Ophthalmologic system

Abstract

The present invention provides an ophthalmologic system in which one examiner can individually interact with a plurality of subjects, in a case in which the examiner remotely operates a plurality of ophthalmologic devices using one remote operation device.　This ophthalmologic system includes three ophthalmologic devices and one remote operation device that is present at a remote position from each ophthalmologic device. Each ophthalmologic device and the remote operation device are communicable with each other, and an examiner remotely operates each ophthalmologic device by using the remote operation device. The ophthalmologic devices and the remote operation device each has a microphone and a speaker. The ophthalmologic system has an interactive function in which a subject on each ophthalmologic device side and an examiner on a remote operation device side can interact with each other. When the interactive function is on in two or more ophthalmologic devices (step S101), the remote operation device maintains the on state of the interactive function in one ophthalmologic device (step S102, etc.), and instructs the remaining ophthalmologic devices to temporarily stop the interactive function (step S103).

Description

Ophthalmology System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to ophthalmic systems.

[0002] There are known ophthalmic devices that allow an examiner (e.g., an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or orthoptist) to remotely operate the ophthalmic device using a host device via the Internet or the like (hereinafter, sometimes abbreviated as "examiner remote operation") (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, when the examiner can remotely operate the ophthalmic device, a microphone is provided in the host device and a speaker is provided in the ophthalmic device, and the examiner's voice is notified to the subject through the speaker (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

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

[0004] However, when the examiner remotely controls the device, the examinee may want to communicate with the examiner. Furthermore, since the examiner can remotely control the device, it is possible to remotely control multiple ophthalmic devices using one host device. Therefore, when one examiner simultaneously communicates with multiple examinees, it becomes difficult to have an appropriate conversation.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in light of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an ophthalmic system that allows one examiner to communicate individually with multiple subjects when the examiner remotely operates multiple ophthalmic devices using one host device.

[0006] The ophthalmic system of the present disclosure includes a plurality of ophthalmic devices and a host device located remotely from each of the ophthalmic devices. Each of the ophthalmic devices and the host device can communicate with each other, and an examiner uses the host device to remotely operate each of the ophthalmic devices. In the ophthalmic system, each of the ophthalmic devices and the host device has a microphone and a speaker. The ophthalmic system has an interactive function that allows a subject at each of the ophthalmic devices to communicate with an examiner at the host device. When the interactive function is on in two or more of the plurality of ophthalmic devices, the host device keeps the interactive function on in one of the ophthalmic devices and issues an instruction to suspend the interactive function to the remaining ophthalmic devices.

[0007] According to the ophthalmologic system of the present disclosure, when an examiner uses one host device to remotely operate multiple ophthalmologic devices, one examiner can communicate individually with multiple subjects.

[0008] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection relationship between one remote control device and multiple ophthalmic devices in an ophthalmic system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an ophthalmic system. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system in the ophthalmic system. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a subject in three ophthalmic devices displayed on an examiner monitor unit. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of each ophthalmic device included in the ophthalmic system. FIG. 15 is a sub-flowchart illustrating an examination guidance process of each ophthalmic device. FIG. 16 is a sub-flowchart illustrating an examination execution process of each ophthalmic device. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an execution process of the remote control device when an interactive function is on. FIG. 18 is a sub-flowchart illustrating an execution process of the ophthalmic device when an interactive function is on. FIG. 19 is a time chart illustrating an example of control processing performed in the flowcharts of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display on the examiner monitor unit at time t1 in the time chart of FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display on the examiner monitor unit at time t2 in the time chart of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display on the examiner monitor unit at time t6 in the time chart of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display on the examiner monitor unit at time t7 in the time chart of FIG. 10.

[0009] An embodiment of an ophthalmologic system according to the present disclosure will be described below based on Example 1 shown in the drawings. Among the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions (three axial directions) in the drawings, 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.

[0010] An ophthalmic system 1 applied to Example 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The ophthalmic system 1 includes three ophthalmic apparatuses 10. The three ophthalmic apparatuses 10 are a first ophthalmic apparatus 10A, a second ophthalmic apparatus 10B, and a third ophthalmic apparatus 10C.

[0011] In the following, when the ophthalmic devices 10 are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are simply designated by the numeral "10." For example, they are referred to as multiple ophthalmic devices 10, three ophthalmic devices 10, each ophthalmic device 10, one ophthalmic device 10, the remaining ophthalmic device 10, or ophthalmic device 10. When the three ophthalmic devices 10 are distinguished from one another, they are referred to as the first ophthalmic device 10A, the second ophthalmic device 10B, and the third ophthalmic device 10C, and an alphabetical character is added in addition to the numeral "10." Furthermore, when the components of the ophthalmic device 10 are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are simply designated by numerals. Furthermore, the components of each of the three ophthalmic devices 10 are designated by an alphabetical character in addition to the numerals corresponding to the respective components. When the letter "A" is added, it indicates a configuration provided in the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A, when the letter "B" is added, it indicates a configuration provided in the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B, and when the letter "C" is added, it indicates a configuration provided in the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A, the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B, and the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C are assumed to have the same configuration. However, the three ophthalmic apparatuses 10 are not limited to having the same configuration.

[0012] The ophthalmic system 1 includes one remote control device 30 (host device). The remote control device 30 is located remotely from the three ophthalmic devices 10. In other words, the three ophthalmic devices 10 and the remote control device 30 are located at positions (locations) distant from each other. For example, the three ophthalmic devices 10 and the remote control device 30 are located in adjacent rooms. Alternatively, the remote control device 30 is located in a hospital to which the examiner belongs, and the three ophthalmic devices 10 are located at remote locations distant from the hospital. Therefore, the examiner is located at the location where the remote control device 30 is located, and each subject is located at the location where each ophthalmic device 10 is located. The three ophthalmic devices 10 may be located in the same room or at positions (locations) distant from each other.

[0013] The remote control device 30 is connected to a communication network such as the Internet 101 via a router 100 (router device). The remote control device 30 is connected to each ophthalmic apparatus 10 via the Internet 101. This allows the examiner to remotely control the device.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2 , the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is placed on an opthalmological examination table 200 and is used to examine a subject's eye. The ophthalmic apparatus 10 is a multifunction device capable of measuring the intraocular pressure, ocular refractive power, corneal curvature, etc. of the subject's eye. Therefore, the ophthalmic apparatus 10 measures various ocular characteristics of the subject's eye, such as the intraocular pressure, ocular refractive power, and corneal curvature (corneal shape), by remote operation by an examiner. The ophthalmic apparatus 10 includes a base unit 11, a face support unit 12, a drive mechanism 13, a measurement head 14, a monitor unit 15 (display unit), a subject speaker 16 (speaker), a subject microphone 17 (microphone), a subject camera 18 (camera), and an apparatus control unit 20 (control unit, see FIG. 2 ).

[0015] The base portion 11 supports members such as a face support portion 12 and a drive mechanism 13 that are placed on the upper side of the base portion 11 .

[0016] The face support unit 12 supports the subject's face. The face support unit 12 is disposed in front of the drive mechanism 13. The face support unit 12 integrally includes a chin rest 12a, a forehead rest 12b, a pair of frames 12c, and a base 12d. The base 12d is fixed to the front of the base unit 11. The chin rest 12a supports the subject's chin. The chin rest 12a is provided above the center of the base 12d. The subject's forehead rest 12b rests against the chin rest. The pair of frames 12c are provided on both sides of the base 12d, and the forehead rest 12b is connected to their upper ends. The subject faces the ophthalmologic device 10 while sitting on a chair or the like (not shown) disposed in front of the ophthalmologic device 10. Next, the subject undergoes the examination with their chin placed on the chin rest 12a and their forehead resting against the forehead rest 12b.

[0017] The drive mechanism 13 corresponds to the relative movement mechanism of the ophthalmologic apparatus 10. The drive mechanism 13 is composed of an actuator (not shown), such as a motor. The drive mechanism 13 is driven based on control information (control signal) from the apparatus control unit 20. The drive mechanism 13 can move the chin rest 12a up and down in the Y direction based on the control information. The drive mechanism 13 also moves the measurement head 14 in the X, Y, and Z directions relative to the base unit 11 based on the control information. This allows the measurement head 14 to move in the X, Y, and Z directions relative to the subject's eye. In this way, the height of the chin rest 12a can be adjusted, and the measurement head 14 can be aligned in the X, Y, and Z directions relative to the subject's eye.

[0018] A known optical system for observation and photography is provided inside the measurement head 14. The optical system allows various eye characteristics of the subject to be observed and photographed. Specifically, the measurement head 14 is provided with various types of ophthalmic measurement devices, including an autorefkeratometer 141. The autorefkeratometer 141 measures the ocular refractive power, corneal curvature, and the like of the subject's eye using various optical systems. The specific configuration of the autorefkeratometer 141 is known technology, so a description thereof will be omitted here. Note that the measurement head 14 may be provided with a non-contact tonometer or the like, instead of the autorefkeratometer 141. The non-contact tonometer measures the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye without contact. In short, the measurement head 14 can be provided with any device capable of performing ophthalmic examinations.

