Ophthalmic System

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmologic system which allows an external examiner and an internal examiner to observe a subject (subject eye) at a desired angle without obstructing optometry.SOLUTION: An ophthalmologic system 1 comprises: a measuring head 16 which stores a measurement optical system 20; a column 13 which supports the measuring head; a visual target presentation device 30 which presents a visual target to a subject eye E; an internal operation unit 52 which performs an operation for movement of acquisition of information in the measurement optical system 20 and setting of a visual target presented by the visual target presentation device 30; a subject imaging unit 33 which images a subject S; an internal display unit 53 which displays an image; and a control unit (main control unit 26) which controls each unit (20, 30, 33, 53) on the basis of the operation to the internal operation unit 52 or data input from the outside. The subject imaging unit 33 is provided in an opposed region Ao opposed to the subject S for which measurement by the measurement optical system 20 and the target presentation device 30 is performed in the vicinity of the column 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an ophthalmic system capable of examining (ophthalmoscopy) the visual function of an eye to be examined by obtaining information on the eye to be examined with a measurement optical system or based on a response from the subject regarding the visibility of a visual target presented to the eye to be examined (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this ophthalmic system, by setting the subject in an appropriate posture with respect to the measurement optical system and optical devices, information on the eye to be examined can be appropriately obtained, and an examination based on the visibility of the presented visual target can be made appropriate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in ophthalmic systems, usability can be improved by allowing internal examiners at the installation location and external examiners at a different location to perform eye examinations. For this reason, it is conceivable that ophthalmic systems should be equipped with cameras that photograph the patient (eye being examined) during the examination, allowing external examiners to check the patient's condition during the examination. Here, it is conceivable that cameras could be attached externally to each device in the ophthalmic system, but they must be placed in a position that does not interfere with the examination performed by the patient or internal examiner, which limits the placement and makes it difficult to photograph the patient (eye being examined) at the desired angle. As a result, it becomes difficult to confirm whether the patient is in the correct posture relative to the measuring optical system and optical instruments.

[0006] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances and aims to provide an ophthalmic system that enables external and internal examiners to observe the subject (the eye being examined) at a desired angle without interfering with the eye examination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the ophthalmic system of this disclosure comprises: a measuring head housing a measuring optical system for acquiring information on the subject's eye; a support column for supporting the measuring head; a target presentation device for presenting a target to the subject's eye; an internal operation unit for performing operations for acquiring information in the measuring optical system and setting the target presented by the target presentation device; a subject imaging unit for photographing the subject; an internal display unit for displaying the image; and a control unit that controls the measuring optical system, the target presentation device, the subject imaging unit, and the internal display unit based on operations to the internal operation unit or data input from the outside, wherein the subject imaging unit is provided in the vicinity of the support column in a region facing the subject during measurement by the measuring optical system and the target presentation device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The ophthalmic system described herein allows external and internal examiners to observe the subject (the eye under examination) at a desired angle without interfering with the eye examination. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the external configuration of the room where the patient and internal examiner are located in the ophthalmology system of Example 1, which is an example of an ophthalmology system related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system in an ophthalmic system. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the image of an external examiner is displayed on the display of the measurement optical system. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the red-green test target and the external examiner's image are displayed on the measurement optical system's display. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing how an external examiner's image is displayed on the target display unit of a target presentation device. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the image of an external examiner and the red-green test target are displayed on the target display unit of the target presentation device. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the target display unit of the target presentation device displays the subject's image, the external examiner's image, and the visual acuity test target. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing how images of the subject and external examiner are displayed on the controller (and its internal display unit). [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the subject's image is displayed on the external display unit of the external examiner device. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the external display unit of an external examiner device displays not only information for various operations, but also an image of the subject being measured by the ophthalmic device. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how the image of the subject's eye, acquired by the observation optical system, is superimposed on the subject's image. [Figure 12]This is an explanatory diagram showing how the external display unit of the external examiner device displays not only information for various operations, but also an image of the subject being measured by the target presentation device. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram similar to Figure 1, which shows an ophthalmic system as an example of an ophthalmic system related to this disclosure, with the target presentation device positioned horizontally and propped up on a support column on an eye examination table. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing how the image of the subject being measured by the ophthalmic device is displayed on the external display unit of the external examiner device in the ophthalmic system. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram showing the external configuration of a room where the patient and internal examiner are located in an ophthalmology system with a different configuration related to this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] An embodiment of the ophthalmic system relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 12. Note that Figures 7 to 12 show images Is of subject S taken from a lower angle (shooting angle), but these do not necessarily correspond to actual images. [Examples]

[0011] The ophthalmic system 1 described herein acquires eye information of the eye E of a subject S (see Figures 7 to 12). The ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1 is a binocular open-type ophthalmic device that can simultaneously measure the characteristics of both eyes E while the subject S has both eyes open. The ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1 can also be used to examine one eye at a time by occluding one eye or turning off the fixation target. Furthermore, the ophthalmic device is not limited to a binocular open-type, and may be an ophthalmic device that measures the characteristics of one eye at a time.

[0012] This ophthalmic system 1 can perform any subjective examination and any objective examination. The subjective examinations include subjective refraction measurements such as distance vision examination, intermediate vision examination, near vision examination, contrast examination, glare examination, etc., red-green examination, visual field examination, etc. In addition, in the objective examination, the ophthalmic system 1 irradiates the test eye E with light and measures (acquires) information (eye characteristics) regarding the test eye E based on the detection result of the returning light. This objective examination includes measurements for acquiring the characteristics of the test eye E and photography for acquiring an image of the test eye E. Furthermore, the objective examination includes objective refraction measurement (refraction measurement), corneal shape measurement (keratometry), intraocular pressure measurement, fundus photography, tomography imaging (OCT imaging) using optical coherence tomography (hereinafter referred to as "OCT"), measurement using OCT, etc.

[0013] The ophthalmic system 1 enables each of an internal examiner who is inside the room (inside) where the subject S undergoes an eye examination and an external examiner K (see FIG. 1 etc.) who is at a location (outside) away from that room to assist in the eye examination of the subject S. Here, "inside" refers to within the room (location) where the subject S undergoes an eye examination, and "outside" refers to a location different from that room (inside). For this reason, examples of "outside" include a different building from the inside, another room in the same building as the internal room, a remote location away from the inside (that building), etc. As a result, the external examiner K can assist each internal examiner regardless of whether it is inside or outside the store, as if the internal examiner is conducting an examination in multiple rooms within the same store or in multiple different stores, and can monitor the status of each examination.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1 includes an ophthalmic device 10, a target presentation device 30, a controller 50, and an external examiner device 70. The ophthalmic device 10, the target presentation device 30, and the controller 50 are communicably connected by a general communication interface (I / F). Also, the ophthalmic device 10 (its main control unit 26 described later) and the external examiner device 70 are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive signals and data to and from each other via a communication network N such as the Internet.

[0015] The ophthalmic device 10 includes a base 11, an examination table 12, a support column 13, a support arm 14, a pair of measurement head drive units 15, a pair of measurement heads 16, an operator unit 17 for the subject (see FIG. 2), and a main control unit (control device) 20. The ophthalmic device 10 acquires information on the subject eye E of the subject S with the subject S facing the examination table 12 pressing their forehead against the forehead rest portion 18 provided between the two measurement heads 16. Hereinafter, as viewed from the subject S facing the ophthalmic device 10, the left - right direction is indicated by arrow X, the up - down direction (vertical direction) is indicated by arrow Y, and the direction orthogonal to the left - right direction and the up - down direction (the depth direction of the ophthalmic device 10) is taken as the front - back direction and indicated by arrow Z.

