Ophthalmic device, method for controlling ophthalmic device, and recording medium

Abstract

This ophthalmic device according to an exemplary embodiment comprises an illumination system and a plurality of imaging systems. The illumination system is configured to project illumination light onto an anterior segment of an eye under examination. Each imaging system is configured to satisfy the Scheimpflug condition. The plurality of imaging systems is configured to generate a plurality of items of data by capturing images in a state in which the respective imaging systems are focused on a plurality of different regions in an optical section formed by the illumination light.

Description

Ophthalmic device, method for controlling the ophthalmic device, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic device, a method for controlling the ophthalmic device, and a recording medium.

[0002] In the field of ophthalmology, image diagnosis plays an important role. In ophthalmic image diagnosis, various types of ophthalmic devices (ophthalmic imaging devices) such as a slit lamp microscope, a fundus camera, a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO), and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) are used. The ophthalmic devices having an imaging function are not limited to these ophthalmic imaging devices, and imaging functions are also incorporated in ophthalmic examination devices and ophthalmic measurement devices such as a refractometer, a keratometer, a tonometer, a specular microscope, a wavefront analyzer, and a microperimeter, and are used for examinations and measurements, or for operations such as alignment and focusing.

[0003] Although a slit lamp microscope has been widely used in anterior eye segment observation, other modalities have been proposed in recent years. For example, Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose an ophthalmic device that employs an optical system configured to satisfy the conditions of shine proof in an imaging system and uses an optical system configured to project illumination light onto the object plane of the shine proof imaging system in an illumination system. The anterior eye segment imaging modality using the shine proof imaging system has an advantage that an anterior eye segment image with a deep depth of field in focus over the entire object plane can be collected.

[0004] The ophthalmic devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are configured to collect a plurality of images of the anterior eye segment by integrally rotating, about an axis substantially coinciding with the optical axis of the eye under examination, an illumination system for projecting slit light onto the anterior eye segment and a shine proof imaging system for digitally photographing the anterior eye segment.

[0005] Further, the ophthalmic devices disclosed in Patent Documents 3 and 4 are configured to collect a plurality of images of the anterior eye segment by integrally translating, in a direction parallel to the width direction of the slit light, an illumination system for projecting slit light onto the anterior eye segment and a shine proof imaging system for digitally photographing the anterior eye segment.

[0006] Traditionally, in digital photography using a Shineproof imaging system, there was a trade-off between the size of the shooting range (field of view) and the level of digital resolution. In other words, widening the field of view reduced resolution, and increasing the resolution narrowed the field of view.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 6,286,958, U.S. Patent No. 7,425,068, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2023-49320, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-213733

[0008] One objective of this disclosure is to provide a technology that enables both a wide imaging range and high resolution in a digital anterior segment imaging modality using a Scheinproof imaging system.

[0009] One exemplary embodiment of the invention is an ophthalmic apparatus comprising an illumination system and a plurality of imaging systems. The illumination system is configured to project illumination light onto the anterior segment of the eye under examination. The plurality of imaging systems are each configured to satisfy the shine-proof condition and are further configured to generate a plurality of data by taking images of a plurality of different regions in the optical section formed by the illumination light, each in focus.

[0010] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to achieve both a wide imaging range and high resolution in a digital anterior segment imaging modality using a Shineproof imaging system.

[0011] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram for explaining imaging using an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram for explaining images acquired by imaging using an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram for explaining imaging using an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram for explaining images acquired by imaging using an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram for explaining imaging using an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram for explaining images acquired by imaging using an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram for explaining anterior segment scanning using an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting aspect of the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram illustrating an anterior segment scan using an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. This is a schematic diagram illustrating an anterior segment scan using an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. This is a schematic diagram illustrating an anterior segment scan using an ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the ophthalmic device according to a non-limiting embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to a modified example.

[0012] Non-limiting embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below.

[0013] Any prior art can be combined with the embodiments. For example, any matter described in the documents cited in this disclosure can be combined with any aspect of the embodiments. Furthermore, at least one of any prior art related to the art of this disclosure, any prior art in a similar art, and any prior art in a different art may be combined with any aspect of the embodiments. In addition, any technical matter disclosed by the applicant of this application with respect to the art related to this disclosure (such as matters disclosed in patent applications, papers, etc.) can be incorporated into this disclosure by reference.

[0014] Two or more of the various non-limiting embodiments of the embodiment can be combined at least partially.

[0015] At least some of the various functions related to this disclosure are implemented using a circuit configuration or a processing circuit configuration. The circuit configuration or processing circuit configuration is configured and / or programmed to perform at least a portion of the disclosed functions, and includes general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, integrated circuits, CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), programmable logic devices (e.g., SPLDs (Simple Programmable Logic Devices), CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gates) This includes any of the following: Array, conventional circuit configurations, and any combination thereof. A processor is considered a processing circuit configuration or circuit configuration, including transistors and / or other circuit configurations. In this disclosure, a circuit configuration, unit, means, or similar terms means hardware that performs at least a portion of the disclosed functions, or hardware programmed to perform at least a portion of the disclosed functions. The hardware may be the hardware disclosed herein, or it may be known hardware programmed and / or configured to perform at least a portion of the described functions. If the hardware is a processor that can be considered a certain type of circuit configuration, then a circuit configuration, unit, means, or similar terms means a combination of hardware and software, the software being used to constitute the hardware and / or processor.

[0016] <Summary of Embodiments> One objective of some embodiments of the embodiments relating to this disclosure is to achieve both a wide imaging range and high resolution in a digital anterior segment imaging modality using a Shineproof imaging system.

[0017] Furthermore, one objective of some embodiments of the embodiments described herein is to achieve a resolution equivalent to that of a relatively expensive image sensor with a relatively high pixel count using an inexpensive image sensor with a relatively low pixel count in a digital anterior segment imaging modality utilizing a Shineproof imaging system.

[0018] Furthermore, one objective of some embodiments of the embodiments described herein is to optimize the optical system design according to the purpose, reduce costs associated with aberration correction and lens manufacturing, and enable various functional enhancements (for example, data linkage and data integration using Extract / Transform / Load (ETL)) by reducing the field of view (narrowing the field of view) of the Scheinproof imaging system in a digital anterior segment imaging modality using a Scheinproof imaging system.

[0019] The purposes and effects of the embodiments relating to this disclosure are not limited to those described above. Several non-limiting embodiments are described below, and those skilled in the art will understand that each embodiment produces effects according to its characteristics (configuration, operation, function, use, etc.).

[0020] The first embodiment of the invention is an ophthalmic device that functions as a digital anterior segment imaging modality utilizing a Scheinproof imaging system, and includes an illumination system and a plurality of imaging systems. The illumination system is configured to project illumination light onto the anterior segment of the eye under examination. Each of the plurality of imaging systems is a Scheinproof imaging system configured to satisfy the conditions of Scheinproof. The plurality of imaging systems are further configured to generate a plurality of data by taking images while focusing on a plurality of different regions in the optical section formed by the illumination light. In other words, the ophthalmic device according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of Scheinproof imaging systems having different fields of view (imaging ranges) from each other, and an illumination system that projects illumination light onto the object surfaces of all Scheinproof imaging systems.

[0021] Multiple different regions that are the focus and target of multiple imaging systems may include pairs of regions that partially overlap with each other, or pairs of regions where one region encompasses the entirety of the other. Alternatively, none of the region pairs in the multiple different regions may overlap with each other. In this way, the multiple different regions are configured so that there are no region pairs that completely match each other, and this configuration may be freely configured or selected.

[0022] The Scheinproof condition is a condition relating to the optical system (in this disclosure, the imaging system), specifying that the optical system is configured such that the object plane, the principal lens plane, and the film plane (the light-detecting surface of the image sensor) intersect on the same straight line. In an optical system that satisfies the Scheinproof condition, the object plane is not arranged parallel to the principal lens plane. A camera using such a Scheinproof optical system (Scheinproof camera) can simultaneously focus and capture images over a wide depth range, from near to far objects. In the anterior segment imaging of this disclosure, for example, the eye under examination is captured with the entire wide depth range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens in focus. This example has the effect of obtaining a high-resolution image that represents the entire main observation range of the anterior segment.

[0023] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the first embodiment, optical sectioning of the eye can be performed by projecting illumination light onto the eye using an illumination system.

[0024] Furthermore, the multiple (Scheinproof) imaging systems according to this embodiment are configured to capture images while focusing on multiple different regions in the optical section formed by the illumination light. In other words, the multiple imaging systems have multiple different fields of view and are configured to capture multiple different regions in the optical section corresponding to these fields of view. As a result, each imaging system can focus on the corresponding region in the optical section and capture images to generate data. By using such multiple imaging systems, multiple data sets corresponding to multiple different regions in the optical section can be obtained.

