Ophthalmic system

Abstract

In order to provide an ophthalmic system that makes it possible to perform ophthalmic examination using an ophthalmic device under monitoring by an examiner, an ophthalmic system (1) comprises: an ophthalmic device (10) that is used in ophthalmic examination and that has an examinee microphone (17) which acquires audio and an examinee speaker (16) which outputs audio; and a plurality of host devices (30) that are operated by an examiner and that each have an examiner microphone (34) which acquires audio, an examiner speaker (33) which outputs audio, and an examiner monitor (32) which is visible to the examiner. The ophthalmic device (10) and the plurality of host devices (30) can mutually communicate with each other, and each host device (30) displays the result of the ophthalmic examination on the examiner monitor (32) and outputs, from the examiner speaker (33), the audio acquired by the examinee microphone (17). The ophthalmic device (10) outputs, from the examinee speaker (16), the audio acquired by the examiner microphone (34).

Description

Ophthalmology System

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an ophthalmic system that allows an examiner to remotely operate an ophthalmic apparatus using a host device via a communication network such as the Internet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also known is an ophthalmic system in which, when remotely operating the ophthalmic apparatus, the examiner gives voice instructions to the examinee using a microphone provided in the host device and a speaker provided in the ophthalmic apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0003] JP 2022-073686 A JP 2023-039506 A

[0004] In conventional ophthalmic systems, one ophthalmic device is connected to one host device so that they can communicate with each other. An examiner (e.g., an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or orthoptist) who operates the host device monitors the eye examination, including controlling the ophthalmic device connected to the host device. Therefore, if the examiner is absent, the eye examination using the ophthalmic device cannot be performed under the examiner's supervision, which makes it difficult to perform an appropriate eye examination.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an ophthalmic system that allows an eye examination using an ophthalmic apparatus to be performed under the supervision of an examiner.

[0006] The ophthalmologic system of the present invention includes an ophthalmologic apparatus used for an eye examination and having a subject microphone for acquiring audio and a subject speaker for outputting audio, and a plurality of host devices each having an examiner microphone operated by an examiner for acquiring audio, an examiner speaker for outputting audio, and an examiner monitor visible to the examiner. The ophthalmologic apparatus and the plurality of host devices are capable of mutual communication. Each host device displays the results of the eye examination on the examiner monitor and outputs the audio acquired by the subject microphone from the examiner speaker. The ophthalmologic apparatus also outputs the audio acquired by the examiner microphone from the subject speaker.

[0007] According to the ophthalmologic system of the present invention, an eye examination using an ophthalmologic apparatus can be performed under the supervision of an examiner.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an ophthalmologic system of Example 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system in the ophthalmologic system. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of an eye examination in the ophthalmologic system of Example 1. FIG. 4 is a sub-flowchart showing a login signal reception process in Example 1. FIG. 5 is a sub-flowchart showing a remote operation setting process in Example 1. FIG. 6 is a sub-flowchart showing an eye examination process in Example 1. FIG. 7 is a sub-flowchart showing an examination guidance process in Example 1. FIG. 8 is a sub-flowchart showing an examination execution process in Example 1. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an examiner monitor in Example 1. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a subject monitor in Example 1. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an ophthalmologic system of Example 2. FIG. 12 is a sub-flowchart showing a login signal reception process in Example 2. FIG. 13 is a sub-flowchart showing a remote operation setting process in Example 2.

[0009] An ophthalmologic system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on first and second embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0010] An ophthalmic system 1 applied to Example 1 will be described as follows with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1 includes one ophthalmic apparatus 10, multiple (here, three) host apparatuses 30, a communication network 100, and a communication management unit 101.

[0011] Here, the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is located at a location (remote location) away from the multiple host devices 30. For example, the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is installed in an eyeglass store or a mobile clinic, and the multiple host devices 30 are installed in a hospital to which the examiner belongs. The subject is located at the location where the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is installed, and the examiner is located at the location where the host devices 30 are installed. Therefore, the examiner is located at a remote location from the subject. Furthermore, the multiple host devices 30 may be located at remote locations from each other, or may be located adjacent to each other (close locations). The examiner is a person who can perform examinations, diagnoses, etc. using the ophthalmic apparatus 10, such as an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or orthoptist.

[0012] The communication network 100 is a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0013] The ophthalmic apparatus 10 and the multiple host devices 30 are each connected to a communication network 100, and are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the communication network 100 and a communication management unit 101. The communication status between the ophthalmic apparatus 10 and the multiple host devices 30 is managed by the communication management unit 101.

[0014] The ophthalmic apparatus 10 of Example 1 is a multifunction device capable of measuring the intraocular pressure value, ocular refractive power, corneal curvature, etc. of a subject's eye, and is used for examining the subject's eye (eye examination). Various eye characteristics of the subject's eye, such as the intraocular pressure value, ocular refractive power, and corneal curvature (corneal shape), are measured by the ophthalmic apparatus 10. The ophthalmic apparatus 10 of Example 1 is remotely operated by any one of the host devices 30. Furthermore, the results of the eye examination performed by the ophthalmic apparatus 10 are displayed so as to be viewable on all of the multiple host devices 30.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 includes a base unit 11, a face support unit 12, a drive mechanism 13, a measurement head 14, a subject monitor 15, a subject speaker 16, a subject microphone 17, a subject camera 18, and an apparatus control unit 19 (see FIG. 2). Of the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions (three axial directions) in the figure, the Y direction is the up-down direction. The Z direction is the front-to-back direction (working distance direction) parallel to the front direction approaching the subject's eye (not shown) and the rear direction moving away from the subject. The X direction is the left-to-right direction perpendicular to both the up-to-down direction and the front-to-back direction.

[0016] The base portion 11 is provided with a face support portion 12 and a drive mechanism 13 that supports a measurement head 14, and is placed on an optometry table 11a.

[0017] The face support unit 12 is disposed in front of the drive mechanism 13. The face support unit 12 has a support column 12a, a pair of side frame units 12b, 12b, an upper frame unit 12c, a forehead support unit 12d, and a chin support unit 12e.

[0018] The support pillar 12a stands upright from the base portion 11 and extends in the vertical direction. A pair of side frame portions 12b, 12b are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction and stand upright from the support pillar 12a. The upper frame portion 12c spans the upper ends of the side frame portions 12b, 12b. The forehead support portion 12d is provided in the center of the upper frame portion 12c. The chin support portion 12e is disposed between the side frame portions 12b, 12b and protrudes from the support pillar 12a.

[0019] During the eye examination, the subject sits in front of the ophthalmologic apparatus 10, places his / her chin on the chin rest 12e, and places his / her forehead on the forehead rest 12d to fix the position of his / her face. The chin rest 12e can be moved in the Y-axis direction relative to the base 11 by a drive mechanism (not shown).

[0020] The drive mechanism 13 corresponds to a relative movement mechanism of the ophthalmologic apparatus 10. The drive mechanism 13 is configured by an actuator (not shown), such as a motor. The drive mechanism 13 is driven based on a control signal (control command) from the apparatus control unit 19. The drive mechanism 13 can move the chin rest 12e in the Y direction based on the control signal. The drive mechanism 13 also moves the measurement head 14 in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction relative to the base unit 11 based on the control signal.

[0021] A known observation and photographing optical system 14A (see FIG. 2) is provided inside the measurement head 14. The optical system 14A is, for example, an autorefractometer, and is driven by a control signal from the device control unit 19 to observe and photograph various eye characteristics of the subject to perform an eye examination. The results of the eye examination and observed images (hereinafter referred to as "examination result information") acquired by the optical system 14A are input to the device control unit 19.

[0022] The subject monitor 15 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal monitor or a touch panel monitor. The subject monitor 15 is attached to the rear side of the measurement head 14. The subject monitor 15 displays imaging information (hereinafter referred to as "examiner imaging information") captured by the examiner camera 35 (described later) based on a control signal from the device control unit 19. The subject monitor 15 may also display examination result information. Furthermore, if the subject monitor 15 is a touch panel monitor, it may display an operation menu screen or the like for performing various operations and accept operation inputs for each operation menu screen. In this case, an operator near the subject or the subject himself / herself can directly operate the ophthalmologic apparatus 10.