[0016] The examination table 12 is supported by the base 11. The examination table 12 may be supported by the base 11 so that its position (height position) in the up - down direction can be adjusted. A visual target presentation device 30 is arranged on this examination table 12. Also, the examination table 12 can be used to place the operator unit 17 for the subject or the controller 50, or to place a trial frame T (see FIG. 7 etc.) or an examination lens set used for eye examination.

[0017] The support column 13 is supported by the base 11 so as to extend vertically at the rear end portion in the front - back direction of the examination table 12, and a beam - shaped support arm 14 is provided at the upper end. The support arm 14 suspends the two measurement heads 16 via the measurement head drive units 15 and extends forward in the front - back direction from the support column 13. The support arm 14 may be movable in the up - down direction with respect to the support column 13, or may be movable in the left - right direction and the front - back direction with respect to the support column 13. The support arm 14 extends forward from the upper end of the support column 13 in the front - back direction, and suspends the pair of measurement head drive units 15 at the front end so as to position the pair of measurement head drive units 15 on the examination table 12. The measurement heads 16 are each suspended movably from their respective measurement head drive units 15. For this reason, the support arm 14 suspends and supports the pair of measurement head drive units 15 and the pair of measurement heads 16.

[0018] The measuring head drive unit 15 and the measuring head 16 are provided in pairs in the left-right direction to correspond individually to the left and right eyes E of the subject S. When describing the measuring head drive unit 15 individually, it will be referred to as the left eye measuring head drive unit 15L and the right eye measuring head drive unit 15R, and the measuring head 16 will be referred to as the left eye measuring head 16L and the right eye measuring head 16R. The left eye measuring head 16L acquires information on the subject's left eye E, and the right eye measuring head 16R acquires information on the subject's right eye E. The left eye measuring head drive unit 15L and the right eye measuring head drive unit 15R, and the left eye measuring head 16L and the right eye measuring head 16R are configured to be symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane located midway between them in the left-right direction.

[0019] The measuring head drive unit 15 includes a vertical measuring drive unit, a horizontal driving unit, and a rotational driving unit. Based on control signals from the main control unit 26, which will be described later, the measuring head drive unit 15 moves each measuring head 16 individually or in conjunction in the left-right, up-down, and front-back directions, and rotates the eyeball rotation axis of the eye to be examined in the left-right and up-down directions.

[0020] Furthermore, the measuring head drive unit 15 can rotate both measuring heads 16 in the left-right direction to cause the eye under examination E to diverge (divergence movement) or converge (convergence movement). In addition, the measuring head drive unit 15 can rotate both measuring heads 16 in the up-down direction to direct the line of sight of the eye under examination E downwards or return it to its original position. As a result, in the ophthalmological system 1 of Example 1, the subject S can undergo tests for divergence and convergence movements, and perform tests at various test distances, from distance vision tests at far points to near vision tests at near points, while maintaining binocular vision, to measure various characteristics of both eyes under examination E.

[0021] Each measuring head 16 is equipped with a deflection member, which is a mirror 19 (referred to as the left eye mirror 19L and the right eye mirror 19R when described individually). Each measuring head 16 is equipped with a measuring optical system 20 (described later) that acquires information about the corresponding eye E through the mirror 19. Each measuring head 16 is equipped with a measuring optical system 20 (referred to as the right eye measuring optical system 20R and the left eye measuring optical system 20L when described individually) that acquires eye information of the eye E.

[0022] Each measurement optical system 20 is composed of a visual acuity testing device that performs visual acuity testing while switching the visual targets presented, a phoropter that acquires the appropriate corrective refractive power of the eye E while switching and arranging corrective lenses, a refractometer or wavefront sensor that measures refractive power, a fundus camera that takes images of the fundus, a tomography device that takes cross-sectional images of the retina, a specular microscope that takes images of the corneal endothelium, a keratometer that measures corneal shape, a tonometer that measures intraocular pressure, etc., either individually or in combination with others. As shown in Figure 2, each measurement optical system 20 has an observation optical system 21, a visual target projection system 22, a subjective testing optical system 23, an alignment optical system 24, and an objective measurement optical system 25.

[0023] The observation optical system 21 acquires (captures) an image of the anterior segment of the eye E being examined using an image sensor. This image is displayed on the external display unit 73 of the external examiner device 70 (described later) under the control of the main control unit 26 (described later) (see Figure 11). The target projection system 22 presents a target to the eye E being examined. The subjective examination optical system 23 can present targets for subjective examination to the eye E being examined, and shares optical elements constituting the optical system with the target projection system 22. The alignment optical system 24 aligns the optical system with respect to the eye E being examined. That is, the alignment optical system 24 aligns the optical system in the direction along the optical axis of the observation optical system 21 (front-back direction) and in the direction perpendicular to that optical axis (up-down direction and left-right direction).

[0024] The objective measurement optical system 25 consists of an ocular refractive power measurement system, a keratography system, etc. The ocular refractive power measurement system measures the refractive power of the eye under examination E. For example, it projects a predetermined measurement pattern onto the fundus of the eye under examination E, detects the image of the measurement pattern projected onto the fundus with an image sensor, and outputs the image (data) to the main control unit 26, which will be described later. The main control unit 26 acquires the image of the input measurement pattern and measures the ocular refractive power (refractive power) based on that image using a well-known method. The keratography system projects a keratography light beam onto the eye under examination (cornea). The light beam reflected by the cornea is imaged on the image sensor, and the image signal is output to the main control unit 26. The main control unit 26 measures the corneal shape (radius of curvature) based on that image using a well-known method. At this time, the main control unit 26 can appropriately display the image of the measurement pattern and the image of the keratling light beam reflected on the internal display unit 53 of the controller 50 (described later) or the external display unit 73 of the external examiner device 70.

[0025] The target projection system 22 (subjective examination optical system 23) is an optical system that projects a target onto the fundus of the eye under examination in order to fixate on and cloud the eye E. The target projection system 22 includes a display 22a which serves as the target display unit in the measurement optical system 20, and a projection optical system 22b which has a half mirror, a focusing lens, a filter, a glare light source, etc.

[0026] The display 22a can use electroluminescence (EL) or liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays any image under the control of the main control unit 26. This display 22a is positioned in the optical path of the target projection system 22 (subjective examination optical system 23) at a location conjugate to the fundus of the eye E being examined. The display 22a presents fixation targets or dot targets as targets to fix the line of sight of the eye E being examined when performing objective examinations, etc., or presents subjective examination targets under predetermined presentation conditions for subjectively examining the characteristics of the eye E being examined (visual acuity value, corrective power (distance power, near power) etc.). These presentation conditions include visual acuity value, examination distance, type of examination, type of target, magnification of the target, and display manner of the target (shape, form, size, number, color, contrast, etc. of the target).

[0027] The projection optical system 22b can shift the refractive power of the eye E under examination to the negative or positive side by moving the focusing lens along the optical axis, for example, using a drive motor. By moving this focusing lens, the projection optical system 22b can arbitrarily change the examination distance from the presentation position of the visual target displayed on the display 22a to the eye E under examination, from the distance examination distance to the near examination distance. Generally, the distance examination distance is 5.0m and the near examination distance is 30cm or 50cm, but in the ophthalmic device 10 of Example 1, the visual target projection system 22 can arbitrarily change the examination distance between 10cm and 6.0m. In this example, an examination distance of 1.0m or more is defined as the distance examination distance, and an examination distance of less than 1.0m is defined as the near examination distance. In the ophthalmic device 10 of Example 1, the examination distance is not the actual distance between the subject S (eye E) and the target, but rather the apparent distance created by the target projection system 22 as if the target were presented at that distance.