[0019] The monitor unit 15 is attached to the rear side of the upper surface of the measurement head 14. The monitor unit 15 is disposed in a position where it can be seen by the subject, for example. That is, the orientation (angle) of the monitor unit 15 is toward the subject (a direction in which the subject can see the display on the monitor unit 15), and various information can be displayed from the examiner to the subject. For example, the orientation of the monitor unit 15 faces the front of the ophthalmologic apparatus 10. Furthermore, the orientation of the monitor unit 15 is such that the display on the monitor unit 15 can be seen by the subject both when standing and when sitting in front of the ophthalmologic apparatus 10.

[0020] The monitor unit 15 is, for example, a touch panel monitor, and uses a liquid crystal display. The monitor unit 15 displays images such as an observation image of the subject's eye based on control information from the device control unit 20. The monitor unit 15 displays measurement results of eye characteristics such as the intraocular pressure value, eye refractive power, and corneal curvature of the subject's eye. The monitor unit 15 also displays operation menu screens and the like for performing various operations. The monitor unit 15 also accepts operation inputs for each operation menu screen. This allows the subject to directly operate the ophthalmic apparatus 10.

[0021] The subject speakers 16 are built into each of the pair of frames 12c and are positioned near the left and right ears of the subject during the eye examination.

[0022] Subject microphone 17 is built into the center of base 12d, in front of and below chin rest 12a. Subject microphone 17 is positioned near the subject's mouth during eye examination.

[0023] The subject camera 18 is provided above the monitor unit 15. The subject camera 18 is provided in a position where the subject is reflected when in the examination posture. Therefore, the subject camera 18 can capture not only the subject when in the examination posture, but also the subject standing in front of the face support unit 12. In addition, the subject camera 18 is used for peripheral imaging, capable of capturing images of the periphery of the ophthalmic apparatus 10, i.e., the area in front of the position of the subject camera 18. The subject standing in front of the face support unit 12 is captured in order to capture the appearance of the subject who has come to receive the examination. In addition, the periphery of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is captured in order to capture the appearance of the subject who is not reflected in front of the face support unit 12.

[0024] Here, the examination postures include a posture in which the subject sits on a chair or the like (not shown) provided in front of the ophthalmic apparatus 10, a posture in which the subject places their chin on the chin rest 12a and their forehead against the forehead rest 12b, and a posture in which the subject stands in front of the face support unit 12. As will be described later, the subject display information (captured images, moving images, video, (video) display information) of the subject camera 18 is displayed on the examiner monitor unit 32, allowing the examiner to check the subject display information. Therefore, the examiner can observe the condition of the subject before, during, and after the examination by viewing the display on the examiner monitor unit 32. The examiner can also use the display on the examiner monitor unit 32 to adjust the position of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 and the subject.

[0025] Next, the control system of the ophthalmologic system 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG.

[0026] In addition to the above configuration, the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 includes an apparatus control unit 20, a communication interface 21, and a remote operation reception unit 22, as shown in FIG.

[0027] The remote control device 30 includes an operation unit 31, an examiner monitor unit 32, an examiner speaker 33 (speaker), an examiner microphone 34 (microphone), an examiner camera 35 (camera), and a main body control unit 36.

[0028] The communication interface 21 and the main body control unit 36 ​​are connected to each other via the Internet 101 and the router 100. The communication interface 21 and the main body control unit 36 ​​input and output various information (control signals, etc.) to each other via the router 100 and the Internet 101. In the following description, the phrase "via the router 100 and the Internet 101" may be omitted.

[0029] Since the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 is remotely operated by the examiner, the remote operation device 30 will be described first.

[0030] The remote control device 30 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, etc. The remote control device 30 is used when an examiner operates the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 remotely.

[0031] The operation unit 31 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. Operation information for remotely operating the ophthalmic apparatus 10 by the examiner is input to the operation unit 31. The operation unit 31 outputs the input operation information to the main body control unit 36. The operation information includes not only input by the examiner but also information (signals) that the main body control unit 36 ​​automatically outputs to the remote operation reception unit 22 based on various information of the ophthalmic apparatus 10, etc.

[0032] The examiner monitor unit 32 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The examiner monitor unit 32 displays display information input from the main body control unit 36. The display information includes display information of the examination mode or the sleep mode (described later) of the ophthalmic apparatus 10, subject display information of the subject camera 18, and the same display information as that displayed on the display screen of the monitor unit 15 of the ophthalmic apparatus 10.

[0033] An example of the display of the examiner monitor unit 32 is shown in Fig. 4. The examiner monitor unit 32 displays the subject and the like. The examiner can recognize the status (circumstance) of each ophthalmic apparatus 10 and each subject from the display on the examiner monitor shown in Fig. 4 and other figures. The examiner monitor unit 32 displays images 321 for each of the three ophthalmic apparatuses 10. The image 321 of each ophthalmic apparatus 10 displays a subject photo 322, an ophthalmic apparatus symbol 323, an examination order number 324, an ophthalmic examination status 325, a function switch 326 (output means), a pause switch 327 (output means), and a resume switch 328 (output means).

[0034] The subject photo 322 is a photo of the subject taken by the subject camera 18. The photo is a still image of the subject's face taken to identify the subject. The still image may be changed every few seconds, or may not be changed as long as it is used to recognize the subject. Instead of a still image, the subject photo 322 may be a moving image of the subject.

[0035] The ophthalmic apparatus symbol 323 is the symbol of each ophthalmic apparatus 10. "A" is the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A, "B" is the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B, and "C" is the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C.

[0036] The test order number 324 indicates the order in which the subjects are ready for testing.

[0037] The ophthalmic examination status 325 indicates the status of the ophthalmic examination in each ophthalmic device 10. "Examination in progress" indicates that the ophthalmic examination of the subject is actually being performed. "Paused" indicates that the interactive function described below is paused. "Examination guidance in progress" indicates that the examination guidance process described below is being performed. Other statuses include "Absent," which indicates that the subject is not present, "Waiting," which indicates that the subject is ready for examination and is waiting for the start of the ophthalmic examination, and "Examination completed," which indicates that the examiner has completed the ophthalmic examination.

[0038] The function switch 326 indicates whether an interactive function, which will be described later, is on or off, and is a switch for switching the interactive function on and off. A display of black on a white background indicates that the interactive function is on, and a display of black on a white background indicates that the interactive function is off.

[0039] The pause switch 327 indicates whether the interactive function is paused from on, and is a switch that switches the interactive function from on to paused. A display with a black background on a white background indicates that the interactive function is paused, and a display with a white background on black text indicates that the interactive function is not paused.

[0040] The resume switch 328 indicates whether the interactive function has been resumed after being paused, and is a switch that switches the interactive function from paused to resumed. A display with a black background on a white background indicates that the interactive function has been resumed, and a display with a white background on a black background indicates that the interactive function has not been resumed.

[0041] 3 are, for example, headsets (headphones with microphones). The examiner speaker 33 outputs the subject's voice (subject voice information) input to the subject microphone 17. The examiner microphone 34 outputs the input examiner's voice (examiner voice information) to the main body control unit 36.

[0042] The examiner camera 35 is provided in a position where it can capture an image of the examiner (the examiner's appearance) at least when the examiner is in a position where he or she can operate the remote control device 30. As will be described later, the examiner display information (captured images, moving images, videos, (video) display information) of the examiner camera 35 is displayed on the monitor unit 15 and the examiner monitor unit 32, so that both the subject and the examiner can check the examiner display information. Therefore, the subject can recognize the presence of the examiner from the display on the monitor unit 15. Furthermore, the examiner can check the display state of the examiner display information on the monitor unit 15 from the display on the examiner monitor unit 32. Here, "when the examiner is in a position where he or she can operate the remote control device 30" also includes the time when the examiner is remotely operating the remote control device 30.

[0043] The main body control unit 36 ​​includes an arithmetic circuit configured with various processors, 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 main body control unit 36 ​​may be realized by one processor, or by multiple processors of the same or different types.

[0044] The main body control unit 36 ​​outputs operation information, examiner voice information, examiner display information, etc. to the communication interface 21. Furthermore, the main body control unit 36 ​​receives display information, examinee voice information, etc. from the communication interface 21. The main body control unit 36 ​​receives the display information, examinee voice information, etc., and controls the operation of the remote control device 30 by reading and executing a control program stored in a memory (not shown). For example, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs display information to the examiner monitor unit 32 and examinee voice information to the examiner speaker 33. Furthermore, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs operation information, etc. to the device control unit 20 based on operation information, etc., input from the operation unit 31. The main body control unit 36 ​​communicates with each ophthalmic device 10 and stores the status (information) of each ophthalmic device 10 in memory. The status of each ophthalmic device 10 includes, for example, the on / off, pause (paused), and resume status of an interactive function (described below). Furthermore, the main body control unit 36 ​​stores in memory the order in which the interactive functions of the ophthalmic apparatuses 10 were turned on (the on control in step S52 described later). In this way, the main body control unit 36 ​​performs integrated management of the states of the ophthalmic apparatuses 10.

[0045] Next, the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 will be described.