[0023] The subject speakers 16 are built into each of the pair of side frame portions 12 b, 12 b and are provided at positions close to the left and right ears of the subject during the eye examination. Based on a control signal from the device control unit 19, the subject speakers 16 output audio such as audio information acquired by an examiner microphone 34 (described later) (hereinafter referred to as "examiner audio information").

[0024] Subject microphone 17 is built into the upper part of support 12a and is arranged below chin rest 12e. Subject microphone 17 acquires sounds including the subject's voice, etc., based on a control signal from device control unit 19. The sound information acquired by subject microphone 17 (hereinafter referred to as "subject sound information") is input to device control unit 19.

[0025] Subject camera 18 is placed in a position where the subject is reflected in the examination posture, and in this case is provided above subject monitor 15. Subject camera 18 takes images based on a control signal from device control unit 19. The imaging information taken by subject camera 18 (hereinafter referred to as "subject imaging information") is input to device control unit 19.

[0026] Here, the subject camera 18 can capture images of the subject in the examination posture, as well as the subject standing in front of the face support unit 12. Furthermore, the subject camera 18 in Example 1 can capture images of the surroundings of the ophthalmic apparatus 10, i.e., the surroundings in front of the position of the subject camera 18. Therefore, the subject image capture information includes images of the subject's appearance when they come for the eye examination, the subject's face during the eye examination, and the like. The examination posture also includes the posture of the subject sitting in a chair or the like (not shown) provided in front of the ophthalmic apparatus 10, the posture of the subject resting their chin on the chin rest unit 12e, and the posture of the subject resting their chin on the chin rest unit 12e and their forehead against the forehead rest unit 12d. As described below, the subject image capture information is displayed on the examiner monitor 32, allowing the examiner to visually check the examiner monitor 32 to observe the subject's condition before, during, and after the eye examination. Furthermore, the examiner can use the display on the examiner monitor 32 to adjust the positions of the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 and the subject.

[0027] The device control unit 19 includes an arithmetic circuit configured with various processors and memories (storage units), etc. The various processors include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a programmable logic device (e.g., simple programmable logic device (SPLD), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and field programmable gate array (FPGA)). The various controls (functions) of the device control unit 19 may be realized by one processor, or by multiple processors of the same or different types.

[0028] The device control unit 19 is activated when a power switch (not shown) is turned on by a subject, an operator, or the like, and sets the ophthalmic apparatus 10 to a sleep mode until remote operation by an operation host device 30α (described later) is started. Here, the "sleep mode" is a mode in which power supply to other mechanisms of the ophthalmic apparatus 10, excluding the device control unit 19, is stopped or limited, and some functions of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 are suspended. In Example 1, when the sleep mode is set, the operations of at least the chin rest 12e, the drive mechanism 13, the measurement head 14, the subject monitor 15, the subject speaker 16, the subject microphone 17, and the subject camera 18 are suspended.

[0029] When the examination switch 19a is turned on, the device control unit 19 outputs a request signal to the communication management unit 101. The "request signal" is a signal indicating a request for an eye examination by the subject or the like. The device control unit 19 also outputs examination result information, subject voice information, subject image information, etc. to the host device 30 via the communication management unit 101.

[0030] The device control unit 19 also receives operation information, examiner voice information, examiner imaging information, and the like from the host device 30 via the communication management unit 101. Based on the operation information, the device control unit 19 reads and executes a control program stored in a memory (not shown). This allows the device control unit 19 to output predetermined control signals to the ophthalmic device 10, including the drive mechanism 13 and the optical system 14A, to control its operation, such as switching modes and performing an eye examination. The device control unit 19 also outputs control signals to the subject monitor 15 to display examiner imaging information. The device control unit 19 also outputs control signals to the subject speaker 16 to output examiner voice information. The device control unit 19 also outputs control signals to the subject microphone 17 to capture audio. The device control unit 19 also outputs control signals to the subject camera 18 to capture images.

[0031] Furthermore, when a sleep signal is input as operation information, the device control unit 19 transitions the ophthalmic apparatus 10 to a sleep mode. Furthermore, when a wake signal is input as operation information, the device control unit 19 transitions the ophthalmic apparatus 10 to an examination mode.

[0032] Each of the multiple host devices 30 is configured by, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, etc. Each host device 30 is operated by a different examiner and is used by each examiner to remotely operate the ophthalmic apparatus 10 and view examination results. Each host device 30 includes an operation unit 31, an examiner monitor 32, an examiner speaker 33, an examiner microphone 34, an examiner camera 35, and a main body control unit 36.

[0033] The operation unit 31 is configured with, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The operation unit 31 is operated by the examiner and inputs output instructions such as a login signal, an operation permission signal, an operation change signal, and an examination end signal, operation information for remotely operating the ophthalmologic apparatus 10, output instructions for various control signals, etc. The operation information and output instructions for various signals input by the operation unit 31 are input to the main body control unit 36.

[0034] The "login signal" is a signal indicating that the examiner is permitted to remotely operate the host device 30. The "operation permission signal" is a signal notifying the examiner that remote operation of the host device 30 is permitted. The "operation change signal" is a signal indicating a change request for the operation host device 30α, which will be described later. The "examination end signal" is a signal indicating the end of the eye examination by the operation host device 30α, which will be described later.

[0035] The examiner monitor 32 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display. In the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1, the examiner monitor 32 may be configured by a touch panel monitor, and may serve as both the operation unit 31 and the examiner monitor 32. The examiner monitor 32 displays, based on a control signal from the main body control unit 36, the examination result information input from the ophthalmologic apparatus 10, the subject imaging information, the examiner imaging information from another host device 30, and the like.

[0036] The examiner speaker 33 and the examiner microphone 34 are configured by, for example, a headset (headphones with a microphone). The examiner speaker 33 outputs sounds such as subject voice information and examiner voice information from another host device 30 based on a control signal from the main body control unit 36. The examiner microphone 34 acquires sounds (examiner voice information) including the examiner's voice, etc. based on a control signal from the main body control unit 36. The examiner voice information acquired by the examiner microphone 34 is input to the main body control unit 36.

[0037] The examiner camera 35 is disposed in a position where it can capture at least the examiner's face. The examiner camera 35 captures images based on a control command from the main body control unit 36. Examiner image information captured by the examiner camera 35 is input to the main body control unit 36. Here, it is desirable that the examiner image information includes an image of the examiner's face.

[0038] The main body control unit 36, like the device control unit 19, has an arithmetic circuit configured from various processors and memories (storage units), etc. Note that the various controls (functions) of the main body control unit 36 ​​may be realized by one processor, or may be realized by multiple processors of the same or different types.

[0039] The main body control unit 36 ​​is activated when an examiner or the like turns on a power switch (not shown). When an instruction to output a login signal is input by operating the operation unit 31, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs a login signal to the communication management unit 101. When an instruction to output an operation permission signal is input by operating the operation unit 31, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs an operation permission signal to the communication management unit 101. When an instruction to output an operation change signal is input by operating the operation unit 31, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs an operation change signal to the communication management unit 101. When an instruction to output an examination end signal is input by operating the operation unit 31, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs an examination end signal to the communication management unit 101. Furthermore, when an instruction to output an examination end signal is input by operating the operation unit 31, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs operation information, examiner voice information, examiner imaging information, etc. to the ophthalmic device 10 via the communication management unit 101.

