether it is time to take an image. As described above, the time from when the administered substance is administered until it reaches the eye under examination is stored in memory. Therefore, the imaging control unit 304 determines whether the stored time has elapsed since step 420 was determined to be positive. If it is determined that it is time for administration, in step 424, the imaging control unit 304 lights up the light source determined by the administration timing associated with the selected imaging timing of the selected combination pattern. For example, as described above, if simultaneous imaging is selected in pattern 1, the administration order column 532 is associated with pattern 1 and simultaneous imaging as the timing for administering phycoerythrin to the patient after riboflavin. A first light source 40 is associated with each of riboflavin and phycoerythrin. Therefore, if simultaneous imaging is selected in pattern 1, the imaging control unit 304 lights up only the first light source 40. The first light source 40 is an example of the "first light source and the second light source" in the context of the technology of "controlling the light emission timing of the first light source and the second light source" of this disclosure.

[0091] In step 426, the shooting control unit 304 acquires shooting data from the sensor determined by the selected combination pattern. For example, in pattern 1, shooting data is acquired from each second light-receiving element and each third light-receiving element of the first sensor 70. Note that the shooting data is image data of a moving image. However, it may also be image data of a still image.

[0092] In step 428, the shooting control unit 304 turns off the light source.

[0093] In step 430, it is determined whether imaging has been completed for all administered substances in the selected pattern. For example, if simultaneous imaging is selected, step 430 will be affirmative after the processes in steps 412 to 428 have been performed once. On the other hand, if staggered imaging is selected, step 430 will be negative after the processes in steps 412 to 430 have been performed for the first administered substance, and the imaging process will return to step 412. After the processes in steps 412 to 428 have been performed for the second fluorescent substance, step 430 will be affirmative.

[0094] In step 432, the image processing unit 306 performs image processing. For example, if pattern 1 is selected, the image processing unit 306 controls the image processing unit 16G so that the image processing unit 16G generates second image data of a fluorescence image based on riboflavin fluorescence based on the signals output from each second photodetector, and generates third image data of a fluorescence image based on phycoerythrin fluorescence based on the signals output from each third photodetector. Furthermore, the image processing unit 16G generates image data of a fundus fluorescence image of the eye under examination from the second image data of the fluorescence image based on riboflavin fluorescence and the third image data of the fluorescence image based on phycoerythrin fluorescence.

[0095] In step 434, the processing unit 308 outputs image data of the fundus fluorescence image of the eye under examination to the server 140, corresponding to the fluorescent substance in the selected fluorescent substance pattern, patient name ID, patient name, patient age, patient visual acuity, and whether it is the left or right eye. The server 140 stores the image data of the fundus fluorescence image of the eye under examination, corresponding to the fluorescent substance, patient name ID, patient name, patient age, patient visual acuity, whether it is the left or right eye, and the date of acquisition.

[0096] The patient's axial length is transmitted from the axial length measuring device 120 to the server 140, corresponding to the patient's name ID. The server 140 stores the patient's axial length, corresponding to the patient's name ID.

[0097] In this embodiment, the imaging process shown in Figure 4 is performed on multiple patterns of fluorescent material. For example, the imaging process shown in Figure 4 is performed on one or more of patterns 1 to 4 and pattern 5. For example, the imaging process shown in Figure 4 is performed on patterns 1, 2, and 5.

[0098] When an ophthalmologist examines a patient's eye, they enter the patient's name ID into the viewer 150. The viewer 150 instructs the server 140 to send image data of the fundus fluorescence image of the eye corresponding to the patient's name ID. The server 140 sends the fluorescent substance, patient's name, patient's age, patient's visual acuity, information on whether it is the left or right eye, axial length, date of acquisition, and image data of the fundus fluorescence image, along with the patient's name ID, to the viewer 150.

[0099] Upon receiving the fluorescent substance, patient name ID, patient name, patient age, patient visual acuity, information on whether it is the left or right eye, axial length, date of imaging, and fundus fluorescence image data, the viewer 150 displays the first fundus image display screen 700A shown in Figure 7 on its display.

[0100] As shown in Figure 7, the first fundus image display screen 700A includes a patient information display area 702 and a first fundus image information display area 704A.

