Ophthalmic data management system and ophthalmic device

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmologic data managing system capable of preventing eye information from being associated with wrong attachment information when storing the eye information in a database.SOLUTION: An ophthalmologic data management system includes: an eye examination unit 11 for acquiring eye information on a subject; a database 22 for storing the eye information associated with identification information for specifying the subject; and a data management unit 21 for receiving the eye information acquired by the eye examination unit 11, to which attachment information including the identification information is attached, and storing it in the database 22. The data management unit 21 determines the correctness of the attachment information attached to first eye information on the basis of a result of the collation of the first eye information newly acquired by the eye examination unit 11 and second eye information already stored in the database 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ophthalmic data management system and an ophthalmic apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a data management system that associates identification information that identifies a subject with test information obtained by conducting an examination (e.g., eye information obtained by an eye examination) and stores the information in a database, and retrieves the required information using the identification information as a search key from multiple terminals that can access the database (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-366655 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, newly acquired eye information is sent to a database with attached information including identification information that identifies the subject who underwent the eye examination. The eye information sent to the database is then stored in the database in association with the identification information included in the attached information. However, the attached information including the identification information is generally entered manually by an examiner or by a data reading scanner. Therefore, if incorrect information is entered when entering the attached information (identification information), the newly acquired eye information is sent to the database with the incorrect attached information (incorrect identification information) attached. As a result, the newly acquired eye information is stored in the database in association with the incorrect identification information. Therefore, there is a problem that information may be mixed up when retrieving necessary information from the database using the identification information as a search key.

[0005] The present invention has been made in response to the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an ophthalmic data management system and an ophthalmic device that can prevent eye information from being associated with incorrect attached information when storing eye information in a database. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the ophthalmologic data management system of the present invention comprises an eye examination unit that acquires eye information of a subject, a database that stores the eye information associated with identification information that identifies the subject, and a data management unit that receives the eye information acquired by the eye examination unit and to which attached information including the identification information is attached, and stores the eye information in the database; The eye examination unit is provided in an ophthalmologic apparatus having a control unit and connected to the data management unit, and the control unit determines whether attachment information to be attached to the acquired eye information is correct or not based on a comparison result between acquired eye information, which is eye information newly acquired by the eye examination unit, and stored eye information, which is eye information already stored in the database, and transmits the acquired eye information to the data management unit with the attachment information determined to be correct attached thereto; The data management unit The information transmitted from the control unit Acquired eye information and The aforementioned Based on the result of matching with the stored eye information, Attached to the acquired eye information transmitted from the control unit The attached information is checked for accuracy. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the ophthalmologic data management system and ophthalmologic apparatus of the present invention configured as described above, when eye information is stored in the database, it is possible to prevent the eye information from being associated with incorrect attached information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an ophthalmologic data management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an ophthalmic examination apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart showing a data management process performed by the ophthalmologic data management system of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for processing to verify eye information when identification information included in attached information is clear. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for processing to verify eye information when identification information included in attached information is unknown. [Figure 6]10 is a flowchart showing an eye information transmission procedure performed by a control unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of an ophthalmologic data management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmologic data management system according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out an ophthalmic data management system and an ophthalmic apparatus according to the present invention will be described based on first to fourth embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0011] Example 1 The ophthalmic data management system 1 of the first embodiment is a system that stores and accumulates eye information of subjects acquired by ophthalmic examination devices 10 (ophthalmic devices) installed in various facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and eyeglass stores in a database 22 mounted on a management server 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the ophthalmic data management system 1 of the first embodiment is constructed by a plurality of ophthalmic examination devices 10, a management server 20, and a communication network 30 connecting these devices.

[0012] The ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 includes an ophthalmic examination unit 11, a user interface unit (UI unit) 12, a communication unit 13, and a control unit 14. These components may be provided integrally (in a single housing) or distributed across two or more housings. Examples of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 include a refractometer, a keratometer, a tonometer, a specular microscope, a wavefront analyzer, a perimeter, a microperimeter, an optical coherence tomography (OCT), a fundus camera, and a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). The refractometer and keratometer measure the refractive characteristics of the subject's eye (e.g., refractive power, corneal curvature, etc.). The tonometer measures the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye. The specular microscope measures the corneal characteristics of the subject's eye (e.g., corneal thickness, corneal endothelial cell distribution, corneal endothelial cell count, etc.). The wavefront analyzer measures aberration information of the eyeball of the subject's eye using a Hartmann-Shack sensor. The perimeter measures the visual field of the subject's eye. The microperimeter measures the luminosity of the subject's eye. The OCT uses optical interference to obtain cross-sectional images, three-dimensional data, and analytical data (hereinafter referred to as "OCT data") of the fundus, anterior segment, retina, etc. of the subject's eye. The fundus camera captures images of the fundus of the subject's eye. The SLO obtains images of the fundus of the subject's eye by laser scanning using a confocal optical system. Furthermore, the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 may be a subjective examination apparatus such as a visual acuity examination apparatus including an optotype presenting device and a phoropter.

[0013] The eye examination unit 11, under the control of the control unit 14, performs an examination (eye examination) of the subject's eye E and acquires various types of eye information. The eye information of the subject's eye E acquired by the eye examination unit 11 varies depending on the type of ophthalmic examination apparatus 10, and includes, for example, refractive characteristics, intraocular pressure, corneal characteristics, ocular aberration information, visual field, luminosity, OCT data, fundus images, anterior segment images, subjective examination results, and the like.

[0014] The eye examination unit 11 has at least one of a function for measuring characteristics of the subject's eye E and a function for photographing the subject's eye E. As shown in FIG. 2, the eye examination unit 11 has an examination optical unit 111 and mechanisms (such as an actuator and a power transmission mechanism) not shown. The examination optical unit 111 includes an optical system for projecting light onto the subject's eye E and an optical system for detecting return light of the light projected onto the subject's eye E. The examination optical unit 111 may also include an optical system for projecting a fixation target onto the subject's eye E, an optical system for performing alignment, an optical system for focusing, etc. Each of the various optical systems of the examination optical unit 111 has an optical element 112, a projection system 113, and a light-receiving system not shown. The examination optical unit 111 may also have a processor for processing the detection results (image signals, video signals, etc.) of the return light detected by the light-receiving system.

[0015] The optical element 112 guides the light beam output from the projection system 113 to the subject's eye E. The optical element 112 includes any of various optical elements, such as a lens (an objective lens, etc.), a prism (an objective prism, etc.), a concave mirror (a parabolic mirror, etc.), a glass plate, etc.

[0016] The projection system 113 projects a light beam (examination light beam) for examining the eye E via the optical element 112 onto the eye E. The projection system 113 is provided with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 114 as needed. The LCD 114 operates under the control of the control unit 14. The LCD 114 displays information used in the examination (examination information: optotype, fixation target, etc.).

[0017] The light receiving system detects the return light of the light projected onto the subject's eye E. The light receiving system has a light receiving element such as a CCD as necessary, and transmits a signal received by the light receiving element or the like to the control unit 14 as eye information.

[0018] The user interface unit 12 is operated by an examiner or the like and is used to input information and give operational instructions. The user interface unit 12 also outputs (displays) information for the examinee and the examiner. As shown in FIG. 2 , the user interface unit 12 has an operation device 121, a display device 122, a voice input device 123, and a voice output device 124.

[0019] The operation device 121 is an operation device such as a button, key, control lever, knob, or operation panel provided on the housing of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 or on the outside. The operation device 121 may also include an operation device (mouse, keyboard, trackpad, button, touch panel, etc.) of a personal computer or the like connected to the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10. The display device 122 is a display device such as a flat panel display. The audio input device 123 is configured to include a microphone that converts audio information into an electrical signal and a circuit that processes the electrical signal converted by the microphone. The audio output device 124 is configured to include, for example, a circuit that processes audio information (audio signal) to be output and a speaker that outputs the processed audio information.

