ophthalmic devices

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmic device that can efficiently align the eye being examined with the examination unit. [Solution] An ophthalmic device for examining an eye, comprising: an operating unit operated by the examiner; an examination unit for examining the eye; a drive unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the eye and the examination unit; a regulating unit for integrally moving the examination unit and the drive unit horizontally along a predetermined trajectory; and a control unit that controls the drive unit and moves the examination unit based on an operational input from the operating unit. The regulating unit can manually move the examination unit and the drive unit relatively left and right along the predetermined trajectory, from a first position close to the eye, through a second position farther from the eye, and the examination unit is positioned in front of the eye without the drive unit being controlled when switching between the left and right eyes of the eye being examined.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmologic apparatus for examining an eye to be examined. [Background Art]

[0002] As conventional ophthalmologic apparatuses, for example, an eye refractivity measuring apparatus, a corneal curvature measuring apparatus, an intraocular pressure measuring apparatus, a fundus camera, OCT (optical coherence tomography), SLO (scanning laser ophthalmoscope), and the like are known. In these ophthalmologic apparatuses, alignment between an eye to be examined and an examination unit is performed by electrically moving the examination unit based on an operation input from an operation unit. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-080459 [Summary of Invention] [Problem to be Solved by Invention]

[0004] Incidentally, when an ophthalmologic apparatus has an electrically-driven configuration in which the examination unit is moved electrically, the moving speed of the examination unit is often set to a relatively slow speed in consideration of safety. For this reason, especially experienced examiners may feel that the alignment operation is cumbersome.

[0005] In view of the above problems, a technical object of the present disclosure is to provide an ophthalmologic apparatus capable of efficiently performing alignment between an eye to be examined and an examination unit. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the present disclosure is characterized by including the following configuration.

[0007] (1) An ophthalmic device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an ophthalmic device for examining an eye to be examined, comprising: an operating unit operated by an examiner; an examination unit for examining the eye to be examined; a drive unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the eye to be examined and the examination unit; a regulating unit for moving the examination unit and the drive unit together horizontally along a predetermined trajectory; and a control unit that controls the drive unit and moves the examination unit based on an operation input from the operating unit, wherein the regulating unit is capable of manually moving the examination unit and the drive unit relatively left and right from a first position close to the eye to be examined on the predetermined trajectory, via a second position far from the eye to be examined, and the examination unit is positioned in front of the eye without the drive unit being controlled when switching between the left and right eyes of the eye to be examined. (2) An ophthalmic device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is an ophthalmic device for examining an eye, comprising: an operating unit operated by an examiner; an examination unit for examining the eye; a drive unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the eye and the examination unit; a regulating unit for moving the examination unit and the drive unit together horizontally along an arc-shaped trajectory; and a control unit that controls the regulating unit and the drive unit based on an operating input from the operating unit, wherein the regulating unit is capable of moving the examination unit and the drive unit relatively in the left-right direction from a first position close to the eye on the arc-shaped trajectory, via a second position far from the eye, and the control unit is characterized in that the regulating unit coarsely moves the examination unit in the left-right direction relative to the eye, and the drive unit finely moves the examination unit at least in the left-right direction relative to the eye. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the external configuration of an ophthalmic device. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the control panel. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of an ophthalmic device viewed from above. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the first inspection department. [Figure 5]This diagram shows the configuration of the nozzle and detection unit. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the first measurement optical system. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the optical system of the second inspection section. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the control unit for an ophthalmic device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <Overview> An overview of the ophthalmic apparatus according to this embodiment is described below. The items classified in <> below can be used independently or in relation to each other.

[0010] The ophthalmic device described herein is a device for examining an eye. For example, the ophthalmic device may be an objective optometry device that objectively measures the ocular characteristics of the eye (refractive power, axial length, corneal shape, etc.). For example, the ophthalmic device may be an ophthalmic imaging device that photographs the anterior segment of the eye and acquires anterior segment image data of the eye, corneal shape data of the eye, etc. Alternatively, for example, the ophthalmic device may be an ophthalmic imaging device that photographs the fundus of the eye and acquires frontal image data of the fundus of the eye, tomographic image data of the fundus of the eye, etc. That is, it may be at least one of a refractive power measuring device, a corneal curvature measuring device, a corneal shape measuring device, an intraocular pressure measuring device, an axial length measuring device, a fundus camera, OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), SLO (Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope), etc.

[0011] The ophthalmic apparatus of this disclosure comprises an operating unit, an examination unit, a first drive unit, a regulating unit, a control unit, etc. The operating unit (e.g., operating unit 80) is operated by an examiner. The examination unit (e.g., examination unit 3) examines the eye under examination. The first drive unit (e.g., drive unit 5) adjusts the relative positional relationship between the eye under examination and the examination unit. The regulating unit (e.g., regulating unit 66) moves the examination unit and the first drive unit together horizontally along a predetermined trajectory. The control unit (e.g., control unit 70) controls the first drive unit and moves the examination unit based on the operating input from the operating unit. Furthermore, the ophthalmic apparatus of this disclosure may include a mobile platform. The mobile platform (e.g., mobile platform 2) supports the examination unit and the first drive unit.

[0012] In this disclosure, the operating unit may be various user interfaces. The operating unit may be an electrostatic or pressure-sensitive touch panel. For example, if the operating unit is a touch panel, it may also function as a display unit. Alternatively, the operating unit may be an operating lever (for example, a joystick) that is supported so as to be tiltable in any direction. Of course, the operating unit may be at least one of a controller, mouse, keyboard, trackball, buttons, etc.

[0013] In this disclosure, the inspection unit may include an inspection optical system as part of the inspection unit. For example, the inspection optical system may have at least one of various optical systems, such as an ophthalmic imaging optical system for photographing the tissue of the eye under examination (e.g., fundus imaging optical system, tomographic imaging optical system, etc.) and an ophthalmic characteristic measurement optical system for measuring the ophthalmic characteristics of the eye under examination (e.g., intraocular pressure measurement optical system, axial length measurement optical system, refractive power measurement optical system, corneal curvature measurement optical system, etc.).

[0014] In this disclosure, the drive unit may be configured to move the examination unit relative to the eye under examination in order to adjust the relative positional relationship between the eye under examination and the examination unit. In this case, the drive unit may be configured to move the examination unit in a three-dimensional direction (i.e., at least one of the left-right, up-down, and front-back directions) relative to the base on which the examination unit is supported. Here, the drive unit may be configured to move the examination unit in a three-dimensional direction relative to a movable table on which the examination unit is supported together with the first drive unit. For example, the drive unit may include a drive source such as a motor and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force from the drive source (for example, a sliding mechanism).

[0015] In this disclosure, the regulating unit is capable of moving the inspection unit and the first drive unit relatively in the left-right direction, from a first position close to the eye under examination on a predetermined trajectory, through a second position far from the eye under examination. For example, the first position close to the eye under examination and the second position far from the eye under examination may be different positions with respect to the anterior-posterior direction (Z direction). That is, the first position may be close to the eye under examination with respect to the Z direction, and the second position may be far from the eye under examination with respect to the Z direction. Furthermore, for example, the first and second positions may be different positions with respect to the left-right direction (X direction). That is, for example, the first and second positions may be located on the same XZ plane. This allows the inspection unit to be positioned in front of the eye without the first drive unit being controlled when switching between the left and right eyes under examination.