[0028] The display 22a can display images of visual targets used in optometry in subjective examinations, such as visual acuity test targets, red-green test targets, astigmatism test targets, binocular vision function test targets, Landolt rings, Snellen targets, and E-charts. The display 22a can also display various visual targets, including characters such as hiragana and katakana, pictures of animals and fingers, specific figures for binocular vision function testing such as cross targets, and visual targets consisting of landscape paintings or landscape photographs. These visual targets may be still images or moving images. In Example 1, the visual target projection system 22 is equipped with a display 22a made of an LCD or the like, so that visual targets of the desired shape, form and contrast can be displayed at the desired examination distance, enabling multifaceted and thorough optometry. Furthermore, since the ophthalmic device 10 is equipped with two displays 22a corresponding to the left and right eyes E under examination, it is possible to display a parallax target corresponding to a predetermined examination distance (presentation position), and stereoscopic vision testing can be performed easily and precisely with a natural orientation of the visual axis.

[0029] The measuring optical system 20 can be the same as the measuring optical system described in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-146184. The detailed configuration and measurement principle of the measuring optical system 20 are the same as those described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-146184, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0030] Figures 3 and 4 show examples of displays on the display 22a of the measurement optical system 20. Figure 3 shows the image Io of external examiner K. Figure 4 shows an example of a distance vision test in which the visual function of the eye E under distance vision is examined using the target projection system 22. In this example, the red-green test target Or is displayed on the left, and the image Io of external examiner K is displayed on the right.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the ophthalmic device 10 is equipped with a main control unit 26, which is an example of a control unit that controls the operation of the entire ophthalmic system 1. This main control unit 26 is connected to the measurement head drive unit 15 and the measurement optical system 20, and drives and controls them. The main control unit 26 is also connected to the patient operation unit 17, the target presentation device 30 (its target control unit 31, described later), and the controller 50 (its operation control unit 51, described later) so that signals and data can be sent and received from each other via wired or short-range wireless communication. Furthermore, the main control unit 26 is connected to the external examiner device 70 (its external control unit 71, described later) so that signals and data can be sent and received from each other via a communication network N such as the Internet.

[0032] The main control unit 26 comprises a microprocessor and a storage unit 26a consisting of RAM, ROM, EEPROM, a hard disk drive, etc. The main control unit 26 pre-stores computer programs for controlling each part of the ophthalmology system 1 in the storage unit 26a, and comprehensively controls the operation of the ophthalmology system 1 by loading and executing these computer programs, for example, on RAM. In addition to computer programs, the storage unit 26a also stores various ophthalmology parameters for eye examinations, eye examination results, etc.

[0033] The main control unit 26 controls the measurement optical system 20 of the ophthalmic device 10 according to instruction signals and parameters input from the external examiner device 70 and the controller 50, causing the measurement optical system 20 to measure eye characteristics. The main control unit 26 also controls the target projection system 22 according to target selection instruction signals and presentation conditions input from the controller 50 and the external examiner device 70, causing the selected target to be displayed on the display 22a under predetermined presentation conditions. At this time, the main control unit 26 may also display on the display 22a images taken by the external examiner imaging unit 74 (mainly images Io of the external examiner K) input from the external examiner device 70, or auxiliary markings m (see Figure 7, etc.) to assist subjective eye examination. Examples of auxiliary markings m include pointing to noteworthy positions among the displayed targets using arrows or icons, or displaying text for explanation. This auxiliary indicator m is set in accordance with operations performed on the controller 50 (internal operation unit 52 described later) and the external inspector device 70 (external operation unit 72 described later), determining whether or not it is displayed, the type of display, and the position it points to.

[0034] Furthermore, the main control unit 26 acquires measurement results such as visual acuity values ​​based on input signals (response signals) from the subject operation unit 17, and outputs these measurement results to the external examiner device 70 for display on the external display unit 73, which will be described later. Alternatively, the main control unit 26 may output the verbal responses given by the subject S through the subject microphone 34, which will be described later, to the external examiner device 70. The external examiner K listens to the responses through the external speaker 76, which will be described later, and inputs responses from the external operation unit 72 as appropriate. The main control unit 26 can also acquire the input results from the external operation unit 72 and display the measurement results corresponding to those inputs on the external display unit 73.

[0035] The main control unit 26 can instruct the target control unit 31 of the target presentation device 30 (described later) to display a target on the target display unit 32, in accordance with instruction signals and parameters input from the external examiner device 70. At this time, the main control unit 26 may also display auxiliary indicators m, such as arrows, on the target display unit 32 to assist in subjective eye examination. Furthermore, the main control unit 26 can display images taken by the external examiner imaging unit 74 (mainly images Io of the external examiner K (see Figure 3, etc.)) and images taken by the subject imaging unit 33 (mainly images Is of the subject S (see Figure 7, etc.)) input from the external examiner device 70 on the target display unit 32 and the external display unit 73.

[0036] The main control unit 26 can control the subject imaging unit 33, the subject microphone 34, and the internal speaker 35 via the subject object control unit 31 of the subject object presentation device 30, which will be described later. The main control unit 26 can also control the external examiner imaging unit 74, the external examiner microphone 75, and the external speaker 76 via the external control unit 71 of the external examiner device 70, which will be described later. The main control unit 26 can acquire image data from the subject imaging unit 33 and audio data from the subject microphone 34 and transmit them to the external examiner device 70, and can output the voice of the subject S from the external speaker 76 or display the image Is of the subject S on the external display unit 73. Furthermore, the main control unit 26 acquires image data from the external examiner imaging unit 74 and audio data from the external examiner microphone 75 and transmits them to the target presentation device 30, which can then display the image Io of the external examiner K on the target display unit 32 or output the voice of the external examiner K from the internal speaker 35.

[0037] Next, the target presentation device 30 will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the target presentation device 30 of Embodiment 1 is positioned on the eye examination table 12, leaning against a support column 13. This target presentation device 30 displays an image Io of an external examiner K and presents targets for near vision examinations. When performing near vision examinations, it is positioned at the near vision examination distance (for example, 300-400 mm). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the target presentation device 30 includes a target control unit 31, a target display unit 32, a subject imaging unit 33, a subject microphone 34, and an internal speaker 35. The target presentation device 30 of Embodiment 1 consists of a tablet terminal in which the target display unit 32, the subject imaging unit 33, and the subject microphone 34 are integrated (built-in). The target presentation device 30 may be any portable information device other than a tablet terminal, such as a smartphone, or a relatively small electronic display device such as an LCD or organic EL, or a target board on which the target is printed, as long as it can at least present the target to the eye E under examination.

[0038] The target control unit 31 controls the operation of the target presentation device 30 and includes a microprocessor and a storage unit 31a such as RAM, ROM, and a hard disk drive. The target control unit 31 is capable of sending and receiving signals and data with the main control unit 26. The target control unit 31 controls the display content of the target display unit 32 and the output content from the internal speaker 35 in response to input signals from the main control unit 26. The target control unit 31 also outputs image data acquired by the subject imaging unit 33 and audio data acquired by the subject microphone 34 to the main control unit 26 in response to input signals from the main control unit 26.