[0040] Furthermore, the main body control unit 36 ​​receives a remote operation disable signal, a request standby signal, an operation request signal, etc. from the communication management unit 101. Furthermore, test result information, subject voice information, and subject image information are input to the main body control unit 36 ​​from the ophthalmic apparatus 10 via the communication management unit 101. Furthermore, examiner voice information and examiner image information are input to the main body control unit 36 ​​from another host device 30 via the communication management unit 101. Note that when remote operation of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is permitted by the communication management unit 101, in addition to the above information, information such as the status of the optical system 14A and the drive mechanism 13 is input to the main body control unit 36 ​​from the ophthalmic apparatus 10 via the communication management unit 101.

[0041] Then, based on the examiner's operation of the operation unit 31, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs a control signal to the examiner monitor 32 to display test result information, examinee imaging information, examiner imaging information from other host devices 30, etc. The main body control unit 36 ​​also outputs a control signal to the examiner speaker 33 to output examinee voice information and examiner voice information from other host devices 30. The main body control unit 36 ​​also outputs a control signal to the examiner microphone 34 to acquire voice. The main body control unit 36 ​​also outputs a control signal to the examiner camera 35 to perform imaging.

[0042] The communication management unit 101 is a mechanism that manages and controls the communication state between the ophthalmic apparatus 10 and the multiple host devices 30, and the communication state between the multiple host devices 30. The communication management unit 101 is configured by a computer or the like separate from the host devices 30. The communication management unit 101 is connected to the ophthalmic apparatus 10 and the multiple host devices 30 via the communication network 100 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0043] A login signal is input from each host device 30 to the communication management unit 101. The communication management unit 101 then outputs a remote control disable signal or a request standby signal to the host device 30 that has output the login signal.

[0044] In addition, a request signal is input to the communication management unit 101 from the ophthalmic apparatus 10. Then, the communication management unit 101 outputs an operation request signal to the multiple host devices 30 that output the login signal. As a result, the communication management unit 101 permits the host device 30 that output the operation permission signal to remotely operate the ophthalmic apparatus 10, and controls communication so that the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is remotely operated by a control signal from the host device 30. In other words, the communication management unit 101 allows operation information from the host device that has permitted remote operation of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "operation host device 30α") ​​to be input to the ophthalmic apparatus 10, and blocks operation information from other host devices 30 from being input to the ophthalmic apparatus 10. Here, the communication management unit 101 maintains permission for remote operation of the operation host device 30α until an examination end signal or an operation change signal is output from the operation host device 30α.

[0045] The communication management unit 101 also enables the test result information, subject voice information, and subject image information output from the ophthalmic apparatus 10 to be input to all host devices 30 that have output a login signal. The communication management unit 101 also enables the examiner voice information and examiner image information output from all host devices 30 that have output a login signal to be input to the ophthalmic apparatus 10.

[0046] Furthermore, the communication management unit 101 enables the mutual input of examiner voice information and examiner image information between all of the host devices 30 that have output the login signal. When an interactive switching signal is input from any one of the host devices 30 that have output the login signal, the communication management unit 101 blocks the input of the examiner voice information and examiner image information to the ophthalmologic apparatus 10.

[0047] The flow of the eye examination process in the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1 is described as follows. Here, in the eye examination in the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1, as shown in FIG. 3 , first, the communication management unit 101 executes a login signal reception process (step S10). Next, the communication management unit 101 executes a remote operation setting process (step S20). This enables remote operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 by the operation host device 30α. Then, the eye examination process (step S30) is executed by remote operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 by the operation host device 30α.

[0048] The flow of the login signal reception process in step S10 will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. The login signal reception process is repeatedly executed from the start-up of the communication management unit 101 until the end (shutdown) of the communication management unit 101.

[0049] In step S11, following the start of the login signal reception process, the communication management unit 101 determines whether a login signal has been input from any one of the multiple host devices 30. If the communication management unit 101 determines YES (login signal present), it proceeds to step S12, and if it determines NO (login signal absent), it repeats step S11. The login signal is output when the examiner operates the operation unit 31 to input an output instruction for the login signal to the main body control unit 36. In the host device 30 that has output the login signal, the main body control unit 36 ​​controls the activation of the examiner monitor 32, examiner speaker 33, examiner microphone 34, and examiner camera 35, respectively.

[0050] In step S12, following the determination in step S11 that a login signal has been received, the communication management unit 101 determines whether the operation host device 30α has already been designated. If the communication management unit 101 determines YES (the operation host device 30α has been designated), the process proceeds to step S13, and if the communication management unit 101 determines NO (the operation host device 30α has not been designated), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0051] In step S13, following the determination in step S12 that the operation host device 30α has been designated, the communication management unit 101 outputs a remote operation disabled signal to the host device 30 that output the login signal, and proceeds to the end of the login signal reception process. Note that in the host device 30 to which the "remote operation disabled signal" has been input, the main body control unit 36 ​​may cause, for example, the examiner monitor 32 to display a message indicating that operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 is disabled.

[0052] In step S14, following the determination in step S12 that the operation host device 30α is not designated, the communication management unit 101 outputs a request standby signal to the host device 30 that output the login signal, and proceeds to the end of the login signal reception process. Note that in the host device 30 to which the "request standby signal" has been input, the main body control unit 36 ​​may display, for example, on the examiner monitor 32, a message indicating that the host device 30 is waiting for input of a request signal from the ophthalmic apparatus 10.

[0053] The flow of the remote operation setting process in step S20 will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. The remote operation setting process is repeatedly executed from when the communication management unit 101 is started until it is terminated (shut down).

[0054] In step S21, following the start of the remote operation setting process, the communication management unit 101 determines whether a request signal has been input from the ophthalmic apparatus 10. If the communication management unit 101 determines YES (request signal present), the process proceeds to step S22, and if the communication management unit 101 determines NO (request signal absent), the process repeats step S21. In the ophthalmic apparatus 10 that has output the request permission signal, the device control unit 19 may, for example, display on the subject monitor 15 a message indicating that the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is waiting for remote operation by the host device 30.

[0055] In step S22, following the determination in step S21 that a request signal has been received or the cancellation of the designation of the operation host device 30α in step S27, the communication management unit 101 outputs an operation request signal to all host devices 30 to which a request waiting signal has been input (host devices 30 that have output a login signal), and the process proceeds to step S23. Note that in the host device 30 to which the operation request signal has been input, the main body control unit 36 ​​may cause, for example, the examiner monitor 32 to display a message indicating that an operation request signal has been input.

[0056] In step S23, following the output of the operation prompting signal in step S22, the communication management unit 101 determines whether an operation permission signal has been input from any of the host devices 30 to which the operation prompting signal was input. If the communication management unit 101 determines YES (operation permission signal present), it proceeds to step S24, and if it determines NO (operation permission signal absent), it repeats step S23. The operation permission signal is output when an instruction to output the operation permission signal is input by operating the operation unit 31 by the examiner who recognizes that the operation prompting signal has been input. Note that if operation permission signals are input simultaneously from multiple host devices 30, the communication management unit 101 accepts the operation permission signal from any one of the host devices 30 based on predetermined criteria.

[0057] In step S24, following the determination in step S23 that an operation permission signal has been received, the communication management unit 101 designates an operation host device 30α that is a host device that is permitted to remotely operate the ophthalmic apparatus 10, and proceeds to step S25. Here, the communication management unit 101 designates the host device 30 that output the operation permission signal (the host device 30 that received the operation permission signal) as the "operation host device 30α."

[0058] In step S25, following the designation of the operation host device 30α in step S24, the communication management unit 101 determines that the eye examination can be performed and sets the operation information output from the operation host device 30α to be input to the ophthalmic apparatus 10, and then proceeds to step S26. This enables the operation host device 30α to remotely control the ophthalmic apparatus 10. Furthermore, operation information from host devices 30 other than the operation host device 30α is blocked from being input to the ophthalmic apparatus 10.

[0059] In step S26, following the input setting in step S25, the communication management unit 101 determines whether or not an operation change signal has been input from the operation host device 30α. If the communication management unit 101 determines YES (operation change signal present), the process proceeds to step S27, and if NO (operation change signal absent), the process proceeds to step S28.