[0020] The user interface unit 12 may be configured by a device such as a touch panel in which the operation device 121 and the display device 122 are integrated, or by a graphical user interface (GUI). The user interface unit 12 may also have a processor and a computer program for inputting information and issuing operational instructions based on the voice of an examiner or the like input from a voice input device 123. Furthermore, the user interface unit 12 may be configured in part or in whole by a personal computer, a mobile terminal, a television receiver, a smart television, or the like.

[0021] The communication unit 13 performs data communication with the management server 20 via the communication network 30. The method of data communication by the communication unit 13 is set arbitrarily depending on the communication network 30. The data communication by the communication unit 13 may be wired communication or wireless communication. Note that data transmitted and received by the communication unit 13 may be encrypted. In this case, for example, the control unit 14 includes an encryption processing unit that encrypts transmitted data and a decryption processing unit that decrypts received data.

[0022] The control unit 14 executes various controls and calculations. The control unit 14 includes a processor. In this specification, the term "processor" refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). The control unit 14 executes various controls and calculations by reading and executing programs stored in a memory circuit or storage device (not shown). The control unit 14 may further include a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, etc. The control unit 14 may be partially or entirely configured by a personal computer or a mobile terminal.

[0023] 1, the management server 20 includes a data management unit 21 and a database 22. The management server 20 is capable of bidirectional data communication with multiple ophthalmic examination apparatuses 10 individually via a communication network 30. The management server 20 may be a cloud server, a company's own server, or the like.

[0024] The data management unit 21 receives eye information acquired by the eye examination unit 11 and having attached information including identification information from the ophthalmic examination device 10, and stores the information in the database 22. The data management unit 21 also determines whether the attached information is correct based on the results of comparing acquired eye information, which is eye information newly acquired by the eye examination unit 11, with stored eye information, which is eye information already stored in the database 22. The data management unit 21 includes a processor, and performs processes such as receiving and transmitting eye information, storing the eye information in the database 22, and determining the correctness of the attached information by reading and executing programs stored in a memory circuit or a storage device.

[0025] The database 22 is a large-scale storage device. The database 22 stores identification information, examination information, and eye information associated with the predetermined identification information and the predetermined examination information. The identification information is information that identifies the subject, such as an ID assigned to each subject, the subject's name, date of birth, and age. The examination information is information that identifies the content of the eye examination that the subject underwent. The examination information is, for example, the examination date and time, examination type, examination items (refractive power, intraocular pressure, anterior eye image, etc.), designation of the left or right eye, fixation position, angle of view, etc., and the order of the examination. The examination information is associated with the identification information. The eye information is the examination results of the eye examination obtained by the ophthalmic examination device 10.

[0026] The communication network 30 is a communication mechanism that enables mutual transmission of information between the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 and the data management unit 21 of the management server 20. The communication network 30 may be the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that data communication via the communication network 30 may be wired communication using a cable or wireless communication.

[0027] The procedure of the data management process in the ophthalmic data management system 1 of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 3. The data management process is executed every time an examination is performed by the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10. The work by the examiner may also be performed by the subject or other related parties.

[0028] In step S1, the examiner inputs the identification information of the subject to be examined via the operation device 121 into the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10, and then the process proceeds to step S2. The identification information input into the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 is temporarily stored in the control unit 14. The identification information may be input manually by the examiner using a keyboard or the like, or may be input using a laser or image from a barcode reader or the like. In cases where the identification information is unknown, such as in the case of an emergency, the examiner can input irregular identification information that does not identify the subject, such as "unknown."

[0029] In step S2, following the input of the identification information in step S1, the examiner inputs examination information specifying the content of the eye examination via the operation device 121, and the process proceeds to step S3. The examination information input to the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 is temporarily stored in the control unit 14. The examination information may be predetermined based on the identification information, or may be determined by the examiner. Furthermore, the examination information may be input manually by the examiner using a keyboard or the like, or may be input using a laser or image from a barcode reader or the like.

[0030] In step S3, following the input of the examination information in step S2, the examiner performs an eye examination using the eye examination unit 11 of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10, acquires the eye information of the examinee, and proceeds to step S4. The settings of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 according to the eye examination may be automatically performed by the control unit 14 based on the examination information, or may be performed by instructions or operations by the examiner who has confirmed the examination information. The eye information acquired by the eye examination unit 11 is temporarily stored in the control unit 14.

[0031] Furthermore, when the eye examination unit 11 has a function of acquiring an anterior eye image of the subject's eye, that is, when the eye examination unit 11 is equipped with an optical system capable of photographing the anterior eye, the control unit 14 acquires the anterior eye image by the eye examination unit 11 regardless of the examination information. Then, the control unit 14 includes the anterior eye image in the eye information acquired by the eye examination unit 11.

[0032] In step S4, following the execution of the eye examination in step S3 or the correction of the attached information in step S13, the control unit 14 of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 transmits the acquired eye information (hereinafter referred to as "first eye information") newly acquired by the eye examination unit 11 to the management server 20, and the process proceeds to step S5. In addition, when transmitting the first eye information to the management server 20, the control unit 14 attaches attached information including the identification information and examination information input before the eye examination to the first eye information. The transmission of the first eye information to the management server 20 is performed from the communication unit 13 via the communication network 30.

[0033] In step S5, following the transmission of the first eye information in step S4, the data management unit 21 of the management server 20 receives the first eye information from the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10, and the process proceeds to step S6.

[0034] In step S6, following receiving the first eye information in step S5, the data management unit 21 analyzes the attachment information attached to the first eye information to confirm the identification information contained in the attachment information, and proceeds to step S7.

[0035] In step S7, following the confirmation of the identification information in step S6, the data management unit 21 determines whether the identification information included in the attached information is clear. If YES (the identification information is clear), proceed to step S8. If NO (the identification information is unknown), proceed to step S15. Note that "clear identification information" means that the identification information included in the attached information is legitimate identification information that can identify the subject. In other words, in this case, legitimate identification information is attached to the first eye information. Note that "unknown identification information" means that the identification information included in the attached information is illegitimate identification information that does not identify the subject. In other words, in this case, illegitimate identification information is attached to the first eye information, and the subject cannot be identified by the identification information included in the attached information (the identification information attached to the first eye information). Note that "unknown identification information" also includes the case where the attached information does not include identification information (the identification information is not attached to the first eye information).

[0036] In step S8, following the determination in step S7 that the identification information is clear, the data management unit 21 screens the stored eye information already stored in the database 22 using the identification information confirmed in step S6 (the identification information included in the attached information) as a search key. Then, the data management unit 21 acquires eye information associated with the identification information included in the attached information (hereinafter referred to as "second eye information A") from the stored eye information already stored in the database 22, and proceeds to step S9. Since the second eye information A was acquired using the identification information included in the attached information as a search key, the identification information associated with the second eye information A is the same as the identification information included in the attached information.

[0037] In step S9, following the acquisition of the second eye information A in step S8, the data management unit 21 compares the first eye information with the second eye information A acquired in step S8, and proceeds to step S10. Note that the process of comparing eye information in step S9 when the identification information is clear will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0038] In step S10, following the matching of the eye information in step S9, the data management unit 21 determines whether the matching result is "attached information = accurate." That is, the data management unit 21 determines whether the attached information attached to the first eye information is correct. If YES (attached information = accurate), proceed to step S11. If NO (identification information = inaccurate), proceed to step S12. Note that "attached information" is information attached to the first eye information and transmitted from the ophthalmic examination device 10 to the management server 20, and includes identification information and examination information. The matching results of "attached information = accurate" and "attached information = inaccurate" will be described later.