[0025] Unlike this embodiment, which functions in this way, conventional modalities (digital anterior segment imaging modalities using a Scheinproof imaging system) merely capture optical sections in a single field of view.

[0026] According to this embodiment, for example, by using multiple imaging systems equipped with image sensors of the same pixel count as a conventional modality, and employing a configuration that divides the field of view, which has the same dimensions as a conventional modality, into multiple sections for imaging, it is possible to achieve both a wide imaging range (wide combined field of view) and high resolution. Furthermore, since the field of view of any one of the imaging systems can be made narrower than that of a conventional single field of view, it is possible to optimize the optical system design, reduce costs, and expand functionality.

[0027] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, by comparing the combined field of view of multiple imaging systems with that of a conventional single field of view, it is possible to employ an image sensor with fewer pixels than conventional ones. As one example, if two imaging systems have the same dimensions and non-overlapping fields of view, and the dimensions of the combined field of view of the two imaging systems are equal to the dimensions of a conventional single field of view, then by mounting an image sensor with half the number of pixels of a conventional image sensor in each imaging system, it is possible to capture the same range with the same resolution as a conventional single field of view. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same resolution (and the same shooting range) as an expensive image sensor using an inexpensive image sensor.

[0028] A second embodiment of the embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus of the first embodiment, wherein a plurality of imaging systems include a first imaging system and a second imaging system. The first imaging system is a Scheinproof imaging system and is configured to take images while in focus on a first region among a plurality of different regions in an optical section formed by illumination light. The second imaging system is a Scheinproof imaging system and is configured to take images while in focus on a second region among a plurality of different regions in an optical section formed by illumination light. The second region is a different region from the first region. Furthermore, a part of the first region and a part of the second region overlap with each other.

[0029] In other words, in this embodiment, the first imaging system and the second imaging system have fields of view that are different from each other and partially overlap. As a result, one image is obtained in which an image of a certain region of the eye under examination is depicted in part, and another image is obtained in which an image of the same region is depicted in part, and an image of a region not depicted in the first image is also depicted. Note that three or more imaging systems may have similar configurations and functions.

[0030] Here, a "part" of the first domain refers to a proper subset of the first domain, not the entire first domain. The same applies to a "part" of the second domain. That is, the first and second domains share a common domain, and the first domain includes the outer domain of the second domain, and the second domain includes the outer domain of the first domain.

[0031] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, processing and observation can be performed using the overlapping region between the first and second regions. For example, it is possible to combine the first and second regions based on the image depicted in the overlapping region, reduce noise by averaging the two image regions corresponding to the overlapping region, or select one of the two image regions corresponding to the overlapping region (for example, the one of higher quality) for observation.

[0032] A third embodiment of the embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to the first or second embodiment, wherein a plurality of imaging systems include a third imaging system and a fourth imaging system. The third imaging system is a Scheinproof imaging system and is configured to take images while in focus on a third region among a plurality of different regions in an optical section formed by illumination light. The fourth imaging system is a Scheinproof imaging system and is configured to take images while in focus on a fourth region among a plurality of different regions in an optical section formed by illumination light. The fourth region is a region different from the third region. Furthermore, the third region includes the entire fourth region. Therefore, the third region includes both the entire fourth region and the region outside the fourth region.

[0033] In other words, in this embodiment, the third imaging system and the fourth imaging system have fields of view that are different from and encompass each other. To put it another way, the field of view of the fourth imaging system is a proper subset of the field of view of the third imaging system. As a result, an image is obtained in which an image of a certain region of the eye under examination is depicted, and an image is obtained in which an image of a subregion of that region is depicted. Note that three or more imaging systems may have similar configurations and functions.

[0034] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, it is possible to acquire images of a relatively wide third region and images of a relatively narrow fourth region. The images of the fourth region are typically images with relatively high resolution.

[0035] As an example of this embodiment, a wide-area image depicting the range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens with relatively low resolution can be generated as an image of a third region, while a narrow-area image depicting a specific tissue (e.g., cornea, anterior chamber, iris, or lens) with relatively high resolution can be generated as an image of a fourth region. This makes it possible to perform both wide-area observation and narrow-area detailed observation. Furthermore, it is also possible to perform both wide-area analysis and evaluation, as well as narrow-area detailed analysis and evaluation.

[0036] The methods for utilizing wide-area and narrow-area images are not limited to the examples given here, and can be arbitrarily selected or designed according to the purpose.

[0037] The third imaging system in the third embodiment may be either the first imaging system or the second imaging system in the second embodiment, or it may be a different imaging system. Also, the fourth imaging system in the third embodiment may be either the first imaging system or the second imaging system in the second embodiment, or it may be a different imaging system.

[0038] A fourth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to third embodiments, wherein multiple different regions captured by multiple imaging systems correspond to multiple different ranges in the direction along the optical axis of the illumination system (in the direction of the illumination optical axis).

[0039] That is, in this aspect, the ranges in the illumination optical axis direction of the plurality of fields of view of the plurality of imaging systems correspond to a plurality of different sections defined in the illumination optical axis direction. As a result, a plurality of images in which a plurality of different ranges in the illumination optical axis direction are respectively depicted are obtained.

[0040] According to the ophthalmic device according to the fourth aspect, the effects of the cited aspect can be achieved, and in particular, the effects of the cited aspect can be achieved with respect to the illumination optical axis direction. As the illumination optical axis direction, for example, a direction along the axis of the eye to be examined (referred to as the depth direction, the depth direction, the Z direction, etc.) can be adopted, but a direction inclined with respect to the Z direction may also be used.

[0041] For example, according to this aspect, by imaging a plurality of tissues arranged in the Z direction (for example, the cornea, the anterior chamber, the iris, the lens, etc.) by dividing them into a plurality of different depth regions, a plurality of images in which each tissue is depicted with high resolution can be obtained.

[0042] Further, according to this aspect, by imaging one tissue (for example, the cornea, the anterior chamber, the iris, or the lens) by dividing it into a plurality of different depth regions, a plurality of images in which each part of the tissue is depicted with high resolution can be obtained.

[0043] The fifth aspect of the embodiment is the ophthalmic device of the fourth aspect, wherein the sum range of the plurality of different ranges respectively imaged by the plurality of imaging systems includes at least a part of the range from the front surface of the cornea to the rear surface of the lens. Here, the "sum range" indicates the union of a plurality of different ranges as a set.

[0044] That is, in this aspect, the combined field of view of the plurality of imaging systems includes at least a part of the range from the front surface of the cornea to the rear surface of the lens. As a result, a plurality of images in which at least a part of the range from the front surface of the cornea to the rear surface of the lens is divided and depicted are obtained.

[0045] According to the ophthalmic device according to the fifth aspect, in addition to the effects of the cited aspect, since it is possible to perform imaging by dividing the entire or a part of the range from the anterior corneal surface to the posterior lens surface (that is, the main target range for anterior segment observation) into a plurality of different depth regions, it is possible to contribute to improving the observation quality of the imaging range.

[0046] The sixth aspect of the embodiment is the ophthalmic device of the fifth aspect, wherein the sum range of a plurality of different ranges respectively imaged by a plurality of imaging systems includes the entire range from the anterior corneal surface to the posterior lens surface.

[0047] That is, in this aspect, the combined field of view of the plurality of imaging systems includes the entire range from the anterior corneal surface to the posterior lens surface. As a result, a plurality of images in which the entire range from the anterior corneal surface to the posterior lens surface is depicted can be obtained.

[0048] According to the ophthalmic device according to the sixth aspect, in addition to the effects of the cited aspect, since it is possible to perform imaging by dividing the entire main target range for anterior segment observation into a plurality of different depth regions, it is possible to contribute to improving the observation quality of the entire main target range for anterior segment observation.

[0049] The seventh aspect of the embodiment is the ophthalmic device of the sixth aspect, wherein each of the plurality of different ranges respectively imaged by the plurality of imaging systems is a part (proper subset) of the range from the anterior corneal surface to the posterior lens surface. When the features of the sixth aspect are also described together, in this aspect, in addition to the sum range of the plurality of different ranges respectively imaged by the plurality of imaging systems including the entire range from the anterior corneal surface to the posterior lens surface, none of the plurality of different ranges includes the entire range.

[0050] That is, in this aspect, the combined field of view of the plurality of imaging systems includes the entire range from the anterior corneal surface to the posterior lens surface, and the field of view of any of the imaging systems does not include the entire range. As a result, a plurality of images in which the entire range from the anterior corneal surface to the posterior lens surface is divided and depicted can be obtained.