[0060] In step S27, following the determination in step S26 that an operation change signal has been received, the communication management unit 101 cancels the designation of the operation host device 30α, and the process returns to step S22.

[0061] In step S28, following the determination in step S26 that there is no operation change signal, the communication management unit 101 determines whether or not an inspection end signal has been input from the operation host device 30α. If the communication management unit 101 determines YES (there is an inspection end signal), the process proceeds to step S29, and if it determines NO (there is no inspection end signal), the process returns to step S26.

[0062] In step S29, following the determination in step S28 that the test end signal has been received, the communication management unit 101 cancels the designation of the operation host device 30α and proceeds to the end of the remote operation setting process.

[0063] The flow of the eye examination process in the ophthalmic apparatus 10 by remote control of the operation host device 30α in step S30 will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Note that the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is set to a sleep mode until remote control starts, and therefore the eye examination process starts with the ophthalmic apparatus 10 set to the sleep mode.

[0064] In step S31, following the start of the eye examination process, the device control unit 19 determines whether or not a wake signal has been received from the operation host device 30α. If the device control unit 19 determines YES (the wake signal has been received), the process proceeds to step S32, and if the device control unit 19 determines NO (the wake signal has not been received), the process repeats step S31. Here, the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 is set to sleep mode after outputting the request signal. When a wake signal is output from the main body control unit 36 ​​of the operation host device 30α in response to an operation input by the examiner on the operation unit 31, the device control unit 19 receives the wake signal.

[0065] In step S32, following the determination in step S31 that the wake signal has been received, the device control unit 19 executes an examination mode transition process, and the process proceeds to step S33. In the examination mode transition process, first, the device control unit 19 controls the activation of the chin rest 12e, drive mechanism 13, measurement head 14, subject monitor 15, subject speaker 16, subject microphone 17, and subject camera 18. Next, the device control unit 19 performs mode transition control to transition the ophthalmic apparatus 10 from sleep mode to examination mode. Note that the device control unit 19 may also control the activation of the chin rest 12e and the like that are currently inactive, after performing mode transition control to transition the ophthalmic apparatus 10 from sleep mode to examination mode.

[0066] In step S33, following the examination mode transition process in step S32, the determination of evacuation detection in step S37, or the determination of non-reception of a sleep signal in step S38, the device control unit 19 determines whether or not the presence of a subject has been detected. If YES, proceed to step S34; if NO, proceed to step S38. Here, the presence of a subject is detected based on subject imaging information. Specifically, first, subject imaging information acquired by the subject camera 18 is output from the ophthalmic apparatus 10 to the operation host device 30α. The operation host device 30α displays the subject imaging information on the examiner monitor 32. Next, the examiner operating the operation host device 30α visually checks the display on the examiner monitor 32 to confirm whether or not the subject is present.

[0067] Here, the presence of a subject is not limited to cases where the subject's entire body is captured, but also includes cases where only a portion of the subject, such as the head, is captured. The examiner inputs the subject's presence recognition result (presence detection information or presence non-detection information) to the main body control unit 36 ​​by operating the operation unit 31. The main body control unit 36 ​​outputs the presence detection information or presence non-detection information as operation information to the ophthalmic device 10. When presence detection information is input, the device control unit 19 of the ophthalmic device 10 determines that the presence is detected (YES), and when presence non-detection information is input, the device control unit 19 determines that the presence is not detected (NO). Note that the "presence detection information" is information indicating that the examiner has recognized the presence of the subject and therefore detected the subject's presence (presence detection). The "presence non-detection information" is information indicating that the examiner has not recognized the presence of the subject and therefore has not detected the subject's presence (presence non-detection).

[0068] In step S34, following the determination of the presence of the subject in step S33, an examination guidance process is executed to guide the subject to the ophthalmologic apparatus 10, and the process proceeds to step S35. The examination guidance process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0069] In step S35, following the examination guidance process in step S34, an examination execution process is executed to perform an eye examination using the ophthalmologic apparatus 10, and the process proceeds to step S36. The examination execution process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0070] In step S36, following the test execution process in step S35 or the determination of undetected evacuation in step S37, the device control unit 19 executes a test end notification process, and the process proceeds to step S37. The test end notification process is a process for notifying the subject that the test has ended. When the process proceeds to step S36, the device control unit 19 automatically inputs automatic voice information to the subject speaker 16, causing the subject speaker 16 to output automatic voice information. Alternatively, the device control unit 19 may input end notification display information to the subject monitor 15, which notifies the subject of the end, and the end notification display information may be displayed on the subject monitor 15. The automatic voice information and end notification display information may be audio information or text information such as, for example, "Please remove your face from the frame. All tests have been completed. Thank you for your hard work." Here, if the process returns to step S36 following the determination of undetected evacuation in step S37, the subject will again be prompted to evacuate.

[0071] In step S37, following the examination end notification process in step S36, the device control unit 19 determines whether the subject has evacuated. If YES, the process returns to step S33; if NO, the process returns to step S36. Here, the detection of the subject's evacuation is performed based on the subject imaging information. Specifically, first, the subject imaging information acquired by the subject camera 18 is output from the device control unit 19 to the main body control unit 36 ​​of the operation host device 30α. The main body control unit 36 ​​of the operation host device 30α displays the subject imaging information on the examiner monitor 32 of the operation host device 30α. Next, the examiner operating the operation host device 30α visually checks the display on the examiner monitor 32 to confirm whether the subject has evacuated.

[0072] Note that the subject's evacuation does not include cases where a part of the subject, such as the head, is captured, but rather refers to cases where the entire subject's body is not captured. The examiner operates the operation unit 31 to input the subject's evacuation recognition result (evacuation detection information or evacuation non-detection information) to the main body control unit 36. "Evacuation detection information" is information indicating that the examiner did not recognize the subject's presence but recognized the subject's evacuation, and therefore detected the subject's evacuation (evacuation detection). "Evacuation non-detection information" is information indicating that the examiner recognized the subject's presence but did not recognize the subject's evacuation, and therefore did not detect the subject's evacuation (evacuation non-detection). The main body control unit 36 ​​outputs the evacuation detection information or the evacuation non-detection information as operation information to the device control unit 19. When evacuation detection information is input, the device control unit 19 determines evacuation detection (YES), and when evacuation non-detection information is input, it determines evacuation non-detection (NO).

[0073] In step S38, following the determination in step S33 that the presence of a subject has not been detected, the device control unit 19 determines whether or not a sleep signal has been received from the operation host device 30α. If the device control unit 19 determines YES (sleep signal received), the process proceeds to step S39, and if NO (sleep signal not received), the process returns to step S33. Here, when the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 is in the examination mode, if a sleep signal is output from the main body control unit 36 ​​of the operation host device 30α, the device control unit 19 determines that the sleep signal has been received.

[0074] In step S39, following receipt of the sleep signal in step S38, the device control unit 19 executes a sleep mode transition process, and the eye examination process proceeds to completion. In the sleep mode transition process, the device control unit 19 first controls the chin rest 12e, drive mechanism 13, measurement head 14, subject monitor 15, subject speaker 16, subject microphone 17, and subject camera 18 to suspend their respective operations. Next, the device control unit 19 executes mode transition control to transition the ophthalmic apparatus 10 from the examination mode to the sleep mode. Then, after confirming that the ophthalmic apparatus 10 has transitioned to the sleep mode, the operation host device 30α outputs an examination end signal. Note that the transition to the sleep mode is confirmed by the examiner operating the operation host device 30α checking the mode information of the ophthalmic apparatus 10.

[0075] The flow of the examination guidance process in step S34 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0076] In step S341, following the start of the examination guidance process, a message to have the subject take a seat is displayed on the subject monitor 15, and the process proceeds to step S342.

[0077] In step S342, following the display in step S341, a display explaining the position where the subject's face should be set is displayed on the subject monitor 15, and the process proceeds to step S343.

[0078] In step S343, following the display in step S342, a display indicating the position of the subject microphone 17 is displayed on the subject monitor 15, and the process proceeds to step S344.