[0039] In step S11, following the matching result of "attached information = accurate" in step S10, the data management unit 21 associates the first eye information with the identification information and examination information included in the attached information and stores it in the database 22, and proceeds to step S14. That is, as will be described later, the data management unit 21 associates the first eye information with identification information and examination information associated with second eye information C including second identifier data having unique feature points that match the unique feature points of the first identifier data, or with identification information and examination information associated with second eye information C including second non-identifier data whose difference from the first non-identifier data is within a predetermined range.

[0040] In step S12, following the result of the comparison in step S10 that "attached information = incorrect," the data management unit 21 notifies the examiner, data manager, subject, etc. that either the identification information or the test information included in the attached information is incorrect, and the process proceeds to step S13. The notice to the examiner, etc. is given, for example, by displaying the notice on the display device 122 of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 or by outputting the notice by voice from the voice output device 124.

[0041] In step S13, following the notification of an error in the attached information in step S12, the examiner checks the attached information notified as being incorrect and the first eye information to which the attached information is attached, corrects the identification information or the examination information, or both, and returns to step S4. The attached information may be corrected manually by the examiner using a keyboard or the like, or by input using a laser or image, such as a barcode reader. The corrected identification information or examination information is temporarily stored in the control unit 14 together with the first eye information. Then, by returning to step S4, the control unit 14 of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 attaches the identification information or examination information corrected by the examiner to the first eye information and retransmits the first eye information to the management server 20. Then, the processing from step S5 onward is performed again.

[0042] In step S14, following the storage of the eye information in step S11 or step S20, the data management unit 21 notifies the examiner or the like that the storage of the eye information in the database 22 has been completed, and the process proceeds to END. The notice to the examiner or the like is given, for example, by displaying the notice on the display device 122 of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 or by outputting the notice by voice from the voice output device 124.

[0043] In step S15, following the determination in step S7 that the identification information is unknown, the data management unit 21 notifies (warns) the examiner, data manager, subject, etc. that the identification information included in the attached information is unknown, and proceeds to step S16. The notice to the examiner, etc. is given, for example, by displaying on the display device 122 of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 or by outputting audio from the audio output device 124.

[0044] In step S16, following the notification to the examiner etc. in step S15, the data management unit 21 acquires all the eye information stored in the database 22 (hereinafter referred to as "second eye information B"), and proceeds to step S17.

[0045] In step S17, following the acquisition of the second eye information B in step S16, the data management unit 21 compares the first eye information with the second eye information B acquired in step S16, and proceeds to step S18. Note that the process of comparing eye information when the identification information is unknown will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0046] In step S18, following the matching of the eye information in step S17, the data management unit 21 determines whether the matching result is "identification information linking = possible." If YES (identification information linking = possible), proceed to step S19. If NO (identification information linking = not possible), proceed to step S21. Note that "identification information linking" means that the first eye information can be associated with predetermined identification information selected based on the matching result between the first eye information and the second eye information B. The matching results of "identification information linking = possible" and "identification information linking = not possible" will be described later.

[0047] In step S19, following the matching result of step S18 that "identification information linking = possible," the data management unit 21 calculates the association probability between the first eye information and the predetermined identification information selected as being able to be associated with the first eye information (hereinafter referred to as "linked identification information"), and proceeds to step S20. The association probability is the degree (probability) of the possibility that the first eye information is eye information of the subject identified by the linked identification information. The higher the association probability, the more likely it is that the first eye information is eye information of the subject identified by the linked identification information. Furthermore, the lower the association probability, the more likely it is that the first eye information is not eye information of the subject identified by the linked identification information. In other words, the lower the association probability, the more likely it is that the linked identification information is incorrect. Furthermore, the association probability is calculated based on the degree (degree) of match of the identifier data and the magnitude of difference in the non-identifier data, which will be described later. The higher the degree of match of the identifier data, the higher the association probability. Furthermore, the smaller the difference in the non-identifier data, the higher the association probability.

[0048] In addition, if it is determined in step S17 that linking is possible for multiple identification information, that is, if multiple linking identification information is selected, the data management unit 21 calculates the association probability between the first eye information and each of the multiple linking identification information.

[0049] In step S20, following the calculation of the association probability in step S19, the data management unit 21 associates the first eye information with the linked identification information and stores it in the database 22, and then proceeds to step S14. The data management unit 21 also associates the first eye information with the examination information included in the attached information and stores it in the database 22. Furthermore, the data management unit 21 stores the association probability calculated in step S19 in the database 22, including the first eye information.

[0050] Furthermore, if a plurality of pieces of linked information are selected in step S17, the data management unit 21 associates the first eye information with the linked identification information with the highest association probability calculated in step S19 and stores the information in the database 22.

[0051] In step S21, following the matching result of step S18 that "linking of identification information = not possible," the data management unit 21 suspends saving of the first eye information in the database 22 and proceeds to step S22. Note that "suspending saving of first eye information in the database 22" may include not saving the first eye information in the database 22, or saving the first eye information in the database 22 in association with irregular identification information that does not identify the subject (for example, identification information defined as "unknown").

[0052] In step S22, following the suspension of storage of the first eye information in step S21, the data management unit 21 notifies the examiner, data manager, subject, etc. that the storage of the first eye information has been suspended, and then proceeds to END. The notification to the examiner, etc. is made, for example, by displaying on the display device 122 of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 or by outputting audio from the audio output device 124.

[0053] Hereinafter, the procedure of the eye information matching process (step S9) when the identification information included in the attached information is clear will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. Note that the eye information matching process shown in Fig. 4 is entirely performed by the data management unit 21.

[0054] In step S101, the data management unit 21 analyzes the attached information attached to the first eye information to confirm the examination information included in the attached information, and then the process proceeds to step S102.

[0055] In step S102, following the confirmation of the examination information in step S101, the data management unit 21 screens the second eye information A acquired in step S8 using the examination information confirmed in step S101 (examination information included in the attached information) as a search key. Then, the data management unit 21 acquires eye information associated with the examination information included in the attached information from the second eye information A (hereinafter referred to as "second eye information C") and proceeds to step S103. Note that the second eye information C was acquired using the examination information included in the attached information as a search key. Therefore, the examination information associated with the second eye information C is identical to the examination information included in the attached information. Furthermore, the second eye information A from which the second eye information C was acquired was acquired using the identification information included in the attached information as a search key. Therefore, the identification information associated with the second eye information C is identical to the identification information included in the attached information. As a result, the identification information and examination information associated with the second eye information C are identical to the identification information and examination information included in the attached information.

[0056] In step S103, following acquisition of the second eye information C in step S102, the data management unit 21 determines whether the first eye information includes the first identifier data and whether the second eye information C includes the second identifier data. If YES (first identifier data and second identifier data are present), proceed to step S104. If NO (at least one of the first identifier data and second identifier data is absent), proceed to step S106.

[0057] The first identifier data and the second identifier data are ocular information having unique feature points that are unique to each subject. The first identifier data and the second identifier data are, for example, at least one of an optical coherence tomographic image, a fundus image, and an anterior segment image. That is, the position and size of the retinal blood vessels, optic disc, and macula of the fundus differ from person to person and serve as unique feature points. Since optical coherence tomographic images and fundus images can acquire information on retinal blood vessels, etc., the optical coherence tomographic images and fundus images can serve as the first identifier data and the second identifier data. Furthermore, the iris pattern of the anterior segment differs from person to person and serves as a unique feature point. Since information on the iris pattern can be acquired from the anterior segment image, the anterior segment image can serve as the first identifier data and the second identifier data.

[0058] In step S104, following the determination in step S103 that first identifier data and second identifier data are present, the data management unit 21 compares the unique feature points of the first identifier data contained in the first eye information with the unique feature points of the second identifier data contained in the second eye information C, and proceeds to step S105.

