Examination device and examination method

Abstract

Provided is a head-mounted display capable of performing a plurality of examinations that can be answered by line of sight by using a single device, thereby reducing the burden on examinee and examiner and shortening the overall examination time.　A head-mounted display 10 for performing examinations comprises: a screen 20 that displays an examination index X; a control unit 30 that changes the index X according to the content of the examination; and a detection unit 34 that detects examination results on the basis of the line of sight from the examinee. The control unit 30 performs calibration to improve the detection accuracy of the line of sight position on the screen 20 viewed by an examinee H, and thereafter continuously performs a plurality of examinations.

Description

Inspection device and inspection method

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device for conducting an inspection that allows responses to be made by eye gaze, and an inspection method therefor.

[0002] Conventionally, tests such as visual acuity tests and visual field tests have been carried out using dedicated testing equipment.

[0003] For example, in the index display device and ophthalmic device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the subject can look at an index (such as a Landolt ring) displayed on a display by an examiner (such as a doctor) operating a controller, allowing the subject's visual acuity, etc. to be examined.

[0004] Furthermore, devices for visual field testing and the like have also been developed.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-162135

[0006] However, with conventional devices including the index display device and ophthalmic device disclosed in Patent Document 1, if a subject wishes to undergo multiple tests such as a visual acuity test and a visual field test, each test must be performed using a dedicated testing device, which places a heavy burden on the subject and the examiner and takes too much time.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems and demands, and its purpose is to provide an inspection device and an inspection method that can perform multiple inspections that can be performed based on line of sight using a single device, thereby reducing the burden on the subject and the inspector and shortening the overall inspection time.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an examination device for performing a plurality of tests that can be performed based on the line of sight of a subject, the examination device comprising: a screen that displays an indicator for the test; a control unit that changes the indicator depending on the content of the test; and a detection unit that detects the test results based on the line of sight of the subject, wherein the control unit performs calibration to improve the detection accuracy of the line of sight position on the screen that the subject is looking at, and then performs the plurality of tests consecutively.

[0009] Preferably, the detection of the test result based on the line of sight is performed by grasping the line of sight position on the screen where the subject is looking.

[0010] Preferably, the detection of the test result based on the line of sight is performed based on the direction of movement of the line of sight position on the screen that the subject is looking at.

[0011] Preferably, the control unit determines that the subject cannot see the index when the subject's gaze position does not fall within a predetermined range from the index within a predetermined time.

[0012] Preferably, the device further comprises an iris authentication unit that authenticates the iris of the pupil to identify the subject.

[0013] Preferably, the device further includes a storage device that stores the iris of the subject, past test results, and the results of the calibration, and the control unit searches the storage device for the subject corresponding to the iris authenticated by the iris authentication unit, and if a corresponding subject is found, performs the multiple tests based on the corresponding calibration results without performing the calibration.

[0014] Preferably, the control unit determines whether or not the subject has dry eye based on the number of blinks detected by the subject during a predetermined period of time during which a test other than dry eye is being performed.

[0015] Preferably, the plurality of tests include at least two of a visual acuity test, a dementia test, a visual field test, a dry eye test, a contrast test, a depth perception test, a concussion test, a depression test, a schizophrenia test, and a Parkinson's disease test.

[0016] Preferably, the control unit changes the order or test items of the tests to be performed subsequently based on the results of the tests that have been previously performed.

[0017] Preferably, the control unit administers a questionnaire to the subject and makes a comprehensive judgment regarding the subject's eyes based on the results of the questionnaire and the results of the plurality of tests.

[0018] Preferably, the device further comprises a housing that can be worn on the head of the subject.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an examination method using an examination device for performing a plurality of examinations that can be performed based on the line of sight of a subject, the examination device comprising: a screen that displays an index for the examination; a control unit that changes the index depending on the content of the examination; and a detection unit that detects the examination results based on the line of sight of the subject, and performing calibration to improve the detection accuracy of the line of sight position on the screen that the subject is looking at, and then performing the plurality of examinations consecutively.

[0020] According to the present invention, a single testing device can perform multiple tests that can be performed based on the line of sight, and these multiple tests are performed consecutively after calibration is performed to improve the accuracy of detecting the line of sight position on the screen that the subject is looking at. This makes it possible to provide a testing device and testing method that can accurately detect the line of sight position of the subject, reduces the burden on the subject and the examiner, and shortens the overall testing time.