[0046] The communication interface 21 and the remote operation reception unit 22 constitute a LAN chip (LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network). Operation information, examiner voice information, examiner display information, etc. are input to the communication interface 21 from the main body control unit 36. The communication interface 21 outputs the operation information, examiner voice information, examiner display information, etc. to the remote operation reception unit 22. Display information, subject voice information, the status of each ophthalmic device 10, etc. are also input to the communication interface 21 from the device control unit 20. The communication interface 21 outputs the display information, subject voice information, the status of each ophthalmic device 10, etc. to the main body control unit 36. Here, the LAN chip is an example of a component that operates in a sleep mode described below and receives a signal to start (restart) a part of the ophthalmic device 10 that has been put into a sleep state.

[0047] The remote operation reception unit 22 receives operation information, examiner voice information, examiner display information, etc. from the communication interface 21. The remote operation reception unit 22 receives the operation information, examiner voice information, examiner display information, etc., and outputs the operation information, examiner voice information, examiner display information, etc. to the device control unit 20. The remote operation reception unit 22 receives a wake signal or a sleep signal as operation information, and outputs these signals to the device control unit 20. The remote operation reception unit 22 receives an on signal, an off signal, a pause signal, and a resume signal for an interactive function, which will be described later, and outputs these signals to the device control unit 20.

[0048] The device control unit 20, like the main body control unit 36, includes an arithmetic circuit configured from various processors and memories, etc. The various controls (functions) of the device control unit 20 may be realized by a single processor, or by multiple processors of the same or different types.

[0049] The device control unit 20 controls the operation of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 by reading and executing a control program stored in a memory (not shown) based on operation information, examiner voice information, examiner display information, etc. input from the remote operation reception unit 22. The device control unit 20 also outputs subject voice information, etc. to the main body control unit 36 ​​based on subject voice, etc. input from the subject microphone 17. The device control unit 20 functions as a mode transition control unit, an examination guidance control unit, an examination execution control unit, a display control unit, an audio control unit, etc. Furthermore, the device control unit 20 stores the state of the ophthalmic apparatus 10, etc. in a memory.

[0050] When the device control unit 20 receives a sleep signal from the remote operation reception unit 22, it controls to turn off all power supplies to the ophthalmic apparatus 10 except for the communication interface 21 and the remote operation reception unit 22. Then, the device control unit 20 suspends operation of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 except for a portion thereof, and transitions the ophthalmic apparatus 10 to sleep mode. Furthermore, when the device control unit 20 receives a wake signal from the remote operation reception unit 22, it controls to turn on all power supplies to the ophthalmic apparatus 10, and transitions the ophthalmic apparatus 10 to examination mode.

[0051] Here, the sleep mode is a mode in which some of the operations of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 are paused and components that receive a signal to activate (restart) the paused part of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 are active. In other words, the sleep mode is a mode in which the ophthalmic apparatus 10 pauses its operation and waits for a signal to activate it, i.e., is in a paused state (standby state). Furthermore, since some of the operations of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 are paused in the sleep mode, the sleep mode is a mode (low power consumption state) in which the power consumption of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 can be reduced more than in the examination mode, and the ophthalmic apparatus 10 can be switched to the examination mode more quickly than when the power of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is completely turned off. The examination mode is a mode (activated state) in which the ophthalmic apparatus 10 can perform an examination.

[0052] Next, the processing flow of the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 will be described below using examples of flowcharts in Fig. 5 to Fig. 9. In the flowcharts in Fig. 5 to Fig. 9, various pieces of information output from the main body control unit 36 ​​are input to the device control unit 20 via the communication interface 21 and the remote operation reception unit 22. For this reason, in the description of the flowcharts, the terms "via the communication interface 21" and "via the communication interface 21 and the remote operation reception unit 22" may be omitted. Conversely, various pieces of information output from the device control unit 20 are input to the main body control unit 36 ​​via the communication interface 21. For this reason, the terms "via the communication interface 21" may be omitted.

[0053] First, the processing flow of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 will be described below using an example of the flowchart in Fig. 5. Since the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is in sleep mode until the examiner starts remote operation, the program starts the processing flow in sleep mode. "Until the examiner starts remote operation" refers to, for example, until the start of a medical examination at a hospital.

[0054] In the sleep mode of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 of Example 1, the chin rest 12a, drive mechanism 13, measurement head 14, monitor unit 15, subject speaker 16, subject camera 18, and device control unit 20 are inactive. Even in the sleep mode, the communication interface 21 and remote operation reception unit 22 continue to operate. The communication interface 21 and remote operation reception unit 22 are components that receive signals for starting (restarting) the ophthalmic apparatus 10.

[0055] In step S1, following the start of processing, the remote operation reception unit 22 determines whether a wake signal has been received. If YES, proceed to step S2; if NO, repeat step S1. When the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is in sleep mode, the ophthalmic apparatus 10 waits for a wake signal from the main body control unit 36. When a wake signal is output from the main body control unit 36 ​​in response to an operation input by the examiner on the operation unit 31, the remote operation reception unit 22 receives the wake signal. Then, the remote operation reception unit 22 determines that the wake signal has been received. Here, if it continues to be determined that the wake signal has not been received, step S1 is repeated.

[0056] In step S2, following the reception of the wake signal in step S1, the remote operation reception unit 22 and the device control unit 20 execute an examination mode transition process, and the process proceeds to step S3. In the examination mode transition process, first, since the remote operation reception unit 22 received the wake signal in step S1, the remote operation reception unit 22 outputs the wake signal to the device control unit 20. As a result, the device control unit 20 starts up (operates) in response to the input of the wake signal. Next, the device control unit 20 controls the activation of the chin rest 12a, the drive mechanism 13, the measurement head 14, the monitor unit 15, the subject speaker 16, and the subject camera 18. In other words, the device control unit 20 controls the activation of all power supplies to the ophthalmic apparatus 10.

[0057] Furthermore, even if a wake signal is input, the device control unit 20 does not perform control to activate the subject microphone 17. Next, mode transition control is performed to transition the ophthalmic apparatus 10 from the sleep mode to the examination mode. Note that after performing mode transition control to transition the ophthalmic apparatus 10 from the sleep mode to the examination mode, the device control unit 20 may also perform control to activate the ophthalmic apparatus 10 (such as the chin rest 12a) that is currently inactive.

[0058] In step S3, following the examination mode transition process in step S2, the determination of evacuation detection in step S7, or the determination of non-reception of a sleep signal in step S11, the device control unit 20 determines whether the subject's figure has been detected. If YES, proceed to step S4; if NO, proceed to step S11. The detection of the subject's figure, i.e., the subject's presence, is determined from the moving image (video) of the subject camera 18. First, the subject display information of the subject camera 18 is output from the subject camera 18 to the main body control unit 36 ​​via the device control unit 20. As a result, the main body control unit 36 ​​displays the subject display information on the examiner monitor unit 32 separately from that shown in FIG. 4. Note that if FIG. 4 is a moving image, it may be combined into the display of FIG. 4. The main body control unit 36 ​​displays the subject display information on the examiner monitor unit 32 while the subject camera 18 is operating. Instead of moving images, still images taken every few seconds may be used, or both moving images and still images may be displayed on the examiner monitor unit 32 .

[0059] Next, the examiner confirms the presence of the subject from the display on the examiner monitor unit 32. The presence of the subject is not limited to cases where the entire body of the subject is displayed, but also includes cases where only a portion of the subject, such as the head, is displayed. The result of the recognition of the subject's presence is output as operation information from the main body control unit 36 ​​to the device control unit 20 through operation input by the examiner on the operation unit 31. 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 detected). 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-detected). When the presence detection information is input, the device control unit 20 determines that the presence is detected in step S3. On the other hand, when the presence non-detection information is input, the device control unit 20 determines that the presence is not detected in step S3. Note that the confirmation of the subject's presence may be automatically performed by an artificial intelligence (AI) processing unit instead of the examiner. For this reason, the artificial intelligence processing unit is assumed to be installed in the remote control device 30 together with the AI ​​model, etc.

[0060] In step S4, following the determination of presence detection in step S3, the device control unit 20 executes an inspection guidance process, and the process proceeds to step S5. The inspection guidance process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0061] In step S5, following the test guidance process in step S4, the device control unit 20 executes a test execution process, and the process proceeds to step S6. The test execution process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0062] In step S6, following the test execution process in step S5 or the determination of undetected evacuation in step S7, the device control unit 20 executes a test end notification process, and the process proceeds to step S7. The test end notification process is a process for notifying the subject that the test has ended. When the process proceeds to step S6, the device control unit 20 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 20 may input end notification display information to the monitor unit 15, which notifies the monitor unit 15 of the end, and the end notification display information may be displayed on the monitor unit 15. The automatic voice information and end notification display information may be, 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 S6 following the determination of undetected evacuation in step S7, the subject will again be prompted to evacuate.

[0063] In this way, when the ophthalmic examination is completed (step S5), an examination completion notification process is executed to notify the subject that the examination has been completed (step S6). That is, since the remote control device 30 is located remotely from the ophthalmic apparatus 10, it is necessary to notify the subject that the examination has been completed. Therefore, by executing the examination completion notification process, the subject can be notified that the examination has been completed, and the subject can recognize that the examination has been completed.