[0016] The regulating unit may move the inspection unit and the first drive unit together along a predetermined trajectory that passes through the first and second positions. For example, the predetermined trajectory may be at least one of the following: a trajectory represented only by straight lines (for example, a U-shaped or V-shaped trajectory), a trajectory represented by a combination of straight lines and curves, or a trajectory represented only by curves. This makes it possible to switch between the left and right eyes while avoiding contact.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the restricting portion may move the inspection portion and the first driving portion along an arcuate track as the predetermined track. For example, the arcuate track may be a track at least partially represented by a curved line. That is, for example, the arcuate track may include a track represented by a combination of a straight line and a curved line (for example, a track having a U-shape) and a track represented only by a curved line. This makes it possible to switch between the left eye and the right eye while avoiding contact, further shorten the moving distance of the inspection unit, and more efficiently align the inspection unit with respect to the eye to be inspected. In addition, since the inspection unit draws a curved track, the inspection unit can be moved smoothly.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the restricting portion may move the inspection portion and the first driving portion along an arc-shaped track as the predetermined track. For example, the arc-shaped track may be a track represented by a part of a circumference. That is, for example, the arc-shaped track may include a track represented only by a curved line. In this case, when switching between the left eye and the right eye, contact of the inspection unit with the face can be avoided, the inspection unit can be arranged in front of the eye by moving the shortest distance, and alignment of the inspection unit with respect to the eye to be inspected can be performed more efficiently.

[0019] The restricting portion may be provided with various mechanisms for integrally moving the inspection portion and the first driving portion. The restricting portion may include a guide portion (for example, guide portion 660) as a part constituting the restricting portion. The guide portion guides the progression of the moving stage. The guide portion also moves the moving stage along a predetermined track.

[0020] For example, the guide portion may have any configuration as long as it moves the moving stage along the predetermined track. For example, the guide portion may have a concave shape or a convex shape, and may have a configuration in which the guide portion and the moving stage are fitted to each other. Of course, a configuration having a shape different from the concave shape or the convex shape is also acceptable.

[0021] The ophthalmic device disclosed herein moves the examination unit electrically driven by a drive unit based on operational input from the control unit. For example, in such an electrically driven configuration, the movement speed of the examination unit is set to a slow speed for safety reasons, which can make it time-consuming to align the examination unit with the eye being examined. On the other hand, by manually moving the examination unit with a regulating unit, separate from the electric drive of the examination unit, it becomes possible to quickly switch between examining the left and right eyes. This improves the examiner's ability to perform alignment. As a result, alignment can be performed more efficiently, and the time required for alignment can be reduced.

[0022] Furthermore, the ophthalmic apparatus of this disclosure may have an electrically powered configuration and perform alignment fully automatically. For example, in such a case, the regulating unit may move the examination unit and the drive unit together horizontally along an arc-shaped trajectory, and the regulating unit may include a second drive unit (for example, a motor) as part of its configuration. The second drive unit may move the examination unit and the first drive unit horizontally (i.e., in at least one of the left-right and front-back directions) relative to the mobile platform on which they are supported. Moreover, for example, in such a case, the control unit may control both the regulating unit and the drive unit, and the regulating unit may coarsely move the examination unit in the left-right direction relative to the eye under examination, and the first drive unit may finely move the examination unit at least in the left-right direction relative to the eye under examination. For example, coarse movement is moving at least a part of the apparatus more (or faster) than fine movement in order to roughly adjust the relative position between the eye under examination and the examination unit. For example, micro-movement involves moving at least a part of the device smaller (or slower) than during coarse movement in order to finely adjust the relative position between the eye being examined and the examination unit. This allows for quick alignment during left-right switching, even in a fully automated manner, and reduces the overall time required for alignment.

[0023] <Examples> An example of the ophthalmic apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0024] <Device configuration> Figure 1 shows the external configuration of the ophthalmic device 1. For example, the ophthalmic device 1 includes an examination unit 3 for measuring the eye under examination. The examination unit 3 includes a first examination unit 3a and a second examination unit 3b. The first examination unit 3a functions as an intraocular pressure examination unit for measuring the intraocular pressure of the eye under examination. The second examination unit 3b functions as an intraocular power examination unit for measuring the refractive power of the eye under examination.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, the ophthalmic device 1 includes a base 65, a mobile platform 2, a face support unit 4, a drive unit 5, a speaker 6, a display unit 75, an operation unit 80, a control unit 70, etc. Each part of the ophthalmic device 1 is supported by the base 65. The mobile platform 2 is supported by the base 65. The mobile platform 2 is moved horizontally in the left, right, front, and back directions relative to the base 65 by using a regulating unit 66, which will be described later. The examination unit 3 is supported by the mobile platform 2. The face support unit 4 supports the face of the subject. The face support unit 4 is fixed to the base 65. For example, the face support unit 4 includes a forehead rest 4a, a chin rest 4b, a chin rest sensor 4c, a chin rest drive unit 4d, etc. The chin rest sensor 4c detects whether or not the chin is resting on the chin rest 4b. The chin rest drive unit 4d drives the chin rest 4b in the Y direction to change its height. The drive unit 5 drives the inspection unit 3 (first inspection unit 3a and second inspection unit 3b). The drive unit 5 moves the inspection unit 3 (first inspection unit 3a and second inspection unit 3b) in three dimensions (up, down, left, right, forward, and backward) relative to the mobile platform 2. The speaker 6 generates voice announcements, etc. The display unit 75 is controlled by the control unit 70 and displays the measurement results of the eye under examination, etc. For example, the display unit 75 displays the refractive power of the eye under examination, corneal shape distribution, intraocular pressure, anterior segment frontal image, etc. on the screen. If the display unit 75 has a touch panel, the display unit 75 may also function as the operation unit 80.

[0026] <Operation section> Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the operating unit 80. The operating unit 80 is fixed to the mobile platform 2, receives input from the examiner, and transmits an operation signal to the control unit 70. The operating unit 80 is a so-called joystick. The operating unit 80 includes an operating member 81, a tilting mechanism 60, a measurement button 86, a rotary dial 88, and the like.

[0027] The operating member 81 is held in a tiltable position by the tilting mechanism 60. For example, the operating member 81 is a lever, which is grasped by the examiner and tilted by the examiner. The tilting mechanism 60 includes a fixing plate 62, a sliding part 63, a spherical part 83, a spherical receiving part 64, a detection part 61, a base 65, etc. The fixing plate 62 is fixed inside the mobile base 2. The sliding part 63 is positioned below the fixing plate 62. The sliding part 63 slides horizontally in the left, right, front, and back directions in conjunction with the tilting of the operating member 81 and the rotation of the spherical part 83. The spherical part 83 fits into the spherical receiving part 64. The detection part 61 detects the tilting motion of the operating member 81 (for example, the direction and amount of tilt) and transmits an operation signal to the control unit 70. The detection part 61 includes a light emitting part 610, a light receiving part 611, etc. The light-emitting unit 610 is fixed to the back surface of the fixing plate 62 and emits light. The light-receiving unit 611 is fixed to the surface of the sliding unit 63 and receives the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 610.

[0028] The measurement button 86 is a button used to start measuring the eye under examination. The measurement button 86 is, for example, a push button. The measurement button 86 is, for example, located on the upper part of the operating member 81. A detection unit 87 is connected to the measurement button 86. The detection unit 87 detects that the measurement button 86 has been pressed and transmits a measurement start signal to the control unit 70.

[0029] The rotary dial 88 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 70 for moving the inspection unit 3 in the vertical direction. The rotary dial 88 is provided, for example, on the side of the operating member 81. The rotation of the rotary dial 88 is detected, for example, by the encoder 89. For example, when the rotary dial 88 is rotated counterclockwise, an operation signal is output for moving the inspection unit 3 upward, and when the rotary dial 88 is rotated clockwise, an operation signal is output for moving the inspection unit 3 downward.