[0079] In step S344, following the display in step S343, a display of precautions to be taken during the examination by the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 is displayed on the subject monitor 15, and the process proceeds to step S345.

[0080] In step S345, following the display in step S344, a display indicating that the examination of the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 has started is displayed on the subject monitor 15, and the examination guidance process is then terminated.

[0081] The flow of the inspection execution process in step S35 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0082] In step S351, following the start of the test execution process, the device control unit 19 executes a test explanation, and the process proceeds to step S352. The test explanation is executed by explaining that the test will be performed and explaining that the subject can communicate with the examiner by speaking into the subject microphone 17 if they have any questions. When the process proceeds to step S351, the device control unit 19 automatically inputs automatic voice information to the subject speaker 16, which then outputs the automatic voice information. The voice information of the test explanation is, for example, "We will now perform an eye refractive power test. If you have any questions, you can communicate by speaking into the microphone."

[0083] In step S352, following the execution of the explanation of the examination in step S351, the interactive function is turned on, and the process proceeds to step S353. Here, the "interactive function" is a function that enables a dialogue between the subject undergoing an eye examination using the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 and the examiners operating all of the host devices 30 that have output login signals, including the operation host device 30α.

[0084] That is, when the interactive function is controlled to be on, the communication management unit 101 allows subject voice information acquired by the subject microphone 17 and output from the ophthalmic apparatus 10 to be input to all host devices 30 that have output a login signal. When the subject voice information is input, each host device 30 outputs the subject voice information from the examiner speaker 33. Furthermore, the communication management unit 101 allows examiner voice information acquired by the examiner microphone 34 in all host devices 30 that have output a login signal to be input to the ophthalmic apparatus 10. When the examiner voice information is input, the ophthalmic apparatus 10 outputs the examiner voice information from the subject speaker 16.

[0085] Furthermore, in the control of turning on the interactive function in Example 1, the examiners controlling the host devices 30 that output the login signal can communicate with each other. That is, the communication management unit 101 enables the examiner voice information output from one host device 30 to be input to another host device 30 that output the login signal. When the examiner voice information is input, each host device 30 outputs the examiner voice information from the examiner speaker 33.

[0086] In step S353, following the control of turning on the interactive function in step S352, the control of turning on the viewing function is performed, and the process proceeds to step S354. Here, the "viewing function" is a function that allows the examination result information acquired by the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 to be viewed by all host devices 30 that have output a login signal, including the operation host device 30α.

[0087] That is, when the viewing function is turned on, the communication management unit 101 allows the test result information output from the ophthalmic apparatus 10 to be input to all host devices 30 that have output a login signal. Each host device 30 displays the test result information on the examiner monitor 32 when it is input.

[0088] In step S354, following the turning on of the viewing function in step S353, the image display function is turned on, and the process proceeds to step S355. Here, the "image display function" is a function that makes the subject's photographed information visible to the examiner and the examiner's photographed information visible to the subject.

[0089] That is, when the video display function is controlled to be on, the communication management unit 101 allows the subject imaging information acquired by the subject camera 18 to be input to all host devices 30 that have output a login signal. When the subject imaging information is input, each host device 30 displays the information on the examiner monitor 32. Furthermore, the communication management unit 101 allows the examiner imaging information acquired by the examiner camera 35 in all host devices 30 that have output a login signal to be input to the ophthalmic apparatus 10. When the examiner imaging information is input, the ophthalmic apparatus 10 displays it on the subject monitor 15.

[0090] In step S355, following the on control of the image display function in step S354, the eye examination is actually performed, and the process proceeds to step S356. The ophthalmic examination is performed by inputting operation information output from the operation host device 30α to the ophthalmic apparatus 10. That is, in the ophthalmic apparatus 10, the drive mechanism 13 is driven and controlled based on the operation information, and the chin rest 12e is adjusted in the Y direction and the optical system 14A is aligned with the subject's eye in the approximate X, Y, and Z directions. In addition, the ophthalmic apparatus 10 performs examination execution control necessary for the eye examination based on the operation information.

[0091] In step S356, following the execution of the eye test in step S355 or the determination in step S359 that the eye test is not yet completed, the communications management unit 101 determines whether an interactive switching signal has been input. If the communications management unit 101 determines YES (interactive signal present), the process proceeds to step S357; if the communications management unit 101 determines NO (interactive signal absent), the process proceeds to step S359. Here, when an interactive switching signal is output from the main body control unit 36 ​​in response to the examiner's operation of the operation unit 31, the interactive switching signal is input to the communications management unit 101. The interactive switching signal can be input from all host devices 30 that have output login signals.

[0092] In step S357, following a determination in step S356 that an interactive switching signal has been input, or following a determination in step S358 that an interactive switching signal has been input again, interactive switching control is performed, and the process proceeds to step S358. Here, in the "interactive switching control," when dialogue between the subject and the examiner is possible, dialogue between the subject and the examiner is blocked, and dialogue between only the examiners controlling the host devices 30 that output the login signals is allowed. Furthermore, when dialogue between only the examiners controlling the host devices 30 that output the login signals is possible, dialogue between subjects is blocked, and dialogue between the subject and the examiner is allowed.

[0093] That is, in the interactive switching control, when a conversation between the subject and the examiner is possible, the communication management unit 101 prevents at least the examiner voice information output from each host device 30 that has output a login signal from being input to the ophthalmologic apparatus 10. This makes it impossible for the subject and the examiner to talk to each other. Here, in step S352, the examiner voice information output from the host device 30 can be input to the main body control unit 36 ​​of the other host devices 30. Therefore, when the examiner voice information is input to each host device 30, the examiner voice information is output from the examiner speaker 33, thereby enabling conversation between the examiners only. Note that at this time, the subject voice information may be input to each host device 30, or input to each host device 30 may be restricted.

[0094] Furthermore, when communication between examiners only is possible, the communication management unit 101 allows examiner voice information output from each host device 30 that has output a login signal to be input to the ophthalmologic apparatus 10. When the examiner voice information is input, the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 outputs the examiner voice information from the subject speaker 16. This restores a state in which communication between the subject and the examiner is possible. Note that the state in which examiner voice information can be input to other host devices 30 is maintained regardless of whether examiner voice information can be input to the ophthalmologic apparatus 10. Furthermore, when input of subject voice information to the host device 30 is restricted, the communication management unit 101 allows subject voice information to be input to the host device 30.

[0095] In step S358, following the interactive switching control in step S357, the communication management unit 101 determines whether the interactive switching signal has been re-input. If the communication management unit 101 determines YES (the interactive signal has been re-input), the process returns to step S357, and if the communication management unit 101 determines NO (the interactive switching signal has not been re-input), the process proceeds to step S359. Here, when the interactive switching signal is output again from the main body control unit 36 ​​in response to the examiner's operation of the operation unit 31, the interactive switching signal is re-input to the communication management unit 101. The interactive switching signal can be re-input from all host devices 30 that have output login signals.

[0096] In step S359, following the determination in step S356 that the interactive switching signal has not been input or the determination in step S358 that the interactive switching signal has not been re-input, the main body control unit 36 ​​of the operation host device 30α determines whether the ophthalmic examination has actually ended. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S360; if the determination is NO, the process returns to step S356. The ophthalmic examination is completed when all of the preset test items have been completed. Therefore, the main body control unit 36 ​​determines whether all of the preset test items have been completed based on the operation information and test result information.

[0097] In step S360, following the determination that the test has ended in step S359, at least the interactive function is turned off, and the test execution process proceeds to the end. That is, in the control of turning off the interactive function, the communication management unit 101 prevents the subject voice information output from the ophthalmic apparatus 10 from being input to all host devices 30 that output the login signal. The communication management unit 101 also prevents the examiner voice information output from each host device 30 from being input to the ophthalmic apparatus 10. The communication management unit 101 also prevents the examiner voice information output from one host device 30 from being input to another host device 30. Furthermore, at this time, the communication management unit 101 may prevent the test result information from being viewed on each host device 30. The communication management unit 101 may also prevent the subject image information from being input to each host device 30. The communication management unit 101 may also prevent the examiner image information from being input to the ophthalmic apparatus 10.