[0064] In step S7, following the examination end notification process in step S6, the device control unit 20 determines whether the subject has evacuated. If YES, the process returns to step S3; if NO, the process returns to step S6. Whether the subject is not detected, i.e., whether the subject has evacuated, is determined from the video of the subject camera 18. First, the subject display information of the subject camera 18 is output from the subject camera 18 to the main body control unit 36 ​​via the device control unit 20. As a result, the main body control unit 36 ​​displays the subject display information on the examiner monitor unit 32. The main body control unit 36 ​​displays the subject display information on the examiner monitor unit 32 while the subject camera 18 is operating.

[0065] Next, the examiner checks the subject's evacuation from the display on the examiner monitor unit 32. The subject's evacuation does not include cases where a portion of the subject, such as the head, is captured, but rather cases where the entire subject's body is not captured. Regarding the result of the subject's evacuation detection, evacuation detection information or evacuation non-detection information is output as operation information from the main body control unit 36 ​​to the device control unit 20 in response to the examiner's operation input on the operation unit 31. The evacuation detection information is information indicating that the examiner did not recognize the subject's presence but recognized the subject's evacuation, and thus detected the subject's evacuation (evacuation detection). The 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). When the evacuation detection information is input, the device control unit 20 determines that evacuation is detected in step S7. On the other hand, when the evacuation non-detection information is input, the device control unit 20 determines that evacuation is not detected in step S7. If the determination in step S7 that evacuation has not been detected continues, steps S6 and S7 are repeated. Note that, as described in step S3, confirmation of evacuation of the subject may be automatically performed by an artificial intelligence (AI) processing unit instead of the examiner.

[0066] In step S11, following the determination in step S3 that a presence has not been detected, the remote operation reception unit 22 determines whether a sleep signal has been received. If YES, proceed to step S12; if NO, return to step S3. In step S11, when the ophthalmologic apparatus 10 is in examination mode, if a sleep signal is output from the main body control unit 36 ​​in response to an operation input by the examiner on the operation unit 31, the remote operation reception unit 22 receives the sleep signal. The remote operation reception unit 22 then determines that the sleep signal has been received. Here, if the determination in step S3 that a presence has not been detected and the determination in step S11 that a sleep signal has not been received continue, steps S3 and S11 are repeated.

[0067] In step S12, following the reception of the sleep signal in step S11, the remote operation reception unit 22 and the device control unit 20 execute a sleep mode transition process, and the process proceeds to return. In the sleep mode transition process, first, since the remote operation reception unit 22 received the sleep signal in step S11, the remote operation reception unit 22 outputs a sleep signal to the device control unit 20. As a result, the device control unit 20 performs control to suspend the operations of the chin rest 12a, the drive mechanism 13, the measuring head 14, the monitor unit 15, and the subject camera 18.

[0068] Furthermore, when the subject speaker 16 and the subject microphone 17 are operating, the device control unit 20 performs control to suspend the operation of the subject speaker 16 and the subject microphone 17. Next, the device control unit 20 performs mode transition control to transition the ophthalmic apparatus 10 from the examination mode to the sleep mode, and performs control to suspend the device control unit 20. In other words, the device control unit 20 performs control to turn off the power supply to all of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 except for the communication interface 21 and the remote operation reception unit 22.

[0069] Thus, when the sleep signal is input from the remote control device 30 (YES in step S11), the device control unit 20 transitions the ophthalmic apparatus 10 from the examination mode to the sleep mode (step S12, return). However, the device control unit 20 operates under the condition that the subject's presence is not detected by the subject camera 18 (NO in step S3). That is, the examiner does not need to visit a remote location to transition from the examination mode to the sleep mode. Therefore, when the examiner remotely operates the ophthalmic apparatus 10 using the remote control device 30, the examiner can remotely transition from the sleep mode to the examination mode. Furthermore, since operating the ophthalmic apparatus 10 when the subject's presence is not detected would result in wasted power consumption, the examiner remotely controls the transition from the examination mode to the sleep mode. Therefore, the power consumption of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 can be reduced compared to the examination mode.

[0070] Next, the flow of the test guidance process in step S4 will be explained below using an example of the flowchart in FIG.

[0071] Steps S41 to S45 are an examination guidance process for guiding the subject to the examination (ophthalmologic apparatus 10). The examination guidance control for this examination guidance process is performed by the device control unit 20. For example, when proceeding to step S4, guidance display information is automatically input from the device control unit 20 to the monitor unit 15, and the guidance display information is displayed on the monitor unit 15 (display control). The guidance display information is information for guiding the subject to the ophthalmologic apparatus 10.

[0072] In step S41, following the start of the examination guidance process, the device control unit 20 displays a message on the monitor unit 15 instructing the subject to take a seat, and the process proceeds to step S42.

[0073] In step S42, following the display in step S41, the device control unit 20 displays on the monitor unit 15 a display explaining the position where the subject's face should be set, and the process proceeds to step S43.

[0074] In step S43, following the display in step S42, the device control unit 20 displays a display indicating the position of the subject microphone 17 on the monitor unit 15, and the process proceeds to step S44.

[0075] In step S44, following the display in step S43, the device control unit 20 displays on the monitor unit 15 a display of precautions to be taken during the examination by the ophthalmologic device 10, and the process proceeds to step S45.

[0076] In step S45, following the display in step S44, the device control unit 20 displays a display on the monitor unit 15 indicating that the ophthalmic apparatus 10 has started the examination, and the process proceeds to the end of the examination guidance process.

[0077] Next, the flow of the inspection execution process in step S5 will be explained below using an example of the flowchart in FIG.

[0078] Steps S51 to S56 are an examination execution process for performing an examination on the subject's eye using the ophthalmologic apparatus 10. The examination execution control of the process is performed by the apparatus control unit 20 and remote operation by the examiner.

[0079] In step S51, following the start of the test execution process, the device control unit 20 executes a test explanation, and the process proceeds to step S52. 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 S51, the device control unit 20 automatically inputs automatic voice information to the subject speaker 16, which then outputs the automatic voice information. For example, the explanation may say, "We will now perform an eye refractive power test. If you have any questions, you can communicate by speaking into the microphone."

[0080] In step S52, following the execution of the test explanation in step S51, the device control unit 20 controls the interactive function to be turned on, and the process proceeds to step S53. To turn on the interactive function, the main body control unit 36 ​​automatically outputs an on signal to the device control unit 20 to turn on the subject microphone 17. As a result, the device control unit 20 performs on control (voice control) to switch the switch of the subject microphone 17 from off to on. Until the switch of the subject microphone 17 is turned off, the subject's voice input to the subject microphone 17 is output to the main body control unit 36 ​​via the device control unit 20. As a result, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs subject voice information from the examiner speaker 33, so that the subject's questions, etc. can be conveyed to the examiner. The interactive function is a function that allows the subject and the examiner to interact when this function is on.

[0081] In step S53, following the on control of the interactive function in step S52, the device control unit 20 determines whether or not to start the ophthalmic examination. If YES, proceed to step S54; if NO, repeat step S53. A signal to start the ophthalmic examination is output to the device control unit 20 via the main body control unit 36 ​​in response to an operation input by the examiner on the operation unit 31. This causes the examiner to actually start the ophthalmic examination. If the signal to start the ophthalmic examination is not output to the device control unit 20, repeat step S53. In other words, the eye examinee is in a standby state, waiting for the ophthalmic examination to begin.

[0082] In step S54, following the start of the ophthalmic examination in step S53, or following the determination in step S55 that the examination is not yet completed, the examiner actually performs the ophthalmic examination, and the process proceeds to step S55. The ophthalmic examination is performed by the examiner speaking into the examiner microphone 34 or by the examiner operating the operation unit 31. The examiner's voice and operation information input into the examiner microphone 34 are output to the device control unit 20 via the main body control unit 36. As a result, the device control unit 20 outputs examiner voice information from the examinee speaker 16, allowing the examiner to give instructions to the examinee (voice control).

[0083] Furthermore, the device control unit 20 controls the drive mechanism 13 based on the operation information to adjust the chin rest 12a in the Y direction and align the autorefkeratometer 141 with the subject's eye in the approximate X, Y, and Z directions. In addition, the device control unit 20 controls the execution of the examination required for the ophthalmic examination based on the operation information. Furthermore, measurement result information from the autorefkeratometer 141 is displayed on the monitor unit 15 from the measurement head 14 via the device control unit 20. Furthermore, the measurement result information input to the device control unit 20 is displayed on the examiner monitor unit 32 via the main body control unit 36.

[0084] In step S55, following the execution of the ophthalmic examination in step S54, the device control unit 20 determines whether the ophthalmic examination has actually ended. If YES, proceed to step S56, and if NO, return to step S54. The ophthalmic examination is completed when all of the preset test items have been completed. Therefore, the device control unit 20 determines whether all of the preset test items have been completed based on the operation information and measurement result information.