[0101] The patient information display area 702 has display fields 712 to 722 for displaying the patient name ID, patient name, patient age, patient visual acuity, left or right eye information, and axial length, as well as a screen switching button 724. The received patient name ID, patient name, patient age, patient visual acuity, left or right eye information, and axial length are displayed in display fields 712 to 722.

[0102] The first fundus image information display area 704A includes a date of acquisition display area 730, a display area 732 for the selected pattern of fluorescent substance, an SLO image display area 734A, a fluorescence imaging image display area 736, and an information display area 738.

[0103] The shooting date (YYYY / MM / DD) is displayed in the shooting date display field 730. The information display field 738 displays comments and notes from the user (ophthalmologist) during the examination as text.

[0104] SLO imaging is performed, for example, by illuminating a second light source 42 and detecting the light reflected from the fundus of the eye being examined by any of the first to third sensors 70 and 74. The image processing device 16G then creates a fundus image (SLO image) of the eye being examined based on the signals from any of the first to third sensors 70 and 74. The created fundus image (SLO image) of the eye being examined is displayed in the SLO image display area 734A.

[0105] Display area 732 shows the fluorescent substance of the selected pattern. For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, riboflavin and phycoerythrin of pattern 1 are displayed.

[0106] The fluorescence imaging display area 736 displays the fluorescence image (moving image) of the eye being examined.

[0107] The fundus image (SLO image) and fundus fluorescence image of the eye under examination are aligned using the position of the optic nerve head and the blood vessels radiating around it as reference points, and positional shifts of images acquired with a time lag are corrected. Alternatively, the optic nerve head and the fovea may be used as two points as alignment references.

[0108] Since riboflavin and phycoerythrin in pattern 1 have low fluorescence wavelengths and are in a similar wavelength band, the fundus fluorescence image of the eye being examined displays a moving image of the retina of the eye being examined.

[0109] As shown in Figure 7, when displaying the fundus image (SLO image) and fundus fluorescence image of the eye being examined side by side, for example, when the excitation wavelengths or fluorescence wavelengths are similar, such as in patterns 1, 3, and 4.

[0110] By the way, for example, when the first fundus image information display area 704A is displayed, if the screen switching button 724 is operated, the display screen of the viewer 150 will change to the second fundus image information display area. The screen switches to the bottom image display screen 700B (see Figure 8).

[0111] Since the first fundus image display screen 700A and the second fundus image display screen 700B are almost identical, only the differences will be explained.

[0112] The second fundus image display screen 700B includes a second fundus image information display area 704B. The second fundus image information display area 704B includes an OCT-A (Angiography) image display area 734B, which is an angiographic image obtained from OCT data, instead of (or together with) the SLO image display area 734A. The OCT-A image display area 734B displays an OCT-A image of a specified rectangular region 736R of the fundus of the eye being examined. The rectangular region 736R is, for example, a 12mm*12mm area including the macula of the fundus. The ophthalmic device 110 obtains OCT data of the entire eye under examination. When a user (for example, an ophthalmologist) specifies a rectangular region 736R in the fluorescence imaging image display area 736, an OCT-A image is displayed in the OCT-A image display area 734B based on the OCT data of the fundus of the eye under examination corresponding to this rectangular region 736R. Furthermore, the position and size of the rectangular region 736R are not limited to the area containing the macula; the user can move the position of the rectangular region 736R or change its size, thereby specifying the area in the OCT-A image that they wish to display.

[0113] The fluorescence imaging display area 736 displays a fluorescence image of the retina of the eye being examined, obtained using chlorophyll and phycocyanin of pattern 2 as the fluorescent substances, as shown in the display area 732.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, if the screen switching button 724 is operated while the second fundus image display screen 700B is displayed, the screen switches to the third fundus image display screen 700C (see Figure 9). In the third fundus image display screen 700C (see Figure 9), the pattern of the fluorescent substance corresponds to pattern 5.

[0115] Since the second fundus image display screen 700B and the third fundus image display screen 700C are almost identical, only the differences will be explained.

[0116] In the third fundus image display screen 700C, the third fundus image information display section 704C displays the first fluorescence image display section 734C instead of (or together with) the OCT-A image display section 734B. The third fundus image information display section 704C displays the second fluorescence image display section 736C.