[0030] <Regulatory Department> In the ophthalmic apparatus 1, the examination unit 3 and the drive unit 5 can be moved together horizontally (in other words, along the XZ plane) via a regulating unit 66. The regulating unit 66 includes at least a guide unit 660. The guide unit 660 guides the movement of the mobile platform 2 and moves the mobile platform 2 along a predetermined track. For example, the guide unit 660 is a groove provided on the base 65. Alternatively, for example, the guide unit 660 fits with a spherical support unit 64. As a result, when a force is applied to the mobile platform 2 via the operating unit 80, or when a force is applied directly to the mobile platform 2, the mobile platform 2 slides along the guide unit 660. Note that the guide unit 660 and the spherical support unit 64 do not necessarily have to have a concave shape; they may have the opposite relationship. Furthermore, to make the sliding of the mobile platform 2 smoother, the guide unit 660 may also include rails or rollers.

[0031] The regulating unit 66 moves the examination unit 3 and the drive unit 5 relatively left and right along a predetermined trajectory, from a first position close to the eye under examination (first position K1 shown in Figure 3) to a second position K2 far from the eye under examination (second position K2 shown in Figure 3). For example, in the regulating unit 66, the guide unit 660 is positioned to trace a predetermined trajectory, so that the examination unit 3 and the drive unit 5 move left and right along the predetermined trajectory via the moving platform 2.

[0032] The guide section 660 may be arranged to trace an arc-shaped trajectory as a predetermined path. For example, the arc-shaped trajectory may be a trajectory in which at least a part is represented by a curve. One example is a U-shaped trajectory represented by a combination of curves and straight lines. Furthermore, the guide section 660 may be arranged to trace a circular arc-shaped trajectory as a predetermined path. For example, the circular arc-shaped trajectory may be a trajectory represented by a part of the circumference of a circle. One example is a sector-shaped trajectory with a central angle of 90 to 270 degrees.

[0033] In this embodiment, the guide portion 660 traces an arc-shaped trajectory and is arranged in a sector shape with a central angle of 180 degrees. In other words, the guide portion 660 is arranged in a semicircular shape. The semicircular diameter d and radius of curvature R of the guide portion 660 should be set based on a typical interpupillary distance. For example, since the interpupillary distance is 50 to 80 mm, the diameter d should be set to 50 to 80 mm and the radius of curvature R to 25 to 40 mm. Here, the diameter d is set to 60 mm and the radius of curvature R to 30 mm.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the guide portion 660 is arranged in the predetermined semicircular shape described above, with respect to an arbitrary central position P in the X direction of the base 65. For example, the starting point S1 and ending point S2 of the guide portion 660 are located at a first position K1 in the Z direction, which is close to the eye being examined. For example, the vertex S3 of the guide portion 660 is located at a second position K2 in the Z direction, which is farther from the eye being examined.

[0035] <First Inspection Department> Figure 4 shows the internal configuration of the first examination unit 3a. The first examination unit 3a comprises a face imaging unit 400, a fluid discharge unit 200, and a first measurement optical system 300. The fluid discharge unit 200 generates compressed air for measuring intraocular pressure. The face imaging unit 400 photographs the subject's face. The first measurement optical system 300 comprises an optical system for measuring intraocular pressure.

[0036] <Face Photography Department> The face imaging unit 400 includes a face illumination optical system 410, a face imaging optical system 420, etc. The face illumination optical system 410 illuminates the subject's face. The face illumination optical system 410 includes an illumination light source 411, etc. The illumination light source 411 may be a light source with low directionality. The illumination light source 411 may also be a light source that emits infrared light.

[0037] The face imaging optical system 420 captures the subject's face. The face imaging optical system 420 includes an imaging lens 421, an image sensor 422, etc. The image sensor 422 receives reflected light from the face. This captures a face image that includes at least one of the subject's left and right eyes E. The output signal from the image sensor 422 is input to the control unit 70 and the display unit 75.

[0038] <Fluid discharge section> The fluid discharge unit 200 discharges fluid onto the cornea of ​​the eye E under examination. The fluid discharge unit 200 includes a cylinder 201, a piston 202, a solenoid actuator 203 (hereinafter referred to as solenoid 203), a nozzle 206, etc. The cylinder 201 and piston 202 are used as an air compression mechanism to compress the air discharged onto the eye under examination. For example, the cylinder 201 is cylindrical. The piston 202 slides along the axial direction of the cylinder 201. The piston 202 compresses the air in the air compression chamber 234 inside the cylinder 201. The solenoid 203 in this embodiment is a so-called linear solenoid and operates linearly. The solenoid 203 includes a movable body 204 and a coil 205. For example, a magnetic material such as a permanent magnet is used for the movable body 204. When current flows through the coil 205, a magnetic field is generated inside the coil 205. The movable body 204 is moved in direction A in Figure 4 by the electromagnetic force it receives from the magnetic field. The movable body 204 is fixed to the piston 202 by screws, bolts, nuts, etc. (not shown). Therefore, the piston 202 moves together with the movable body 204. As the movable body 204 moves, the piston 202 moves in the compression direction (or forward direction, direction A in Figure 4).

[0039] The nozzle section 206 is positioned in front of the subject's eyes during measurement and is a proximity section that approaches the subject. For example, the nozzle section 206 includes a nozzle 207, a metal section 208, etc. The nozzle 207 discharges compressed air to the outside of the device. The metal section 208 houses the nozzle 207 inside. In this embodiment, the metal section 208 is electrically connected to the circuit of the detection section 250, which will be described later. As a result, the detection section 250 can detect at least one of proximity and contact between the nozzle section 206 and the subject.

[0040] The fluid compressed in the air compression chamber 234 within the cylinder 201 by the movement of the piston 202 is discharged from the nozzle 207 toward the cornea of ​​the eye E being examined, via a tube (or pipe) 220 connected to the tip of the cylinder 201, and an airtight chamber 221 containing the compressed air. For example, the cylinder 201 may be arranged parallel to the horizontal plane (XZ plane), and the fluid compression may be performed by the piston 202 moving horizontally within the cylinder 201 by the drive of the solenoid 203. For example, the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 201 is arranged parallel to the horizontal direction, and the inner surface of the cylinder 201 guides the piston 202. Therefore, the direction of movement (compression direction) of the piston 202 is the horizontal direction. Each of the above components is arranged on a stage provided within the housing of the main body of the device.

[0041] Furthermore, the solenoid 203 in this embodiment can change the direction of movement of the movable body 204 by changing the direction of the current flowing through the coil 205. For example, when current flows in the forward direction through the coil 205, the movable body 204 moves in the compression direction (forward direction, direction A in Figure 4), and when current flows in the reverse direction, the movable body 204 moves in the opposite direction (reverse direction, direction B in Figure 4). Therefore, by switching the direction of the current flowing through the coil 205, the direction of movement of the piston 202, which moves together with the movable body 204, can be changed. For example, by flowing a forward current through the coil 205 and moving the piston 202 in direction A to compress the fluid in the air compression chamber 234, the piston 202 can be moved in direction B and returned to its initial position by flowing a reverse current through the coil 205.

[0042] For example, the fluid discharge section 200 may include a glass plate 209 and a glass plate 210. The glass plate 209 is transparent, holds the nozzle 207, and transmits observation light and alignment light. The glass plate 210 forms the rear wall of the airtight chamber 221 and transmits observation light and alignment light.

[0043] For example, the fluid discharge section 200 may be equipped with a pressure sensor 212 and an air vent hole 213. The pressure sensor 212 detects, for example, the pressure in the airtight chamber 221. The air vent hole 213 reduces the resistance until the piston 202 gains initial velocity, allowing for a pressure change with a time-proportional rise.