[0039] The target display unit 32 is composed of an electronic display device such as an LCD or an organic EL, and displays targets as appropriate. The target display unit 32 can also display the image Is of the subject S captured by the subject imaging unit 33 and the image Io of the external examiner K acquired by the external examiner imaging unit 74, which will be described later. The target display unit 32 can display the image Is of the subject S and / or the image Io of the external examiner K together with the target (see, for example, Figure 7). The target display unit 32 can also display only the image of the external examiner K before the examination or during the examination with the ophthalmic device 10, so that the subject S and the external examiner K can recognize each other and greet each other (see Figure 5). The target display unit 32 may also display the results of eye characteristics acquired by the ophthalmic device 10.

[0040] The subject imaging unit 33 acquires an image in the direction facing the target presentation device 30 under the control of the target control unit 31, and outputs the acquired image (and its data) to the target control unit 31. The subject imaging unit 33 is primarily intended to image the subject S and is located in the opposing region Ao near the support column 13, facing the subject S during measurement by the measurement optical system 20 and the target presentation device 30. This opposing region Ao allows the subject imaging unit 33 located thereto to capture at least the mouth area of ​​the subject S undergoing measurement, and preferably capture both eyes of the subject S (or the position corresponding to both eyes if both measurement heads 16 are applied). In Embodiment 1, the subject imaging unit 33 is configured to focus on the subject S (at that position) that is at least facing the target display unit 32 of the target presentation device 30 when the target presentation device 30 is leaning against the support column 13. The subject imaging unit 33 is capable of imaging at least the area around the subject S's mouth, and is designed to focus on the mouth. The focus of the subject imaging unit 33 may be set as appropriate under the control of the main control unit 26, or it may automatically adjust to the subject. The subject imaging unit 33 acquires a moving or still image of the opposing area (the subject S in that area) and outputs the acquired image data to the target control unit 31. This image data is output from the target control unit 31 to the main control unit 26, and from the main control unit 26 to the external control unit 71 of the external examiner device 70 as appropriate.

[0041] The subject microphone 34 acquires sound from the room where the ophthalmic device 10 is installed, particularly the sound around the ophthalmic device 10, and outputs the data to the target control unit 31. The subject microphone 34 is primarily intended to acquire the voice of the subject S, and by being installed on the target presentation device 30 propped up on the support column 13, it can be positioned close to the subject S without interfering with subjective or objective eye examinations. The subject microphone 34 can also acquire sound from the room where the ophthalmic device 10 is installed, such as the voice of the internal examiner.

[0042] The internal speaker 35, under the control of the main control unit 26, outputs the voice acquired by the subject microphone 34 and external voices (voice acquired by the external examiner microphone 75) output to the room where the ophthalmic device 10 is installed. The purpose of this internal speaker 35 is primarily to deliver voice to the subject S, and by installing it in the visual target presentation device 30, it can be positioned close to the subject S without interfering with subjective or objective eye examinations. The internal speaker 35 can also deliver voice to people in the room where the ophthalmic device 10 is installed, such as the internal examiner.

[0043] In this example, the subject imaging unit 33, subject microphone 34, and internal speaker 35 are integrated into the tablet terminal which serves as the target presentation device 30. However, the system is not limited to these components, and externally attached cameras, microphones, and speakers can also be used in conjunction with the target presentation device 30.

[0044] Figures 5 to 7 show examples of displays in the target display unit 32 of the target presentation device 30. Figure 5 shows the display of external examiner K's image Io. Figure 6 shows an example of a distance vision test, in which the visual function of the subject eye E in a distance vision state is examined using the target projection system 22. In this example, the external examiner K's image Io is displayed at the top, and the red-green test target Or presented to the subject S by the target projection system 22 is displayed at the bottom. Figure 7 shows an example of a near vision test, in which the visual function of the subject eye E in a near vision state is examined using the target presentation device 30. In this example, the subject S's image Is is displayed on the upper left, the external examiner K's image Io is displayed on the upper left, and the visual acuity test target Ov presented to the subject S by the target projection system 22 is displayed at the bottom. In Figure 7, two images are displayed at the top: the subject S's image Is and the external examiner K's image Io. However, as in Figure 6, only the external examiner K's image Io may be displayed at the top, and the example is not limited to this.

[0045] The controller 50 is used by an internal examiner in the same room as the subject S to operate the ophthalmology system 1, and in Embodiment 1, it is a controller dedicated to eye examination. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the controller 50 has an operation control unit 51, an internal operation unit 52, and an internal display unit 53. The controller 50 may also be configured as a notebook PC (personal computer) with a monitor, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or other portable terminal (information processing device).

[0046] The operation control unit 51 controls the operation of the controller 50 and includes a microprocessor and a storage unit 51a consisting of RAM, ROM, and a hard disk drive. The operation control unit 51 is capable of sending and receiving signals and data with the main control unit 26 of the ophthalmic device 10. When the operation control unit 51 receives an operation made to the internal operation unit 52, it outputs an instruction signal corresponding to that operation to the main control unit 26. The operation control unit 51 also controls the internal display unit 53 (and its display content) in response to operations on the internal operation unit 52 and data output from the main control unit 26.

[0047] The internal control unit 52 is used by the internal examiner to perform various operations, and can consist of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, dial, and various operation buttons, and outputs signals corresponding to the operations performed to the operation control unit 51. The internal control unit 52 can select examinations performed in the ophthalmic device 10, input parameters, and select various visual targets to be displayed in the visual target presentation device 30. The internal control unit 52 can also set whether or not to output sound from the internal speaker 35, and select whether the sound output is acquired by the subject microphone 34 or by the external examiner microphone 75, which will be described later. Furthermore, the internal control unit 52 can select whether or not to display images acquired by the subject imaging unit 33 and images acquired by the external examiner imaging unit 74, which will be described later, on the internal display unit 53, and if so, select which image to display and the display mode. The internal control unit 52 can select whether or not to display images acquired by the external examiner imaging unit 74 (mainly images Io of the external examiner K) and auxiliary indicators m on the target presentation device 30, select which one to display if displayed, and select the display mode for them.

[0048] The internal display unit 53 displays optometry parameters, examination information, or examination results, and can be configured using an electronic display device such as an LCD or organic EL. Furthermore, if the internal display unit 53 is a touch panel type, its display screen can function as part of the internal operation unit 52. Based on data output from the operation control unit 51 and the main control unit 26, the internal display unit 53 displays the operation screen, images of various visual targets, optometry parameters, examination information, examination results, images acquired by the subject imaging unit 33, and images acquired by the external examiner imaging unit 74. The internal display unit 53 also displays various operations performed by the external examiner device 70 (and its external operation unit 72). This display of various operations can be achieved, for example, by moving a cursor displayed on the operation screen in accordance with the operations performed by the external operation unit 72, or by displaying a click indication. Note that the display of various operations is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1, and only requires that it enables the understanding of operations performed by the external operation unit 72.

[0049] Figure 8 shows an example of the display in the internal display unit 53. Figure 8 shows an example of the display in the internal display unit 53 when examining the visual function of the eye E under examination in a distance viewing state, that is, when examining by looking at a target displayed on the measuring optical system 20 (the display 22a of its target projection system 22) of the ophthalmic device 10. In this example, there is a display field 61 for detailed examination content, a display field 62 for refractive power, a display field 63 for the subject, a display field 64 for the external examiner, a display field 65 for the list, a display field 66 for the target, a display field 67 for operation symbols, a display field 68 for the dial, and a display field 69 for interpupillary distance. Each of these fields also functions as various symbols (internal operation unit 52) ​​as icons that enable selection (switching) operations by touching using the touch panel function of the internal display unit 53. Therefore, when the operation control unit 51 (main control unit 26) receives a detection signal from the internal display unit 53 indicating that each field displayed on the internal display unit 53 has been touched, it extracts data corresponding to that detection signal and sends a signal indicating the extracted data to the target presentation device 30 (target control unit 31) or the external examiner device 70 (external control unit 71) as appropriate.