[0098] The operation of the ophthalmologic system 1 of the first embodiment will be described as follows.

[0099] The ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1 includes an ophthalmologic apparatus 10 and a plurality of host apparatuses 30 that are capable of communicating with each other. The ophthalmologic apparatus 10 includes a subject microphone 17 that acquires sound and a subject speaker 16 that outputs sound. Each host apparatus 30 includes an examiner microphone 34 that acquires sound, an examiner speaker 33 that outputs sound, and an examiner monitor 32 that can be viewed by the examiner.

[0100] In the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1, when an eye examination is performed, the interactive function is turned on (step S352). That is, the communication management unit 101 enables input of subject voice information to all host devices 30 that have output a login signal. Then, each host device 30 outputs the subject voice information from the examiner speaker 33 when the subject voice information is input. Furthermore, the communication management unit 101 enables input of examiner voice information acquired in all host devices 30 that have output a login signal to the ophthalmologic apparatus 10. Then, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 10, the examiner voice information is output from the subject speaker 16 when the examiner voice information is input.

[0101] In the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1, when an eye examination is performed, the viewing function is turned on (step S353). That is, the communication management unit 101 enables the examination result information to be input to all host devices 30 that have output a login signal. Then, each host device 30 displays the input examination result information on the examiner monitor 32 (see FIG. 9 ).

[0102] In other words, in the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1, each host device 30 that outputs a login signal displays the results of the eye examination (examination result information) on the examiner monitor 32 and outputs the voice acquired by the examinee microphone 17 from the examiner speaker 33. The ophthalmologic device 10 outputs the voice acquired by the examiner microphone 34 from the examinee speaker 16.

[0103] As a result, the examiner operating each host device 30 that output the login signal can check the results of the eye examination by visually checking the examiner monitor 32. Furthermore, each examiner and the subject can communicate with each other via the subject microphone 17, the examiner speaker 33, the examiner microphone 34, and the subject speaker 16. As a result, examination result information can be shared among multiple host devices 30. Furthermore, multiple examiners can check the results of the eye examination and the condition of the subject, and subjects can ask questions to multiple examiners. Therefore, even if a login signal is not output from one host device 30 due to, for example, the examiner's absence, the results of the eye examination can be checked by examiners operating other host devices 30, allowing for a smooth eye examination. Therefore, the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1 allows eye examinations using the ophthalmologic device 10 to be performed under the supervision of at least one examiner.

[0104] Furthermore, in the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1, multiple host devices 30 can communicate with each other. When the interactive function of Example 1 is turned on, examiners controlling the host devices 30 that output the login signal can communicate with each other (step S352). That is, the communication management unit 101 enables an examiner voice signal acquired by one host device 30 to be input to another host device 30. Each host device 30 outputs examiner voice information from its examiner speaker 33 when it is input. That is, each host device 30 outputs voice acquired by its examiner microphone 34 from the examiner speaker 33 of the other host device 30, and outputs voice acquired by the examiner microphone 34 of the other host device 30 from the examiner speaker 33.

[0105] As a result, the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1 allows multiple examiners operating the host device 30 that has output the login signal to communicate with each other via the examiner microphone 34 and the examiner speaker 33. This allows the multiple examiners to exchange opinions and share information about the results of eye examinations, etc.

[0106] Furthermore, in the ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1, when an interactive switching signal is input when dialogue between the subject and the examiner is possible, the communication management unit 101 prevents the examiner's voice information acquired by each host device 30 that output the login signal from being input to the ophthalmic device 10 (step S357).

[0107] That is, in the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1, when the voice acquired by the examiner microphone 34 is output from the examiner speaker 33, the subject speaker 16 can restrict the output of the voice acquired by the examiner microphone 34. As a result, when a conversation takes place between multiple examiners, the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1 can prevent the subject from hearing the content of the conversation between the examiners, and can suppress the leakage or disclosure of unnecessary information.

[0108] In the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1, each of the multiple host devices 30 includes an examiner camera 35 capable of capturing an image of the examiner, and the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 includes a subject monitor 15 visible to the subject and a subject camera 18 capable of capturing an image of the subject. When an eye examination is performed, the video display function is turned on (step S354). That is, the communication management unit 101 enables the input of subject image information to the main body control unit 36 ​​of all host devices 30 that have output a login signal. When the subject image information is input, each main body control unit 36 ​​displays the input information on the examiner monitor 32 (see FIG. 9 ). The communication management unit 101 also enables the input of examiner image information to the device control unit 19 of the ophthalmologic apparatus 10. When the examiner image information is input, the device control unit 19 displays the input information on the subject monitor 15 (see FIG. 10 ).

[0109] In other words, in the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1, each host device 30 that outputs a login signal displays the subject's photographed information on the examiner monitor 32, and the ophthalmologic device 10 displays the examiner's photographed information on the subject monitor 15.

[0110] As a result, the examiner operating each host device 30 that has output the login signal can visually confirm the condition of the subject by viewing the examiner monitor 32. Furthermore, the subject can visually confirm the examiner with whom they are conversing by viewing the subject monitor 15. Thus, the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1 allows each examiner and subject to converse while looking at each other's faces.

[0111] 9 shows an example of the display screen of the examiner monitor 32 of all the host devices 30 that have output the login signal, including the operation host device 30α during the eye examination. Also, FIG. 10 shows an example of the display screen of the subject monitor 15 during the eye examination.

[0112] 9 , the examiner monitor 32 displays examination result information A indicating the results of the eye examination, a plurality of examiner imaging information B including a facial image of the examiner operating the host device 30, and examinee imaging information C including a facial image of the examinee. The examiner imaging information B' output from the operation host device 30α may be displayed surrounded by a frame display W, for example. This allows the host device 30 to allow the examiner to easily identify the examiner imaging information B' output from the operation host device 30α. The examinee imaging information C may be displayed surrounded by a frame display W, for example. This allows the host device 30 to allow the examiner to easily identify the examiner imaging information C.

[0113] The information displayed surrounded by the frame display W is not limited to the examiner photograph information B' output from the operation host device 30α. For example, an image of the examiner who is speaking, that is, the examiner photograph information B in the host device 30 that has output the examiner voice information output from the examiner speaker 33, may be displayed surrounded by the frame display W.

[0114] 9, in all host devices 30 that have output the login signal, the test result information A is displayed on the examiner monitor 32. This allows the examiner operating each host device 30 to view and understand the results of the eye test. The test results can then be shared among multiple host devices 30, facilitating the exchange of opinions and information sharing between examiners.

[0115] 10 , the subject monitor 15 displays a plurality of pieces of examiner photographed information B, including a facial image of the examiner operating the host device 30. Here, the area in which the examiner photographed information B' output from the operation host device 30α is displayed may be set to be the largest. This allows the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 to allow the subject to easily identify the examiner photographed information B' output from the operation host device 30α. Note that the information for which the largest display area is set is not limited to the examiner photographed information B' output from the operation host device 30α. For example, the area in which the image of the examiner who is speaking, that is, the examiner photographed information B in the host device 30 that has output the examiner voice information from the subject speaker 16, is displayed may be set to be the largest.

[0116] Furthermore, when the output of examiner voice information from the subject speaker 16 is restricted, the communication management unit 101 may restrict the input of examiner image information to the ophthalmic apparatus 10. In this case, the ophthalmic apparatus 10 cannot display the examiner image information on the subject monitor 15, so that only examiners can communicate with each other without being recognized by the subject.

[0117] In the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1, in the remote operation setting process, when a request signal is input from the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 and an operation permission signal is input from the host device 30 that has output the login signal, the communication management unit 101 designates the operation host device 30α that remotely operates the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 (steps S21 to S24). Then, the communication management unit 101 sets so that only operation information output from the operation host device 30α can be input to the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 (step S25).