[0051] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the seventh embodiment, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, it is possible to observe the entire range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens. Furthermore, since the field of view of each imaging system is designed to be relatively narrow (i.e., the angle of view is relatively small), the resolution of the images obtained by each imaging system is relatively high. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an image of the entire main target range for anterior segment observation, and to provide high-quality images for each part.

[0052] An eighth aspect of the embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus of the sixth aspect, wherein at least one of several different ranges captured by the multiple imaging systems includes the entire range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens. The features of the sixth aspect are also described, in this aspect, in addition to the fact that the sum of the several different ranges captured by the multiple imaging systems includes the entire range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens, any of the several different ranges includes the entire range.

[0053] In other words, in this embodiment, the combined field of view of multiple imaging systems includes the entire range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens, and the field of view of a particular imaging system includes this entire range. As a result, one or more images depicting the entire range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens, and one or more images depicting a portion of this entire range, are obtained. If the fields of view of two or more imaging systems include this entire range, for example, one of these fields of view may include a margin corresponding to the outside of the eye being examined (such as the space on the ophthalmic device side of the cornea), and another field of view may include a margin corresponding to the tissue on the fundus side of the lens (such as the vitreous humor).

[0054] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the eighth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, the entire range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens can be observed in a single image. Furthermore, since the field of view of one or more imaging systems is designed to be relatively narrow (i.e., the angle of view is relatively small), the resolution of the images obtained by the imaging system is relatively high. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a single image representing the entire main target range for anterior segment observation, as well as high-quality images for one or more parts.

[0055] The ninth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the fourth to eighth embodiments, wherein, with respect to a first range and a second range among a plurality of different ranges each captured by a plurality of imaging systems, the first range includes at least a portion of the second range.

[0056] In other words, in this embodiment, the fields of view of two of the multiple imaging systems overlap at least partially (they do not completely overlap). As a result, images similar to those in the second or third embodiment are obtained in the fourth to eighth embodiments. Specifically, similar to the second embodiment, one image is obtained in which an image of a certain region of the eye under examination is depicted in part, and another image is obtained in which an image of the same region is depicted in part, and an image of a region not depicted in the first image is also depicted. Alternatively, similar to the third embodiment, an image is obtained in which an image of a certain region of the eye under examination is depicted, and an image is obtained in which an image of a part of that region is depicted. Note that three or more imaging systems may have similar configurations and functions.

[0057] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the ninth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, processing and observation utilizing the overlap of two regions can be performed, similar to the second embodiment, or, similar to the third embodiment, an image corresponding to a relatively wide area and an image corresponding to a relatively narrow area with relatively high resolution can be obtained.

[0058] The tenth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to ninth embodiments, wherein multiple different regions captured by multiple imaging systems correspond to multiple different ranges in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the illumination system (direction perpendicular to the illumination optical axis).

[0059] In other words, in this embodiment, the range of multiple fields of view of multiple imaging systems in the direction perpendicular to the illumination optical axis corresponds to multiple different sections defined in the direction perpendicular to the illumination optical axis. As a result, multiple images are obtained, each depicting multiple different ranges in the direction perpendicular to the illumination optical axis.

[0060] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the tenth embodiment, the effects of the cited embodiment can be achieved, and in particular, the effects of the cited embodiment can be achieved with respect to the direction perpendicular to the illumination optical axis. As the direction perpendicular to the illumination optical axis, for example, any direction (XY direction) defined on a plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the direction along the axis of the eye to be examined (Z direction) can be adopted, but it may also be a direction inclined with respect to the XY direction.

[0061] By considering the difference between the direction of illumination along the optical axis and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, any aspect relating to the fourth aspect can be applied to the tenth aspect. As a result, the tenth aspect can produce effects corresponding to the applied aspect.

[0062] An eleventh embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to tenth embodiments, wherein at least one of the plurality of imaging systems includes a region movement unit. The region movement unit is used to move a region corresponding to the imaging system from among a plurality of different regions each imaging by the plurality of imaging systems.

[0063] In other words, in this embodiment, the field of view of the imaging system can be changed by incorporating a region movement unit into the imaging system.

[0064] The region shifting unit includes, for example, a zoom optical system that includes a zoom lens and a mechanism for moving it. However, the configuration of the region shifting unit is not limited to a zoom optical system.

[0065] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the eleventh embodiment, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, the field of view can be positioned according to the purpose and the eye under examination can be photographed. Furthermore, the positional relationship of multiple fields of view of multiple imaging systems can be changed according to the purpose.

[0066] A twelfth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to eleventh embodiments, wherein each of the plurality of imaging systems includes an image sensor. In at least one imaging system, the image sensor is positioned on the image plane of the imaging system and is eccentrically positioned with respect to the optical axis (imaging optical axis) of the imaging system.

[0067] Generally, in a Shineproof imaging system, the image plane is inclined with respect to the optical axis of the image, and the optical axis of the image sensor placed on the image plane is also inclined with respect to the optical axis of the image. Therefore, unlike when there is no inclination (for example, when a Shineproof imaging system is not employed), light enters the image sensor from an oblique direction, which leads to a problem of reduced light detection efficiency by the image sensor.

[0068] According to the 12th embodiment of the ophthalmic apparatus, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, by arranging the image sensor on the image plane to satisfy the shine-proof conditions, it is possible to achieve shooting with a deep depth of field, while by eccentrically arranging the image sensor with respect to the shooting optical axis, it is possible to improve the decrease in light detection efficiency caused by the inclination of the image plane with respect to the shooting optical axis.

[0069] Improving light detection efficiency can enhance both shooting quality and image quality. Improvements in shooting quality include increased flexibility in various shooting conditions such as illumination intensity, shutter speed (electronic shutter, mechanical shutter), aperture value, and gain. Furthermore, it increases the flexibility in selecting various devices such as light sources. Improvements in image quality include enhancements to various qualities such as brightness and contrast. This improvement in image quality is expected to facilitate observation by physicians and improve the quality of various image processing, including analysis and evaluation.

[0070] A thirteenth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to twelfth embodiments, wherein the illumination system includes a first illumination system and a second illumination system. The first illumination system is configured to project a first illumination light onto the object surface of one of a plurality of imaging systems. The second illumination system is configured to project a second illumination light onto the object surface of another imaging system.

[0071] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the 13th embodiment, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, two (or more) pairs of shineproof imaging systems and illumination systems are provided, so that separate imaging with different conditions (e.g., illumination wavelength, illumination intensity, imaging direction, detection wavelength, filter, etc.) can be performed simultaneously, and separate imaging with different conditions can be performed sequentially smoothly.

[0072] Here, the separate imaging may target the same part of the anterior segment, or it may target different parts. In the former case, the optical system of the ophthalmic device is designed such that the object plane of the first imaging system and the object plane of the other imaging system coincide at least partially. In the latter case, the optical system of the ophthalmic device is designed such that the object plane of the first imaging system and the object plane of the other imaging system differ at least partially.

[0073] The wavelengths of the first and second illumination lights may be arbitrary. For example, the combination of the first and second illumination lights may be any of the following: visible light and visible light, visible light and near-infrared light, or near-infrared light and near-infrared light. The same applies to characteristics other than wavelength (e.g., intensity).

[0074] A fourteenth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to thirteenth embodiments, further comprising a fixation optical system. The fixation optical system is configured to present a fixation target to the eye under examination.

[0075] According to the ophthalmic device of the 14th embodiment, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, it is possible to encourage the subject to keep their eye still during imaging. When separate images are taken sequentially, as in the 13th embodiment, or when the anterior segment is scanned, as in the 16th to 18th embodiments described later, the imaging time becomes relatively long, and the possibility of the subject's eye moving becomes relatively high, so the usefulness of the 14th embodiment is considered to be particularly high.

[0076] A fifteenth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to fourteenth embodiments, further comprising a first data synthesis processing unit. The first data synthesis processing unit is configured to synthesize multiple data generated by multiple imaging systems.

[0077] For example, as described in the fourth to ninth embodiments, when multiple fields of view of multiple imaging systems are arranged in the Z direction, each of the multiple imaging systems generates an image of an optical section formed in the YZ direction (YZ image). The first data synthesis processing unit can generate one or more YZ images as synthesized data by synthesizing the multiple YZ images generated by the multiple imaging systems.

[0078] As described in the tenth aspect, when multiple fields of view of multiple imaging systems are arranged in the XY direction, the form of the composite data depends on the arrangement of the multiple fields of view. For example, when multiple fields of view of multiple imaging systems are arranged in the X direction, the first data synthesis processing unit can generate a stacked image arranged in the X direction or a plate-like image (3D image) with thickness in the X direction as composite data by synthesizing multiple YZ images generated by the multiple imaging systems. Also, when multiple fields of view of multiple imaging systems are arranged in the Y direction, the first data synthesis processing unit can generate one or more YZ images as composite data by synthesizing multiple YZ images generated by the multiple imaging systems.