[0021] 1 is a diagram illustrating a head-mounted display 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional structural view and FIG. 1B is a plan structural view illustrating a display main body 12 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a control device 18 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1C is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of a test by a control unit 30 of the control device 18. FIG. 1D is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a visual acuity test. FIG. 1E is a diagram illustrating a state in which an index X is displayed on a screen 20. FIG. 1F is a diagram illustrating a state in which a subject H answers by moving his / her gaze to a position corresponding to the index X. FIG. 1G is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a visual field test. FIG. 1H is a diagram illustrating a state in which an index X is displayed on a screen 20. FIG. 1H is a diagram illustrating a state in which an index X' for performing a visual field test is displayed on a screen 20. FIG. 1H is a diagram illustrating a state in which another index X' is displayed at a different position. FIG. 1I is a diagram illustrating a state in which a desired test menu or the end of the test is accepted. FIG. 1I is a diagram illustrating an example of output of all the results of the test. FIG. 1I is a diagram illustrating a state in which an index X is displayed on a screen 20 according to a sixth modification. FIG. 1I is a diagram illustrating a state in which an index X is displayed on a screen 20 according to a sixth modification.

[0022] (Configuration of head-mounted display 10 as inspection device) As shown in Fig. 1, the head-mounted display 10 as an inspection device according to this embodiment roughly includes a display main body 12, a housing 14, headphones 16, and a control device 18. Note that in this embodiment, a case where the head-mounted display 10 is used as the inspection device will be described, but the present invention may also be applied to glasses-type AR (augmented reality) glasses, a tablet equipped with an eye-tracking camera, or the like. Note that a head-mounted display is suitable for the present invention because eye-tracking is easy due to the positional relationship between the eyes and the device.

[0023] The display body 12 is a component placed in front of the eyes of the subject H, and as shown in FIG. 2, roughly comprises a screen 20, a lens 22, a light source 24, a hot mirror 26, and a camera 28.

[0024] The screen 20 is a component that displays a plurality of test indicators X (see FIG. 6) that can be answered by line of sight, and, if necessary, explanatory text for the subject H and images for accepting answers from the subject H.

[0025] The lens 22 is a component placed between the eye Y of the subject H and the screen 20, and has the role of focusing on the screen 20 at a close distance of about 10 centimeters between the eye Y and the screen 20.

[0026] The light source 24 is a component that emits infrared light toward the eye Y, and in this embodiment, six LEDs (light sources 24) are arranged near the lens 22. Of course, the light sources 24 are not limited to LEDs, and other lamps may be used. The number of light sources 24 may also be increased or decreased as needed (at least two are required).

[0027] The hot mirror 26 is a half mirror placed between the screen 20 and the lens 22, and in this embodiment, it transmits light from the screen 20 without reflecting it, and reflects light from the light source 24 (including light reflected within the eye Y).

[0028] The camera 28 receives light that is emitted from the light source 24, reflected within the eye Y, and then reflected by the hot mirror 26. This makes it possible to grasp the positions of the multiple light sources 24 in the image viewed by the camera 28, and the positional relationship of the multiple light sources 24 viewed by the camera 28 changes according to the movement of the eye Y of the subject H. In other words, it is possible to determine which position on the screen 20 the eye Y of the subject H is looking at based on the positional relationship of the multiple light sources 24 viewed by the camera 28.

[0029] The camera 28 detects blinks of the subject H. Dry eye is detected based on the number of blinks of the subject H captured by the camera 28.

[0030] Returning to Figure 1, the housing unit 14 is a flexible member that is wrapped around the side of the subject H's head and the back of the head, and both ends are connected to the display main body 12, so that the display main body 12 can be positioned and held in a predetermined position in front of the subject H's eyes.

[0031] The headphones 16 are a component for conveying necessary explanations and the like to the subject H by voice as needed during various tests.

[0032] The control device 18 is a device for controlling the image (including the index X) displayed on the screen 20, the light emission from the light source 24, the operation of the camera 28, and the sound from the headphones 16, and as shown in FIG. 3, it roughly comprises a control unit 30, a memory device 32, and a detection unit 34.