[0059] In step S105, following the matching of the identifier data in step S104, the data management unit 21 determines whether the unique feature points of the first identifier data and the unique feature points of the second identifier data match. If the result is YES (unique feature points match), the process proceeds to step S108. If the result is NO (unique feature points mismatch), the process proceeds to step S109. The data management unit 21 determines that the unique feature points match not only when the unique feature points match perfectly, but also when the difference between the unique feature points of the first identifier data and the unique feature points of the second identifier data falls within a predetermined error range. The data management unit 21 may also match multiple pieces of first identifier data with multiple pieces of second identifier data. That is, the data management unit 21 may, for example, match the fundus image included in the first eye information with the fundus image included in the second eye information, and also match the projection image included in the first eye information (fundus image generated from an OCT image) with the projection image included in the second eye information.

[0060] In step S106, following the determination in step S103 that at least one of the first identifier data or the second identifier data is not present, the data management unit 21 compares the first non-identifier data contained in the first eye information with the second non-identifier data contained in the second eye information C, and proceeds to step S107.

[0061] The first non-identifier data and the second non-identifier data are ocular information that does not have unique features. The first non-identifier data and the second non-identifier data are ocular information obtained using at least one of a refractometer, a keratometer, a tonometer, a specular microscope, a subjective examination device, and a perimeter, and specifically include refractive power, corneal curvature, intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, corneal endothelial cell distribution, corneal endothelial cell count, ocular aberration information, visual field, luminosity, and subjective examination results.

[0062] In step S107, following the matching of the non-identifier data in step S106, the data management unit 21 determines whether the difference between the first non-identifier data and the second non-identifier data is within a predetermined range. If YES (within the predetermined range), proceed to step S108. If NO (outside the predetermined range), proceed to step S109. The "predetermined range" is set based on the range of fluctuation in eye information that would lead to the non-identifier data being estimated to have undergone unexpected fluctuations or to the left and right eye being confused. The data management unit 21 may also match multiple first non-identifier data with multiple second non-identifier data. That is, the data management unit 21 may, for example, match the refractive power included in the first eye information with the refractive power included in the second eye information, and also match the corneal curvature included in the first eye information with the corneal curvature included in the second eye information.

[0063] In step S108, following the determination in step S105 that the unique features match or the determination in step S107 that the difference in the non-identifier data is within a predetermined range, the data management unit 21 determines the matching result as "attached information = accurate" and proceeds to end.

[0064] Here, the reason for the matching result of "attached information = accurate" is as follows. That is, the identification information and test information to which the first eye information should be associated are considered to be identical to the identification information and test information associated with eye information whose unique feature points match those of the first eye information, or the identification information and test information associated with eye information whose difference in non-identifier data from the first eye information is within a predetermined range. On the other hand, as described above, the identification information and test information associated with second eye information C whose unique feature points match or whose difference in non-identifier data is within a predetermined range are identical to the identification information and test information included in the attached information. From this, it can be determined that the identification information and test information included in the attached information attached to the first eye information is information to which the first eye information should be associated. As a result, the attached information is determined to be correct (attached information = accurate).

[0065] In step S109, following the determination in step S105 that the identifier data does not match or the determination in step S107 that the difference in the non-identifier data exceeds a specified range, the data management unit 21 determines the matching result as "attachment information = inaccurate" and proceeds to end.

[0066] Here, the reason for the matching result of "attached information = inaccurate" is as follows: Namely, the unique features of the first eye information and the second eye information C do not match, or the difference in non-identifier data exceeds a predetermined range. Therefore, it is considered that the identification information and test information associated with the second eye information C are different from the identification information and test information to which the first eye information should be associated. From this, it can be determined that the identification information and test information included in the attached information attached to the first eye information are not information to which the first eye information should be associated. As a result, the attached information attached to the first eye information is determined to be incorrect (attached information = inaccurate).

[0067] In other words, a matching result of "attached information = inaccurate" means that the first eye information is not, at least, the eye information of the subject identified by the identification information contained in the attached information, or is not eye information corresponding to the test content identified by the test information contained in the attached information.

[0068] The procedure for the eye information matching process (step S17) when the identification information included in the attached information is unknown will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. Note that the eye information matching process shown in Fig. 5 is entirely performed by the data management unit 21. Also, each step from step S201 to step S207 is substantially the same procedure as each step from step S101 to step S107 in the eye information matching process when the identification information is clear as shown in Fig. 4. Therefore, detailed description will be omitted.

[0069] In step S201, the data management unit 21 analyzes the attached information to check the examination information contained in the attached information, and the process proceeds to step S202.

[0070] In step S202, following the confirmation of the examination information in step S201, the data management unit 21 screens the second eye information B acquired in step S16 using the examination information confirmed in step S201 (examination information included in the attached information) as a search key. Then, the data management unit 21 acquires eye information associated with the examination information included in the attached information from the second eye information B (hereinafter referred to as "second eye information D"), and proceeds to step S203. The second eye information D is acquired using the examination information included in the attached information as a search key. Therefore, the examination information associated with the second eye information D is the same as the examination information included in the attached information. Furthermore, the second eye information B from which the second eye information D is acquired is all the eye information stored in the database 22. Therefore, the identification information associated with the second eye information D will be various.

[0071] In step S203, following the acquisition of the second eye information D in step S202, the data management unit 21 determines whether the first eye information includes the first identifier data and whether the second eye information D includes the second identifier data. If YES (first identifier data and second identifier data are present), proceed to step S204. If NO (at least one of the first identifier data and second identifier data is absent), proceed to step S206.

[0072] In step S204, following the determination in step S203 that first identifier data and second identifier data are present, the data management unit 21 compares the unique feature points of the first identifier data contained in the first eye information with the unique feature points of the second identifier data contained in the second eye information D, and proceeds to step S205.

[0073] In step S205, following the matching of the identifier data in step S204, the data management unit 21 determines whether the unique feature points of the matched first identifier data and the unique feature points of the second identifier data match. If the result is YES (unique feature points match), the process proceeds to step S208. If the result is NO (unique feature points do not match), the process proceeds to step S209.

[0074] In step S206, following the determination in step S203 that at least one of the first identifier data or the second identifier data is not present, the data management unit 21 compares the first non-identifier data contained in the first eye information with the second non-identifier data contained in the second eye information D, and proceeds to step S207.

[0075] In step S207, following the matching of the non-identifier data in step S206, data management unit 21 determines whether the difference between the matched first non-identifier data and second non-identifier data is within a predetermined range. If the result is YES (within the predetermined range), proceed to step S208. If the result is NO (outside the predetermined range), proceed to step S209.

[0076] In step S208, following the determination in step S205 that the unique features match or the determination in step S207 that the difference in the non-identifier data is within a predetermined range, the data management unit 21 determines the matching result as "Linking of identification information = Possible" and proceeds to end.

[0077] That is, a matching result of "identification information linking = possible" means that it is possible to select identification information associated with second eye information D including second identifier data having unique feature points that match those of the first identifier data, or second eye information D including second non-identifier data whose difference from the first non-identifier data is within a predetermined range, and to link the first eye information to the selected identification information. Here, the data management unit 21 can determine that the identification information of the first eye information (estimated from the matching result between the first eye information and the second eye information D) is identical to the identification information associated with second eye information D whose unique feature points match those of the first eye information, or the identification information associated with second eye information D whose difference from the first eye information and the non-identifier data is within a predetermined range. Therefore, the data management unit 21 can link the first eye information to the identification information selected based on the matching result between the first eye information and the second eye information D (identification information associated with second eye information D whose unique feature points match or whose difference from the non-identifier data is determined to be within a predetermined range), and determines that identification information linking is possible (identification information linking = possible).