[0079] As described in the third and ninth embodiments, when the field of view of one imaging system encompasses the field of view of another imaging system, the first data synthesis processing unit can generate locally high-resolution wide-area images as synthesized data by synthesizing the two (or more) images obtained from these two (or more) imaging systems.

[0080] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the 15th embodiment, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, it becomes possible to process (for example, display, analysis, and evaluation) composite data of multiple data generated by multiple imaging systems, thereby contributing to an improvement in the quality of observation and diagnosis.

[0081] A sixteenth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to fifteenth embodiments, further comprising a moving mechanism and a first control unit. The moving mechanism is configured to move an illumination system and a plurality of imaging systems. The first control unit is configured to control the illumination system, the plurality of imaging systems, and the moving mechanism to cause the plurality of imaging systems to generate datasets corresponding to a plurality of positions.

[0082] Here, the mode in which the moving mechanism moves the lighting system and the multiple imaging systems may be arbitrary. For example, this mode of movement may be either translational movement or rotational movement, or both. Examples of non-limiting translational movement are described in Patent Documents 3 and 4, and examples of non-limiting rotational movement are described in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0083] In the sixteenth embodiment, the dataset generated by the multiple imaging systems includes multiple sub-datasets corresponding to multiple locations corresponding to the movement trajectories of the lighting system and the multiple imaging systems. Each sub-dataset corresponding to a single location includes multiple data obtained by the multiple imaging systems when the lighting system and the multiple imaging systems are positioned at that location.

[0084] In other words, the scan performed in this embodiment sequentially acquires "multiple data" of the first embodiment at multiple scan positions corresponding to the movement trajectories of the lighting system and multiple imaging systems. The dataset collected in this scan contains multiple data corresponding to each of the multiple scan positions.

[0085] Furthermore, the manner in which the moving mechanism moves the lighting system and the multiple imaging systems may be a single parallel movement in one direction, or multiple parallel movements in one direction or both directions (reciprocating direction). Alternatively, the movement may be a single rotational movement, or multiple rotational movements.

[0086] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the 16th embodiment, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, by moving the object surface illuminated by illumination light and taking multiple images with multiple imaging systems, it is possible to image a wide area (three-dimensional region) of the anterior segment of the eye with a deep depth of field.

[0087] A seventeenth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to the sixteenth embodiment, further including a second data synthesis processing unit. The second data synthesis processing unit is configured to synthesize datasets generated by a plurality of imaging systems.

[0088] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the 17th embodiment, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, it becomes possible to process (e.g., display, analysis, evaluation, etc.) composite data of datasets generated by scanning using multiple imaging systems, thereby contributing to an improvement in the quality of observation and diagnosis.

[0089] The eighteenth embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to the seventeenth embodiment, wherein multiple different regions captured by multiple imaging systems correspond to multiple different ranges in a first direction along the optical axis of the illumination system. Here, the first direction is the same direction as the illumination optical axis direction (e.g., the Z direction) in the fourth to ninth embodiments.

[0090] Furthermore, the moving mechanism is configured to move the illumination system and multiple imaging systems in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (the direction of the illumination light axis). Here, the second direction corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the illumination light axis (for example, the XY direction) in the tenth embodiment, but since both the second direction and the direction perpendicular to the illumination light axis are directions defined on a plane and have two-dimensional degrees of freedom, the direction perpendicular to the illumination light axis does not have to be the same direction as the second direction.

[0091] Furthermore, the dataset generated by multiple imaging systems moved in a second direction by the movement mechanism contains multiple data points corresponding to each of the multiple positions in the second direction. The multiple data points corresponding to each position are generated by the multiple imaging systems at that position and correspond to the multiple different regions mentioned above.

[0092] In addition, the second data synthesis processing unit generates image data of a three-dimensional region by synthesizing this dataset. This three-dimensional region is defined as the sum of the above-mentioned multiple different ranges in the first direction, and as the range of movement of the illumination system and multiple imaging systems by the moving mechanism in the second direction. The range of the three-dimensional region in the third direction (e.g., the Y direction), which is orthogonal to both the first direction (e.g., the Z direction) and the second direction (e.g., the X direction), is defined, for example, as the dimension of the optical section in the Y direction (e.g., the longitudinal dimension of a rectangular beam of light).

[0093] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the 18th embodiment, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, one specific example of the 17th embodiment can be provided.

[0094] A 19th embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the 1st to 18th embodiments, further comprising a second control unit. The second control unit is configured to display an image of the eye under examination on a display device based on a plurality of data generated by a plurality of imaging systems. The display device may be an element of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the 19th embodiment, or it may be an external device (peripheral device).

[0095] According to the ophthalmic apparatus of the 19th embodiment, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with high-quality images of the anterior segment captured with a deep depth of field. This allows the user to easily observe the details of the anterior segment. Therefore, the 19th embodiment contributes to improving the quality and efficiency of examinations and diagnoses.

[0096] A 20th embodiment is an ophthalmic apparatus according to any of the first to 19 embodiments, further including a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to perform processing of multiple data generated by multiple imaging systems.

[0097] According to the 20th embodiment of the ophthalmic apparatus, in addition to the effects of the cited embodiment, it is possible to perform processing such as analysis and evaluation using high-quality data and high-quality images generated with a deep depth of field. Therefore, the 20th embodiment contributes to improving the quality and efficiency of examinations and diagnoses.

[0098] Any two or more aspects relating to the first to twentieth embodiments can be combined at least partially. Furthermore, any aspects described in this disclosure can be combined at least partially with the first to twentieth embodiments. An ophthalmic apparatus of such a combination will exhibit the effects based on each of the combined aspects, as well as the synergistic effects of the two or more combined aspects.

[0099] A 21st embodiment provides a non-limiting method for controlling an ophthalmic device for photographing the anterior segment of an eye under examination. The ophthalmic device controlled by the method of this embodiment includes an illumination system, a plurality of imaging systems, a display unit, and a processor. The illumination system is configured to project illumination light onto the anterior segment of the eye under examination. The plurality of imaging systems are each configured to satisfy Scheinproof conditions and are configured to generate a plurality of data by taking images of a plurality of different regions in an optical section formed by the illumination light, each in focus.

[0100] The method of this embodiment includes the step of causing a processor to control an illumination system and multiple imaging systems for acquiring multiple data from the eye under examination. Furthermore, the method of this embodiment includes the step of causing a processor to control the display unit to display an image of the eye under examination based on the acquired multiple data.

[0101] According to the control method for the ophthalmic device of the 21st embodiment, at least the same effects as those of the ophthalmic device of the first and 19th embodiments are achieved.

[0102] A 22nd aspect of the embodiment provides a non-limiting method for controlling an ophthalmic device for photographing the anterior segment of an eye under examination. The ophthalmic device controlled by the method of this embodiment includes an illumination system, a plurality of imaging systems, a moving mechanism, a display unit, and a processor. The illumination system is configured to project illumination light onto the anterior segment of the eye under examination. The plurality of imaging systems are each configured to satisfy the Scheinproof condition and are configured to generate a plurality of data by taking images of a plurality of different regions in the optical section formed by the illumination light, each in focus. The moving mechanism is configured to move the illumination system and the plurality of imaging systems.

[0103] The method of this embodiment includes the step of causing a processor to control an illumination system, multiple imaging systems, and a movement mechanism for acquiring a dataset corresponding to multiple positions from the eye under examination. Furthermore, the method of this embodiment includes the step of causing a processor to control the display unit to display an image of the eye under examination based on the acquired dataset.

[0104] According to the control method for the ophthalmic device of the 22nd embodiment, at least the same effects as those of the ophthalmic device of the 1st, 16th, and 19th embodiments are achieved.

[0105] Any aspect relating to the first to twentieth aspects can be combined at least partially with the method relating to the twentieth or twentieth aspect. Furthermore, any aspect described in this disclosure can be combined at least partially with the method relating to the twentieth or twentieth aspect. The method relating to such a combination will produce the effects based on each of the combined aspects, as well as the synergistic effects of two or more of the combined aspects.

[0106] A 23rd embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute the method of the 21st or 22nd embodiment. The computer of the 23rd embodiment includes the processor of the 21st or 22nd embodiment.

[0107] According to the program of the 23rd embodiment, at least the same effects as those of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the first and 19th embodiments, or at least the same effects as those of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the first, 16th, and 19th embodiments, are achieved.

[0108] Any aspect relating to the first to twentieth aspects can be combined at least partially with the program relating to the twentieth aspect. Furthermore, any aspect described in this disclosure can be combined at least partially with the program relating to the twentieth aspect. The program relating to such an aspect will produce the effects based on each of the combined aspects, as well as the synergistic effects of two or more of the combined aspects.