[0085] As described above, first, in step S52, the device control unit 20 turns on the interactive function that allows the subject and the examiner to communicate with each other during the examination in the examination mode. Next, the examiner performs the ophthalmic examination using the ophthalmic apparatus 10 (NO in steps S54 and S55 in FIG. 7). Therefore, the examiner and the subject can communicate with each other during the examination period when the ophthalmic examination is actually being performed using the ophthalmic apparatus 10.

[0086] In step S56, following the determination of test completion in step S55, the device control unit 20 controls the interactive function to be turned off, and the test execution process proceeds to the end. To turn off the interactive function, the main body control unit 36 ​​automatically outputs an off signal to the device control unit 20 to switch the subject microphone 17 from on to off. As a result, the device control unit 20 performs off control (audio control) to switch the switch of the subject microphone 17 from on to off.

[0087] Next, the flow of processing executed by the remote control device 30 when the interactive function is on will be described below using an example of the flowchart in Fig. 8. In the flowchart in Fig. 8, when the interactive function is turned on in step S52 in at least one of the three ophthalmologic apparatuses 10, processing is executed separately from Figs. 3, 5, and Fig. 9 (described later). Steps S101 to S109 are processing related to the interactive function, and are performed by the remote control device 30 (main body control unit 36).

[0088] In at least one of the three ophthalmologic apparatuses 10, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs an ON signal, and the device control unit 20 executes the ON control of the interactive function in step S52. As a result, the flow chart of FIG. 8 proceeds to step S101.

[0089] In step S101, following the interactive function on control process in step S52 or return, the main body control unit 36 ​​determines whether the interactive function is on in multiple (two or more) ophthalmologic apparatuses 10. If YES, proceed to step S102, and if NO, proceed to step S104.

[0090] The on / off control of the interactive function of each ophthalmic apparatus 10 is as described above in steps S52 and S56. That is, the on / off control of the interactive function is performed by the main body control unit 36 ​​automatically outputting an on signal or an off signal to the device control unit 20. As described above, the main body control unit 36 ​​stores in a memory (not shown) whether the interactive function of each ophthalmic apparatus 10 is on, off, paused, or resumed. Therefore, the main body control unit 36 ​​can determine whether the interactive function is on in multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10.

[0091] Furthermore, a NO result in step S101 means that the device control unit 20 is executing the on control of the interactive function in only one of the three ophthalmic apparatuses 10. For example, in the interactive function, the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A is on, while the remaining second ophthalmic apparatus 10B and third ophthalmic apparatus 10C are off or temporarily stopped. In this case, the on control is maintained in the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A.

[0092] In step S102, following the YES determination in step S101, the main body control unit 36 ​​selects one ophthalmic device 10 that maintains the interactive function on from among the multiple ophthalmic devices 10 that have the interactive function on, and proceeds to step S103.

[0093] For example, the main body control unit 36 ​​selects a subject who is ready for examination from among the multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10. Specifically, the selection by the main body control unit 36 ​​is determined based on the order in which the subjects are waiting in the ophthalmic apparatuses 10. In other words, the main body control unit 36 ​​selects from the multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10 the ophthalmic apparatus 10 whose interactive function is first turned on.

[0094] When the interactive function is turned on in multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10 (on control in step S52), the ophthalmic apparatus 10 whose interactive function was turned on first is selected from the multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10. The selected ophthalmic apparatus 10 is the ophthalmic apparatus 10 that will start the ophthalmic examination. As described above, the order in which the interactive function was turned on is stored in the memory of the main body control unit 36.

[0095] In step S103, following the selection of one ophthalmic apparatus 10 in step S102, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs a pause signal to the unselected ophthalmic apparatuses 10, and the process proceeds to step S109. The pause signal is a signal that pauses the interactive function in the ophthalmic apparatus 10, in other words, a signal that temporarily switches the interactive function from on to off. The pause signal is output by the main body control unit 36 ​​controlling the pause switch 327. For example, if the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A is selected in step S102, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs a pause signal to the remaining ophthalmic apparatuses 10. The pause occurs before the start of the ophthalmic examination and during the examination. A specific example of the pause during the examination will be described later in step S107.

[0096] In step S104, following the determination of NO in step S101, the main body control unit 36 ​​determines whether or not to output a resume signal to the ophthalmic apparatus 10 whose interactive function is paused. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S105, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S109. Upon completion of the ophthalmic examination in one ophthalmic apparatus 10 selected in step S102, the main body control unit 36 ​​automatically determines whether or not to output a resume signal to the ophthalmic apparatus 10 whose interactive function is turned off. The resume signal is a signal that switches the interactive function back on from a paused state in the ophthalmic apparatus 10, in other words, a signal that switches the interactive function back on from an off state during the pause.

[0097] Furthermore, a NO result in step S104 means that the on control of the interactive function in the ophthalmic apparatus 10 continues from step S52. For example, this is the case when the on control of the interactive function in the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A continues from step S52. In this case, the interactive function in the remaining ophthalmic apparatuses 10 continues to be turned off or temporarily suspended.

[0098] In step S105, following the determination of YES in step S104, the main body control unit 36 ​​determines whether the interactive function is temporarily suspended in the multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S106, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S107. As described in step S101, the main body control unit 36 ​​can determine whether the interactive function is temporarily suspended in the multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10. A YES determination in step S105 refers to, for example, a case where there are two remaining ophthalmic apparatuses 10 and the interactive function is temporarily suspended in both of them. A NO determination in step S105 refers to, for example, a case where there are two remaining ophthalmic apparatuses 10 and the interactive function is temporarily suspended in one of them.

[0099] In step S106, following the determination of YES in step S105, the main body control unit 36 ​​selects the ophthalmic apparatus 10 for which the interactive function is to be resumed, and the process proceeds to step S107. For example, if there are two remaining ophthalmic apparatuses 10 and the interactive function is temporarily stopped in both of them, the main body control unit 36 ​​selects one of the ophthalmic apparatuses 10 as the ophthalmic apparatus 10 for which the interactive function is to be resumed. The selection of one of the ophthalmic apparatuses 10 is the same as that described in step S102, and therefore will not be described here.

[0100] In step S107, following a NO determination in step S105 or the selection of an ophthalmic apparatus 10 in step S106, the main body controller 36 outputs an OFF signal or a suspend signal to the ophthalmic apparatus 10 selected in step S102, and the process proceeds to step S108. For example, the main body controller 36 outputs an OFF signal or a suspend signal to the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A selected in step S102. The OFF signal is output by the main body controller 36 controlling the function switch 326. In the case of the OFF signal, the ophthalmic examination in the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A has ended. In the case of the suspend signal, the ophthalmic examination being performed in the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A is temporarily stopped. Examples of cases in which the interactive function is temporarily stopped during an ophthalmic examination include when the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A is performing an automatic examination that does not require operation by the examiner, when the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A is analyzing the examination results, or when the examination is interrupted due to the examinee's convenience.

[0101] In step S108, following the output of the OFF signal or pause signal in step S107, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs a resume signal to the ophthalmic apparatus 10 selected in step S106 or the ophthalmic apparatus 10 determined in step S105 to have the interactive function paused, and the process proceeds to step S109. The resume signal is output by the main body control unit 36 ​​controlling the resume switch 328. Restarting the interactive function corresponds to turning on the interactive function. Therefore, the ON signal is output by the main body control unit 36 ​​controlling the function switch 326.

[0102] In step S109, following the output of the pause signal in step S103, the determination of NO in step S104, or the output of the resume signal in step S108, the main body control unit 36 ​​determines the following. That is, in step S109, the main body control unit 36 ​​determines whether the interactive function is off in all three ophthalmic apparatuses 10 connected to the remote operation device 30. If the determination is YES, proceed to END, and if the determination is NO, proceed to RETURN. As described in step S101, the main body control unit 36 ​​can determine whether the interactive function is off in all three ophthalmic apparatuses 10.

[0103] Next, the flow of processing executed by the ophthalmic apparatus 10 when the interactive function is on will be described below using an example of the flowchart in Fig. 9. In the flowchart in Fig. 9, when the interactive function is turned on in step S52 in each ophthalmic apparatus 10, processing is executed in each ophthalmic apparatus 10 separately from Figs. 3, 5, and 8. Steps S201 to S206 are processing related to the interactive function, and are performed by the ophthalmic apparatus 10 (device control unit 20, remote operation reception unit 22).

[0104] In each ophthalmic apparatus 10, the device control unit 20 executes the on control of the interactive function in step S52 in response to the output of an on signal from the main body control unit 36. As a result, the flow chart in FIG. 9 proceeds to step S201. The timing of proceeding to step S201 is the same as the timing of proceeding to step S101 in the flow chart in FIG. 8. Furthermore, even if the device control unit 20 executes the on control of the interactive function in step S52 in one of the three ophthalmic apparatuses 10, the flow chart in FIG. 9 does not proceed to step S201 in all three ophthalmic apparatuses 10. In other words, the flow chart in FIG. 9 proceeds to step S201 only in the ophthalmic apparatus 10 in which the device control unit 20 executes the on control of the interactive function in step S52.