[0078] In other words, a matching result of "Linking of identification information = Possible" means that the first eye information can be associated with specified identification information (identification information associated with second eye information D whose unique feature points match or whose difference in non-identifier data is determined to be within a specified range).

[0079] In step S209, following the determination in step S205 that the identifier data does not match or the determination in step S207 that the difference in the non-identifier data exceeds a specified range, the data management unit 21 determines the matching result as "Linking of identification information = not possible" and proceeds to end.

[0080] That is, a matching result of "identification information linking = impossible" means that the first eye information cannot be associated with identification information associated with second eye information D including second identifier data whose unique feature points do not match (mismatch) the unique feature points of the first identifier data, or second eye information D including second non-identifier data whose difference from the first non-identifier data exceeds a predetermined range. In this case, the data management unit 21 can determine that the identification information of the first eye information (estimated from the matching result between the first eye information and the second eye information D) is different from the identification information associated with second eye information D whose unique feature points do not match those of the first eye information, or the identification information associated with second eye information D whose difference from the first eye information in non-identifier data exceeds a predetermined range. Therefore, the data management unit 21 cannot identify the identification information to be associated with the first eye information, and determines that identification information linking is impossible (identification information linking = impossible).

[0081] In other words, the matching result of "linking of identification information = not possible" means that the first information cannot be associated with the predetermined identification information. Note that, when the data management unit 21 associates the first eye information with irregular identification information that does not identify the subject (for example, identification information defined as "unknown"), the matching result is "linking of identification information = not possible."

[0082] The following describes the effects of the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0083] (1) When storing first-eye information with clear identification information attached in database 22 In the ophthalmic data management system 1 of Example 1, when an eye examination is performed on a subject and the acquired eye information is stored in the database 22, the examiner first inputs identification information and examination information into the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 (steps S1 and S2), and then performs the eye examination using the eye examination unit 11 to acquire the eye information (step S3). After acquiring the eye information, the control unit 14 of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 attaches the attached information (identification information and examination information) input by the examiner to the newly acquired acquired eye information (first eye information) and transmits the newly acquired eye information to the management server 20 (step S4).

[0084] Next, the data management unit 21 receives the first eye information (step S5), checks the identification information included in the attached information (step S6), and determines whether the identification information is clear (step S7).

[0085] If the identification information included in the attached information is clear, the data management unit 21 acquires eye information (second eye information A) associated with the identification information included in the attached information from the eye information already stored in the database 22 (step S8). Then, the data management unit 21 compares the first eye information with the second eye information A (step S9), and determines whether the comparison result is "attached information = accurate" (step S10).

[0086] If the collation result is "attached information = accurate," the data management unit 21 associates the first eye information with the identification information included in the attached information and stores it in the database 22 (step S11). Finally, the data management unit 21 notifies the examiner or the like that the first eye information has been stored in the database 22 (step S14).

[0087] As described above, in the ophthalmic data management system 1 of Example 1, the ophthalmic examination device 10 acquires the eye information of the subject, and when the newly acquired acquired eye information (first eye information) is stored in the database 22, it is compared with the stored eye information (second eye information A) already stored in the database 22. Then, the data management unit 21 determines whether the attached information is correct, and associates the first eye information with the identification information included in the attached information based on the comparison result of "attached information = correct."

[0088] Here, the eye information is information specific to each subject. Therefore, the ophthalmic data management system 1 of Example 1 determines whether the identification information included in the attached information is correct based on the result of matching between the first eye information specific to each subject and the second eye information A. Then, when saving the first eye information in the database 22, the ophthalmic data management system 1 associates the first eye information with the attached identification information that is determined to be correct based on the result of matching. In other words, when saving the first eye information in the database 22, the ophthalmic data management system 1 of Example 1 does not unconditionally associate the first eye information with the attached identification information, but determines whether the association is correct based on the result of matching the eye information specific to each subject.

[0089] As a result, even if incorrect identification information (identification information different from the identification information to be associated) is attached to the first eye information, the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of the first embodiment can prevent the first eye information from being associated with the incorrect identification information when storing the first eye information in the database 22. As a result, the ophthalmologic data management system 1 can prevent the misinterpretation of eye information when retrieving necessary eye information from the database 22 using the identification information as a search key.

[0090] Furthermore, the ophthalmic data management system 1 of the first embodiment can prevent misidentification of eye information, thereby preventing misdiagnosis based on misidentified eye information and unnecessary examinations, treatments, surgeries, etc. that may result from the misdiagnosis. That is, the ophthalmic data management system 1 can prevent, for example, the need for a re-examination of the opposite eye of the eye that was mistakenly examined, or the need to perform an eye examination that should be performed by another patient. As a result, the ophthalmic data management system 1 can reduce the burden on patients.

[0091] Furthermore, in the ophthalmic data management system 1 of Example 1, if the result of matching the first eye information with the second eye information A is "attached information = inaccurate," the data management unit 21 notifies the examiner or the like that either the identification information or the examination information included in the attached information is incorrect (step S12). In response to this, the examiner or the like corrects the identification information, the examination information, or both based on the notification (step S13). Then, the control unit 14 of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 attaches the identification information or the examination information corrected by the examiner to the first eye information, and then transmits the first eye information again to the management server 20 (step S4).

[0092] In this way, in the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of Example 1, if the identification information or examination information included in the attached information attached to the first eye information is incorrect, the examiner or the like can be notified of the error in the attached information and can be corrected. This allows the ophthalmologic data management system 1 to associate the first eye information with accurate identification information when storing the first eye information in the database 22.

[0093] Furthermore, by being notified of the error in the attached information, the examiner or the like can recognize that the attached information attached to the first eye information is incorrect. Therefore, the examiner or the like can prevent the first eye information from being associated with the incorrect attached information and stored in the database 22.

[0094] (2) When the first eye information to which the unknown eye information is attached is stored in the database 22 In the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of Example 1, when the identification information included in the attached information is unknown, the data management unit 21 first notifies (warns) that the identification information included in the attached information is unknown, that is, that the subject cannot be identified by the identification information attached to the first eye information (step S15). This allows the examiner or the like to recognize that the identification information attached to the first eye information is unknown. This allows the examiner or the like to prevent the first eye information from being associated with incorrect attached information and stored in the database 22.

[0095] Next, the data management unit 21 acquires all eye information (second eye information B) already stored in the database 22 (step S16), and compares the first eye information with the second eye information B (step S17). Then, the data management unit 21 determines whether the comparison result indicates "linking of identification information = possible" (step S18).

[0096] If the collation result is "identification information linking = possible," the data management unit 21 calculates the association probability between the first eye information and predetermined identification information (linked identification information) with which the first eye information is associated (step S19).The data management unit 21 then associates the first eye information with the linked identification information and stores it in the database 22 (step S20), and notifies the examiner or the like that the eye information has been stored in the database 22 (step S14).

[0097] In this way, in the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of Example 1, even if the identification information of the first eye information is unknown, it is possible to select appropriate identification information (linked identification information) and associate the first eye information based on the result of matching between the first eye information and the eye information (second eye information B) stored in the database 22. As a result, when storing the first eye information in the database 22, the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of Example 1 can prevent the first eye information whose identification information is unknown from being associated with incorrect identification information.

[0098] Moreover, when the identification information of the first eye information is unknown, the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of Example 1 calculates the association probability between the first eye information and identification information (linked identification information) that associates the first eye information. Then, when storing the first eye information in the database 22, the ophthalmologic data management system 1 includes the calculated association probability in the first eye information. Therefore, when an examiner or the like retrieves the first eye information from the database 22, the examiner or the like can grasp the association probability between the associated identification information and the first eye information.