[0109] A 24th aspect of the embodiment is a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which the program of the 23rd aspect is recorded.

[0110] According to the recording medium of the 24th embodiment, at least the same effects as those of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the first and 19th embodiments are achieved, or at least the same effects as those of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the first, 16th and 19th embodiments.

[0111] Any aspect relating to the first to twentieth aspects can be combined at least partially with the recording medium relating to the twentieth aspect. Furthermore, any aspect described in this disclosure can be combined at least partially with the recording medium relating to the twentieth aspect. A recording medium relating to such a combination will exhibit the effects based on each of the combined aspects, as well as the synergistic effects of two or more of the combined aspects.

[0112] This disclosure describes various non-limiting embodiments, including embodiments 1 through 24. This disclosure primarily describes exemplary embodiments of ophthalmic devices, exemplary embodiments of methods for controlling ophthalmic devices, exemplary embodiments of programs, and exemplary embodiments of recording media. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the categories that may constitute embodiments are not limited to these.

[0113] <Ophthalmic Devices> Several non-limiting embodiments of the ophthalmic devices according to these embodiments will be described.

[0114] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an ophthalmic device according to one embodiment. The ophthalmic device 1 of this embodiment is used for anterior segment imaging of the eye E under examination and includes an illumination imaging optical system 2, a fixation optical system 3, a movement mechanism 6, a control unit 7, a data processing unit 8, a communication unit 9, and a user interface (UI) 10. The cornea of ​​the eye E under examination is indicated by the code Co, the iris by the code Ir, and the lens by the code Cr.

[0115] Following the conventions in ophthalmology, the direction along the axis of the eye E under examination (depth direction, length direction) is defined as the Z direction (Z axis), and the plane perpendicular to the Z direction is defined as the XY plane. The left-right direction (horizontal direction) for the subject is defined as the X direction (X axis), and the direction perpendicular to both the X and Z directions (up-down direction, body axis direction) is defined as the Y direction (Y axis).

[0116] Reference numeral 2a indicates the optical axis of the illumination and imaging optical system 2. The optical axis 2a of the illumination and imaging optical system 2 (in this embodiment, the illumination optical axis 21a shown in Figure 2) is arranged substantially parallel to the Z axis. Non-limiting detailed examples of the illumination and imaging optical system 2 will be described later.

[0117] Reference numeral 3a indicates the optical axis of the fixation optical system 3 (referred to as the fixation optical axis). The fixation optical axis 3a is positioned at an angle α with respect to the Z axis (illumination optical axis 21a). This angle α is called the fixation angle. The magnitude of the fixation angle α is non-negative, i.e., zero or positive.

[0118] In the embodiment where fixation angle α = 0 is applied, the fixation optical system 3 is an optical system arranged coaxially with the illumination and imaging optical system 2, and presents a fixation target coaxial with the light (slit light) projected onto the eye E by the illumination and imaging optical system 2 to the eye E under examination. In this case, the optical path of the illumination and imaging optical system 2 (for example, the optical path of the illumination system 21) and the optical path of the fixation optical system 3 are coaxially coupled using an optical path coupling element. This optical path coupling element may be, for example, a half mirror or a dichroic mirror.

[0119] In the embodiment where a fixation angle α > 0 is applied, the fixation optical system 3 presents the fixation target to the eye E under examination from a direction inclined with respect to the optical axis 2a (Z-axis) of the illumination and imaging optical system 2. This inclination direction may be arbitrarily determined and may be variable.

[0120] The moving mechanism 6 is configured to move the illumination and imaging optical system 2. The moving mechanism 6 may be able to move the illumination and imaging optical system 2 in three dimensions (i.e., in the X, Y, and Z directions). This three-dimensional movement can be used for alignment and tracking. The moving mechanism 6 may be able to move the fixation optical system 3 together with the illumination and imaging optical system 2 or independently of the illumination and imaging optical system 2. Alternatively, the position of the fixation optical system 3 may be fixed.

[0121] Furthermore, the movement mechanism 6 can move the illumination and imaging optical system 2 to scan the anterior segment of the eye E under examination. When the rotational scanning method for anterior segment scanning described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is applied to the eye E under examination, the movement mechanism 6 rotates the illumination and imaging optical system 2 around a predetermined axis. When the parallel scanning method for anterior segment scanning described in Patent Documents 3 and 4 is applied to the eye E under examination, the movement mechanism 6 parallel moves the illumination and imaging optical system 2 in a predetermined direction. Non-limiting detailed examples of the movement mechanism 6 will be described later.

[0122] The control unit 7 is configured to control various parts of the ophthalmic device 1. For example, the control unit 7 controls the illumination and imaging optical system 2 (illumination light source, image sensor, optical elements, mechanism, etc.), the fixation optical system 3 (fixation light source, etc.), the movement mechanism 6, the data processing unit 8, the communication unit 9, the user interface 10, and so on.

[0123] The control unit 7 includes a processor, main memory, and auxiliary memory. The auxiliary memory stores various computer programs, such as control programs. These computer programs may be stored in a computer or memory device accessible by the ophthalmic device 1. The functions of the control unit 7 are realized through the cooperation of software, such as control programs, and hardware, such as the processor.

[0124] The data processing unit 8 performs various data processing operations. The data to be processed may be either data acquired by the ophthalmic device 1 or data input from an external source.

[0125] The data processing unit 8 includes a processor, main memory, and auxiliary storage. The auxiliary storage contains computer programs, such as various data processing programs. These computer programs may be stored in a computer or storage device accessible by the ophthalmic device 1. The functions of the data processing unit 8 are realized through the cooperation of software, such as data processing programs, and hardware, such as the processor. Non-specific details of the data processing unit 8 will be described later.

[0126] The data processing unit 8 includes a data synthesis processing unit 81. The data synthesis processing unit 81 functions as the first data synthesis processing unit and the second data synthesis processing unit described above. The function of the data synthesis processing unit 81 as the first data synthesis processing unit is realized through the cooperation of software such as a first data processing program and hardware such as a processor. The function of the data synthesis processing unit 81 as the second data synthesis processing unit is realized through the cooperation of software such as a second data processing program and hardware such as a processor. Non-exclusive detailed examples of the data synthesis processing unit 81 will be described later.

[0127] The communication unit 9 performs data communication between the ophthalmic device 1 and other devices. The method of this data communication can be arbitrarily determined and may be either wired or wireless communication. The transmitted and received data may be encrypted. In this case, the ophthalmic device 1 (for example, the control unit 7 or the data processing unit 8) includes a processor capable of performing encryption and decryption.

[0128] The user interface 10 includes any user interface devices, such as display devices and operating devices. Users such as doctors, patients, and assistants can use the user interface 10 to operate the ophthalmic device 1 and input information to the ophthalmic device 1. At least a part of the user interface 10 may be peripheral devices of the ophthalmic device 1.

[0129] The user interface 10 in this embodiment includes a display unit 11 as shown in Figure 3. The display unit 11 displays various information under the control of the control unit 7. The display unit 11 may include a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display unit 11 may also be a touchscreen.

[0130] The user interface 10 may include operating devices (not shown). These operating devices include devices for operating the ophthalmic apparatus 1 and devices for inputting information. For example, operating devices include buttons, switches, levers, dials, handles, knobs, mice, keyboards, trackballs, control panels, etc.

[0131] Some non-limiting detailed examples of the illumination imaging optical system 2 are described below. The illumination imaging optical system 2 includes multiple imaging systems (multiple Scheinproof imaging systems), each configured to satisfy Scheinproof conditions, and an illumination system for illuminating the object surface of each Scheinproof imaging system, enabling Scheinproof imaging of the anterior segment of the eye E under examination. The illumination imaging optical system 2 is used to apply an anterior segment scan to the eye E under examination and collect a dataset consisting of multiple anterior segment images (anterior segment image set, anterior segment image group).

[0132] The method of anterior segment scanning performed using the illumination imaging optical system 2 may be arbitrary. For example, the method of anterior segment scanning in this embodiment may be a rotational scanning method similar to that in Patent Documents 1 and 2, or a translational scanning method similar to that in Patent Documents 3 and 4. Alternatively, the method of anterior segment scanning in this embodiment may be a combination of the rotational scanning method and the translational scanning method, or a method different from both the rotational scanning method and the translational scanning method (another method), or a combination of at least one of the rotational scanning method and the translational scanning method with an other method.

[0133] The type of illumination light used for anterior segment scanning in this embodiment may be arbitrary. In the non-limiting embodiments described below, rectangular light (slit light) is used as the illumination light. This slit light is generated from light emitted by the illumination light source 13 shown in Figure 3. The illumination light source 13 may be an element of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 (illumination imaging optical system 2, illumination system 21), or it may be a light source device as an external device connected to the ophthalmic apparatus 1.