[0044] <Detection Unit> Figure 5 shows the configuration of the nozzle section 206 and the detection section 250. The detection section 250 detects at least one of proximity and contact between the nozzle section 206 and the subject. As an example, the detection section 250 in this embodiment detects contact between the nozzle section 206 and the subject. The detection section 250 is positioned on the right side of the nozzle section 206 as seen from the subject's perspective and is fixed to the metal section 208 of the nozzle section 206. The detection section 250 includes a sensor section 251 and a base section 252. Screws 253, wires 254, etc., are also attached to the detection section 250.

[0045] The sensor unit 251 comprises at least a part of the configuration of a sensor for detecting proximity and contact between the subject and the nozzle unit 206 (for example, at least a part of the configuration of a capacitive sensor). In this embodiment, the sensor unit 251 is arranged on the base unit 252. At least one of the sensor unit 251 and the base unit 252 is electrically connected to the control unit 70 by an electric wire 254 or the like. The base unit 252 holds a circuit that processes the signal when the nozzle unit 206 comes into contact with the subject (for example, the subject's eye). As an example, the base unit 252 in this embodiment is a substrate that holds the circuit. The base unit 252 is fixed in direct contact with the nozzle unit 206 (in this embodiment, the metal part 208 of the nozzle unit 206). As a result, the circuit of the sensor unit 251 is electrically connected to the metal part 208 via the base unit 252, which is the substrate. The base unit 252 is fixed to the nozzle unit 206 by a screw 253 or the like.

[0046] <1st measurement optical system> Figure 6 shows the first measurement optical system 300. The first measurement optical system 300 measures the intraocular pressure of the eye under examination. For example, the first measurement optical system 300 includes a first fixation target optical system 330, a first observation optical system 340, a first index optical system 390, a deformation detection optical system 350, a corneal thickness measurement optical system 370, and the like.

[0047] <First fixation target optical system> The first fixation target optical system 330 presents the fixation target to the eye E being examined from the front. The first fixation target optical system 330 includes, for example, a visible light source (fixation lamp) 331, a projection lens 332, and a dichroic mirror 333, and projects light onto the eye E being examined to cause it to fixate in the front direction. The light source 331 can be an LED, a laser, or other light source. In addition, the light source 331 can be a pattern light source such as a point light source, a slit light source, or a ring light source, or a two-dimensional display such as a liquid crystal display.

[0048] Visible light emitted from the light source 331 passes through the projection lens 332, is reflected by the dichroic mirror 333, passes through the objective lens 302, and is projected onto the fundus of the eye under examination E. As a result, the eye under examination E fixates on a fixation point in the forward direction, fixing the line of sight. The visible light emitted from the light source 331 is converted into a parallel beam of light by passing through the projection lens 332 and the objective lens 302.

[0049] <First observation optical system> The first observation optical system 340 is positioned to image the anterior segment of the eye under examination. The first observation optical system 340 is provided in the reflection direction of the dichroic mirror 333 and the beam splitter 341. The dichroic mirror 333 has the characteristic of transmitting light emitted from the light source 311 and reflecting infrared light emitted from the light source 381 for anterior segment illumination. The first observation optical system 340 includes an imaging lens 342, a filter 343, and an image sensor (such as a CCD) 344. The imaging lens 342 focuses the reflected light from the eye under examination onto the image sensor 344. The filter 343 has the characteristic of transmitting light from, for example, the light sources 381 and 391, but being opaque to light from the light source 351 for corneal deformation detection (described later) and visible light. The image sensor 344 receives the reflected light from the eye under examination. The image sensor 344 outputs the acquired received light signal to the control unit 70.

[0050] The illumination light from the light source 381, reflected by the eye under examination, passes through the nozzle 206, through the objective lens 302, is reflected by the dichroic mirror 333 and beam splitter 341, and is imaged onto the image sensor 344 via the imaging lens 342 and filter 343.

[0051] <1st index optical system> The first indicator optical system 390 projects an indicator onto the eye under examination. The first indicator optical system 390 comprises, for example, a light source 391, a projection lens 392, and a beam splitter 393. Infrared light projected from the light source 391 through the projection lens 392 is reflected by the beam splitter 393 and projected onto the eye under examination from the front. The corneal bright spot formed at the corneal apex by the light source 391 is imaged onto the image sensor 344 of the first observation optical system 340 and used for detecting alignment in the up, down, left, and right directions.

[0052] <Deformation detection optical system> The deformation detection optical system 350 includes a light-emitting optical system 350a and a light-receiving optical system 350b, and is used to detect the deformation state of the cornea Ec.

[0053] The light projection optical system 350a has an optical axis L13 as the light projection axis and illuminates the cornea Ec of the eye under examination from an oblique direction. The light projection optical system 350a includes, for example, a light source 351, a collimator lens 352, and a beam splitter 353. The light receiving optical system 350b has a photodetector 357 and receives the reflected light of the illumination light at the cornea Ec of the eye under examination. The light receiving optical system 350b is arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the light projection optical system 350a with respect to the optical axis L11. The light receiving optical system 350b includes, for example, a lens 354, a beam splitter 355, a pinhole plate 356, and a photodetector 357, and forms an optical axis L12 as the light receiving axis.

[0054] Light emitted from the light source 351 (e.g., infrared light) is made into a nearly parallel beam by the collimator lens 352, reflected by the beam splitter 353, and then becomes coaxial (coincident) with the optical axis L23 of the light receiving optical system 370b (described later) and projected onto the cornea Ec of the eye under examination. The light reflected from the cornea Ec becomes coaxial (coincident) with the optical axis L12 of the light projection optical system 370a (described later), passes through the lens 354, is reflected by the beam splitter 355, passes through the pinhole plate 356 and is received by the photodetector 357. The lens 354 is coated with a coating that is opaque to light from the light sources 381 and 391. Furthermore, the deformation detection optical system 350 is arranged so that the amount of light received by the photodetector 357 is maximized when the eye under examination is in a predetermined deformation state (e.g., a flattened state).

[0055] Furthermore, the deformation detection optical system 350 also serves as part of the first working distance detection system 360b, and the light projection optical system of the first working distance detection system also serves as the light projection optical system 350a of the deformation detection optical system 350. The first working distance detection system 360b, which receives reflected light from the cornea Ec by the light source 351, includes, for example, the lens 354, beam splitter 358, focusing lens 359, and position detection element 360 of the light projection optical system 350a, and forms the optical axis L12 as the light receiving optical axis.

[0056] Illumination light projected from the light source 351 and reflected by the cornea Ec forms a virtual image of the light source 351, which is a reference image. The light from this reference image passes through the lens 354 and beam splitter 355, is reflected by beam splitter 358, and passes through the focusing lens 359 before entering a one-dimensional or two-dimensional position detection element 360, such as a PSD or line sensor. As the eye under examination E (cornea Ec) moves in the working distance direction (Z direction), the reference image from the light source 351 also moves on the position detection element 360, so the control unit 70 obtains working distance information based on the output signal from the position detection element 360. In this embodiment, the output signal from the position detection element 360 is used for alignment (rough adjustment) in the working distance direction (Z direction). The first working distance detection system 360b does not have as high a magnification as the light receiving optical system 370b described later. Therefore, the distance detection range in the Z direction of the position detection element 360 is wider than that of the light receiving element 377.

[0057] <Corneal thickness measurement optical system> The corneal thickness measurement optical system 370 includes a light-emitting optical system 370a and a light-receiving optical system 370b, and is used to measure the corneal thickness of the eye E under examination. Furthermore, the light-emitting optical system 370a also serves as part of the deformation detection optical system 350 and the first working distance detection system 360b.