[0118] That is, in the ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1, the ophthalmic device 10 is remotely operated by operation information output from one of the multiple host devices 30 (operation host device 30α), and during remote operation, the input of operation information output from the other host devices 30 is blocked.

[0119] As a result, the ophthalmic system 1 of Example 1 can restrict the operation information input to the ophthalmic device 10 from being output from multiple host devices 30, and can properly perform remote operation of the ophthalmic device 10.

[0120] 11 , an ophthalmic system 1A of Example 2 includes a plurality of (six in this case) ophthalmic apparatuses 10, a plurality of (three in this case) host apparatuses 30, a communication network 100, and a communication management unit 101A. Note that in the ophthalmic system 1A of Example 2, the number of ophthalmic apparatuses 10 is greater than the number of host apparatuses 30.

[0121] The ophthalmic apparatus 10 of Example 2 is remotely controlled by a control signal transmitted from any one of the host devices 30, as in Example 1. Furthermore, the results of the eye examination performed by the ophthalmic apparatus 10 are displayed so as to be viewable on all of the multiple host devices 30, as in Example 1.

[0122] The communication management unit 101A of the second embodiment enables remote control by any one of the plurality of host devices 30 in the order in which the request signals are output from the plurality of ophthalmic apparatuses 10 .

[0123] That is, the flow of the login signal reception process in the ophthalmologic system 1A of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0124] In step S11, following the start of the login signal reception process, the communication management unit 101A determines whether or not a login signal has been input from the host device 30. If the communication management unit 101A determines YES (login signal present), it proceeds to step S14, and if the communication management unit 101A determines NO (login signal absent), it repeats step S11.

[0125] In step S14, following the determination in step S11 that the login signal has been output, the communication management unit 101A outputs a request standby signal to the host device 30 that output the login signal, and proceeds to the end of the login signal reception process. Note that in the host device 30 to which the "request standby signal" has been input, the main body control unit 36 ​​may display, for example, on the examiner monitor 32, a message indicating that the host device 30 is waiting for input of a request signal from the ophthalmic device 10.

[0126] The flow of the remote operation setting process of Example 2 will be described below with reference to Fig. 13. Note that the flow of each process of the eye examination process, the examination guidance process, and the examination execution process of Example 2 is the same as that of Example 1, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] In step S21, following the start of the remote operation setting process or the determination in step S21B that the operation host device 30α is not available, the communication management unit 101A determines whether or not a request signal has been input from the ophthalmologic apparatus 10. If the communication management unit 101A determines YES (request signal present), the process proceeds to step S21A, and if the communication management unit 101A determines NO (request signal absent), the process repeats step S21.

[0128] In step S21A, following the determination in step S21 that a request signal has been received, the communication management unit 101A registers information about the ophthalmic apparatus 10 that has output the request signal in a standby list stored in a memory (not shown), updates the standby list, and proceeds to step S21B. As a result, information about the ophthalmic apparatus 10 that has output the request information is sequentially registered in the standby list. In addition, in the ophthalmic apparatus 10 registered in the standby list, the device control unit 19 may cause, for example, the subject monitor 15 to display a message indicating that the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is waiting for remote operation by the host device 30.

[0129] In step S21B, following registration to the standby list in step S21A, the communication management unit 101A determines whether or not there is a vacant operation host device 30α. If the communication management unit 101A determines YES (available), it proceeds to step S21C, and if it determines NO (not available), it returns to step S21. Here, if all of the host devices 30 to which a request standby signal has been input (the host devices 30 that output the login signal) are designated as the operation host device 30α, it is determined that there is no vacant operation host device 30α. Furthermore, if at least one of the host devices 30 to which a request standby signal has been input (the host device 30 that output the login signal) is not designated as the operation host device 30α, it is determined that there is a vacant operation host device 30α.

[0130] In step S21C, following the determination in step S21B that the operation host device 30α is available, the communication management unit 101A reads the standby list from a memory (not shown), deletes the information of the ophthalmic device 10 that was registered on the standby list earliest, and proceeds to step S22. Note that by deleting the information of the ophthalmic device 10, the registration order of the information of the ophthalmic device 10 registered on the standby list is moved up.

[0131] In step S22, following the deletion of the standby list in step S21C or the de-designation of the operation host device 30α in step S27, the communication management unit 101A outputs an operation request signal to the host devices 30 that have not been designated as the operation host device 30α among the host devices 30 that have received the request standby signal (the host devices 30 that have received the login signal), and the process proceeds to step S23. Note that in the host device 30 that has received the operation request signal, the main body control unit 36 ​​may display a message on the examiner monitor 32, for example, indicating that the operation request signal has been received.

[0132] The processes from step S23 to step S29 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so detailed descriptions of each step will be omitted.

[0133] In step S25, only the operation information output from the operation host device 30α is set to be input to the ophthalmic apparatus 10 whose information was deleted in step S21C (the ophthalmic apparatus 10 registered on the standby list earliest). This allows the operation host device 30α to remotely control the ophthalmic apparatus 10 registered on the standby list earliest. Furthermore, input of operation information from host devices 30 other than the operation host device 30α to the ophthalmic apparatus 10 registered on the standby list earliest is blocked.

[0134] In this way, in the ophthalmologic system 1A of the second embodiment, the communication management unit 101A has a standby list, and when a request signal is input to the communication management unit 101A from an ophthalmologic apparatus 10, information on the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 that output the request signal is registered in the standby list in order (step S21A). Then, it is determined whether the operation host device 30α has a vacant slot (step S21B).

[0135] If it is determined that the operation host device 30α is available, the information of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 that was registered earliest in the waiting list is deleted (step S21C), and then the operation host device 30α is designated from among the host devices 30 that output the login signal (step S24). Then, the operation host device 30α is set so that only the operation information output from the operation host device 30α can be input to the ophthalmic apparatus 10 whose information was deleted in step S21C (step S25).

[0136] Here, the "ophthalmic apparatus 10 whose information was deleted in step S21C" refers to the ophthalmic apparatus 10 that was registered on the standby list earliest. Therefore, in the ophthalmic system 1A of the second embodiment, the ophthalmic apparatuses 10 that output the request signal earliest can be remotely operated by the host device 30 in order. Furthermore, the designation of the operation host device 30α is released when the eye examination is completed.

[0137] As a result, the communication management unit 101A can enable the host device 30 to remotely operate the ophthalmologic devices 10 in order of the earliest request signal output upon completion of the eye examination, thereby reducing waiting time during the eye examination and increasing the examination processing speed.

[0138] In the ophthalmologic system 1A of Example 2, the multiple ophthalmologic apparatuses 10 and the multiple host devices 30 are capable of communicating with each other via the communication management unit 101A. The communication management unit 101A enables remote operation of any one of the multiple ophthalmologic apparatuses 10 using operation information output from any one of the multiple host devices 30. Furthermore, the communication management unit 101A enables the results of eye examinations performed on the multiple ophthalmologic apparatuses 10 to be viewed on the multiple host devices 30.

[0139] As a result, the ophthalmologic system 1A of the second embodiment can centrally manage the communication states between the multiple ophthalmologic apparatuses 10 and the multiple host apparatuses 30 by the communication management unit 101A.

[0140] Furthermore, in the ophthalmologic system 1A of Example 2, when the interactive function is turned on in the examination execution process, only the subject undergoing an eye examination using the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 and the examiner operating the operation host device 30α that remotely controls the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 are allowed to interact. That is, when the interactive function of the ophthalmologic system 1A of Example 2 is turned on, the communication management unit 101A allows subject voice information acquired by the subject microphone 17 to be input only to the operation host device 30α that remotely controls the ophthalmologic apparatus 10. Furthermore, the communication management unit 101A allows examiner voice information acquired by the examiner microphone 34 of the operation host device 30α to be input only to the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 that is remotely controlled by the operation host device 30α.