[0134] The illumination light source 13 may include, for example, at least one of a visible light source and an infrared light source (near-infrared light source). The visible light source may be a monochromatic visible light source (e.g., a red light source, a green light source, a blue light source, etc.) or a non-monochromatic visible light source. The non-monochromatic visible light source is a light source that outputs visible light with a wavelength band wider than the wavelength band of monochromatic visible light, and may be, for example, a white light source, a broadband visible light source, a wavelength-swept visible light source, etc.

[0135] Figure 2 shows one example of the illumination imaging optical system 2. The optical axis 2a of the illumination imaging optical system 2 shown in Figure 1 corresponds to the illumination optical axis 21a shown in Figure 2. The illumination imaging optical system 2 in this example includes an illumination system 21 and two shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23.

[0136] The arrangement of the Shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 can be arbitrary. For example, as described in Patent Documents 3 and 4, the two Shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 may be arranged to take images from opposite directions.

[0137] The arrangement of the object surface of the Shineproof imaging system 22 and the object surface of the Shineproof imaging system 23 can be arbitrary. For example, both object surfaces may be arranged in a common plane (e.g., the YZ plane). More generally, the arrangement direction (relative displacement direction) of both object surfaces may be at least one of the Z, X, and Y directions. The illumination system 21 illuminates the two object surfaces which are arranged in a relative displacement.

[0138] In this embodiment, a configuration comprising two shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 is adopted, but the number of shineproof imaging systems may be arbitrary. In some embodiments, three or more shineproof imaging systems are provided. The arrangement of the three or more shineproof imaging systems may be arbitrary, as may the arrangement of their surfaces.

[0139] The illumination system 21 is configured to project illumination light (slit light) onto the anterior segment of the eye E under examination based on the light generated by the illumination light source 13. The slit light is projected onto the object surfaces of the Scheinproof imaging systems 22 and 23. The illumination imaging optical system 2 applies Scheinproof imaging to the anterior segment illuminated by the slit light.

[0140] In some embodiments, the illumination system 21 includes an illumination light source 13 that emits light, a slit forming unit that forms a slit opening for converting light from the illumination light source 13 into slit light, and an optical system (such as an objective lens) that projects the slit light generated by the slit forming unit onto the eye under examination E. The illumination system 21 in this example may be configured to allow changes in the dimensions (slit width, slit length), shape, and orientation of the slit opening. This makes it possible to change the state of the illumination light projected onto the eye under examination E.

[0141] The Shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 may have the same configuration as each other, or they may differ in at least some of their configurations. Below, we will mainly describe an example configuration of the Shineproof imaging system 22. Unless otherwise specified, the Shineproof imaging system 23 may have a configuration similar to the example below.

[0142] In some embodiments, the Shineproof imaging system 22 includes an optical system comprising various optical elements (e.g., an objective lens, a zoom optical system, an imaging lens, a relay lens, etc.) and an image sensor that detects the light guided by this optical system.

[0143] The image sensor of the Shineproof imaging system 22 is an area image sensor having a light-detecting surface (light-receiving surface) formed by a two-dimensionally arranged array of photodetectors. Examples include a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor. Several embodiments of the image sensor are usable for color imaging and may include, for example, a single-chip or three-chip CMOS image sensor.

[0144] In an embodiment where a zoom optical system is provided in the Shineproof imaging system 22, the zoom optical system can be used as the aforementioned area shifting unit. The zoom optical system, functioning as an area shifting unit, can shift the area captured by the Shineproof imaging system 22 by changing the imaging magnification of the Shineproof imaging system 22 (that is, it can change the field of view of the Shineproof imaging system 22).

[0145] The angle between the illumination optical axis 21a of the illumination system 21 and the optical axis (photography optical axis) 22a of the Shineproof imaging system 22 is called the Shineproof angle. The magnitude of the Shineproof angle is denoted by the Shineproof angle θ1. The Shineproof angle θ1 is determined so that the slit light from the illumination system 21 is projected onto the object surface of the Shineproof imaging system 22. Similarly, the magnitude of the Shineproof angle (Shineproof angle) θ2 between the illumination optical axis 21a of the illumination system 21 and the optical axis (photography optical axis) 23a of the Shineproof imaging system 23 is determined so that the slit light from the illumination system 21 is projected onto the object surface of the Shineproof imaging system 23.

[0146] Figure 4 shows non-limiting configuration examples of the illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23. The illumination system 21 projects slit light 21b onto the eye E under examination. The shineproof imaging system 22 photographs the anterior segment of the eye E under examination onto which the slit light 21b is projected. The shineproof imaging system 22 includes an image sensor 221. The light detection surface of the image sensor 221 is positioned on the image plane 221P of the shineproof imaging system 22.

[0147] The imaging ray group 22b indicates the field of view (imaging range in the Z direction) of the Scheinproof imaging system 22. In this example, the Scheinproof imaging system 22 is designed so that the field of view includes the area from the anterior surface of the cornea to the pupil (the central hole in the iris Ir).

[0148] Two planes perpendicular to the imaging optical axis 22a are indicated by reference numerals 22P1 and 22P2. The vertical plane 22P1 is positioned to pass through the intersection point C21 of the illumination optical axis 21a and the imaging optical axis 22a. The vertical plane 22P2 is positioned to pass through the intersection point C22 of the imaging optical axis 22a and the image plane 221P.

[0149] In the example shown in Figure 4, the Scheinproof angle formed by the illumination optical axis 21a and the imaging optical axis 22a, and the angle formed by the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 22P1 are complementary angles. In other words, the sum of the magnitude θ1 of the Scheinproof angle and the magnitude of the angle formed by the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 22P1 is a right angle.

[0150] The magnitude of the angle between the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 22P1 (and thus the Scheinproof angle θ1) is determined according to the purpose of focus. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the angle between the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 22P1 may be any value in the range of 0 to 90 degrees. In other words, the Scheinproof angle θ1 may be any value in the range of 0 to 90 degrees. In this case, for example, it is possible to apply Scheinproof imaging to at least a shallow region of the anterior segment of the eye. In some specific examples, Scheinproof imaging can be applied to a region including at least the cornea and the portion close to it.

[0151] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the magnitude of the angle between the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 22P1 may be any value within the range of 0 to 60 degrees. In other words, the Scheinproof angle θ1 may be any value within the range of 30 to 90 degrees. In this case, for example, it becomes possible to apply Scheinproof imaging to a range from the shallow to the slightly deeper region of the anterior segment of the eye.

[0152] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the magnitude of the angle between the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 22P1 may be any value within the range of 30 to 60 degrees. In other words, the Scheinproof angle θ1 may be any value within the range of 30 to 60 degrees. In this case, for example, it becomes possible to apply Scheinproof imaging to a range from the shallow region of the anterior segment to a deeper region than in the case of 0 to 60 degrees.

[0153] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the angle between the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 22P1 may be any value within the range of 35 to 53 degrees. In other words, the Scheinproof angle θ1 may be any value within the range of 37 to 55 degrees. In this case, for example, Scheinproof imaging can be applied to a wide range from the shallow to the deep regions of the anterior segment of the eye. In some specific examples, Scheinproof imaging can be applied to the range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens.

[0154] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 4, the angle between the optical axis 22a and the image plane 221P and the angle between the optical axis 22a and the vertical plane 22P2 are complementary angles. The size of the angle φ1 between the optical axis 22a and the image plane 221P (i.e., the size of the angle between the optical axis 22a and the vertical plane 22P2 (90 degrees - φ1)) is determined according to the purpose of study. For example, the angle φ1 can be determined according to the magnification and field of view of the Shineproof imaging system 22.

[0155] The Scheinproof imaging system 23 images the anterior segment of the eye E being examined, onto which the slit light 21b is projected. The Scheinproof imaging system 23 includes an image sensor 231. The light detection surface of the image sensor 231 is positioned on the image plane 231P of the Scheinproof imaging system 23.

[0156] The imaging ray group 23b shows the field of view (imaging range in the Z direction) of the Scheinproof imaging system 23. In this example, the Scheinproof imaging system 23 is designed so that the field of view includes the area from the position in the anterior chamber (the area deviated from the pupil toward the cornea) to the posterior surface of the lens. In this example, the combined field of view of the Scheinproof imaging systems 22 and 23 (the combined area of ​​the field of view of the Scheinproof imaging system 22 and the field of view of the Scheinproof imaging system 23) includes the area from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens.

[0157] Two planes perpendicular to the imaging optical axis 23a are indicated by reference numerals 23P1 and 23P2. The vertical plane 23P1 is positioned to pass through the intersection point C31 of the illumination optical axis 21a and the imaging optical axis 23a. The vertical plane 32P2 is positioned to pass through the intersection point C32 of the imaging optical axis 23a and the image plane 231P.