[0099] In the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of the first embodiment, when the identification information included in the attached information is unknown and the result of matching the first eye information with the second eye information B is "linking of identification information = not possible," the data management unit 21 suspends saving of the first eye information in the database 22 (step S21). Therefore, the ophthalmologic data management system 1 can prevent first eye information associated with incorrect identification information from being saved in the database 22.

[0100] Furthermore, when the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of Example 1 suspends storage of the first eye information in the database 22, it notifies the examiner or the like that storage has been suspended (step S22). This allows the examiner or the like to understand that the first eye information whose identification information is unknown has not been stored in the database 22, and can take appropriate measures, such as adding identification information or correcting the identification information.

[0101] (3) When verifying first-eye information accompanied by clear identifying information In the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of Example 1, when collating eye information when the identification information included in the attached information is clear, the data management unit 21 first checks the examination information included in the attached information (step S101) and acquires eye information (second eye information C) associated with the examination information included in the attached information from the second eye information A (step S102). Next, the data management unit 21 determines whether the first eye information includes first identifier data and whether the second eye information C includes second identifier data (step S103). That is, the data management unit 21 determines whether the first eye information and the second eye information C include eye information having feature points (unique feature points) unique to each subject.

[0102] Then, when the first eye information and the second eye information C each contain identifier data, the data management unit 21 compares the unique feature points of the first identifier data contained in the first eye information with the unique feature points of the second identifier data contained in the second eye information C (step S104). Then, the data management unit 21 outputs a comparison result of "attached information = accurate" or "attached information = inaccurate" based on whether the unique feature points match (steps S105, S108, and S109). In other words, when the first identifier data and the second identifier data match, the data management unit 21 determines that the identification information contained in the attached information is correct.

[0103] As a result, the data management unit 21 can extract the unique feature points of the first identifier data and the unique feature points of the second identifier data included in the second ocular information C, and determine the degree of match, thereby determining the authenticity of the attached information. Furthermore, since the unique feature points are unique to each subject, the accuracy of determining the authenticity of the attached information can be improved. As a result, the ophthalmologic data management system 1 can accurately determine the authenticity of the attached information in a short period of time.

[0104] The first identifier data and the second identifier data are at least one of an optical coherence tomographic image, a fundus image, and an anterior eye image. Therefore, the data management unit 21 can determine the authenticity of the attached information using the identifier data that is also used for biometric authentication, and can determine the authenticity of the attached information with high accuracy.

[0105] Furthermore, if the first eye information and the second eye information C do not contain identifier data, the data management unit 21 compares the first non-identifier data contained in the first eye information with the second non-identifier data contained in the second eye information C (step S106). Then, the data management unit 21 outputs a comparison result of "attached information = accurate" or "attached information = inaccurate" based on whether the difference between the first non-identifier data and the second non-identifier data is within a predetermined range (steps S107, S108, and S109). In other words, when the difference between the first non-identifier data and the second non-identifier data is within a predetermined range, the data management unit 21 determines that the identification information contained in the attached information is correct.

[0106] This allows the data management unit 21 to determine whether the attached information attached to the first eye information is correct or incorrect even if there are no feature points (unique feature points) specific to each subject in the first eye information and the second eye information C. Furthermore, when storing the first eye information in the database 22, the ophthalmologic data management system 1 can prevent the first eye information from being associated with incorrect identification information or examination information.

[0107] (4) When verifying first-eye information with unknown identification information attached In the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of Example 1, when collating eye information when identification information included in attached information is unknown, the data management unit 21 first checks the examination information included in the attached information (step S201) and acquires eye information (second eye information D) associated with the examination information included in the attached information from the second eye information B (step S202). Next, the data management unit 21 determines whether the first eye information includes first identifier data and whether the second eye information D includes second identifier data (step S203). That is, the data management unit 21 determines whether the first eye information and the second eye information D include eye information having feature points (unique feature points) unique to each subject.

[0108] If the first eye information and the second eye information D each contain identifier data, the data management unit 21 compares the characteristic feature points of the first identifier data contained in the first eye information with the characteristic feature points of the second identifier data contained in the second eye information D (step S204). Then, the data management unit 21 outputs a comparison result of "identification information linking = possible" or "identification information linking = not possible" based on whether the characteristic feature points match (steps S205, S208, and S209). If the result is "identification information linking = possible," the data management unit 21 associates the first eye information with identification information associated with the second eye information D containing second identifier data that matches the first identifier data, and stores the result in the database 22 (step S20).

[0109] As a result, the data management unit 21 extracts the unique feature points of the first identifier data and the unique feature points of the second identifier data included in the second eye information D, and determines the degree of match, thereby enabling selection of appropriate identification information to associate with the first eye information. Furthermore, because the unique feature points are unique to each subject, the accuracy of selection when selecting identification information can be improved. As a result, the ophthalmologic data management system 1 can accurately select identification information to associate with the first eye information in a short time, even if the identification information included in the attached information is unknown.

[0110] Furthermore, if the first eye information and the second eye information D do not contain identifier data, the data management unit 21 compares the first non-identifier data contained in the first eye information with the second non-identifier data contained in the second eye information D (step S206). Then, the data management unit 21 outputs a comparison result of "linking of identification information = possible" or "linking of identification information = not possible" based on whether the difference between the first non-identifier data and the second non-identifier data is within a predetermined range (steps S207, S208, and S209). Then, if the comparison result is "linking of identification information = possible," the data management unit 21 associates the first eye information with identification information associated with the second eye information D including second non-identifier data whose difference from the first non-identifier data is within a predetermined range, and stores the first eye information in the database 22 (step S20).

[0111] This allows the data management unit 21 to select identification information to associate with the first eye information even if the first eye information and the second eye information D do not have feature points (unique feature points) specific to each subject. Furthermore, when storing the first eye information in the database 22, the ophthalmologic data management system 1 can prevent the first eye information from being associated with incorrect identification information.

[0112] (5) Other characteristic effects In the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of the first embodiment, when the eye examination unit 11 has a function of acquiring an anterior eye image of the subject's eye, the control unit 14 acquires the anterior eye image by the eye examination unit 11 regardless of the examination information. Then, the control unit 14 includes the anterior eye image in the eye information (first eye information) acquired by the eye examination unit 11 (step S3).

[0113] Here, the anterior eye image can acquire information about the iris pattern, which is a unique feature point specific to each subject. Therefore, by including the anterior eye image in the first eye information, the first eye information can include first identifier data having the unique feature point. This allows the data management unit 21 to reliably use the first identifier data when determining the authenticity of the attached information attached to the first eye information. Therefore, the ophthalmologic data management system 1 can improve the accuracy of determining the authenticity of the attached information without the need to take an anterior eye image at a time other than the eye examination.

[0114] In the ophthalmic data management system 1 of the first embodiment, the ophthalmic examination device 10 having the ophthalmic examination unit 11 and the data management unit 21 are connected via a communication network 30 that enables mutual transmission of information. This allows for the collective management of eye information acquired by the ophthalmic examination devices 10 installed in various places such as hospitals and eyeglass stores.

[0115] Example 2 The ophthalmic data management system 1 of Example 2 compares the first eye information with the second eye information and determines whether the attached information attached to the first eye information is correct before transmitting the first eye information from the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 to the data management unit 21. Note that the system configuration of the ophthalmic data management system 1 of Example 2 is the same as that of Example 1, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] That is, when the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 of the second embodiment performs an eye information transmission process shown in Fig. 6 when performing an eye examination on a subject. Hereinafter, the procedure of the eye information transmission process of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that the eye information transmission process shown in Fig. 6 is entirely performed by the control unit 14. Also, the eye information transmission process shown in Fig. 6 is performed between step S3 and step S4 in the data management process of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3.

[0117] In step S31, after the eye examination is performed by the eye examination unit 11 of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10, the control unit 14 confirms the identification information to be attached to the first eye information, and proceeds to step S32. Note that the identification information and examination information to be attached to the first eye information are input in advance before the eye examination is performed, as shown in steps S1 and S2 of FIG.