[0117] When the fluorescent substance is indocyanine green (ICG), the excitation wavelength is 774 nm, which is in the near-infrared region, so it reaches the choroid. Then, by receiving the fluorescence emitted by the indocyanine green that has flowed into the blood vessels of the choroid of the eye being examined (fluorescence wavelength is 805 nm), a fluorescence image of the choroidal blood vessels is obtained. The first fluorescence image display section 734C displays a fluorescence image of choroidal blood vessels obtained using indocyanine green (ICG) as the fluorescent substance, as shown in display section 732C1.

[0118] When the fluorescent substance is fucoxanthin, the excitation wavelength is 425 nm, which is in the blue region of visible light, so it reaches the surface of the retina. Then, by receiving the fluorescence emitted by the fucoxanthin that has flowed into the retinal blood vessels of the eye being examined (fluorescence wavelength 660-700 nm), a fluorescence image of the retinal blood vessels is obtained. The second fluorescence image display section 736C displays a fluorescence image of retinal blood vessels obtained using fucoxanthin as the fluorescent substance, as shown in display section 732C2.

[0119] In this way, fluorescence images of blood vessels in different layers of the fundus are displayed side by side in display panels 734C and 736C.

[0120] As described above, the choroidal vascular images and fundus fluorescence images are aligned using image alignment.

[0121] In the embodiment described above, in the simultaneous imaging pattern, two fluorescent substances selected from multiple patterns of two fluorescent substances are simultaneously flowing through the blood vessels of the fundus of the eye being examined, and excitation light corresponding to the flowing fluorescent substances is irradiated onto the eye being examined. Then, fluorescence from the two fluorescent substances is received, image data of each fluorescence is created, and a fundus fluorescence image of the eye being examined is generated from the created image data of each fluorescence. Therefore, even if fluorescein, which has high fluorescence efficiency but may cause allergies (e.g., anaphylactic shock) in the subject, is not used as one of the two fluorescent substances in the selected pattern, or if the concentration of fluorescein is reduced to a level that does not affect the human body, a fundus fluorescence image of the eye being examined with the same image quality as the fundus fluorescence image of the eye being examined obtained when only fluorescein is used can be generated.

[0122] In this embodiment, a moving image of the fundus fluorescence of the eye under examination is acquired and displayed. Therefore, for example, it is possible to understand the situation of blood leaking from the blood vessels in the fundus.

[0123] Incidentally, since the first sensors 70 to 74 of this embodiment have relatively high sensitivity to fluorescence, even with staggered shooting patterns, it is possible to generate a fundus fluorescence image of the eye under examination with the same image quality as the fundus fluorescence image of the eye under examination obtained when using fluorescein alone. However, if the sensitivity of the first sensors 70 to 74 is relatively low, and in the case of staggered shooting patterns, the fundus of the eye under examination may be photographed multiple times, and a fundus fluorescence image (still image) of the eye under examination may be generated from the image data obtained from these multiple images.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the fluorescent substance is administered into a vein in the elbow, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this, and may also be administered orally.

[0125] In the above embodiment, each pattern of fluorescent material is a pattern of two fluorescent materials, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and may also be a pattern of three or more fluorescent materials.

[0126] In the above embodiment, an ophthalmic device equipped with an SLO system is used, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and a fundus camera may also be used. In this case, the fundus camera is equipped with an illumination unit such as a light source for illuminating the eye under examination with excitation light.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the following measures may be taken to further increase the in vivo concentration of riboflavin through oral administration. Although riboflavin has weaker fluorescence intensity than fluorescein, this weakness can be compensated for by oral administration plus image processing. While weak fluorescence results in a darker overall fluorescence image, image processing techniques such as averaging and integration of multiple fluorescence images can compensate for the low riboflavin fluorescence intensity. Therefore, the riboflavin concentration (dosage) can be reduced. Furthermore, to suppress the effects of fluorescent substances other than riboflavin that cause noise (for example, lipofuscin, an aging substance), patients may be instructed to take a supplement that reduces other fluorescent substances (lutein, which reduces lipofuscin) for a certain period (for example, one week) before imaging.

[0128] The examples described above illustrate cases where the image capture process is implemented using computer-based software configurations, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited to these. For example, Instead of a computer-based software configuration, the image capture process may be performed solely by a hardware configuration such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively, some of the image capture processes may be performed by a software configuration, while the remaining processes are performed by a hardware configuration.