[0033] The control device 18, the display body 12, and the headphones 16 exchange signals and information via wired or wireless transmission means (not shown). Although the control device 18, the display body 12, and the headphones 16 are depicted as separate entities in the figure, the control device 18 may be built into the display body 12, etc.

[0034] The control unit 30 is a part that performs tests that can be performed based on the line of sight, such as a visual acuity test or a visual field test, by operating each component included in the head-mounted display 10. For example, this corresponds to a CPU or a GPU. Specific operations performed by the control unit 30 will be described later.

[0035] The storage device 32 is a device that stores, for example, statistical data on a preset visual acuity reference value VP and an actual visual acuity value RP, an individual ID corresponding to the subject H, and past visual acuity test results and visual field test results corresponding to the individual ID, and is realized by, for example, various types of RAM (Random Access Memory), various types of ROM (Read-Only Memory), flash memory, etc. The storage device 32 may also be a storage medium used via an interface, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) (registered trademark) memory, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a memory card, a solid-state drive, an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0036] The detection unit 34 is a part that receives an answer based on the gaze of the subject H. The detection unit 34 can detect the recognition of the subject H by detecting the gaze position on the screen 20 that the subject H is looking at and recognizing the answer based on the current gaze position (static recognition), or by detecting the direction in which the subject H has moved his / her gaze position (movement direction of the gaze position) and recognizing the answer (dynamic recognition). Note that the detection unit 34 is not limited to detecting the gaze position or the gaze movement direction associated with the movement of the gaze position, but can also detect a judgment index for obtaining a test result by detecting the number of times the eyelids are closed, a change in pupil size, etc.

[0037] (Inspection by the Control Unit 30) Next, the inspection by the control unit 30 of the control device 18 will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0038] First, in order to identify the subject H, iris data of the eye Y of the subject H wearing the head-mounted display 10 is acquired (S1). In this embodiment, the control unit 30 turns on the light source 24 of the display main body 12, receives the iris illuminated by the light from the light source 24 with the camera 28, and performs iris authentication based on the iris data of each subject H stored in the storage device 32. In other words, the control unit 30, the light source 24, the camera 28, and the storage device 32 constitute an iris authentication unit.

[0039] Note that iris authentication may be performed by, for example, lighting up the screen 20 and illuminating the eye Y with light from the screen 20 instead of using light from the light source 24. Alternatively, a separate light source dedicated to iris authentication may be provided.

[0040] If, as a result of iris authentication, the iris data of the subject H is not present in the memory device 32 (if the result in S2 is "No"), the control unit 30 associates an individual ID with the iris data and stores it in the memory device 32, and then proceeds to calibration (S4).

[0041] If, as a result of iris authentication, an individual ID corresponding to the iris data of the subject H is present in the storage device 32 (if the result in S2 is "Yes"), the control unit 30 checks whether a predetermined period (e.g., "24 hours") has passed since the most recent examination of the subject H having that individual ID (S3). If, as a result of the check, the predetermined period has not passed (if the result in S3 is "No"), the control unit 30 skips calibration (S4) and proceeds to examination (S5). Conversely, if the predetermined period has passed (if the result in S3 is "Yes"), the control unit 30 performs calibration (S4) to improve the accuracy of detecting the gaze position on the screen 20 that the subject H is looking at.

[0042] Next, calibration (S4) will be described. As described above, in the head-mounted display 10 according to this embodiment, the detection unit 34 is configured to receive an answer from the subject H (for example, in a visual acuity test, the answer is the direction in which the Landolt ring, serving as the index X, is missing) based on the gaze position of the subject H. For this reason, the control unit 30 causes the light source 24 of the head-mounted display 10 to emit light, irradiating the eye Y of the subject H with infrared light, and captures an image of the light reflected by the eye Y with the camera 28, thereby detecting the position at which the subject H is looking.

[0043] Specifically, the center of the eyeball is detected, and the optical axis of the eye is detected from the center of the eyeball and the center of the pupil. If the optical axis of the eye can be detected, the position (gaze position) and movement (gaze movement) of the eye Y of the subject H can be detected.