[0141] This prevents the subject from hearing the voice from the host device 30 remotely operating the other ophthalmic apparatus 10, thereby preventing unnecessary information leakage or disclosure.

[0142] The ophthalmologic system of the present invention has been described above based on Examples 1 and 2, but the specific configuration is 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.

[0143] In the ophthalmologic system 1 of Example 1, an example has been shown in which all examiners operating the host device 30 that output the login signal can communicate with the subject. However, for example, the examiner who can communicate with the subject may be only the examiner operating the operation host device 30α. That is, also in Example 1, the subject voice information acquired by the subject microphone 17 may be input only to the operation host device 30α that remotely operates the ophthalmologic apparatus 10, and the examiner voice information acquired by the examiner microphone 34 of the operation host device 30α may be input only to the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 that is remotely operated by the operation host device 30α.

[0144] Furthermore, in Examples 1 and 2, examples have been shown in which examiners operating multiple host devices 30 can communicate with each other. However, it is not always necessary for examiners to communicate with each other. Examiners operating multiple host devices 30 may exchange opinions with each other using, for example, chat, email, telephone, etc.

[0145] Furthermore, in Examples 1 and 2, the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is remotely controlled by one of the multiple host devices 30. However, the control of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 does not necessarily have to be remotely controlled by the host device 30. For example, the ophthalmic apparatus 10 may be operated by an operator of the ophthalmic apparatus 10, the subject, or the like. Even in this case, by making the results of the eye examination viewable by the multiple host devices 30 and enabling communication between the examiner and the subject, the examiner operating the host device 30 can issue appropriate instructions and make an appropriate diagnosis based on the examination results. In other words, in the ophthalmic system of the present invention, eye examinations can be performed under the supervision of at least one examiner, regardless of whether the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is remotely controlled.

[0146] In addition, in the first embodiment, an example has been shown in which examiner photographed information photographed by the examiner camera 35 is displayed on the subject monitor 15, and subject photographed information photographed by the subject camera 18 is displayed on the examiner monitor 32. However, the information displayed on each monitor does not necessarily have to be photographed information. For example, an illustrated image or a still image that allows the examiner and the subject to be identified may be displayed on the subject monitor 15 and the examiner monitor 32.

[0147] In addition, in the first embodiment, an example has been shown in which all of the examiner imaging information output from the host device 30 that has output the login signal is displayed on the subject monitor 15 of the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 (see FIG. 10 ). However, it is sufficient that the examiner imaging information output from at least one of the multiple host devices 30 is displayed on the subject monitor 15. That is, for example, only the examiner imaging information captured by the examiner camera 35 of the operation host device 30α may be displayed on the subject monitor 15.

[0148] Furthermore, in Example 2, six ophthalmic apparatuses 10 and three host devices 30 are connected to be able to communicate with each other, and an example is shown in which the number of ophthalmic apparatuses 10 is greater than the number of host devices 30. However, when a plurality of ophthalmic apparatuses 10 and a plurality of host devices 30 are connected to be able to communicate with each other, the number of host devices 30 may be greater.

[0149] Furthermore, the communication management unit 101A does not necessarily have to exist, and for example, one of the multiple host devices 30 may manage the communication status between the multiple host devices 30 and the ophthalmic apparatus 10. That is, for example, the examination result information output from the ophthalmic apparatus 10 may be once input to the operation host device 30α and then output from the operation host device 30α to another host device 30. Even in this case, the eye examination results can be viewed by an examiner operating a host device 30 other than the operation host device 30α.

[0150] In addition, with respect to the above descriptions of Examples 1 and 2, the following is further disclosed: (1) An ophthalmic system comprising: an ophthalmic apparatus used for an eye examination and having a subject microphone for acquiring sound and a subject speaker for outputting sound; and a plurality of host devices operated by an examiner and having an examiner microphone for acquiring sound, an examiner speaker for outputting sound, and an examiner monitor visible to the examiner, wherein the ophthalmic apparatus and the plurality of host devices are capable of mutual communication, each of the host devices displays a result of the eye examination on the examiner monitor and outputs the sound acquired by the subject microphone from the examiner speaker, and the ophthalmic apparatus outputs the sound acquired by the examiner microphone from the subject speaker. (2) The ophthalmologic system according to (1), wherein each of the host devices is capable of mutual communication with each of the other host devices, and outputs a sound acquired by the examiner microphone from an examiner speaker of the other host device, and outputs a sound acquired by the examiner microphone of the other host device from the examiner speaker. (3) The ophthalmologic system according to (2), wherein the examinee speaker is capable of restricting the output of the sound acquired by the examiner microphone when the sound acquired by the examiner microphone is output from the examiner speaker of the other host device. (4) In the ophthalmological system described in any one of (1) to (3), each of the host devices has an examiner camera capable of photographing the examiner, the ophthalmological device has a subject monitor visible to the subject and a subject camera capable of photographing the subject, each of the host devices displays the photographed information photographed by the subject camera on the examiner monitor, and the ophthalmological device displays the photographed information photographed by the examiner camera of at least one of the plurality of host devices on the subject monitor.(5) The ophthalmic system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the ophthalmic device is remotely operated by operation information output from any one of the plurality of host devices, and during the remote operation, input of operation information output from other host devices is blocked. (6) The ophthalmic system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the plurality of host devices and the plurality of ophthalmic devices are capable of communicating with each other via a communication management unit, and the communication management unit enables remote operation of any one of the plurality of ophthalmic devices by operation information output from any one of the plurality of host devices, and enables viewing of results of eye examinations performed at the plurality of ophthalmic devices by the plurality of host devices. (7) The ophthalmic device according to (6), wherein the communication management unit enables remote operation of the ophthalmic device by any one of the plurality of host devices in the order in which request signals are output from the plurality of ophthalmic devices. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0151] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-220118, filed with the Japan Patent Office on December 26, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. An ophthalmic system, comprising: an ophthalmic device having a subject microphone for acquiring sound and a subject speaker for outputting sound, which are used in eye examinations; and a plurality of host devices, which are operated by an examiner and have an examiner microphone for acquiring sound, an examiner speaker for outputting sound, and an examiner monitor visible to the examiner, wherein the ophthalmic device and the plurality of host devices can communicate with each other, each host device displays the result of the eye examination on the examiner monitor and outputs the sound acquired by the subject microphone from the examiner speaker, and the ophthalmic device outputs the sound acquired by the examiner microphone from the subject speaker.

2. The ophthalmic system according to claim 1, wherein each host device can communicate with each other host device, outputs the sound acquired by the examiner microphone from the examiner speaker of the other host device, and outputs the sound acquired by the examiner microphone of the other host device from the examiner speaker.

3. The ophthalmic system according to claim 2, wherein the subject speaker can regulate the output of the sound acquired by the examiner microphone when the sound acquired by the examiner microphone is output from the examiner speaker of the other host device.

4. The ophthalmic system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each host device has an examiner camera capable of photographing the examiner, the ophthalmic device has a subject monitor visible to the subject and a subject camera capable of photographing the subject, each host device displays the photographed information taken by the subject camera on the examiner monitor, and the ophthalmic device displays the photographed information taken by at least one examiner camera of the plurality of host devices on the subject monitor.

5. The ophthalmic system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the ophthalmic device is remotely operated by operation information output from any one of the plurality of host devices, and during remote operation, the input of operation information output from other host devices is blocked.

6. In the ophthalmic system according to claim 1 or claim 2, a plurality of the host devices and a plurality of the ophthalmic devices can communicate with each other via a communication management unit, and the communication management unit can remotely operate any one of the plurality of the ophthalmic devices based on operation information output from any one of the plurality of the host devices, and enables the plurality of the host devices to view the results of eye examinations performed by the plurality of the ophthalmic devices. An ophthalmic system characterized by this.

7. In the ophthalmic system according to claim 6, the communication management unit enables any one of the plurality of the host devices to remotely operate the ophthalmic device in the order of output of request signals from the plurality of the ophthalmic devices. An ophthalmic system characterized by this.

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