[0105] In step S201, following the interactive function ON control process in step S52 or return, the remote operation reception unit 22 determines whether a pause signal has been received. If YES, proceed to step S202; if NO, proceed to step S206. When a pause signal is output from the main body control unit 36, the remote operation reception unit 22 receives the pause signal. The remote operation reception unit 22 then determines that the pause signal has been received. If the remote operation reception unit 22 continues to determine that the pause signal has not been received, the ON control of the interactive function continues from step S52.

[0106] In step S202, following the reception of the pause signal in step S201, the remote operation reception unit 22 and the device control unit 20 execute processing to pause the interactive function, and the process proceeds to step S203. In the processing to pause the interactive function, first, since the remote operation reception unit 22 received the pause signal in step S201, the remote operation reception unit 22 outputs the pause signal to the device control unit 20. Next, in response to the input of the pause signal, the device control unit 20 performs off control (voice control) to switch the switch of the subject microphone 17 from on to off. As a result, the interactive function is paused (paused).

[0107] In step S203, following the pause of the interactive function in step S202, the device control unit 20 notifies the subject through the subject speaker 16 of the pause of the interactive function, and the process proceeds to step S204. When this process proceeds to step S203, the device control unit 20 inputs automatic voice information to the subject speaker 16, causing the subject speaker 16 to output automatic voice information. Alternatively, the device control unit 20 may input function notification display information notifying the monitor unit 15 of the pause of the interactive function, so that the function notification display information is automatically displayed on the monitor unit 15. An example of the notification in step S203 is, "The conversation function is currently paused. Please wait a moment." Note that the "conversation function" is an interactive function.

[0108] In step S204, following the notification of a pause in step S203 or the failure to receive a resume signal in step S204, the remote operation reception unit 22 determines whether a resume signal has been received. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S205; if the determination is NO, step S204 is repeated. When a resume signal is output from the main body control unit 36, the remote operation reception unit 22 receives the resume signal. The remote operation reception unit 22 then determines that the resume signal has been received. If the remote operation reception unit 22 continues to determine that a resume signal has not been received, the pause of the interactive function continues from step S202.

[0109] In step S205, following the reception of the resume signal in step S204, the remote operation reception unit 22 and the device control unit 20 execute the process of resuming (ON control) the interactive function, and the process proceeds to step S206. In the process of resuming the interactive function, first, since the remote operation reception unit 22 received the resume signal in step S204, the remote operation reception unit 22 outputs the resume signal to the device control unit 20. Next, in response to the input of the resume signal, the device control unit 20 performs ON control (voice control) to switch the switch of the subject microphone 17 from OFF to ON. This turns on the interactive function.

[0110] In step S206, following the non-reception of the pause signal in step S201 or the resumption of the interactive function in step S205, the device control unit 20 determines whether the interactive function is off in the ophthalmic apparatus 10. If YES, proceed to END, and if NO, proceed to RETURN. The device control unit 20 controls the on / off of the interactive function in the ophthalmic apparatus 10, and therefore stores in a memory (not shown) whether the interactive function of the ophthalmic apparatus 10 is on or off. Therefore, this determination can be made by the device control unit 20.

[0111] The flow of the flowcharts in FIGS. 8 and 9 will be explained based on an example of the time chart in FIG. 10 and examples of displays on the examiner monitor unit 32 in FIGS. 11A to 11D. In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis represents time, divided for each ophthalmic device 10, and the vertical axis represents time (t). The words written to the right of the vertical line at each time t in FIG. 10 simply indicate the state of each ophthalmic device 10 at that time t. The words in FIG. 10 will be explained below. "On," "Off," "Stopped (Paused, Paused)," and "Resume" indicate the state of the interactive function. Furthermore, "Examination" indicates that an ophthalmic examination of the subject is actually being performed, "Ended" indicates that the examiner's ophthalmic examination has ended, and "Absent" indicates that the subject is not present. Furthermore, in FIG. 10, "Guidance" indicates that an examination guidance process is being performed, "Waiting" indicates that the subject is waiting in a state where the subject is ready for examination, and "Notification" indicates that the subject is notified that the interactive function is paused. That is, for example, the wording "ON, Examination" means that the interactive function is ON and an examination is being performed in the ophthalmologic apparatus 10. Also, the arrows indicate a change in state from the left side of the arrow to the right side of the arrow.

[0112] At time t1, the display on the examiner monitor unit 32 is in the state shown in FIG. 11A , for example. At time t1, the interactive function is turned on in the first ophthalmic device 10A, and an ophthalmic examination is being performed. In the second ophthalmic device 10B, a subject is present, and an examination guidance process is being performed. In the third ophthalmic device 10C, a subject is not present. Furthermore, in the second ophthalmic device 10B and the third ophthalmic device 10C, the interactive function is turned off, and none of the three ophthalmic devices 10 has the interactive function paused. Time t1 corresponds to the flow from step S101 (NO), step S104 (NO), and step S109 (NO) in FIG. 8 in the processing of the main body control unit 36. Time t1 corresponds to the flow from step S201 (NO) to step S206 (NO) in FIG. 9 in the processing of the first ophthalmic device 10A. At time t1, the interactive functions are turned off in the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B and the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C, and therefore the process shown in FIG.

[0113] At time t2, the display on the examiner monitor unit 32 is, for example, in the state shown in FIG. 11B . At time t2, the states of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A and the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C are the same as at time t1. Meanwhile, the interactive function is turned on in the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B. However, the interactive function is turned on in the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A before it is turned on in the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B. Time t2 corresponds to the flow from step S101 "YES" to step S102 in FIG. 8 in the processing of the main body control unit 36. Time t2 corresponds to the flow from step S201 "NO" to step S206 "NO" in FIG. 9 in the processing of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A and the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B. At time t2, the processing shown in FIG. 9 is not performed in the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C, as at time t1.

[0114] At time t3, the state of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A is the same as that at time t1. In the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B, a subject is present, but a pause signal is output from the main body control unit 36. The second ophthalmic apparatus 10B also determines that it has received the pause signal. Furthermore, the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B notifies the subject that the interactive function has been paused via the subject speaker 16B. In the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C, a subject is present, and the examination guidance process is being executed.

[0115] Time t3 corresponds to the flow from step S102 to step S103 in FIG. 8 in the processing of the main body control unit 36. Time t3 corresponds to the flow from step S201 "NO" to step S206 "NO" in FIG. 9 in the processing of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A. Time t3 corresponds to the flow from step S201 "YES", step S202, step S203, and step S204 "NO" in FIG. 9 in the processing of the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B. In the processing of the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B, the flow of step S204 "NO" is repeated until the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B determines that it has received a resume signal. In the processing of the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B, the flow of step S204 "NO" is repeated until time t6. Therefore, a description of the processing of the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B up to time t6 will be omitted. At time t3, the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C does not execute the process shown in FIG. 9, as at time t1.

[0116] From time t3 to time t4, the main body controller 36 does not output a resume signal to the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B, which is temporarily stopped. The period from time t3 to time t4 corresponds to the flow from step S103 to step S109 "NO" in Fig. 8 in the processing of the main body controller 36. The period from time t3 to time t4 corresponds to time t3 in Fig. 9 in the processing of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A and the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C.

[0117] At time t4, the state of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A is the same as time t1. The interactive function is turned on in the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A and the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C. However, the interactive function is turned on in the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A before it is turned on in the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C. Time t4 corresponds to the flow from "YES" in step S101 to step S102 in FIG. 8 in the processing of the main body control unit 36. Time t4 corresponds to the flow from "NO" in step S201 to "NO" in step S206 in FIG. 9 in the processing of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A and the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C.

[0118] At time t5, the state of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A is the same as that at time t1. Although the subject is present in the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C, a pause signal is output from the main body control unit 36. The third ophthalmic apparatus 10C determines that the pause signal has been received. Furthermore, the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C notifies the subject of the pause of the interactive function via the subject speaker 16C.

[0119] Time t5 corresponds to the flow from step S102 to step S103 in FIG. 8 in the processing of the main body control unit 36. Time t5 corresponds to the flow from step S201 "NO" to step S206 "NO" in FIG. 9 in the processing of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A. Time t5 corresponds to the flow from step S201 "YES", step S202, step S203, and step S204 "NO" in FIG. 9 in the processing of the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C. In the processing of the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C, the flow of step S204 "NO" is repeated until the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C determines that it has received a resume signal. In the processing of the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C, the flow of step S204 "NO" is repeated until time t8. Therefore, a description of the processing of the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C up to time t8 will be omitted.

[0120] From time t5 to time t6, the main body controller 36 does not output a resume signal to the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B and the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C, whose interactive functions are temporarily stopped. The period from time t5 to time t6 corresponds to the flow from step S103 to step S109 "NO" in Fig. 8 in the processing of the main body controller 36. The period from time t5 to time t6 corresponds to time t5 in Fig. 9 in the processing of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A.

[0121] At time t6, the display on the examiner monitor unit 32 is, for example, in the state shown in FIG. 11C . At time t6, the ophthalmic examination is completed in the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A, but the interactive function remains on. Furthermore, the interactive function is temporarily suspended in the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B and the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C. Therefore, the main body control unit 36 ​​outputs a resume signal to the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B and the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C, whose interactive functions are temporarily suspended.