[0044] However, when detecting the position where the subject H is looking, it is difficult to determine the position where the subject H is looking simply by detecting the pupil because the human eye has a cornea and the line of sight may be slightly misaligned with the optical axis of the eye. For this reason, calibration is performed to detect the line of sight connecting the fovea (the part that recognizes images: Fovea) of the retina of each subject H's eye and the center of the eyeball. Note that calibration may be performed by displaying points at various positions on the screen 20 and having the subject H look at those points, or it may be performed based on the line of sight that the subject H moves while playing a game or watching a video.

[0045] Note that "calibration" does not only refer to gaze at various positions on the screen and detecting the state of the eyes at that time, but also refers to any action to improve the accuracy of gaze position and tracking. Calibration is not limited to cases where instructions are given to have the subject gaze at various parts of the screen, but also includes cases where instructions are displayed for the subject to read, or videos are displayed and the subject watches the videos, thereby naturally having the subject gaze at various parts of the screen.

[0046] After the calibration is completed, the control unit 30 enters the inspection step (S5).

[0047] In the test (S5), at least two of a visual acuity test, a dementia test, a visual field test, and a dry eye test are consecutively performed as multiple tests that can be answered by gaze. In this embodiment, a case where a visual acuity test and a visual field test are performed will be described. Note that "tests that can be performed based on the gaze" may also include other tests that can be performed based on the gaze of the subject H. For example, tests that can be performed based on the gaze may also include tests of different types that test different areas, such as tests of eye function and brain function. In other words, the head-mounted display 10 can consecutively perform two or more types of tests that test different areas or contents.

[0048] Note that "multiple consecutive tests" means that two or more tests are conducted without calibration, and does not only mean that the next test is conducted immediately after one test is completed, but also includes, for example, cases where one test is followed by viewing an image other than the test and then the next test is conducted without calibration, or cases where a certain period of rest is taken between two tests.

[0049] In addition, "tests that can be conducted based on the subject H's line of sight" include cases where an answer is selected based on the position of the gaze, or where a detection result is obtained by detecting that the gaze is blocked by the eyelid.

[0050] First, a visual acuity test is carried out. The flow of the visual acuity test will be specifically explained using the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0051] In this embodiment, the visual acuity test is performed one eye at a time. The control unit 30 displays an indicator (e.g., a Landolt ring) X three times to confirm that the subject H has a specific visual acuity. If the subject H answers correctly all three times through the detection unit 34, the control unit 30 confirms that the subject H has a visual acuity that is one level higher. If the subject H answers correctly two or less times, the control unit 30 recognizes that the specific visual acuity is the visual acuity reference value VP of the subject H.

[0052] For example, the control unit 30 displays an index X on the screen 20 to confirm that the visual acuity reference value VP is "0.2" (S101: see FIG. 6). A Landolt ring (index X) of a size corresponding to a visual acuity reference value VP of 0.2 is displayed in the center of the screen 20. Additionally, arrows Z, which are answer indicators, are displayed at the top, bottom, left, and right edges of the screen 20. More specifically, the index X is displayed in the center of the screen 20, and an arrow Z pointing right is displayed to the right of the index X, an arrow Z pointing left is displayed to the left of the index X, an arrow Z pointing up is displayed to the top of the index X, and an arrow Z pointing down is displayed to the bottom of the index X. While the arrow Z is displayed in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the arrow Z pointing up may be replaced with a character indicating a direction, such as "up" or "right." The index X is displayed in a predetermined position (center) on the screen 20, but the position of the notch (gap) of the index X is randomly selected among the top, bottom, left, and right. The answer indicators may include buttons for selecting an answer and other indicators that are not answer options but serve as markers for the subject H to use when moving his or her gaze.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 30 displays a pointer P at the line of sight on the screen 20 that the subject H is currently looking at (hereinafter also referred to as the "point of view of the subject H"). When the subject H moves his or her line of sight, the control unit 30 detects this and moves the display position of the pointer P in accordance with the movement of the line of sight.

[0054] When an index X is displayed during a visual acuity test, the subject H is required to respond by moving his or her gaze to a position corresponding to the index X (for example, in the case of a Landolt ring, the "arrow Z in the direction of the missing part"), as shown in FIG.

[0055] If the gaze (pointer P) is positioned at the correct position within a predetermined time after the display of the index X, the detection unit 34 determines that the answer to the index X is "correct." In other words, the detection unit 34 recognizes whether the index X is visible or not based on the answer to the index X by the subject's gaze.