[0058] The light projection optical system 370a has an optical axis L12 as the light projection optical axis and irradiates illumination light (measurement light) from an oblique direction toward the cornea Ec of the eye E under examination. The light projection optical system 370a includes, for example, a light source 371, a focusing lens 372, a light limiting member 373, a concave lens 374, and a lens 354 which is also used as a deformation detection optical system. The light source 371 is a visible light source or an infrared light source (including near-infrared), and for example, a light source such as an LED or a laser is used. The focusing lens 372 focuses the light emitted from the light source 371.

[0059] The light limiting member 373 is positioned in the optical path of the light projection optical system 370a and limits the light emitted from the light source 371. The light limiting member 373 is positioned approximately conjugate to the cornea Ec. Examples of light limiting members 373 include pinhole plates and slit plates. The light limiting member 373 is used as an aperture that allows some of the light emitted from the light source 371 to pass through while blocking other light. The light projection optical system 370a then forms a predetermined pattern of light beam (e.g., spot beam, slit beam) on the cornea of ​​the eye E under examination.

[0060] The light-receiving optical system 370b has a light-receiving element 377 and receives reflected light from the illuminating light on the front and back surfaces of the cornea of ​​the eye under examination E. The light-receiving optical system 370b is arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the light-emitting optical system 370a with respect to the optical axis L11. The light-receiving optical system 370b includes, for example, a light-receiving lens 375, a concave lens 376, and a light-receiving element 377, and forms the optical axis L13 as the light-receiving optical axis. Note that the light-receiving optical system 370b in Figure 7 also serves as a second working distance detection system for detecting the alignment state in the Z direction with respect to the eye under examination E.

[0061] The light-receiving element 377 has multiple photoelectric conversion elements and receives reflected light from the front and back surfaces of the cornea, respectively. For example, a light detection device such as a one-dimensional line sensor or a two-dimensional area sensor can be used for the light-receiving element 377. The light-receiving optical system 370b of the corneal thickness measurement optical system and the second working distance detection system is observed at a high magnification. Therefore, the distance detection range in the Z direction of the light-receiving element 377 is narrower than that of the position detection element 360.

[0062] As the eye under examination E (cornea Ec) moves in the working distance direction (Z direction), the reflected light from the light source 371 at the cornea Ec also moves on the photodetector 377. Therefore, the control unit 70 obtains working distance information based on the output signal from the photodetector 377 of the second working distance detection system.

[0063] Light emitted from the light source 371 is focused by the focusing lens 372, illuminating the light limiting member 373 from behind. After being limited by the light limiting member 373, the light from the light source 371 is imaged (focused) near the corneal Ec by the lens 354. Near the corneal Ec, for example, a pinhole image (when a pinhole plate is used) or a slit image (when a slit plate is used) is formed. At this time, the light from the light source 371 is imaged near the point where it intersects with the visual axis on the corneal Ec.

[0064] When illumination light is projected onto the cornea Ec by the light projection optical system 370a, the reflected light from the cornea Ec travels in a direction symmetric to the projected light beam with respect to the optical axis L11. The reflected light is then imaged by the light-receiving lens 375 onto the light-receiving surface on the light-receiving element 377.

[0065] <Second Laboratory Department> Figure 7 shows the optical system of the second inspection unit 3b. The second inspection unit 3b comprises a second measuring optical system 100, a second fixation target optical system 130, a second observation optical system 150, and a second indicator optical system 160. It also has half mirrors 116, 117, an objective lens 118, etc., which branch and combine the optical paths of each optical system.

[0066] <Second measurement optical system> The second measuring optical system 100 objectively measures the refractive power of the eye E under examination. The second measuring optical system 100 includes a light-emitting optical system 100a and a light-receiving optical system 100b.

[0067] The light projection optical system 100a has a measurement light source 111 and projects a spot-shaped measurement light onto the fundus of the eye E through the center of the pupil or the apex of the cornea of ​​the eye E under examination. The measurement light source 111 may be an SLD light source, an LED light source, or any other light source. In this embodiment, infrared light is used as the measurement light. For example, near-infrared light with a peak wavelength between 800 nm and 900 nm may be used. As an example, near-infrared light with a peak wavelength of 870 nm may be used. Of course, light of other wavelengths may also be used.

[0068] The light-receiving optical system 100b includes at least a ring lens 123 and an image sensor 124. The light-receiving optical system 100b extracts the reflected light beam of the measurement light beam reflected from the fundus of the eye in a ring shape through the periphery of the pupil. The ring lens 123 is positioned at the pupil conjugate position, and the image sensor 124 is positioned at the fundus conjugate position. A ring image is formed on the image sensor 124 via the ring lens 123.

[0069] In this embodiment, a prism 115 is positioned on a common path between the light-emitting optical system 100a and the light-receiving optical system 100b. By rotating the prism 115 around the optical axis, the light beam above the pupil is rapidly eccentrically rotated. For example, in this embodiment, the light beam is eccentrically rotated in a region of φ2mm to φ4mm above the pupil. This region becomes the measurement region for the refractive power of the eye in this embodiment.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the measurement light is rapidly eccentrically rotated over the pupil, analysis processing is performed on the output image from the image sensor 124 based on exposure for a sufficiently long time relative to the rotation period, or on the summation image of sequentially output image data from the image sensor 124, and the refractive power is derived. In this embodiment, values ​​such as SPH (spherical power), CYL (cylindrical power), and AXIS (astigmatism axis angle) are obtained as a result of the analysis processing.

[0071] The second measurement optical system 100 may also have other optical elements such as lenses and diaphragms in addition to the measurement light source 111, prism 115, ring lens 123, and image sensor 124. The measurement light beam from the measurement light source 111 passes through the hole portion of the hole mirror 114 and the prism 115, and is reflected by the half mirror 116 and half mirror 117, respectively, so that it becomes coaxial with the optical axis L1, and then reaches the fundus of the eye via the objective lens 118. The reflected light beam, which is reflected from the fundus of the eye, travels through the optical path that the measurement light beam passed through, is reflected by the mirror portion of the hole mirror 114, and reaches the image sensor 124 via the ring lens 123.

[0072] <Second fixation target optical system> The second fixation target optical system 130 presents the fixation target to the eye E under examination. The second fixation target optical system 130 causes the eye under examination to fixate or applies fogging and accommodative load to the eye under examination. For example, the second fixation target optical system 130 comprises at least a light source 131 and a fixation target plate 132. The fixation target plate 132 may be positioned at the conjugate position of the fundus. The fixation beam from the light source 131 passes through the fixation target plate 132, lens 133, lens 134, and half mirror 116 on the optical axis L2, and is reflected by the half mirror 117, becoming coaxial with the optical axis L1. The fixation beam further reaches the fundus via the objective lens 118.

[0073] Furthermore, the measurement light source 111, ring lens 123, and image sensor 124 in the second measurement optical system 100, and the light source 131 and fixation target plate 132 in the second fixation target optical system 130, are integrated and can be moved along the optical axis by a drive unit 141 as a drive unit 140. For example, the focal length within the drive unit 140 in the second measurement optical system 100 and the focal length within the drive unit 140 in the second fixation target optical system 130 are set to a predetermined relationship. For example, by moving the drive unit according to the refractive power of the eye under examination E, the presentation distance of the fixation target plate 132 relative to the eye under examination E (i.e., the presentation position of the fixation target) can be changed, and furthermore, the measurement light source 111 and image sensor 124 become optically conjugate to the fundus. At this time, regardless of the movement of the drive unit, the hall mirror 114 and ring lens 123 become pupillary conjugate at a constant magnification.

[0074] <Second observation optical system> The second observation optical system 150 captures a frontal image of the anterior segment of the eye E under examination. For example, the second observation optical system 150 includes an image sensor 151, etc. The image sensor 151 may be positioned at the pupil conjugate position. The frontal image is used for alignment, etc. In addition, the index image (point image) and index image (Mayerring image) projected onto the cornea from the second index optical system 160 are captured by the second observation optical system 150.