[0050] The examination details display area 61 displays the name of the detailed examination content. The refractive power display area 62 displays the lens data DL of the refractive lens set in the ophthalmic device 10, that is, the optical characteristic data such as the spherical power, astigmatism power, and axis angle of the lens as an optical element set in the trial frame T. The subject display area 63 displays the image acquired by the subject imaging unit 33 (mainly the image Is of subject S) and is located to the left of the refractive power display area 62. In this subject display area 63, it is also possible to display the image Ie of the subject eye E acquired by the observation optical system 21 of the ophthalmic device 10 superimposed on the image Is of subject S (see Figure 11), or to display the subject wearing the trial frame T (see Figure 7, etc.), or to display something other than the measurement (see Figure 9). The external examiner display area 64 displays the image acquired by the external examiner imaging unit 74, which will be described later (mainly the image Io of external examiner K) and is located to the right of the refractive power display area 62. The subject display area 63 and the external examiner display area 64 can be modified by operating the internal control unit 52 or the external control unit 72 (described later) to change whether they are displayed, their position, and their size (from smaller than the example shown in Figure 8 to full-screen display).

[0051] The list display area 65 displays a list of targets that can be presented by the measuring optical system 20 (its target projection system 22) and the target presentation device 30 (its internal display unit 53). The top section displays a display switching button ("Chart 1," etc.) to switch the items to be displayed, and below that, it displays a list of targets for the item selected by the display switching button. The target display area 66 displays the target selected in the list display area 65. The main control unit 26 causes the target selected in the list display area 65 and displayed in the target display area 66 to be displayed in the target projection system 22 of the measuring optical system 20 and in the internal display unit 53 of the target presentation device 30.

[0052] The operation symbol display area 67 displays symbols for various operations and is displayed at the bottom of the internal display unit 53. The dial display area 68 displays a dial image showing how to operate the dials on the internal operation unit 52 and the external operation unit 72. The interpupillary distance display area 69 displays the interaxial distance of the optical axis of the measuring head 16, which is the interpupillary distance between the left and right eyes of the subject S.

[0053] The internal display unit 53 does not need to display images for measurement, but can also display images acquired by the subject imaging unit 33 (mainly the image of subject S, Is) or images acquired by the external examiner imaging unit 74 (mainly the image of external examiner K, Io) as appropriate, and is not limited to the example shown in Figure 8. For example, the internal display unit 53 may display measurement data acquired from the objective examination device or measurement data acquired from the lens meter, or it may display other data or examination results.

[0054] The external examiner device 70 is used by the external examiner K to operate the ophthalmic device 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ophthalmic device 10 is configured to allow connection of the external examiner device 70 to enable assistance for subjective and objective eye examinations by the external examiner K. The external examiner device 70 receives operations performed by the external examiner K and outputs a signal corresponding to these operations to the main control unit 26 (ophthalmic device 10 and target presentation device 30). The external examiner device 70 includes an external control unit 71, an external operation unit 72, an external display unit 73, an external examiner imaging unit 74, an external examiner microphone 75, and an external speaker 76. The external control unit 71 can be connected to the main control unit 26 of the ophthalmic device 10, as described above. The external examiner device 70 may be a dedicated device or a mobile terminal (information processing device) such as a tablet or smartphone, as long as it has the parts indicated by reference numerals 71 to 76. However, in Embodiment 1, it is composed of a notebook PC (personal computer) equipped with a monitor.

[0055] The external control unit 71 controls the operation of the external examiner device 70 and is composed of a microprocessor and a storage unit 71a consisting of RAM, ROM, and a hard disk drive. The external control unit 71 is capable of sending and receiving signals and data with the main control unit 26 of the ophthalmic device 10. When the external control unit 71 receives an operation from the external operation unit 72, it outputs an instruction signal corresponding to that operation to the main control unit 26. The external control unit 71 also controls the display content of the external display unit 73 and the presence or absence and content of output from the external speaker 76 in response to operations on the external operation unit 72 and data output from the main control unit 26. Furthermore, the external control unit 71 outputs data (images and sound) acquired by the external examiner imaging unit 74 and the external examiner microphone 75 in response to operations on the external operation unit 72 and data output from the main control unit 26.

[0056] The external control unit 72 is used by the external examiner K to perform various operations, and can be configured with, for example, a keyboard or mouse, and outputs signals corresponding to the operations performed by the K to the external control unit 71. The external control unit 72 can set whether or not to output sound from the internal speaker 35 and the external speaker 76, and can select whether the sound output therefrom is acquired by the subject microphone 34 or the external examiner microphone 75. Furthermore, the external control unit 72 can select whether or not to display images acquired by the subject imaging unit 33 and images acquired by the external examiner imaging unit 74 on the internal display unit 53 and the external display unit 73, and if so, which image to display, and select the display mode. The external control unit 72 can select whether or not to display images acquired by the external examiner imaging unit 74 (mainly images Io of the external examiner K) and auxiliary markings m on the measurement optical system 20 (the display 22a of its target projection system 22) and the target presentation device 30 (the target display unit 32), and if so, which one to display and the display mode of those marks.

[0057] The external display unit 73 displays images acquired by the subject imaging unit 33, images displayed on the internal display unit 53, etc., and can be configured using an electronic display device such as an LCD or organic EL. Furthermore, if the external display unit 73 is a touch panel type, its display screen can also function as an external operation unit 72. Based on data output from the main control unit 26 and the external control unit 71, the external display unit 73 displays operation screens, images of various visual targets, optometry parameters, examination information, examination results, and images acquired by the subject imaging unit 33. The external display unit 73 also displays various operations performed by the controller 50 (and its internal operation unit 52). This display of various operations can be achieved, for example, by moving a cursor displayed on the operation screen according to the operation performed by the internal operation unit 52, or by displaying a click indication. Note that the display of various operations is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1, as long as it allows for understanding of the operations performed by the internal operation unit 52.

[0058] The external examiner imaging unit 74 acquires moving or still images from the external examiner device 70 and outputs the acquired moving or still image data to the external control unit 71. The external examiner imaging unit 74 is primarily intended to photograph the external examiner K and is positioned to photograph the external examiner K using the external examiner device 70. The external examiner imaging unit 74 can also photograph things that the external examiner K wants to show to the subject S or the internal examiner.

[0059] The external examiner microphone 75 acquires sound from the room where the external examiner device 70 is installed and outputs the data to the external control unit 71. The purpose of this external examiner microphone 75 is primarily to acquire the voice of external examiner K, and it is positioned to acquire the voice of external examiner K using the external examiner device 70.

[0060] The external speaker 76, under the control of the external control unit 71, outputs the audio acquired by the subject microphone 34 and output from the main control unit 26 to the room where the external examiner device 70 is installed. The purpose of this external speaker 76 is to deliver the audio of the subject S and the internal examiner to the external examiner K, and it is installed in a position that allows the audio to be delivered to the external examiner K using the external examiner device 70. Note that the external examiner imaging unit 74, external examiner microphone 75, and external speaker 76 can also be replaced with a camera, microphone, and speaker attached to the external examiner device 70.