[0118] In step S32, following confirmation of the identification information in step S31, the control unit 14 determines whether the identification information to be attached to the first eye information is clear. If YES (identification information is clear), the process proceeds to step S33. If NO (identification information is unknown), the process proceeds to step S36 as the eye information cannot be matched. In other words, if the identification information is unknown, the control unit 14 immediately transmits the first eye information to the data management unit 21.

[0119] In step S33, following the determination in step S32 that the identification information is clear, the control unit 14 uses the identification information confirmed in step S32 (the identification information to be attached to the first eye information) as a search key to screen the eye information already stored in the database 22. Then, the control unit 14 acquires eye information associated with the identification information included in the attached information (hereinafter referred to as "second eye information A") from the eye information already stored in the database 22, and proceeds to step S34.

[0120] In step S34, following the acquisition of the second eye information A in step S33, the control unit 14 compares the first eye information with the second eye information A acquired in step S33, and proceeds to step S35. Note that the eye information comparison process in step S34 when the identification information is clear is the same as the process shown in FIG.

[0121] In step S35, following the matching of the eye information in step S34, the control unit 14 determines whether the matching result is "attached information = accurate." That is, the control unit 14 determines whether the attached information to be attached to the first eye information is correct. If YES (attached information = accurate), proceed to step S36. If NO (identification information = inaccurate), proceed to step S37. Note that "attached information" is information to be attached to the first eye information and transmitted from the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 to the management server, and includes identification information and examination information.

[0122] In step S36, following the result of matching in step S35 with "attached information = accurate" or the determination in step S32 that the identification information is unknown, the control unit 14 attaches the identification information and examination information entered before the eye examination to the first eye information and transmits the first eye information to the data management unit 21.

[0123] In step S37, following the collation result of "attached information = incorrect" in step S35, the control unit 14 notifies the examiner that the attached information (either the identification information or the test information) is incorrect, and proceeds to step S38.

[0124] In step S38, following notification of an error in the attached information in step S37, the examiner checks the attached information that was notified to be incorrect and the first eye information to which the attached information is attached, corrects the identification information or the examination information, or both, and returns to step S31.

[0125] In this way, in the ophthalmic data management system 1 of Example 2, the control unit 14 of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10 compares the first eye information with the second eye information before transmitting the first eye information to the data management unit 21, and the control unit 14 determines whether the attached information is correct. Then, the control unit 14 attaches the identification information and examination information determined to be correct to the first information and transmits them to the data management unit 21.

[0126] As a result, the data management unit 21 can further compare the first eye information with the second eye information and re-determine the accuracy of the attached information attached to the first eye information. In other words, the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of Example 2 can determine the accuracy of the attached information attached to the first eye information twice, which is a so-called double check. Therefore, the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of Example 2 can further improve the accuracy of the accuracy determination of the attached information.

[0127] Example 3 In the ophthalmic data management system 1 of Example 2, the control unit 14 accesses the database 22 installed in the management server 20 via the communication network 30 and acquires the eye information (second eye information) stored in the database 22. In contrast, the ophthalmic data management system 1A of Example 3 has a first database 22A installed in the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10A and a second database 22B installed in the management server 20, as shown in Fig. 7 .

[0128] Both the first database 22A and the second database 22B store eye information associated with predetermined identification information and predetermined examination information. In Example 3, the eye information stored in the first database 22A and the second database 22B is the same, and the eye information stored in the first database 22A is shared among all the ophthalmic examination devices 10A connected to the communication network 30. Therefore, when an examiner retrieves eye information using identification information or examination information as a search key, the examiner can retrieve the same eye information from both the first database 22A and the second database 22B.

[0129] When the first eye information is transmitted from the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10A, the data management unit 21A of the third embodiment compares it with the eye information (second eye information) already stored in the second database 22B. Then, based on the comparison result, the data management unit 21A determines whether the attached information attached to the first eye information is correct. Note that the procedure for comparing the eye information and the outputted comparison result are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the data management unit 21A stores the first eye information associated with predetermined identification information such as attached information and examination information in the first database 22A and the second database 22B.

[0130] Furthermore, when the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10A of Example 3 transmits the first eye information acquired by the eye examination unit 11 to the data management unit 21A, the control unit 14 first compares the first eye information with the second eye information already stored in the first database 22A. Then, based on the comparison result between the first eye information and the second eye information stored in the first database 22A, the control unit 14 determines whether the information to be attached to the first eye information is correct. Furthermore, the control unit 14 attaches the identification information and examination information determined to be correct based on the comparison result to the first information and transmits it to the data management unit 21A.

[0131] In the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10A of Example 3, the first eye information is compared with the second eye information, and the authenticity of the attached information is determined before transmitting the first information, as in Example 2. However, in the ophthalmic data management system 1A of Example 3, the control unit 14 compares the second eye information stored in the first database 22A installed in the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10A with the first eye information.

[0132] As a result, in the ophthalmologic data management system 1A of the third embodiment, the control unit 14 does not need to access the second database 22B, and the communication load on the control unit 14 can be reduced compared to the second embodiment. Therefore, the time required to determine whether the attached information is correct can be reduced.

[0133] Example 4 8, the ophthalmic data management system 1B of the fourth embodiment is constructed by a plurality of ophthalmic examination apparatuses 10B, a database 22, and a communication network 30. Each ophthalmic examination apparatus 10B includes an ophthalmic examination unit 11, a user interface unit 12, a communication unit 13, a control unit 14, and a data management unit 21B.

[0134] Then, the data management unit 21B determines whether the attached information attached to the first eye information is correct based on the result of comparing the first eye information acquired by the eye examination unit 11 with the stored second eye information acquired from the database 22. Furthermore, the data management unit 21B associates the first eye information with the attached information determined to be correct based on the result of comparing the first eye information with the second eye information, and then stores the first eye information in the database 22.

[0135] That is, since the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10B of Example 4 includes the data management unit 21B, it is possible to perform, within the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10B, a determination of the accuracy of the attached information attached to the eye information acquired by the eye examination unit 11. As a result, compared to the ophthalmic data management system 1 of Example 1 in which the data management unit 21 is installed in the management server 20, the processing load of the data management unit 21B can be reduced, and the storage process of the first eye information can be performed quickly.

[0136] The ophthalmic data management system and ophthalmic device of the present invention have been described above based on Examples 1 to 4, but the specific configurations are not limited to these Examples, and design changes and additions are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention according to each claim in the scope of the claims.

[0137] In the ophthalmic data management system 1 of the first embodiment, an example is shown in which a plurality of ophthalmic examination apparatuses 10 and a management server 20 equipped with a data management unit 21 and a database 22 are connected via a communication network 30, but this is not limiting. For example, the ophthalmic data management system 1 may not include the management server 20, and the data management unit 21 and the database 22 may be installed in different locations and connected via the communication network 30.

[0138] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the eye information stored in the first database 22A and the eye information stored in the second database 22B are the same. However, different data may be stored in the first database 22A and the second database 22B. That is, in order to reduce the equipment burden on the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10A, the eye information stored in the first database 22A mounted on the ophthalmic examination apparatus 10A may have fewer stored items than the eye information stored in the second database 22B, or may store only data used for matching with the first eye information required to determine the accuracy of the attached information.

[0139] In addition, the eye information stored in the first database 22A may be only the eye information acquired by the eye examination unit 11 of the ophthalmic examination device 10A in which it is installed, and the eye information stored in the second database 22B may be the eye information transmitted from all ophthalmic examination devices 10 connected to the communication network 30.