[0158] In the example shown in Figure 4, the Scheinproof angle formed by the illumination optical axis 21a and the imaging optical axis 23a, and the angle formed by the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 23P1 are complementary angles. In other words, the sum of the magnitude of the Scheinproof angle θ2 and the magnitude of the angle formed by the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 23P1 is a right angle. Similar to the case of the Scheinproof imaging system 22, the magnitude of the angle formed by the illumination optical axis 21a and the vertical plane 23P1 (and therefore the Scheinproof angle θ2) is determined according to the purpose of focus.

[0159] In this embodiment, the case of selecting the Scheinproof angles θ1 and θ2 considering the width of the imaging range (field of view) has been described, but other factors may also be considered. More generally, the Scheinproof angles θ1 and θ2 can be determined by considering at least one of various factors related to Scheinproof imaging, such as the total length of the Scheinproof imaging systems 22 and 23, the distance between the ophthalmic device 1 and the eye under examination E (working distance), the brightness of the illumination, the characteristics of the optical elements, optical constants such as the width of the imaging range and imaging magnification, the state of vignetting of light rays due to the structure of the eye under examination E (e.g., iris Ir), the degree of image quality (difficulty of image quality correction), and the degree of trapezoidal distortion (difficulty of trapezoidal correction). Other setting values ​​related to the hardware of the ophthalmic device 1 (e.g., optical system, mechanism, etc.) and design values ​​related to the software may be determined in a similar manner.

[0160] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 4, the angle between the optical axis 23a and the image plane 231P and the angle between the optical axis 23a and the vertical plane 23P2 are complementary angles. The size of the angle φ2 between the optical axis 23a and the image plane 231P (i.e., the size of the angle between the optical axis 23a and the vertical plane 23P2 (90 degrees - φ2)) is determined according to the purpose of study. For example, the angle φ2 can be determined according to the magnification and field of view of the Shineproof imaging system 23.

[0161] In this example, the image sensor 221 of the Shineproof imaging system 22 is eccentrically positioned with respect to the imaging optical axis 22a. Similarly, the image sensor 231 of the Shineproof imaging system 23 is eccentrically positioned with respect to the imaging optical axis 23a.

[0162] In a typical Scheinproof optical system, the center of the photodetector surface of the image sensor is located on the optical axis of capture. In contrast, in the Scheinproof imaging system 22 of this example, the center position 221x of the photodetector surface of the image sensor 221 is located away from the optical axis of capture 22a. More specifically, the center position 221x of the photodetector surface of the image sensor 221 is located away from the intersection point C22 between the optical axis of capture 22a and the image plane 221P. The photodetector surface of the image sensor 221 is located on the image plane 221P. That is, the displacement of the image sensor 221 occurs along the image plane 221P (on the image plane 221P). The eccentricity (displacement) of the image sensor 221 is shown by Δ1.

[0163] Similarly, in the Shineproof imaging system 23 of this example, the center position 231x of the light detection surface of the image sensor 231 is located away from the imaging optical axis 23a. More specifically, the center position 231x of the light detection surface of the image sensor 231 is located away from the intersection point C32 of the imaging optical axis 23a and the image plane 231P. The image sensor 231 is located on the image plane 231P at a position offset by an eccentricity (deviation amount) Δ2 from the intersection point C32.

[0164] Several configuration examples for the eccentric arrangement of image sensors 221 and 231 will be described below. The image sensor 221 will be described in detail below, but similar matters can be applied to the image sensor 231.

[0165] Figure 5 shows one example configuration of the image sensor 221. The image sensor 221 in this example includes a microlens array 221a, a color filter array 221b, and a photodetector array 221c, similar to a typical color image sensor. The photodetector array 221c is an optical device in which a large number of photodiodes are arranged. The microlens array 221a is an optical device in which a large number of microlenses are arranged to act as an imaging lens group corresponding to the photodiode group of the photodetector array 221c. The color filter array 221b is an optical device in which a group of color filters (red (R) filter group, green (G) filter group, blue (B) filter group) corresponding to the photodiode group of the photodetector array 221c are arranged.

[0166] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the image sensor 221 is positioned eccentrically with respect to the optical axis 22a such that the angle between the light rays (photographic rays 22c) guided to the photodetector array 221c (photodetector surface) by the imaging system 2 and the optical axis 221d of the microlens array 221a (referred to as the incident angle β of the photographic rays) is smaller than the angle in a conventional configuration (i.e., a configuration in which the center position of the photodetector surface of the image sensor is located on the photographic optical axis). The incident angle β of the photographic rays can be determined arbitrarily, preferably 30 degrees or less, and more preferably 10 degrees or less. The orientation of the optical axis of each microlens in the microlens array 221a is constant. That is, the optical axes of each microlens in the microlens array 221a are parallel. The orientation of the optical axis 221d corresponds to the orientation of these optical axes.

[0167] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the image sensor 221 is positioned eccentrically with respect to the optical axis 22a such that the angle between the imaging light ray 22c guided to the microlens array 221a by the imaging system 2 and the optical axis 221d of the microlens array 221a (referred to as the imaging light ray incidence angle γ) is smaller than the angle in conventional configurations. The imaging light ray incidence angle γ can be determined arbitrarily.

[0168] In the example shown in Figure 4, the center position 221x of the light detection surface of the image sensor 221 is positioned offset towards the illumination system 21 (closer to the illumination optical axis 21a) relative to the intersection point C22 of the imaging optical axis 22a and the image plane 221P.

[0169] In some embodiments, by adopting a configuration in which the image sensor 221 is eccentrically positioned with respect to the shooting optical axis 22a, the shooting light rays 22c can be guided at an angle of 90 degrees or close to it to the light detection surface of the image sensor 221. In other words, the shooting light rays 22c can be guided in a direction parallel to or close to the optical axis 221d of the image sensor 221. This makes it possible to improve the light reception efficiency of the image sensor 221.

[0170] The eccentricity Δ1 of the image sensor 221 shown in Figure 4 is the offset amount of the center position 221x of the photodetector surface of the image sensor 221 with respect to the intersection point C22 of the optical axis 22a and the image plane 221P. The eccentricity Δ1 may be determined based on arbitrary parameters or characteristics. Non-limiting examples of factors that can be referenced to determine the eccentricity Δ1 include the incident angle of the photographic light ray (β, γ), the position of the entrance pupil of the Scheinproof imaging system 22, the diameter of the entrance pupil, and the target resolution value.

[0171] Some non-limiting detailed examples of the movement mechanism 6 are described below. The movement mechanism 6 is configured to move the illumination and photographic optical system 2 (illumination system 21, shineproof photographic system 22, and shineproof photographic system 23). The movement mechanism 6 may include at least one of a translation mechanism and a rotation mechanism. Although not shown in the figures, the movement mechanism 6 may also include a mechanism for tilting the illumination and photographic optical system 2 vertically and swiveling it horizontally.

[0172] The translation mechanism is configured to translate the illumination and imaging optical system 2 in three dimensions and is used for alignment to position the illumination and imaging optical system 2 relative to the eye E under examination. The translation mechanism also integrally translates the illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 in a predetermined direction in order to apply a translation scanning method to the anterior segment of the eye E under examination. By combining (linking) the operation of the illumination system 21, the shineproof imaging system 22, the shineproof imaging system 23, and the movement mechanism 6 (translation mechanism), a translation scanning method for the anterior segment using slit light is realized. In this anterior segment scan, for example, a scan is applied to a three-dimensional region of the anterior segment by moving a slit light with the Y direction as the longitudinal direction in the X direction. As a result, multiple images are collected, each depicting multiple cross-sections within the three-dimensional region. The multiple cross-sectional images depicted in the multiple collected images correspond to multiple cross-sections arranged parallel to each other in the three-dimensional region.

[0173] The rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the illumination and imaging optical system 2 around a predetermined axis. The rotation mechanism integrally rotates the illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 in a predetermined direction in order to apply a rotational scan method to the anterior segment of the eye E under examination. The axis of rotation in this anterior segment scan may be, for example, the illumination optical axis 21a. By combining the operation of the illumination system 21, the operation of the shineproof imaging system 22, the operation of the shineproof imaging system 23, and the operation of the movement mechanism 6 (rotation mechanism), a rotational scan method for the anterior segment using slit light is realized. In this anterior segment scan, for example, the scan is applied to the three-dimensional region of the anterior segment by rotating the slit light around the longitudinal center position of the slit light (illumination optical axis 21a) as the center of rotation. As a result, multiple images are collected, each depicting multiple cross-sections within the three-dimensional region. The multiple cross-sectional images depicted in the multiple collected images correspond to multiple cross-sections arranged radially in the three-dimensional region.