[0056] Conversely, if the line of sight (pointer P) is not positioned on any of the arrows Z within a predetermined time after the display of the index X, or if the line of sight (pointer P) is positioned in an incorrect position, the detection unit 34 determines that the answer to the index X is "incorrect." In this way, the control unit 30 determines whether the accepted answer is correct or not.

[0057] Alternatively, it may be determined that the subject H cannot see the index X if the gaze position does not fall within a predetermined range from the index X within a predetermined time.

[0058] In this embodiment, it is determined that subject H recognizes index X by detecting that his / her gaze is positioned at the correct arrow Z, but it is not necessary for the gaze to be moved to the position of arrow Z; it may be determined that subject H recognizes index X by detecting that the gaze is positioned within a predetermined distance from arrow Z.

[0059] Furthermore, regardless of the position of the arrow Z, if it is detected that the gaze has moved in the correct direction around the index X (gaze movement), it may be determined that the subject H recognizes the index X.

[0060] Due to the structure of the human eye, there are cases where the accuracy of detecting the gaze position is low. In such cases, even if the subject H is viewing the arrow Z, the detected gaze position may not be on the arrow Z. Even in such cases, if a configuration is used that detects that the gaze has moved within a predetermined distance from the arrow Z or that detects that the gaze has moved in the correct direction around the index X, it will not be determined that the subject H is unable to correctly recognize the index X even though he or she is viewing the arrow Z, and the test can be carried out without any problems.

[0061] 5, the control unit 30 repeats this process three times and checks the number of times the answer has been determined to be "correct" (S102). If the answer is not "correct" all three times (if the result in S102 is "No"), the control unit 30 determines that particular visual acuity (i.e., "0.2") as the visual acuity reference value VP for the subject H (S103). That is, after the display of the index X, the acceptance of the answer, and the determination of correctness are repeated three times, it is determined whether to display an index with a higher visual acuity or to display the visual acuity result.

[0062] If all three tests are "correct" (if the result in S102 is "Yes"), the control unit 30 performs three new tests with a visual acuity one level higher (for example, "0.4") than the specific visual acuity (i.e., "0.2") (S104). The three new tests are essentially the same as the above-described tests, except that the size of the index X is different.

[0063] The control unit 30 performs three new tests and checks the number of times the test was recognized as "correct" (S105). If the test was not "correct" all three times (if the result in S105 is "No"), the control unit 30 recognizes the specific visual acuity (i.e., "0.4") as the visual acuity reference value VP of the subject H (S106).

[0064] If all three tests are "correct" (if the result in S105 is "Yes"), the control unit 30 conducts three new tests with a visual acuity one level higher than the specific visual acuity (i.e., "0.4") (for example, "0.6") (S104).

[0065] In this way, the control unit 30 certifies the visual acuity reference value VP of the subject H. Furthermore, the control unit 30 determines the actual visual acuity value RP based on this visual acuity reference value VP and the "statistical data of the visual acuity reference value and the actual visual acuity value" that is set in advance and stored in the storage device 32, and records the test date, visual acuity reference value VP, and actual visual acuity value RP in association with the individual ID corresponding to the subject H.

[0066] The actual visual acuity value RP is a "visual acuity" value currently widely used in eye clinics, eyeglass retailers, etc. When there is a discrepancy between the visual acuity reference value VP tested using the head-mounted display 10 according to this embodiment and the actual visual acuity value RP, "statistical data of visual acuity reference value and actual visual acuity value" is obtained by accumulating a large number of specific correspondences, such as, for example, that the subject H, whose visual acuity reference value VP is "0.1," has an actual visual acuity value RP of "0.2," and by making it possible to calculate the actual visual acuity value RP corresponding to the visual acuity reference value VP. Of course, the statistical data may also be a relational expression that can calculate the actual visual acuity value RP from the visual acuity reference value VP.

[0067] Once the vision test for one eye is completed, the vision test for the other eye is performed in the same manner.

[0068] Returning to FIG. 4, after the first test (visual acuity test) is completed, the control unit 30 immediately performs the second test (visual field test) (S6).