[0122] Furthermore, the main body controller 36 determines that the interactive function is temporarily suspended in the multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10. Here, the interactive function was turned on in the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B before it was turned on in the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C. Therefore, the main body controller 36 selects the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B to resume the interactive function. Next, the interactive function is turned on in the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A. Therefore, the main body controller 36 outputs an OFF signal to the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A. Next, the main body controller 36 outputs a resume signal to the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B. The second ophthalmic apparatus 10B determines that it has received the resume signal. Furthermore, the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B executes processing to resume the interactive function.

[0123] The time t6 corresponds to the flow of steps S101 "NO", S104 "YES", S105 "YES", S106, S107, S108, and S109 "NO" in Fig. 8 in the processing of the main body control unit 36. The time t6 corresponds to the flow of steps S201 "NO", S206 "YES", and the end in Fig. 9 in the processing of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A. The time t6 corresponds to the flow of steps S204 "YES", S205, and S206 "NO" in Fig. 9 in the processing of the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B.

[0124] At time t7, the display on the examiner monitor unit 32 is, for example, in the state shown in FIG. 11D . At time t7, the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A indicates that the examinee is not present. The second ophthalmic apparatus 10B resumes the interactive function and is turned on, performing an ophthalmic examination. Time t7 corresponds to the flow of steps S101 (NO), S104 (NO), and S109 (NO) in FIG. 8 in the processing of the main body control unit 36. At time t7, the interactive function is turned off in the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A, so the processing shown in FIG. 9 is not executed. Since there is no change in the state of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A after time t7, a description thereof will be omitted. Time t7 corresponds to the flow of steps S201 (NO) to S206 (NO) in FIG. 9 in the processing of the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B.

[0125] At time t8, the ophthalmic examination is completed in the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B, but the interactive function remains on. Furthermore, the interactive function is temporarily suspended in the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C. Therefore, the main body controller 36 outputs a resume signal to the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C, whose interactive function is temporarily suspended. Furthermore, the main body controller 36 determines that the interactive function is not temporarily suspended in the multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10. Therefore, the main body controller 36 selects the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C to resume the interactive function. Next, the interactive function is on in the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B. Therefore, the main body controller 36 outputs an off signal to the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B. Subsequently, the main body controller 36 outputs a resume signal to the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C. The third ophthalmic apparatus 10C determines that it has received the resume signal. Furthermore, the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C executes processing to resume the interactive function.

[0126] The time t8 corresponds to the flow of steps S101 "NO", S104 "YES", S105 "NO", S107, S108, and S109 "NO" in Fig. 8 in the processing of the main body control unit 36. The time t8 corresponds to the flow of steps S201 "NO", S206 "YES", and the end in Fig. 9 in the processing of the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B. The time t8 corresponds to the flow of steps S204 "YES", S205, and S206 "NO" in Fig. 9 in the processing of the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C.

[0127] After time t8, the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B is no longer present. Therefore, the interactive functions of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A and the second ophthalmic apparatus 10B are turned off. The ophthalmic examination is completed in the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C, and the interactive function is turned off. The period after time t8 corresponds to the flow from step S201 ("NO") to step S206 ("YES") and END in FIG. 9 in the processing of the third ophthalmic apparatus 10C. The period after time t8 corresponds to the flow from step S101 ("NO") to step S104 ("NO") to step S109 ("YES") and END in FIG. 8 in the processing of the main body control unit 36. This ends the processing of the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0128] Next, conventional technical problems will be described in the case where an examiner remotely operates an ophthalmic apparatus using a host device via the Internet or the like.

[0129] Conventionally, in remote operation of an examiner, not only the examiner gives instructions to the examinee, but also the examinee sometimes wants to communicate with the examiner. Furthermore, since remote operation of the examiner is possible, it is possible to remotely operate multiple ophthalmic devices using one host device. In other words, one examiner can remotely perform ophthalmic examinations on multiple examinees. This poses a problem in that one examiner may need to simultaneously communicate with multiple examinees. Furthermore, when one examiner simultaneously communicates with multiple examinees, it becomes difficult to maintain appropriate communication.

[0130] Next, the operation of the ophthalmologic system 1 of the first embodiment will be described as follows.

[0131] In the ophthalmic system 1 of the present disclosure, each ophthalmic apparatus 10 has a subject microphone 17 and a subject speaker 16. The remote control device 30 has an examiner microphone 34 and an examiner speaker 33. The ophthalmic system 1 has an interactive function that allows a subject at each ophthalmic apparatus 10 to communicate with an examiner at the remote control device 30. When the interactive function is on in two or more of the three ophthalmic apparatuses 10 (10A and 10B, 10A and 10C, or 10B and 10C) (step S101 in FIG. 8 ), the remote control device 30 maintains the interactive function on in one ophthalmic apparatus (10A or 10B) (step S102 in FIG. 8 ). Furthermore, the remote control device 30 outputs a pause signal to the remaining ophthalmic apparatus (10B or 10C) (step S103 in FIG. 8 ). That is, when the interactive function is on in two or more ophthalmic apparatuses 10, the interactive function is kept on in only one of the ophthalmic apparatuses 10 (steps S102 and S103 in FIG. 8, etc.). As a result, even if one examiner needs to simultaneously interact with multiple subjects, the examiner will only interact with the subjects being examined by one of the ophthalmic apparatuses 10. Therefore, when an examiner remotely operates three ophthalmic apparatuses 10 using one remote operation device 30, one examiner can interact individually with three (multiple) subjects.

[0132] When the interactive function is turned on in two or more ophthalmic apparatuses 10, the remote control device 30 of the ophthalmic system 1 of the present disclosure maintains the interactive function turned on in the ophthalmic apparatus 10 that had the interactive function turned on first (e.g., step S102 in FIG. 8 ). This eliminates the need for the examiner to select one ophthalmic apparatus 10 with which to interact, thereby reducing the examiner's burden of selection. Furthermore, the waiting time for the ophthalmic examination can be shortened, thereby increasing the processing speed of the ophthalmic examination.

[0133] The remote control device 30 of the ophthalmologic system 1 according to the present disclosure outputs a pause signal to the remaining ophthalmologic apparatuses 10 to temporarily suspend the interactive functions (step S103 in FIG. 8 ). This ensures that the interactive functions of the remaining ophthalmologic apparatuses 10 are temporarily suspend.

[0134] In the ophthalmologic system 1 of the present disclosure, when a pause signal is input from the remote control device 30 (steps S201 and S202 in FIG. 9 ), each of the remaining ophthalmologic apparatuses 10 notifies the subject at that ophthalmologic apparatus 10 that the interactive function has been temporarily suspended (step S203 in FIG. 9 ). This makes it possible to clearly notify each subject at the remaining ophthalmologic apparatus 10 that they are unable to interact with the examiner. This allows the subject to wait for the start of the ophthalmologic examination with peace of mind.

[0135] When the remote control device 30 of the ophthalmologic system 1 of the present disclosure issues an instruction to one ophthalmologic apparatus 10 to turn off the interactive function (outputs an OFF signal) (step S107 in FIG. 8 ), it issues an instruction to one of the remaining ophthalmologic apparatuses 10 to resume the interactive function from a pause (outputs a resume signal (step S108 in FIG. 8 )). That is, instead of one ophthalmologic apparatus 10, it is possible to turn on and resume the interactive function for one of the remaining ophthalmologic apparatuses 10. Therefore, it is possible to reliably turn on the interactive function for only one of the remaining ophthalmologic apparatuses 10.

[0136] The remote control device 30 of the ophthalmologic system 1 of the present disclosure has a pause switch 327 that outputs a pause signal and a resume switch 328 that outputs a resume signal to each ophthalmologic apparatus 10. That is, the remote control device 30 can selectively output either signal to the ophthalmologic apparatus 10. Therefore, the remote control device 30 can automatically output signals by operating the pause switch 327 and the resume switch 328.

[0137] The above has described the ophthalmologic system 1 of the present disclosure based on Example 1, but the specific configuration is not limited to Example 1, and design changes and additions are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention related to each claim in the claims.

[0138] In step S102 of the first embodiment, the main body controller 36 selects the ophthalmic apparatus 10 in the order in which the subject waits. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the main body controller 36 may select one of the multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10 that first initiates a dialogue using the interactive function. Specifically, when the interactive functions of three ophthalmic apparatuses 10 are enabled, subject voice information is input to the main body controller 36 from the multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10. The main body controller 36 automatically selects one of the multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10 that first inputs subject voice information. In other words, the main body controller 36 selects one ophthalmic apparatus 10 based on the subject voice information input from the multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10. Therefore, since the ophthalmic apparatus 10 first initiates a dialogue, the interactive function can be preferentially maintained on without interrupting the dialogue. Furthermore, since the examiner does not have to select one ophthalmic apparatus 10 with which he or she can interact, the burden of selection on the examiner can be reduced.