[0129] Thus, the technology disclosed herein includes cases in which the imaging process is realized by a computer-based software configuration and cases in which the imaging process is realized by a configuration that does not utilize a computer-based software configuration, and therefore includes the following first and second technologies. (1st technology) An irradiation unit control unit controls the irradiation unit so that a first excitation light that excites a first fluorescent substance and a second excitation light that excites a second fluorescent substance different from the first fluorescent substance are irradiated onto the eye under examination. A detector control unit controls the detector unit so that the first fluorescence from the first fluorescent substance excited by the first excitation light and the second fluorescence from the second fluorescent substance excited by the second excitation light are received by the eye under examination. A photographic device including a camera.

[0130] The imaging control unit 304 in the above embodiment is an example of the "irradiation unit control unit" and "detector unit control unit" of the first technology described above.

[0131] (Second technology) Based on the above disclosures, the following second technology is proposed. The irradiation unit control controls the irradiation unit so that a first excitation light that excites a first fluorescent substance and a second excitation light that excites a second fluorescent substance different from the first fluorescent substance are irradiated onto the eye under examination. The detector control unit controls the detector so that the first fluorescence from the first fluorescent substance excited by the first excitation light and the second fluorescence from the second fluorescent substance excited by the second excitation light are received by the eye under examination. A shooting method that includes this.

[0132] Based on the information disclosed above, the following third technology is proposed. A computer program product for image processing, The aforementioned computer program product includes a computer-readable storage medium that is not itself a temporary signal, The computer-readable storage medium contains a program that causes the control unit to perform the imaging process of the eye under examination. The aforementioned imaging process is The irradiation unit is controlled so that a first excitation light that excites a first fluorescent substance and a second excitation light that excites a second fluorescent substance different from the first fluorescent substance are irradiated onto the eye under examination. The detector is controlled so that the first fluorescence from the first fluorescent substance excited by the first excitation light and the second fluorescence from the second fluorescent substance excited by the second excitation light are received by the eye under examination. including, Computer program products.

[0133] In the examples described above, excitation light is irradiated onto the eye under examination in order to excite the fluorescent material. However, the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this, and electromagnetic waves other than light, such as electric fields and magnetic fields, may also be applied to the eye under examination.

[0134] The image processing described above is merely one example. Therefore, it goes without saying that you may delete unnecessary steps, add new steps, or change the processing order, as long as it does not deviate from the main purpose.

[0135] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference in the same manner as when each individual document, patent application, and technical standard is specifically and individually incorporated by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 18 SLO units 19. Imaging optical system 40 1st light source 42 Second light source 44 Third light source 46 4th light source 70 First Sensor 72. Second Sensor 74 Third Sensor 16 Control device 16E Input / Display Device 504 Fluorescent material series 532 Administration Order Column 534 Light source operation order column 536 Sensor operation order column

Claims

1. An irradiation unit that irradiates the eye under examination with a first excitation light of a first wavelength that excites a first fluorescent substance, and a second excitation light of a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength that excites a second fluorescent substance different from the first fluorescent substance, A detector unit that receives the first fluorescence of the first fluorescent substance excited by the first excitation light from the eye under examination, and the second fluorescence of the second fluorescent substance excited by the second excitation light from the eye under examination, A generation unit that generates first fluorescence image data based on the first fluorescence relating to the first layer located on the surface side of the fundus of the eye being examined, and second fluorescence image data based on the second fluorescence relating to the second layer which is deeper than the first layer, A control unit that aligns the first fluorescence image data and the second fluorescence image data based on the position of a predetermined tissue of the eye being examined on the first fluorescence image data and the second fluorescence image data, Equipped with, The detector unit is an ophthalmic device that controls the operation of the second sensor, which receives the second fluorescence, after the first sensor, which receives the first fluorescence, has been activated, based on the timing of administration of the first fluorescent substance and the timing of administration of the second fluorescent substance.

2. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation unit controls the timing of irradiation of the first excitation light and the second excitation light to the eye under examination based on the timing of administration of the first fluorescent substance and the timing of administration of the second fluorescent substance.

3. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the irradiation unit includes a laser light source that emits the first excitation light and the second excitation light, which are laser light.

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