[0069] The "visual field test" will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0070] In this embodiment, the visual field test is performed one eye at a time. The control unit 30 displays an index X (a black circle in this embodiment) in the center of the screen 20 (S201: see FIG. 9). After confirming that the eye Y of the subject H is looking at this index X (the subject H's viewpoint is near the index X), the control unit 30 displays an index X' for performing the visual field test (S202: see FIG. 10).

[0071] When the index X' comes into the subject's field of view, the subject H should look at the index X' within a predetermined time. If the subject's viewpoint moves to the vicinity of the index X' within the predetermined time, it is determined that "the index X' is in the field of view" ("Yes" in S203). If the subject's viewpoint does not move to the vicinity of the index X' within the predetermined time after the index X' is displayed, the control unit 30 determines that "the index X' did not come into the field of view" ("No" in S203).

[0072] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the index X' was displayed, the control unit 30 erases the index X' and returns to displaying only the index X (S204: FIG. 9). Thereafter, the control unit 30 displays another index X' at a different position from the previous index X' for a predetermined time (S202: see FIG. 11). As with the previous index X', whether this index X' has entered the field of view is determined by whether the subject H's gaze has moved within the predetermined time (S203).

[0073] In this way, the indicator X' is displayed in order at the required positions, and the positions that have entered or have not entered the visual field of the subject H are confirmed to give the overall result of the visual field test for the eye Y of the subject H.

[0074] Once the visual field test for one eye is completed, the visual field test for the other eye is performed in the same manner.

[0075] 4, after the second test (visual field test) is completed, the control unit 30 checks whether an additional test is necessary (S7). If the test menu is predetermined and the need for the additional test is clear (if the result in S7 is "Yes"), the additional test is automatically performed (S8).

[0076] Alternatively, when the examination menu has not been decided or when the subject H is deciding the order of multiple examinations, the control unit 30 displays the examination menu on the screen 20, as shown in Fig. 12. The subject H can take the desired examinations in succession by moving the pointer P to the desired examination from the examination menu using line of sight movement.

[0077] If the subject H does not wish to undergo additional testing, he or she moves the pointer P to "End Test" by moving his or her line of sight. This ends the test (if the result in S7 is "No"). When the test is finished, the control unit 30 stores all test results in the storage device 32, linking them to individual IDs.

[0078] An example output of all test results is shown in Figure 13. All test results include not only the current result, but also past results and their dates linked to the same individual ID (progression in visual acuity test results). The "progression in visual acuity test results" may be displayed using a bar graph, line graph, or the like. Furthermore, it may also include suggestions such as "Your right eye's vision is deteriorating. We recommend wearing glasses or contact lenses. You may also have glaucoma, so we recommend you undergo a detailed examination," or referrals to "nearby medical institutions."

[0079] (Features of the head-mounted display 10 according to this embodiment) According to the head-mounted display 10 according to this embodiment, multiple tests that can be answered by gaze are performed using a single head-mounted display 10, and further, these multiple tests are performed consecutively after performing calibration to improve the detection accuracy of the gaze position on the screen 20 that the subject H is looking at. Therefore, by improving the gaze detection accuracy, the subject H's recognition can be detected with high accuracy, the burden on the subject H and the examiner is reduced, and the overall examination time can be shortened.

[0080] Furthermore, the head-mounted display 10 according to the present embodiment is equipped with a control unit 30 that changes the index X according to the content of the test, and a detection unit 34 that receives responses from the subject H through gaze movement, thereby minimizing the space required for the test, and because the control unit 30 changes the index X, there is no need for an examiner to be present or for the examiner to operate a controller, reducing the burden on the test, and further, there is no need for the subject H to respond using their hands. In particular, when using a VR head-mounted display 10, the subject H cannot see what is in front of them, making it difficult to operate, and it may be a burden for them to get used to operating it if they have difficulty using their hands, for example.

[0081] Furthermore, since the subject H can respond by moving his or her gaze, the burden of learning how to operate the device can be reduced compared to using a controller or the like. Furthermore, although the arrow Z is displayed in the above-described embodiment, the subject H can respond by detecting the direction in which the pointer P moves as the subject H moves his or her gaze, so there is no need to display an answer button or the like. By having the subject respond by detecting the direction in which the pointer P moves, the answer can be accepted even in cases where the calibration accuracy is poor and it is not possible to pinpoint that the subject is looking at the arrow Z. Note that if the arrow Z or the like is not displayed and the answer is accepted only based on the direction of the gaze relative to the index X, the answer can be accepted with high accuracy even if the detection accuracy of the gaze position is poor, as long as the direction is not incorrect.