[0139] Alternatively, instead of selection by the main body control unit 36, selection by the examiner may be performed. The examiner prioritizes the ophthalmic devices 10 from among multiple ophthalmic devices 10 and selects one ophthalmic device 10. Priority may be given to subjects with high urgency, such as emergency patients; subjects whose condition requires an ophthalmic examination more than the conditions of other subjects; or subjects such as children or elderly people who are likely to have difficulty enduring the wait time until the ophthalmic examination begins. For the remaining ophthalmic devices 10 not selected by the examiner, the examiner can switch the interactive function from on to paused by selecting the "pause switch 327" shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D . This maintains the interactive function on in one ophthalmic device 10. Therefore, when there is a subject with high urgency, such as an emergency patient, the examiner can prioritize maintaining the interactive function on. In the case of the examiner's selection, the interactive function can be switched on, off, paused, or resumed by the examiner selecting a function switch 326, a pause switch 327, and a resume switch 328.

[0140] In the above example, at time t6 in the first embodiment, the main body controller 36 outputs an OFF signal to the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A. Also, in the processing of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A, at time t6, an example corresponding to the flow of "NO" in step S201, "YES" in step S206, and the end in FIG. 9 was shown. However, this is not limited to this. For example, if the ophthalmic examination in the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A has not yet finished, the interactive function may be temporarily stopped. Therefore, at time t6, the main body controller 36 outputs a pause signal to the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A. Also, in the processing of the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A, at time t6, the example corresponding to the flow of "NO" in step S201, "NO" in step S206, and the return in FIG. 9 was shown. Then, the interactive function can be resumed in the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A. In this way, the interactive function can be paused from ON even during the examination. That is, as described above, the pause may occur when the first ophthalmic apparatus 10A is performing an automatic examination that does not require the examiner's operation. Therefore, even during an ophthalmic examination, the interactive function can be temporarily stopped from being turned on. In other words, even if the interactive function is temporarily stopped from being turned on, the ophthalmic examination can be continued.

[0141] In the above embodiment 1, the examiner monitor unit 32 displays the function switch 326, the pause switch 327, and the resume switch 328. However, this is not limiting. For example, the resume switch 328 is not displayed, and the pause switch 327 is displayed in black on a white background, and the pause switch 327 is selected. This may be a setting that allows the interactive function to be switched from pause to resume. In short, there is no limitation on the type and number of switches, and any configuration may be used as long as it allows the interactive function to be switched on, off, paused, and resumed.

[0142] In step S52 of the first embodiment described above, the interactive function is turned on following the execution of the test explanation in step S51. However, this is not limiting. For example, the timing of turning on the interactive function may be following the determination of subject detection in step S3, or may be during the test guidance process in step S4. Alternatively, it may be during the test execution process in step S5 but before the execution of the test explanation in step S51. This allows the subject to convey a request to the examiner before step S52. For example, the request may be, "I want to go to the bathroom, so please wait a moment." Furthermore, even if the interactive function is turned on at any timing, the processes of FIGS. 8 and 9 are executed.

[0143] In the above-described first embodiment, the lens used for the subject camera 18 is not particularly limited. However, the lens is preferably a wide-angle lens, and more preferably a fisheye lens. Furthermore, rather than a lens, the subject camera 18 is even more preferably a 360-degree camera. Using a wide-angle lens or a 360-degree camera for the subject camera 18 allows for a wider area to be captured around the ophthalmic device 10 than with other lenses. That is, the subject camera 18 can capture not only the subject in the examination posture, but also the subject present in the X direction of the ophthalmic device 10 (the area around the ophthalmic device 10 in the case of a 360-degree camera). This increases the speed at which presence detection and determination are performed in step S3, thereby further shortening the time until the start of the ophthalmic examination.

[0144] In step S4 and the like of the first embodiment, an example has been shown in which processing is automatically performed by the device control unit 20 or the main body control unit 36, but this is not limiting. The automatic processing portion may not be automatic, and may be appropriately performed by remote operation by the examiner or by the examiner's voice. Furthermore, an ophthalmologic device 10 whose interactive function is turned off or paused may be set so that it cannot be operated automatically by the main body control unit 36 ​​or manually by the examiner. This prevents the ophthalmologic device 10 whose interactive function is turned off or paused from being operated erroneously.

[0145] In the above-described first embodiment, the communication interface 21 and the main body control unit 36 ​​input and output various information to and from each other via the router 100 and the Internet 101, but this is not limiting. In short, the communication network connecting the communication interface 21 and the main body control unit 36 ​​may be any network that allows the communication interface 21 and the main body control unit 36 ​​to input and output various information to and from each other and allows the examiner to remotely control the communication interface 21 and the main body control unit 36.

[0146] The ophthalmic system 1 of the first embodiment described above includes three ophthalmic apparatuses 10 and one remote control device 30, as shown in FIG. 1 and other figures. However, this is not limiting. As long as there are multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10, the ophthalmic system 1 may include two, four, or more ophthalmic apparatuses 10. Furthermore, the number of multiple ophthalmic apparatuses 10 in steps S101 and S105 of FIG. 8 is not limited to two, and may be three or more if the ophthalmic system 1 includes four or more ophthalmic apparatuses 10. Even in this case, it is possible to select one ophthalmic apparatus 10 in steps S102 and S106 of FIG. 8.

[0147] In addition, with respect to the above description of the embodiment and modified examples 1 to 8, the following is further disclosed: (1) An ophthalmic system comprising a plurality of ophthalmic apparatuses and one host device located remotely from each of the ophthalmic apparatuses, wherein each of the ophthalmic apparatuses and the host device can communicate with each other, and an examiner uses the host device to remotely operate each of the ophthalmic apparatuses, wherein each of the ophthalmic apparatuses and the host device has a microphone and a speaker, and an interactive function that allows a subject at each of the ophthalmic apparatuses to communicate with an examiner at the host device, and wherein, when the interactive function is on in two or more of the plurality of ophthalmic apparatuses, the host device keeps the interactive function on in one of the ophthalmic apparatuses, and issues an instruction to the remaining ophthalmic apparatuses to temporarily suspend the interactive function. (2) The ophthalmic system described in (1) above, wherein the host device, when the interactive function is on in the two or more ophthalmic apparatuses, maintains the interactive function on in the one ophthalmic apparatus whose interactive function was turned on first, or the one ophthalmic apparatus that first started a dialogue between the examiner and the subject using the interactive function, or the one ophthalmic apparatus selected by the examiner through the host device. (3) The ophthalmic system described in (1) or (2) above, wherein the host device outputs a pause signal to the remaining ophthalmic apparatuses to temporarily suspend the interactive function. (4) The ophthalmic system described in (3) above, wherein, when the pause signal is input from the host device, each of the remaining ophthalmic apparatuses notifies the subject at the respective ophthalmic apparatus that the interactive function has been temporarily suspended. (5) In the ophthalmologic system described in any one of (1) to (3), when the host device issues an instruction to one of the ophthalmologic devices to turn off or suspend the interactive function, the host device issues an instruction to one of the remaining ophthalmologic devices to resume turning on the interactive function from a suspended state.(6) The ophthalmologic system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit switches the interactive function from on to off when the ophthalmologic examination is completed. (7) The ophthalmologic system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the host device has output means for outputting, to each of the ophthalmologic devices, a pause signal for pausing the interactive function and a resume signal for resuming the interactive function from pause to on. (8) The ophthalmologic system according to (7), wherein a router device is connected between the plurality of ophthalmologic devices and the host device, and the host device outputs the pause signal or the resume signal to each of the plurality of ophthalmologic devices via the router device. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0148] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-002163, filed with the Japan Patent Office on January 10, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. An ophthalmic system comprising a plurality of ophthalmic devices and one host device located at a remote position from each of the ophthalmic devices, wherein each of the ophthalmic devices and the host device can communicate with each other, and an examiner operates each of the ophthalmic devices remotely using the host device. In the ophthalmic system, each of the ophthalmic devices and the host device has a microphone and a speaker respectively, and has an interactive function enabling the subject on the ophthalmic device side and the examiner on the host device side to interact with each other. When the interactive function is on for two or more of the plurality of ophthalmic devices, the host device maintains the interactive function on for one of the ophthalmic devices and issues an instruction to temporarily suspend the interactive function for the remaining ophthalmic devices.

2. In the ophthalmic system according to claim 1, when the interactive function is on for the two or more ophthalmic devices, the host device maintains the interactive function on for the one ophthalmic device that first turned on the interactive function, or the one ophthalmic device that first started the interaction between the examiner and the subject using the interactive function, or the one ophthalmic device selected by the examiner through the host device.

3. In the ophthalmic system according to claim 1, the host device outputs a temporary suspension signal to temporarily suspend the interactive function for the remaining ophthalmic devices.

4. In the ophthalmic system according to claim 3, when the temporary suspension signal is input from the host device to each of the remaining ophthalmic devices, each of the remaining ophthalmic devices notifies the subject on its side that the interactive function is temporarily suspended.

5. In the ophthalmic system according to claim 3, when the host device issues an instruction to turn off or temporarily suspend the interactive function for the one ophthalmic device, the host device issues an instruction to resume the interactive function from the temporary suspension for one of the remaining ophthalmic devices.

6. In the ophthalmic system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the host device has output means for outputting a pause signal for pausing the interactive function and a resume signal for resuming the interactive function from the pause to the on state to each of the ophthalmic devices. An ophthalmic system characterized by that.

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