[0061] Figures 9 to 12 show examples of displays on the external display unit 73 of the external examiner device 70. Figure 9 shows the image Is of the subject S. Figure 10 shows an example of the examination screen displayed on the external display unit 73 of the external examiner device 70 during a subjective examination of distance vision, which is one of the distance vision examinations that uses the target projection system 22 to examine the visual function of the subject eye E in a distance vision state. In this example, the list of targets (charts) used in the examination 81, the targets 82 currently displayed on the measurement optical system 20 (the display 22a of the target projection system 22) and the target presentation device 30 (the target display unit 32), the examination distance 83, the measurement results 84, various operation buttons 85, and the image Is of the subject S are displayed. External examiner K can select a target to be displayed on the measurement optical system 20 (the display 22a of its target projection system 22) or the target presentation device 30 (its target display unit 32) from the target list 81, and can also select a desired test distance 83 from a list of test distances (not shown).

[0062] Furthermore, Figure 11 is a modified version of Figure 10, in which the image Ie of the eye E acquired by the observation optical system 21 of the ophthalmic device 10 is superimposed on the image Is of the subject S on the far right. In the example shown in Figure 11, both images Ie are superimposed on the image Is of the subject S at the position where the eye is thought to be located, but the positions of both images Ie can be set as appropriate and are not limited to the example in Figure 11. Figure 12 shows an example of a near vision test in which the visual function of the eye E in a near vision state is examined using the target presentation device 30. In this example, the list of targets (objects to be viewed) to be used in the test 91, the test distance 92, the target 93 currently displayed on the target presentation device 30 (its target display unit 32), and the image Is of the subject S are displayed. The external examiner K can select the target to be displayed on the target display unit 32 from the target list 91. In Figure 12, image Is of subject S shows subject S wearing a trial frame T. This trial frame T is a spectacle-type device equipped with a lens receiver T1 and temples T2, etc., allowing an internal examiner to manually and selectively place the test lens L into the lens receiver T1. With the trial frame T, a prescription for correction is determined according to the eye characteristics measured, and the test lens L corresponding to that prescription is attached. Subject S can then perform a final check of whether the correction is appropriate by viewing distant and near objects and walking while wearing the trial frame T.

[0063] Next, we will explain how an external examiner K can assist in eye examinations in addition to the internal examiner in the ophthalmology system 1, referring to Figures 3 to 12. The ophthalmology system 1 connects the external examiner device 70 (its external control unit 71) to the main control unit 26 of the ophthalmology device 10, allowing various operations to be performed using the external operation unit 72 of the external examiner device 70, similar to the controller 50. Furthermore, under the control of the main control unit 26, the ophthalmology system 1 can display images output from the external examiner device 70 on the internal display unit 53 and output audio output from the external examiner device 70 through the internal speaker 35. In addition, the ophthalmology system 1 can photograph the subject S with the subject imaging unit 33 and acquire the subject S's voice with the subject microphone 34, and can output the subject S's image Is and audio (the respective data) from the main control unit 26 to the external examiner device 70. Furthermore, under the control of the external control unit 71, the ophthalmic system 1 can display images output from the main control unit 26 on the external display unit 73, and can output sound output from the main control unit 26 through the external speaker 76.

[0064] As an example, before starting the examination, the target display unit 32 of the target presentation device 30 displays an image Io of the external examiner K (see Figure 5), and the voice of the external examiner K is played to the subject S through the internal speaker 35. At the same time, the external display unit 73 of the external examiner device 70 displays an image Is of the subject S (see Figure 9), and the voice of the subject S is played to the external examiner K through the external speaker 76. This allows the subject S and the external examiner K to exchange greetings and other words while seeing each other's images, creating a sense of closeness despite being in different rooms.

[0065] Next, when the examination using the ophthalmic device 10 is started, the image Io of the external examiner K is displayed on the display 22a of the measurement optical system 20 (see Figure 3), and the voice of the external examiner K is played to the subject S through the internal speaker 35. This allows the subject S to see and converse with the external examiner K even when the examination using the ophthalmic device 10 is started, giving them a sense of security. At this time, the external display unit 73 of the external examiner device 70 displays various operations and information for the distance vision examination, as well as the image Is of the subject S, which shows the real-time state of the subject S acquired by the subject imaging unit 33 (see Figure 10). Therefore, the external examiner K can confirm that both measurement heads 16 are in the appropriate position relative to the subject S.

[0066] Subsequently, the external examiner K can operate the external control unit 72 while viewing the external display unit 73 to select the target to be used for measurement, thereby displaying any target (in the example shown in Figure 4, the red-green test target Or) on the display 22a of the target projection system 22 of the measurement optical system 20. At this time, the display 22a displays the image Io of the external examiner K in addition to the red-green test target Or, and simultaneously allows the subject S to hear the voice of the external examiner K through the internal speaker 35. As a result, even while undergoing an examination using the ophthalmic device 10, the subject S can see and converse with the external examiner K, gaining a sense of security. At this time, the external display unit 73 of the external examiner device 70 continues to display the image Is of the subject S (see Figure 10), so the external examiner K can confirm whether both measurement heads 16 are in the appropriate position relative to the subject S. In this case, the external display unit 73 may display an image Ie of the eye E acquired by the observation optical system 21 of the ophthalmic device 10 superimposed on the image Is of the subject S (see Figure 11). In this case, the external examiner K can confirm not only whether both measurement heads 16 are in an appropriate positional relationship with respect to the subject S, but also whether the eye E (and its line of sight) is in an appropriate state.

[0067] At this time, the target display unit 32 of the target presentation device 30 can display the red-green test target Or, which is being presented to the subject S by the target projection system 22, along with the image Io of the external examiner K (see Figure 6). As a result, even if the subject S moves their face away from both measurement heads 16, they can continue to see the external examiner K and converse with them, gaining a sense of security. In addition, the internal examiner can confirm the image that the subject S is seeing, allowing the measurement to proceed smoothly.

[0068] Subsequently, in order to begin testing the visual function of the subject eye E in a near-vision state using the target presentation device 30, the image Io of the external examiner K is displayed on the target display unit 32 of the target presentation device 30 (see Figure 7), and the voice of the external examiner K is played to the subject S through the internal speaker 35. This allows the subject S to continue seeing and conversing with the external examiner K even after the test using the target presentation device 30 has begun, thus providing a sense of security. In addition, in the example in Figure 7, the image Is of the subject S is also displayed on the target display unit 32, so the internal examiner can confirm the image of the subject S from the front during the test. At this time, the external display unit 73 of the external examiner device 70 displays various operations and information for the near-vision test, as well as the image Is of the subject S, which shows the real-time state of the subject S acquired by the subject imaging unit 33 (see Figure 12). Therefore, external examiner K can confirm whether subject S is properly wearing the trial frame T during the examination.

[0069] As a result, the ophthalmology system 1 can reassure the subject S and conduct the eye examination smoothly, even when the eye examination is performed under the direction of an external examiner K who is not in the same room as the subject S. Furthermore, the ophthalmology system 1 allows the external examiner K to check the subject S's condition via the external display unit 73 and hear the subject S's voice via the external speaker 76, enabling them to conduct the eye examination while monitoring the subject S's condition even though they are not in the same room, and to give appropriate instructions.

[0070] In conventional ophthalmic systems, the imaging unit is positioned at a different angle from the target presentation device relative to the subject S, in order not to interfere with the eye examination, making it difficult to obtain an image from the front of the subject S. As a result, with conventional ophthalmic systems, when preparing for the examination, the doctor has to talk to the subject S while they are looking away, which can be awkward. Furthermore, when performing the eye examination, it becomes difficult to understand the positional relationship of the subject S to the pair of measurement heads 16 and to determine whether the trial frame T is properly fitted.