[0082] (Variant 1) In the above-described embodiment, a portable head-mounted display 10 attached to the head of the subject H was used, but instead, other types of head-mounted displays may be used, such as a stationary head-mounted display that is used while the subject H is lying on his or her back.

[0083] (Variation 2) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, if subject H answers correctly three times in the visual acuity test, it is confirmed that he / she has one level of visual acuity that is one level higher, and if he / she answers correctly two times or less, that visual acuity is recognized as the visual acuity reference value VP of subject H. However, instead of this, in a test for a relatively high level of visual acuity, if he / she answers correctly two or more times, it may be confirmed that he / she has one level of visual acuity that is one level higher, and if he / she answers correctly one time or less, that visual acuity may be recognized as the visual acuity reference value VP of subject H. Furthermore, the number of times the test is conducted is not limited to "three times," and it may be conducted a predetermined number of times.

[0084] (Variation 3) Furthermore, although examples of visual acuity tests and visual field tests have been given as types of tests, cognitive function tests and dry eye tests may also be used. Regarding the relationship between visual function and cognitive function, the Japan Geriatrics Society proposed the concept of "eye frailty" in 2014. Furthermore, contrast tests, depth perception tests, and tests involving answering multiple questions, such as depression tests, schizophrenia tests, dizziness tests, concussion tests, and Parkinson's disease tests, may also be performed. In tests involving answering multiple questions, for example, answer options for each question are displayed on a screen, and answers can be accepted by aligning the gaze with the options.

[0085] Furthermore, the dry eye test determines whether or not the subject H has dry eye based on the number of blinks detected by the camera 28 within a predetermined time. While a separate time can be set aside for the dry eye test, the dry eye test can also be performed based on the number of blinks during other tests, such as a visual acuity test or visual field test. When a head-mounted display is used, a screen 20 is placed in front of each of the subject's left and right eyes, and the visual acuity test can be performed with both eyes open, so that the dry eye test can be performed while the eye test is being performed.

[0086] Generally, dry eye tests are conducted by preparing a testing environment and allocating a specific testing time. Therefore, when a dry eye test is conducted in addition to a visual acuity test and a visual field test, the testing time increases accordingly, and the burden of preparing the testing environment also increases. With the above configuration, the test can be conducted by counting the number of blinks during the visual field test and / or visual acuity test, significantly reducing the time and physical burden of the test.

[0087] (Modification 4) In the above-described embodiment, the pointer P is displayed at the position where the subject H looks. However, the position where the subject H looks does not have to be displayed with the pointer P.

[0088] (Variation 5) In the above-described embodiment, the Landolt ring is used as the index X for the visual acuity test. However, other index X consisting of two parallel lines and a line connecting one end of these lines, such as the letter "ko", or an English letter, etc. may also be used.

[0089] (Variation 6) In the above-described embodiment, arrows Z are arranged up, down, left, and right around the index X, but instead of arrows, letters such as "up" and "down" may be displayed side by side at the bottom of the screen 20 as shown in Fig. 14. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 15, without displaying arrows or letters, the subject may be instructed to move their gaze in an open direction of the Landolt ring (index X) or the like before the start of the test, and whether or not the subject H can see the object may be determined based on the subject H's response in this way.

[0090] Alternatively, arrows pointing in different directions or letters such as "up" and "down" may be displayed side by side, and the subject H may answer by gazing at the arrows, etc. Furthermore, instead of indicators indicating directions, "marks" such as dots, triangles, etc. may be displayed.

[0091] (Variation 7) In the above-described embodiment, the next test is selected from the test menu using eye movement, but this is not limited to this. The test menu may be created in advance, and the order of the tests may be determined in advance.

[0092] Furthermore, the order or items of tests to be performed subsequently may be changed based on the results of tests that have been performed previously.

[0093] (Modification 8) In the above-described embodiment, iris authentication is performed first, but iris authentication is not essential, and instead, the individual ID of the subject H may be input.

[0094] (Variant 9) After all tests have been performed, the control unit may conduct a questionnaire with the subject H and make a comprehensive judgment regarding the subject H's eyes based on the results of the questionnaire and the results of the multiple tests performed.