[0075] <Second index optical system> The second indicator optical system 160 projects an indicator onto the eye under examination. The second indicator optical system 160 is used, for example, for alignment (positioning) with respect to the eye under examination E. The second indicator optical system 160 comprises a plurality of point light sources 161 and a light source 162. The point light sources 161 project an infinity indicator by irradiating the cornea with parallel light. The point light sources 161 emit infrared light, although visible light may also be used. The point light sources 161 are arranged symmetrically both vertically and horizontally around the optical axis L1. For example, in this embodiment, two point light sources are provided on each side. This projects four point image indicators onto the cornea. The shape of the indicators is not limited to this, and linear indicators may also be included. The number of indicators is also not limited, and may consist of three or more point image indicators.

[0076] The light source 162 projects a finite-distance indicator onto the cornea by irradiating it with diffuse light. The light source 162 emits infrared light, although visible light may also be used. The light sources 162 are arranged in a ring shape with the optical axis L1 as the center. In this embodiment, a ring indicator (so-called Mayer ring) is projected onto the cornea.

[0077] In this embodiment, the working distance is adjusted by moving the inspection unit 3 in the forward and backward direction so that the Purkinje image from the point light source 161 and the ring indicator from the light source 162 are captured at a predetermined ratio.

[0078] <Department Head> Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the control unit of the ophthalmic device 1. The control unit 70 includes a CPU (processor), RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU controls the operation of each part of the ophthalmic device 1. The RAM temporarily stores various types of information. The ROM stores various programs executed by the CPU. Note that the control unit 70 may be composed of multiple control units (i.e., multiple processors).

[0079] The control unit 70 is electrically connected to the first inspection unit 3a, the second inspection unit 3b, the face support unit 4, the drive unit 5, the speaker 6, the display unit 75, the operation unit 80, the fluid discharge unit 200, the first measurement optical system 300, the face imaging unit 400, the corneal shape distribution inspection unit 500, the non-volatile memory 74 (hereinafter referred to as memory 74), the detection unit 250, and the like. The memory 74 is a non-transient storage medium that can retain its contents even when the power supply is interrupted. For example, the memory 74 can be a hard disk drive, flash ROM, USB memory, etc.

[0080] <Control operation> The control operation of the ophthalmic device 1, which has the above configuration, will now be explained.

[0081] At the start of the examination of the eye under test, the operating unit 80 and the mobile platform 2 are in their initial positions on the base 65 and are positioned at the starting point S1 of the regulating unit 66 (for example, the guide unit 660). The examiner operates the operating unit 80 to align the eye under test E with the examination unit 3, and then uses the examination unit 3 to acquire various measurement data. For example, the examiner sets the refractive power measurement mode to measure the refractive power of the eye under test, and completes the alignment fully automatically (fully auto) for the right eye and then the left eye, and acquires the refractive power measurement data.

[0082] In this embodiment, the examiner operates the control unit 80 when switching between the right and left eyes of the eye being examined, and manually moves the mobile platform 2 using the regulating unit 66. By the examiner intervening in the switching between the right and left eyes, the alignment of the left eye can be advanced efficiently.

[0083] The examiner places the subject's chin on the chin rest 4b. Based on the detection signal from the chin rest sensor 4c, the control unit 70 detects that the chin is on the chin rest 4b and turns on the illumination light source 411 of the face imaging optical system 420, the light source 331 of the first fixation target optical system 330, the light sources 381 and 391 of the first observation optical system 340, the light source 131 of the second fixation target optical system 130, the point light sources 161 and 162 of the second index optical system 160, etc. This illuminates the subject's face, allowing for the acquisition of images of the subject's face and anterior segment. The control unit 70 also outputs an audio announcement from the speaker 6 instructing the subject to fixate on the fixation target based on the detection signal from the chin rest sensor 4c.

[0084] The subject's face is illuminated by the illumination light source 411 of the face illumination optical system 410 and captured by the image sensor 422 of the face imaging optical system 420, and the face image is displayed on the display unit 75. The control unit 70 detects the right and left eyes from the face image, estimates the three-dimensional coordinates of the right and left eyes, and moves the second inspection unit 3b in the XYZ direction relative to the mobile platform 2 based on the three-dimensional coordinates of the right eye. As a result, the second inspection unit 3b is roughly positioned in front of the right eye. In other words, the rough alignment of the second inspection unit 3b with respect to the right eye is completed.

[0085] As the second examination unit 3b approaches the right eye, the right eye becomes able to see the fixation target plate 132 (i.e., the fixation target) illuminated by the light source 131 of the second fixation target optical system 130. In addition, a point image and a ring image (i.e., an alignment image) are projected onto the cornea of ​​the right eye by the second index optical system 160. Furthermore, the anterior segment of the right eye is captured by the image sensor 151 of the second observation optical system 150, and the anterior segment image is displayed on the display unit 75.

[0086] The control unit 70 detects alignment indicator images from the anterior segment image and moves the second examination unit 3b in the XYZ direction relative to the mobile platform 2 based on these positional relationships. This sets the appropriate working distance between the right eye and the second examination unit 3b, completing the fine alignment of the second examination unit 3b with respect to the right eye.

[0087] The control unit 70 measures the refractive power of the right eye based on an input signal indicating the completion of fine alignment for the right eye. For example, the control unit 70 controls the second measurement optical system 100 to irradiate the fundus of the right eye with measurement light and measures the refractive power of the right eye based on the detection result of the measurement light reflected by the fundus.

[0088] Once the measurement of the refractive power of the right eye is complete, the control unit 70 then attempts to bring the second examination unit 3b closer to the left eye in order to perform a rough alignment of the second examination unit 3b with respect to the left eye. For example, the control unit 70 attempts to move the second examination unit 3b in the XYZ direction relative to the mobile platform 2 by controlling the drive unit 5. As an example, in order to avoid the second examination unit 3b coming into contact with the subject's face or nose, the control unit 70 first moves the second examination unit 3b in the Z direction (backward in this case), then moves the second examination unit 3b in the X direction (towards the left eye in this case), and finally moves the second examination unit 3b in the Z direction (forward in this case). This left / right switching control is performed at a constant speed with safety in mind.

[0089] Here, the examiner may operate the control unit 80 to forcibly move the control unit 80 and the mobile platform 2 from the right eye side to the left eye side, without waiting for the second examination unit 3b to move automatically. When the examiner applies force to the control unit 80, the control unit 80 and the mobile platform 2 slide horizontally along the guide unit 660 relative to the base 65. This positions the second examination unit 3b approximately in front of the left eye. In other words, the rough alignment of the second examination unit 3b with respect to the left eye is completed.

[0090] As the second examination unit 3b approaches the left eye, an anterior segment image projected onto the left eye, showing a point image and a ring image (alignment indicator image), is displayed on the display unit 75. Although the control unit 70 is in the middle of switching between left and right, once the anterior segment image is captured and the alignment indicator image is detected, it moves to fine-tuning the second examination unit 3b for the left eye. Based on the positional relationship of the alignment indicator image, the control unit 70 moves the second examination unit 3b in the XYZ directions relative to the mobile platform 2. This sets the distance between the left eye and the second examination unit 3b to an appropriate working distance, completing the fine-tuning of the second examination unit 3b for the left eye.

[0091] The switching between the right and left eyes by the examiner (i.e., coarse alignment for the left eye) and the fine alignment for the left eye by the control unit 70 will be explained in more detail using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the ophthalmic device 1 viewed from above, showing the positional relationship between the subject and the examination unit 3. Figure 3(a) shows the position of the examination unit 3 when the measurement of the refractive power of the right eye is completed. Figure 3(b) shows the position of the examination unit 3 when the coarse alignment for the left eye is completed. Figure 3(c) shows the position of the examination unit 3 when the fine alignment for the left eye is completed.