[0071] In contrast, the ophthalmology system 1 places the subject imaging unit 33 in the opposing area Ao facing the subject S by positioning the target presentation device 30, which is equipped with a subject imaging unit 33, on the eye examination table 12, leaning it against a support column 13. Therefore, the ophthalmology system 1 can acquire images from the front of the subject S as they prepare for the examination, images from the front as the subject S places their face against the pair of measurement heads 16 for the eye examination, and images from the front as the subject S is wearing the trial frame T. As a result, the ophthalmology system 1 can always acquire images from the front of the subject S without interfering with the eye examination, and when the subject S is preparing for the examination, it can speak to them as if it were facing them directly. Furthermore, when the eye examination is being performed, the ophthalmology system 1 can confirm whether both measurement heads 16 are in the appropriate position relative to the subject S and whether the trial frame T is properly fitted. In addition, the ophthalmology system 1 displays the image Is of the subject S acquired by the subject imaging unit 33 on the internal display unit 53 (see Figure 8). This allows the internal examiner to view an image of the subject S from the front, which would be difficult to see even if they are in the same room as the subject S, and to confirm whether the subject S is in a suitable condition.

[0072] Furthermore, the ophthalmology system 1 has an internal display unit 53 that can display various operations performed by the external examiner device 70 (and its external operation unit 72), and the external display unit 73 can also display various operations performed by the controller 50 (and its internal operation unit 52). As a result, the ophthalmology system 1 can understand the operations performed by the internal examiner and the external examiner K, making it easier for them to communicate with each other and providing more appropriate assistance for eye examinations. In addition, this means, for example, that an experienced external examiner K can teach the internal examiner how to perform eye examinations by demonstrating specific actions, and the external examiner K can check the internal examiner's methods and use them to make improvements.

[0073] Furthermore, if an ophthalmic device 10 having a main control unit 26 is available, the ophthalmic system 1 can be configured by introducing a target presentation device 30 equipped with a subject imaging unit 33 and connecting an external examiner device 70 (its external operating unit 72) to the main control unit 26. Therefore, if the above-mentioned ophthalmic device 10 is used, the ophthalmic system 1 can be configured with minimal new equipment to be introduced, and the existing ophthalmic device 10 can be effectively utilized.

[0074] The ophthalmology system 1 can appropriately display images acquired by the external examiner imaging unit 74 (image Io of the external examiner K) and auxiliary indicators m on the measurement optical system 20 (the display 22a of its target projection system 22) in response to operations on the internal operation unit 52 of the controller 50 or the external operation unit 72 of the external examiner device 70. As a result, the ophthalmology system 1 can display the target, the image acquired by the external examiner imaging unit 74, and the auxiliary indicators m at optically equal distances in the target presentation device 30. Therefore, the ophthalmology system 1 allows the external examiner K to speak to or give instructions to the subject S while the subject S is looking through both measurement heads 16, and can also give instructions using the auxiliary indicators m. In particular, this allows the subject S to see the external examiner K's image Io without changing the accommodative power (focusing distance) of the subject eye E from the position where the subject S is looking at the target, making it possible to perform eye examinations more smoothly and appropriately. This is because, in the ophthalmology system 1, shifting the gaze from looking at the target through both measuring heads 16 to looking outwards from both measuring heads 16 can induce a change in the accommodative power of the eye being examined E, which may affect the ophthalmological examination (and its measurement results).

[0075] The ophthalmology system 1 is equipped with a subject imaging unit 33 that allows imaging of at least the area around the subject S's mouth. Therefore, the ophthalmology system 1 can observe the mouth movements of subject S while various eye examinations are being performed, including when an external examiner K is acquiring information on the subject eye E using the measurement optical system 20. This allows the system to assist in language recognition based on the mouth movements of subject S. Generally, when listening to someone speak, people can understand what the speaker is saying more appropriately by using mouth movements to assist in language recognition. Thus, the ophthalmology system 1 can facilitate more appropriate communication with subject S.

[0076] The ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1 of the ophthalmic system according to this disclosure can obtain the following effects. The ophthalmology system 1 has a subject imaging unit 33 for imaging the subject S located near the support column 13, in a facing area Ao opposite the subject S during measurement using the measurement optical system 20 and the target presentation device 30. Therefore, the ophthalmology system 1 can acquire images from the front of the subject S as they prepare for the examination, images from the front of the subject S as they place their face against the pair of measurement heads 16 for the eye examination, and images from the front of the subject S wearing the trial frame T. As a result, the ophthalmology system 1 can always acquire images from the front of the subject S without interfering with the eye examination, allowing both the internal examiner and the external examiner K to confirm whether the subject S is using both measurement heads 16 correctly and whether the trial frame T is properly fitted, and allowing the external examiner K to speak as if they were facing the subject S directly.

[0077] Furthermore, the ophthalmology system 1's control unit (main control unit 26) can output data to display the image Is of the subject S, captured by the subject imaging unit 33, on the external display unit 73, based on operations to the internal operation unit 52 or data input from the outside. Therefore, the ophthalmology system 1 can deliver the image Is of the subject S to the external examiner K based on operations to the internal examiner or external examiner K, thereby facilitating smooth assistance for eye examinations by the internal examiner or external examiner K.

[0078] Furthermore, the ophthalmology system 1 can output data to be displayed on the external display unit 73, including information about the visual targets to be presented to the visual target presentation device 30 and the operations for acquiring information about the eye E being examined in the measurement optical system 20. As a result, the ophthalmology system 1 allows the external examiner K to understand the operations performed by the internal examiner, enabling more appropriate assistance in eye examinations.

[0079] The ophthalmology system 1 allows the control unit (main control unit 26) to display the image Is of the subject S and the image Io of the external examiner K on the target presentation device 30 based on operations on the internal operation unit 52 or data input from the outside. Therefore, the ophthalmology system 1 allows the subject S to see the image Io of the external examiner K via the target presentation device 30, facilitating communication with the external examiner K and making the eye examination assistance smoother. In addition, the ophthalmology system 1 allows the internal examiner to see the image Is of the subject S from the front via the target presentation device 30, making it easy and appropriate to confirm whether the subject S is using the measurement head 16 correctly and whether the trial frame T is properly attached.

[0080] The ophthalmology system 1 has a control unit (main control unit 26) that can display the image Io of the external examiner K on the internal display unit 53. Therefore, the ophthalmology system 1 allows the internal examiner to view the image Io of the external examiner K on the internal display unit 53, facilitating communication with the external examiner K and enabling smoother assistance during eye examinations.

[0081] The ophthalmology system 1, through its control unit (main control unit 26), displays the image Io of external examiner K along with the objective examination targets on the target projection system 22 based on operations on the internal operation unit 52 and data input from the outside. Therefore, even when the ophthalmologist S is looking into the measurement head 16 and performing an eye examination using the measurement optical system 20 (information of the eye being examined has been acquired), the ophthalmology system 1 allows the examiner S to see the image Io of external examiner K in addition to the objective examination targets, thus facilitating communication with the external examiner K and making the eye examination assistance smoother.

[0082] The ophthalmology system 1 is designed so that the subject imaging unit 33 can image the area around the subject S's mouth while the measurement optical system 20 is acquiring information about the subject's eye E. Therefore, the ophthalmology system 1 allows the external examiner K to observe the movement of the subject S's mouth, which can assist in language recognition and improve communication with the subject S. This is especially effective when the subject S is using the measurement head 16, as it becomes difficult to observe the subject S's facial expressions, making it easier to observe the movement of the mouth.