[0095] (Variation 10) In the above-described embodiment, the configurations for answering questions based on gaze and for testing based on gaze have been described, such as a configuration in which the answer is given by fixing the gaze at the position of the answer displayed by gaze tracking, or a method in which the answer is given by moving the gaze in the direction of the answer. However, the present invention is not limited to these. Other possible methods include a method in which the answer is given by detecting whether the gaze is obstructed by the eyelid or the number of times the gaze is obstructed by the eyelid, or a method in which the test is performed by detecting the size of the pupil. Furthermore, it is also possible to perform the test by focusing the gaze on a moving object or an object displayed as if it is moving toward the user. It is also possible to perform the test by performing a predetermined gaze movement.

[0096] (Variation 11) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a visual acuity test and a visual field test were conducted consecutively, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two or more tests may be conducted in a mixed manner, such as conducting part of a visual acuity test, followed by part of a visual field test, and then conducting part of a visual acuity test again.

[0097] (Variation 12) The condition of the eyeballs of subject H may be examined in parallel with each test, such as a visual acuity test or a visual field test. In this case, while subject H is undergoing the test, the condition of the eyeballs is examined by observing pupil constriction, corneal reflex, pupillary reflex, and the condition of the fundus and eyelids. The final results of each test may be displayed based on both information about the eyeball condition and the results of each test, taking into account the eyeball condition. For example, the possibility of a specific eye disease, such as amblyopia, may be detected based on the rotational movement of the eyeballs and the constriction and dilation of the pupils, and this may be displayed or reflected in the final results.

[0098] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0099] 10...head mounted display, 12...display main body, 14...casing part, 16...headphones, 18...control device 20...screen, 22...lens, 24...light source, 26...hot mirror, 28...camera 30...control part, 32...storage device, 34...detection part H...subject, X...index, Y...(subject H's) eye, VP...visual acuity reference value, RP...actual visual acuity value, Z...arrow, P...pointer

Claims

1. An examination device for performing a plurality of tests that can be performed based on the line of sight of a subject, comprising: a screen that displays an index for the test; a control unit that changes the index according to the content of the test; and a detection unit that detects the test results based on the line of sight of the subject, wherein the control unit performs calibration to improve the detection accuracy of the line of sight position on the screen that the subject is looking at, and then performs the plurality of tests consecutively.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection of the inspection result based on the line of sight is performed by grasping the line of sight position of the subject on the screen.

3. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection of the inspection result based on the line of sight is performed based on the direction of movement of the line of sight position on the screen that the subject is looking at.

4. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the subject cannot see the index when the subject's gaze position does not fall within a predetermined range from the index within a predetermined time.

5. The examination device according to claim 1, further comprising an iris authentication unit that authenticates the iris of the pupil to identify the subject.

6. An examination device as described in claim 5, further comprising a storage device that stores the iris of the subject, past examination results, and the results of the calibration, wherein the control unit searches the storage device for the subject corresponding to the iris authenticated by the iris authentication unit, and if a corresponding subject is found, performs multiple examinations based on the corresponding calibration results without performing the calibration.

7. The testing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines whether or not the subject has dry eye based on the number of blinks detected by the subject during a predetermined period of time during which a test other than dry eye is being performed.

8. The examination device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of tests include at least two of a visual acuity test, a dementia test, a visual field test, a dry eye test, a contrast test, a depth perception test, a concussion test, a depression test, a schizophrenia test, and a Parkinson's disease test.

9. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the order or items of the inspections to be performed subsequently based on the results of the inspections previously performed.

10. The examination device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit conducts a questionnaire on the subject and makes a comprehensive judgment regarding the subject's eyes based on the results of the questionnaire and the results of multiple tests.

11. The examination device according to claim 1, further comprising a housing that can be worn on the head of the subject.

12. An examination method using an examination device for performing multiple examinations that can be performed based on the subject's line of sight, which device comprises: a screen that displays an index for the examination; a control unit that changes the index depending on the content of the examination; and a detection unit that detects the examination results based on the subject's line of sight, and after performing calibration to improve the detection accuracy of the gaze position on the screen that the subject is looking at, the multiple examinations are performed consecutively.

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