[0092] As described above, the coarse and fine alignment of the examination unit 3 for the right eye is performed with the operating unit 80 and the mobile platform 2 positioned at the starting point S1 of the regulating unit 66 (guide unit 660). At this time, only the examination unit 3 is moved relative to the mobile platform 2. As shown in Figure 3(a), when the fine alignment of the right eye is completed and the refractive power is measured with the examination unit 3 shifted towards the left eye from the central position of the mobile platform 2 in the X direction, the examiner moves the mobile platform 2 relative to the base 65 while the positional relationship between the examination unit 3 and the mobile platform 2 is maintained to a near extent.

[0093] For example, when the examiner applies force to pull the operating unit 80, the operating unit 80 and the mobile platform 2 slide horizontally along the guide unit 660 relative to the base 65, moving from the first position K1 on the starting point S1 side to the second position K2. Furthermore, when the examiner applies force to push the operating unit 80, the operating unit 80 and the mobile platform 2 move from the second position K2 to the first position K1 on the ending point S2 side. As a result, the inspection unit 3 moves relatively left to right in a semicircular motion.

[0094] When the examination unit 3 is moved in front of the left eye, as shown in Figure 3(b), the central position of the mobile platform 2 in the X direction is positioned relative to the left eye without significant displacement. This is because the guide unit 660 has a diameter d based on the interpupillary distance. After this, only fine adjustments to the positional relationship of the examination unit 3 with the mobile platform 2 are necessary to make the optical axis L1 of the examination unit 3 coincide (or nearly coincide) with the center position of the pupil of the left eye. In Figure 3(b), the examination unit 3 is shifted towards the left eye from the central position of the mobile platform 2 in the X direction, so the control unit 70 moves the examination unit 3 in the X direction relative to the mobile platform 2 based on the anterior segment image of the left eye. For example, the control unit 70 moves the examination unit 3 towards the right eye relative to the mobile platform 2.

[0095] Furthermore, when the state changes from Figure 3(a) to Figure 3(b), the heights of the right and left eyes are the same (or nearly the same), so the position of the inspection unit 3 in the Y direction relative to the mobile platform 2 can be appropriately positioned without any special adjustment. Also, since the mobile platform 2 is positioned at the same first position K1 in the Z direction, the position of the left eye and the inspection unit 3 in the Z direction can easily be adjusted to an appropriate working distance without any adjustment. Of course, if the alignment in the Y and Z directions falls outside the allowable range, adjustments can be made as appropriate. As a result, the inspection unit 3 is positioned relative to the left eye as shown in Figure 3(c).

[0096] The control unit 70 measures the refractive power of the left eye based on an input signal indicating the completion of fine alignment for the left eye. For example, the control unit 70 controls the second measurement optical system 100 to irradiate the fundus of the left eye with measurement light and measures the refractive power of the left eye based on the detection result of the measurement light reflected by the fundus.

[0097] <Result Output> Once the measurement of the right and left eyes is complete, the control unit 70 outputs the measurement results. For example, the control unit 70 may display the measurement results on the display unit 75, print them out, or output them to an external device wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0098] In the above example, the restrictor 66 is used when the examiner interrupts the switching between the left and right eyes, but the restrictor 66 can also be used when an alignment abnormality occurs. Examples of alignment abnormalities include the subject eye and the examination unit 3 coming too close together, or the subject eye and the examination unit 3 coming into contact. For example, the examiner may check the distance between the subject eye and the examination unit 3, and when the subject eye and the examination unit 3 are about to come into contact, apply force to the operating unit 80 to slide the operating unit 80 and the moving platform 2 along the guide unit 660 to the vicinity of the apex S3. In other words, the examiner may use the restrictor 66 to avoid contact.

[0099] Furthermore, when acquiring refractive power measurement data fully automatically, the number of measurements may be set to a larger number (for example, 5 times) to account for the possibility that measurements may not be obtained due to blinking, etc. The control unit 70 displays the measured values ​​in order on the display unit 75 each time a measurement is completed. Here, if there is no large variation in each measured value, or if the required number of measured values ​​have been obtained, the examiner may slide the mobile platform 2 using the regulating unit 66 even if the predetermined number of measurements has not been reached. In other words, the examiner may use the regulating unit 66 to interrupt the measurement. In addition, if such a configuration is provided, a detection unit such as a microswitch may be provided at the apex S3 of the regulating unit 66, and an operation signal to interrupt the measurement may be transmitted based on whether or not the operation unit 80 has reached the second position K2.

[0100] As explained above, for example, the ophthalmic device of this embodiment comprises an operating unit operated by the examiner, an examination unit for examining the eye under examination, a drive unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the eye under examination and the examination unit, a regulating unit for integrally moving the examination unit and the drive unit horizontally along a predetermined trajectory, and a control unit that controls the drive unit and moves the examination unit based on the operation input from the operating unit. The regulating unit can manually move the examination unit and the drive unit relatively left and right along the predetermined trajectory, from a first position close to the eye under examination, through a second position farther from the eye under examination, and the examination unit is positioned in front of the eye without the drive unit being controlled when switching between the left and right eyes under examination. For example, if the ophthalmic device has an electric configuration in which the examination unit is moved electrically based on the operation input from the operating unit, the movement speed of the examination unit is set to be slow for safety reasons. Therefore, aligning the examination unit with respect to the eye under examination tends to take time. On the other hand, in this embodiment, in addition to the electrically operated movement of the inspection unit, the inspection unit can be manually moved by the regulating unit, making it possible to quickly switch between inspecting the left and right eyes. This improves the operator's ability to perform alignment. As a result, alignment can be performed more efficiently, and the time required for alignment can be reduced.

[0101] Furthermore, in the ophthalmic device of this embodiment, the predetermined trajectory is an arc-shaped trajectory, and the regulating unit moves the examination unit and the drive unit along the arc-shaped trajectory. When switching between the left and right eyes, in order to avoid contact of the examination unit with the subject's face, for example, the examination unit is moved backward, then moved left and right, and then moved forward, resulting in a longer travel distance for the examination unit. However, as in this embodiment, when the examination unit is manually moved by the regulating unit, by making it follow an arc-shaped trajectory, it is possible to switch between the left and right eyes while avoiding contact, and further shorten the travel distance of the examination unit. This makes it possible to align the examination unit with the eye being examined more efficiently. In addition, because the examination unit follows a curved trajectory, it can be moved smoothly.

[0102] Furthermore, in the ophthalmic device of this embodiment, the predetermined trajectory is an arc-shaped trajectory, and the regulating unit moves the examination unit and the drive unit along the arc-shaped trajectory. In other words, the regulating unit moves the examination unit and the regulating unit along a part of the circumference. In this case, when switching between the left and right eyes, contact of the examination unit with the face is avoided, and the examination unit can be positioned in front of the eye by moving it the shortest distance. This makes it possible to align the examination unit with respect to the eye being examined more efficiently.

[0103] <Example of transformation> The ophthalmic apparatus of this embodiment has an electrically powered configuration in which the operation of the control unit 80 is transmitted to an electrical drive unit 5 to electrically move the examination unit 3 relative to the mobile table 2. However, even in a manual configuration in which the control unit is linked to a mechanical drive unit and the mobile table 2 on which the examination unit 3 is fixed is manually moved by the operation of the control unit, at least a part of the technology disclosed in this embodiment can be applied. For example, a restricting unit 66 may be provided in the manual configuration. In this case, the restricting unit 66 may be a mechanism for moving the mobile table 2 in an arc shape on the XZ plane relative to the base 65, and furthermore, a mechanism may be provided separately from the restricting unit 66 for moving the mobile table 2 in any direction on the XZ plane relative to the base 65.