[0140] Furthermore, in the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of Example 1, the data management unit 21 determines whether the attached information is correct, and if the attached information is determined to be correct, the ophthalmic information is automatically associated with the attached information and stored in the database 22. However, this is not limited to this. For example, after determining whether the attached information is correct, the data management unit 21 may present the determination result to an examiner, a data manager, or the like. Then, the examiner, the data manager, or the like may associate the ophthalmic information with the attached information and register it in the database 22.

[0141] In addition, in the first embodiment, when the eye examination unit 11 has a function of acquiring an anterior eye image of the subject's eye, the anterior eye image is acquired regardless of the examination information, and the acquired anterior eye image is included in the eye information. Here, the anterior eye image included in the eye information may be not only an anterior eye image acquired at a timing other than the eye examination (for example, before or after the eye examination), but also an anterior eye image acquired for aligning the eye examination unit 11.

[0142] When an anterior eye image acquired for alignment during an eye examination is included in the eye information and used to determine whether the attached information is correct, the anterior eye image acquired in conjunction with the "alignment" process, which is necessary for performing the eye examination, is used. Therefore, there is no need to acquire the anterior eye image at a time other than the eye examination. This reduces the burden on the subject and increases the accuracy of determining whether the attached information is correct.

[0143] Furthermore, in the ophthalmologic data management system 1 of the first embodiment, when the identification information included in the attached information is unknown, an example is shown in which it is determined whether or not the identification information can be linked, and if linking is possible, the association probability is calculated, and the eye information is associated with the linked identification information with the highest association probability and stored in the database 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0144] When the identification information included in the attached information is unknown and multiple pieces of linked identification information are selected, the data management unit 21 may arrange the multiple pieces of linked identification information in order of highest association probability (or lowest association probability) and present them to the examiner, data manager, etc. In this case, the storage of the eye information in the database 22 may be suspended, and the eye information may be stored in association with predetermined identification information selected by the operation of the examiner, etc.

[0145] A specific example in which multiple pieces of linked identification information are selected is as follows.

[0146] That is, the fundus image α included in the first eye information whose identification information is unknown is similar to the fundus image β of the first linked identification information (patient ID number SS22202). However, the eye refraction test measurement results included in the first eye information whose identification information is unknown are "left eye S: -2.00, C: 0.25, A: 79," while the eye refraction test measurement results of the first linked identification information (patient ID number SS22202) are "left eye S: -4.00, C: 0.75, A: 30." Therefore, the association probability of the first linked identification information is 85%.

[0147] Furthermore, the fundus image α included in the first eye information with unknown identification information is similar overall to the fundus image γ of the second linked identification information (patient ID number PP34502). However, the shape of the blood vessels emerging from the optic disc is different. Therefore, the association probability of the second linked identification information is 65%.

[0148] As a result, two pieces of linked identification information are selected: the first linked identification information (patient ID number SS22202) with an association probability of 85% and the second linked identification information (patient ID number PP34502) with an association probability of 65%. The data management unit 21 presents these two pieces of linked identification information together with the association probabilities to the examiner, data manager, etc. This allows the examiner, etc. to determine the identification information of the newly acquired eye information, for example, by comparing the first eye information, whose identification information is unknown, with the eye information associated with the presented two pieces of linked identification information.

[0149] In this way, there are cases where multiple pieces of linked identification information with different association probabilities are selected, and in this case, for example, by presenting the multiple pieces of linked identification information arranged in descending order of association probability to the examiner, the examiner can sequentially check the first eye information whose identification information is unknown against the eye information associated with the linked identification information with the highest association probability. In other words, the examiner can efficiently check the identification information to which the first eye information should be associated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1. Ophthalmology Data Management System 10. Ophthalmic examination equipment (ophthalmic equipment) 11 Eye Examination Department 12 User Interface Section 13 Communications Department 14 Control Unit 20 Management Server 21 Data Management Department 22 Databases 30 Communication Network

Claims

1. an eye examination unit that acquires eye information of a subject; a database storing the eye information associated with identification information that identifies the subject; a data management unit that receives the eye information acquired by the eye examination unit and to which attached information including the identification information is attached, and stores the eye information in the database; the eye examination unit is provided in an ophthalmologic apparatus having a control unit and connected to the data management unit, The control unit determines whether the attached information to be attached to the acquired eye information is correct or not based on a comparison result between acquired eye information, which is eye information newly acquired by the eye examination unit, and stored eye information, which is eye information already stored in the database, and transmits the acquired eye information to the data management unit with the attached information determined to be correct; The data management unit determines whether attached information attached to the acquired eye information transmitted from the control unit is correct or incorrect based on a comparison result between the acquired eye information transmitted from the control unit and the stored eye information. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

2. 2. The ophthalmologic data management system according to claim 1, When the data management unit determines that the attached information is incorrect, it notifies the user of the error in the attached information. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

3. 3. The ophthalmologic data management system according to claim 1, eye information having unique feature points that are unique to each subject is used as identifier data; The data management unit compares first identifier data included in the acquired eye information with second identifier data included in the stored eye information, When the first identifier data and the second identifier data match, it is determined that the attached information attached to the acquired eye information is correct. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

4. 4. The ophthalmologic data management system according to claim 3, The first identifier data and the second identifier data are at least one of an optical coherence tomographic image, a fundus image, and an anterior segment image. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

5. 5. The ophthalmologic data management system according to claim 1, eye information that does not have a unique feature point that is unique to each subject is set as non-identifier data; The data management unit compares first non-identifier data included in the acquired eye information with second non-identifier data included in the stored eye information, When the difference between the first non-identifier data and the second non-identifier data is within a predetermined range, it is determined that the attached information attached to the acquired eye information is correct. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

6. 6. The ophthalmologic data management system according to claim 5, The first non-identifier data and the second non-identifier data are ocular information obtained using at least one of a refractometer, a keratometer, a tonometer, a specular microscope, a subjective examination device, and a perimeter. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

7. 7. The ophthalmologic data management system according to claim 1, When the eye examination unit has a function of acquiring an anterior eye image of the subject's eye, the acquired eye information includes the anterior eye image. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

8. 8. The ophthalmologic data management system according to claim 7, The anterior segment image is acquired to align the ophthalmic examination unit. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

9. 9. The ophthalmologic data management system according to claim 1, the database includes a first database installed in the ophthalmologic apparatus and a second database installed in a management server connected to the ophthalmologic apparatus; The control unit determines whether the attachment information to be attached to the acquired eye information is correct based on a comparison result between the acquired eye information and the eye information already stored in the first database, and transmits the acquired eye information to the data management unit with the attachment information determined to be correct attached thereto. The data management unit determines whether attached information attached to the acquired eye information transmitted from the control unit is correct or incorrect based on a comparison result between the acquired eye information transmitted from the control unit and the stored eye information already stored in the second database. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

10. 10. The ophthalmologic data management system according to claim 1, When the subject cannot be identified by the identification information attached to the acquired eye information, the data management unit selects linked identification information, which is predetermined identification information with which the acquired eye information can be associated, based on a comparison result between the acquired eye information and the stored eye information. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

11. In the ophthalmology data management system described in claim 10, The data management unit calculates an association probability between the acquired eye information and the linked identification information, and stores the association probability in the database by including the acquired eye information in the database. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

12. In the ophthalmology data management system described in claim 10, When a plurality of pieces of linked identification information are selected, the data management unit calculates the association probability between the acquired eye information and each of the plurality of pieces of linked identification information, and presents the plurality of pieces of linked identification information in order of the association probability. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

13. In the ophthalmology data management system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, The data management unit notifies the subject that the identification information attached to the acquired eye information cannot be used to identify the subject. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

14. In the ophthalmology data management system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The ophthalmologic apparatus having the eye examination unit and the data management unit are connected via a communication network that enables mutual transmission of information. An ophthalmology data management system comprising:

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