[0083] The ophthalmology system 1 has the subject imaging unit 33 mounted on a target presentation device 30 propped up on a support column 13. Therefore, the ophthalmology system 1 can easily mount the subject imaging unit 33 in the opposing region Ao facing the subject S, and can acquire an image Is from the front of the subject S.

[0084] Therefore, in ophthalmological system 1, which is one embodiment of the ophthalmological system according to this disclosure, it is possible to observe the subject S (subject eye E) at a desired angle by an external examiner K or an internal examiner without interfering with the eye examination.

[0085] The ophthalmic system of this disclosure has been described above based on Example 1, but the specific configuration is not limited to Example 1, and changes or additions to the design are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention as claimed in each of the patent claims.

[0086] For example, in Embodiment 1, the target presentation device 30, which is equipped with a subject imaging unit 33, is positioned vertically and propped up against a support column 13 on the eye examination table 12. However, as long as the subject imaging unit 33 is located in the opposing area Ao facing the subject S, the way the target presentation device 30 is propped up can be set as appropriate, and it is not limited to the configuration of Embodiment 1 described above. The target presentation device 30 may, for example, be positioned horizontally and propped up against a support column 13 on the eye examination table 12, as shown in Figure 13. In this case as well, the same effect can be obtained. In the ophthalmology system 1 of Figure 13, Figure 14 shows how the image Is of the subject S from the front side during an examination using the target projection system 22 is displayed on the external display unit 73 of the external examiner device 70. Thus, even when the target presentation device 30 is in a horizontal position, the ophthalmic system 1 can confirm whether both measurement heads 16 are in an appropriate position relative to the subject S, and can also confirm the movement of the subject S's mouth. In Figure 14, an enlarged image Is of the subject S using the target projection system 22 is shown, but various displays for operations may be shown simultaneously as in Figure 10, or the image Is of the subject S being examined for visual function of the eye E using the target presentation device 30 may be shown as in Figure 12, and the system is not limited to the example in Figure 14.

[0087] Furthermore, in Example 1, the subject imaging unit 33 is provided on the target presentation device 30. However, the subject imaging unit 33 may be provided in a location separate from the target presentation device 30, as long as it is provided in the opposing region Ao facing the subject S near the support column 13, and is not limited to the configuration of Example 1 described above. An example of such an alternative configuration is shown in Figure 15. In the ophthalmology system 1A of Figure 15, the subject imaging unit 33A is provided on the support column 13A of the ophthalmology device 10A. Therefore, the ophthalmology system 1A (ophthalmology device 10A) can provide the subject imaging unit 33A in a way that reliably avoids interfering with the eye examination, and the subject imaging unit 33A can appropriately capture an image of the subject S being examined using the measurement head 16 from the front. Furthermore, this ophthalmology system 1A (ophthalmology device 10A) has a patient microphone 34A installed below the patient imaging unit 33A on the support column 13A, and internal speakers 35A installed on both sides thereof. As a result, the ophthalmology system 1A (ophthalmology device 10A) can install the patient microphone 34A and internal speakers 35A in a way that reliably avoids interfering with the eye examination, the patient microphone 34A can appropriately capture the voice of the patient S undergoing eye examination using the measurement head 16, and the internal speakers 35A can appropriately transmit the voice of the external examiner K, etc., to the patient S. Note that the position and number of the patient imaging unit 33A, patient microphone 34A, and internal speakers 35A can be set as appropriate, as long as they are installed on the support column 13A, and are not limited to the example in Figure 15. Furthermore, the subject imaging unit 33A may be mounted on the support column 13A, while the subject microphone 34A and internal speaker 35A are mounted elsewhere; the example in Figure 15 is not limited to this configuration.

[0088] Furthermore, while Example 1 assumed that an internal examiner was present in the room where the subject S underwent the eye examination, the system is not limited to Example 1 and may not have an internal examiner. In this case, it is preferable that the ophthalmic systems 1 and 1A have a controller 50 operated by the subject S, and that the internal operation unit 52 and internal display unit 53 are specialized for communication with and receiving instructions from the external examiner K. Even in this case, the ophthalmic systems 1 and 1A allow the external examiner K to observe the subject S and give instructions to the subject S, enabling the eye examination to be performed appropriately.

[0089] In Example 1, the target presentation device 30 or the support column 13A is equipped with subject microphones 34, 34A and internal speakers 35, 35A. However, it is sufficient that the subject microphones are capable of acquiring the voice of subject S and the internal speakers are capable of outputting sound towards subject S, and the location of installation can be set as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1. 1A Ophthalmic System 13 Support Column 16 Measurement Head 20 Measurement Optical System 22 Target Projection System 26 Main Control Unit (as an example of a control unit) 30 Target Presentation Device 33 Subject Imaging Unit 52 Internal Operation Unit 53 Internal Display Unit 73 External Display Unit Ao Opposing Area E Subject's Eye Is Image of Subject S Io Image of External Examiner K S Subject

Claims

1. A measuring head housing a measuring optical system that acquires information about the subject's eye, A support column for the measuring head, A target presentation device for presenting a target to the eye under examination, An internal operation unit that performs operations for acquiring information in the measurement optical system and setting the visual targets presented by the visual target presentation device, A subject imaging unit for photographing the subject, An internal display unit that displays images, The system includes a control unit that controls the measuring optical system, the target presentation device, the subject imaging unit, and the internal display unit based on operations on the internal operation unit or data input from an external source, The support column is positioned opposite the subject being measured by the measuring optical system in the front-to-back direction. The subject imaging unit is provided in the vicinity of the support column, in a region facing the subject during measurement by the measurement optical system and the target presentation device, An ophthalmic system characterized in that the opposing region is located below the measuring head.

2. A measuring head housing a measuring optical system that acquires information about the subject's eye, A support column for the measuring head, A target presentation device for presenting a target to the eye under examination, An internal operation unit that performs operations for acquiring information in the measurement optical system and setting the visual targets presented by the visual target presentation device, A subject imaging unit for photographing the subject, An internal display unit that displays images, The system includes a control unit that controls the measuring optical system, the target presentation device, the subject imaging unit, and the internal display unit based on operations on the internal operation unit or data input from an external source, The subject imaging unit is provided in the vicinity of the support column, in a region facing the subject during measurement by the measurement optical system and the target presentation device, The ophthalmological system is characterized in that the control unit can display images of the subject and images of an external examiner on the target presentation device based on operations performed on the internal operation unit or data input from an external source.

3. The ophthalmic system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit can output data to display the image of the subject taken by the subject imaging unit on the external display unit, based on operations on the internal operation unit or data input from the outside.

4. The ophthalmic system according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit can output data to be displayed on the external display unit, which includes information on the visual target to be presented to the visual target presentation device and information on the operation for acquiring information on the eye to be examined in the measuring optical system.

5. The ophthalmic system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit can display an image of an external examiner on the internal display unit.

6. The aforementioned measurement optical system has a target projection system that presents a target for objective testing, The ophthalmic system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control unit displays images of an external examiner along with objective examination targets on the target projection system based on operations to the internal operation unit or data input from the outside.

7. The ophthalmic system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the subject imaging unit is capable of imaging the area around the subject's mouth while the measuring optical system is acquiring information about the subject's eye.

8. The ophthalmic system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the subject imaging unit is provided on the support column.

9. The ophthalmic system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the subject imaging unit is provided on the target presentation device leaning against the support column.

Images