[0104] In the ophthalmic apparatus of this embodiment, the regulating unit 66 only needs to have a configuration that allows the mobile platform 2 to move horizontally along a predetermined trajectory, passing from a first position K1 to a second position K2 in the Z direction, thereby allowing the examination unit 3 to move relatively left and right. For example, the guide unit 660 in the regulating unit 66 may be a U-shaped or V-shaped groove. Even if the guide unit 660 is such, the examiner can interrupt the switching between the right and left eyes and forcibly move the examination unit 3 together with the mobile platform 2, thereby shortening the time required for switching. However, considering both avoiding contact of the examination unit 3 with the face and the travel distance of the mobile platform 2, it is more effective to configure the guide unit 660 in an arc shape (including a circular arc shape).

[0105] In the ophthalmic device of this embodiment, the guide section 660 has an arc shape and is a sector shape (i.e., semicircular shape) with a central angle of 180 degrees. In this case, by setting the diameter d of the semicircular shape based on the interpupillary distance, the examination section 3 can be positioned in an approximately appropriate location after switching between the right and left eyes. However, in this embodiment, it is also possible to make the guide section 660 a sector shape with a central angle narrower than 180 degrees, or a sector shape with a central angle wider than 180 degrees. In these cases, it is preferable to set the chord length connecting the starting point S1 and ending point S2 of the guide section 660 based on the interpupillary distance. Note that the narrower the central angle, the higher the possibility of contact with the examination section 3, but the shorter the travel distance. The wider the central angle, the lower the possibility of contact with the examination section 3, but the longer the travel distance.

[0106] Furthermore, in ophthalmic devices where the appropriate working distance between the eye under examination and the examination unit 3 is set to be long, even if the examination unit 3 is moved directly from side to side relative to the eye under examination, the possibility of the examination unit 3 coming into contact with the face or nose is low. For this reason, in such devices, the regulating unit 66 does not necessarily have to be configured to pass through a first position K1 close to the eye in the Z direction and a second position K2 farther away from the eye under examination. For example, the regulating unit 66 (e.g., the guide unit 660) may be configured to move the moving platform 2 in a straight line in the X direction (i.e., to pass through the same position in the Z direction). This makes it possible to quickly switch between examining the left and right eyes.

[0107] In this embodiment, the ophthalmic apparatus may detect the position information of the mobile platform 2 when it is moved by the regulating unit 66 by providing a detection unit or the like. For example, in this case, the control unit 70 can determine the direction of movement of the examination unit 3 relative to the eye under examination based on the position information of the mobile platform 2 relative to the base 65 and the position information of the examination unit 3 relative to the mobile platform 2. For example, even if the mobile platform 2 is stopped between the starting point S1 and the apex S3 of the regulating unit 66, or between the apex S3 and the ending point S2, by the examiner's operation, the alignment can be completed automatically.

[0108] In this embodiment, we have given an example of a case where alignment is completed fully automatically for the right and left eyes, and refractive power measurement data is acquired, but we are not limited to this. In this embodiment, at least the alignment for the left and right eyes may be performed manually. The examiner tilts the operating member 81 while checking the face image and anterior segment image. The control unit 70 detects the tilt direction and amount of the operating member 81 and controls the drive unit 5 to move the inspection unit 3 in the XYZ direction relative to the mobile table 2. The control unit 70 may also switch between coarse and fine movement of the inspection unit 3 based on the amount of tilt of the operating member 81. In this way, even when the examiner performs alignment manually, the examiner can quickly switch the position of the inspection unit 3 from in front of the right eye to in front of the left eye by using the regulating unit 66.

[0109] The ophthalmic apparatus of this embodiment may be configured to perform the switching between the right and left eyes fully automatically. In other words, the ophthalmic apparatus comprises an operating unit operated by the examiner, an examination unit for examining the eye under examination, a drive unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the eye under examination and the examination unit, a regulating unit for moving the examination unit and the drive unit together horizontally along an arc-shaped trajectory, and a control unit that controls the regulating unit and the drive unit based on the operation input from the operating unit. The regulating unit is capable of moving the examination unit and the drive unit relatively left and right from a first position close to the eye under examination on the arc-shaped trajectory, via a second position farther from the eye under examination. The control unit may use the regulating unit to coarsely move the examination unit left and right relative to the eye under examination, and use the drive unit to finely move the examination unit at least left and right relative to the eye under examination. In this case, the regulating unit 66 may include a drive unit (for example, a motor) together with the guide unit 660. Furthermore, the guide portion 660 may be a groove or the like for moving the mobile platform 2 in an arc shape on the XZ plane relative to the base 65.

[0110] If the ophthalmic device 1 is electrically powered and performs alignment fully automatically, for example, the examination unit moves coarsely at a constant speed considering safety. In addition, to prevent the examination unit from coming into contact with the patient's face, three movements are required, for example, moving the examination unit backward, moving it left and right, and then moving it forward. For this reason, alignment tends to take a long time with conventional devices. However, by providing a regulating unit as in this embodiment, the examination unit can move coarsely over a shorter distance in a single movement that combines backward, left and right movement, and forward movement. Therefore, alignment during left and right switching can be performed quickly. As a result, the time required for the entire alignment can be shortened. Furthermore, by providing a separate drive unit along with the regulating unit, fine movements of the examination unit can be easily performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1 Ophthalmology equipment 2 Mobile platform 3. Inspection Department 65 base 66 Regulatory Department 70 Control Unit 80 Control section

Claims

1. An ophthalmic device for examining the eye under examination, The control unit operated by the examiner, The examination unit for examining the eye to be examined, A drive unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the eye to be examined and the examination unit. A regulating unit for moving the inspection unit and the drive unit together horizontally along a predetermined track, A control unit that controls the drive unit and moves the inspection unit based on the operation input from the operation unit, Equipped with, The regulating unit is capable of manually moving the inspection unit and the drive unit in the left-right direction relative to each other, from a first position close to the eye under examination on the predetermined trajectory, through a second position farther from the eye under examination, An ophthalmic apparatus characterized in that, when switching between the left and right eyes of the eye being examined, the driving unit is not controlled and the examination unit is positioned in front of the eye.

2. In the ophthalmic device according to claim 1, The aforementioned predetermined track is an arc-shaped track, The regulating unit is characterized by moving the inspection unit and the drive unit along the arc-shaped trajectory.

3. In the ophthalmic device according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned predetermined track is an arc-shaped track, The regulating unit is characterized by moving the inspection unit and the drive unit along the arc-shaped trajectory.

4. In any of the ophthalmic devices according to claims 1 to 3, The system includes a movable platform that supports the inspection unit and the drive unit, The regulating unit is a guide unit that guides the movement of the mobile platform, and is characterized in that it has a guide unit for moving the mobile platform along a predetermined track.

5. An ophthalmic device for examining the eye under examination, The control unit operated by the examiner, The examination unit for examining the eye to be examined, A drive unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the eye to be examined and the examination unit, A restricting unit for integrally moving the inspection unit and the drive unit horizontally along an arc-shaped track, A control unit controls the regulating unit and the drive unit based on the operation input from the operation unit, Equipped with, The regulating unit is capable of moving the inspection unit and the drive unit relatively in the left-right direction, from a first position close to the eye being examined on the arc-shaped trajectory, through a second position farther from the eye being examined, The ophthalmic apparatus is characterized in that the control unit causes the inspection unit to move coarsely in the left-right direction relative to the eye under examination by the regulating unit, and the drive unit causes the inspection unit to move at least in the left-right direction relative to the eye under examination.

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