[0174] A non-specific detailed example of the data processing unit 8 is described below. In this example, the data processing unit 8 is configured to process data generated by the Shineproof imaging system 22 and to process images constructed based on the data generated by the Shineproof imaging system 22.

[0175] The processing that can be performed by the data processing unit 8 may be of any type. For example, the data processing unit 8 may be configured to perform at least one processing from a group consisting of various processing methods including frequency analysis, representation, filtering, noise reduction, smoothing, normalization, correction, texture mapping, edge detection, segmentation, feature extraction, image transformation, image restoration, pattern recognition, classification, and image compression.

[0176] Furthermore, the data processing unit 8 may be capable of performing processing useful in shineproof photography. For example, the data processing unit 8 may be configured to perform trapezoidal distortion correction and refractive distortion correction.

[0177] Furthermore, the data processing unit 8 may be capable of performing processes useful for diagnosis. For example, the data processing unit 8 may be configured to perform at least one of a group of processes, including quality evaluation of data and images, analysis of data and images, calculation processing to obtain numerical values ​​from data and images, feature extraction from data and images, visualization of data and images, visualization of information obtained from data and images, and diagnostic support processing based on data and images.

[0178] Several examples of the imaging performed and the resulting images in this embodiment will be described. This embodiment improves digital resolution by dividing the field of view of the Scheinproof imaging into multiple partial fields of view (while allowing for overlap). The following will describe in particular detail the case in which the optical system configuration shown in Figure 4 is used, but similar imaging can be performed and similar images can be obtained even when a different optical system configuration is used.

[0179] Figure 7 shows one possible method of imaging using the optical system configuration shown in Figure 4. The upper figure in Figure 7 is a top view of the eye E under examination, and the lower figure is a front view of the eye E under examination.

[0180] In the front view, reference numeral 300 indicates the region onto which the slit light 21b from the illumination system 21 is projected, and also indicates the position of the surface of the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23.

[0181] In the top view, reference numeral 301 indicates the field of view of the Shineproof imaging system 22, and reference numeral 302 indicates the field of view of the Shineproof imaging system 23. Reference numeral 303 indicates the range of the field of view of the Shineproof imaging system 22 in the direction along the illumination optical axis 21a (Z direction), and reference numeral 304 indicates the range of the field of view of the Shineproof imaging system 23 in the Z direction.

[0182] As shown in the top view, the two fields of view 301 and 302 of the two Scheinproof imaging systems 22 and 23 correspond to two different ranges 303 and 304 in the Z direction, respectively. More generally, the multiple fields of view of multiple Scheinproof imaging systems (i.e., multiple different regions captured by each of the multiple Scheinproof imaging systems) correspond to multiple different ranges in the direction along the illumination optical axis 21a.

[0183] Furthermore, the sum of the two ranges 303 and 304 of the two Shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 (that is, the union of the ranges 303 and 304 when each range is considered as a set) is the range from the anterior corneal CoA to the posterior crystalline lens CrP.

[0184] Thus, in this embodiment, the range from the anterior corneal surface CoA to the posterior lens CrP is a true subset of the sum range 305. More generally, the union of multiple ranges in the direction along the illumination optical axis corresponding to multiple fields of view of multiple Scheinproof imaging systems may include at least a portion of the range from the anterior corneal surface to the posterior lens. In some embodiments, the sum range may include the entire range from the anterior corneal surface to the posterior lens. Also, in some embodiments, the range in the direction along the illumination optical axis corresponding to the field of view of each Scheinproof imaging system may be a part (a true subset) of the range from the anterior corneal surface to the posterior lens.

[0185] In this embodiment, a portion of the range 303 of the Shineproof imaging system 22 and a portion of the range 304 of the Shineproof imaging system 23 overlap with each other. More generally, with respect to a first range and a second range among a plurality of ranges in the direction along the illumination optical axis corresponding to a plurality of fields of view of a plurality of Shineproof imaging systems, the first range may include at least a portion of the second range.

[0186] The image acquired by the imaging method shown in Figure 7 will be explained with reference to Figure 8. In this embodiment, the two Shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 perform imaging simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. "Substantially simultaneously" means that the position of the eye E under examination when imaging is performed by Shineproof imaging system 22 and the position of the eye E under examination when imaging is performed by Shineproof imaging system 23 are approximately the same. In other words, the difference in the timing of imaging between the two Shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 is small enough that it does not involve the movement of the eye E under examination.

[0187] In Figure 8, reference numeral 311 indicates an image acquired by the Scheinproof imaging system 22, and reference numeral 312 indicates an image acquired by the Scheinproof imaging system 23.

[0188] The area depicted in image 311 corresponds to the field of view 301 of the Shineproof imaging system 22. The area in the Z direction of image 311 corresponds to the area 303 in Figure 7. Image 311 depicts the anterior corneal CoA and the posterior corneal CoP.

[0189] Furthermore, the area depicted in image 312 corresponds to the field of view 302 of the Shineproof imaging system 23. The area in the Z direction of image 311 corresponds to the area 304 in Figure 7. Image 312 depicts the anterior surface CrA and the posterior surface CrP of the lens.

[0190] When the two images 311 and 312 are combined, the depiction range in the Z direction becomes the sum range 305 in Figure 7, so the entire range from the anterior corneal surface CoA to the posterior lens CrP can be observed by the two images 311 and 312. Furthermore, a portion of image 311 and a portion of image 312 overlap with each other. This overlapping range can be used to easily combine the two images 311 and 312. In another embodiment where there is no such overlapping range, for example, the relative position between these images can be estimated based on the tissue images depicted in the two images and the anatomical information of the anterior segment of the eye. Such image synthesis processing is performed by the data synthesis processing unit 81.

[0191] Another mode of imaging that can be performed in this embodiment is shown in Figure 9. In Figure 9, the upper figure is a top view of the eye E under examination, and the lower figure is a front view of the eye E under examination.

[0192] In the front view, reference numeral 320 indicates the region onto which the slit light 21b from the illumination system 21 is projected, and also indicates the position of the surface of the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23.

[0193] In the top view, reference numeral 321 indicates the field of view of the Scheinproof imaging system 22, and reference numeral 322 indicates the field of view of the Scheinproof imaging system 23. In the direction along the illumination optical axis 21a (Z direction), the field of view 321 of the Scheinproof imaging system 22 includes the entire range from the anterior corneal surface CoA to the posterior crystalline lens CrP. Also in the Z direction, the field of view 322 of the Scheinproof imaging system 23 includes the corneal Co (the entire range from the anterior corneal surface CoA to the posterior corneal surface CoP).

[0194] In this embodiment, the field of view 321 of the Shineproof imaging system 22 includes the entire field of view 322 of the Shineproof imaging system 23. The field of view of the Shineproof imaging system 22 is not limited to including the entire range from the anterior corneal surface CoA to the posterior lens CrP, but may include only a part of the entire range.

[0195] The field of view 322 of the Scheinproof imaging system 23 includes the entire cornea in the Z direction (the entire range from the anterior corneal CoA to the posterior corneal CoP). The field of view of the Scheinproof imaging system 23 is not limited to the entire cornea, but may include the anterior chamber, iris, lens, etc. The number of areas included in the field of view of the Scheinproof imaging system 23 may be one or more. Furthermore, the field of view of the Scheinproof imaging system 23 may include only a part of a certain area in the Z direction.

[0196] The image acquired by the shooting method shown in Figure 9 will be explained with reference to Figure 10. In this embodiment, the two shineproof shooting systems 22 and 23 shoot simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0197] In Figure 10, reference numeral 331 indicates an image acquired by the Scheinproof imaging system 22, and reference numeral 332 indicates an image acquired by the Scheinproof imaging system 23.

[0198] The area depicted in image 331 corresponds to the field of view 321 of the Shineproof imaging system 22. Image 331 depicts the area from the anterior corneal CoA to the posterior crystalline lens CrP in the Z direction. In other words, image 331 depicts the anterior corneal CoA, posterior corneal CoP, anterior crystalline lens CrA, posterior crystalline lens CrP, etc.

[0199] Furthermore, the area depicted in image 332 corresponds to the field of view 322 of the Shineproof imaging system 23. Corneal Co is depicted in image 332. In other words, in the Z direction, image 332 depicts the anterior corneal CoA, posterior corneal CoP, etc.

[0200] Thus, in this embodiment, a wide area of ​​the eye E under examination can be captured by the Shineproof imaging system 22, while a narrow area included within this wide area can be captured by the Shineproof imaging system 23. As a result, for example, a wide-area image depicting a wide area from the anterior corneal surface CoA to the posterior lens CrP, and a narrow-area image depicting a narrow area corresponding to a part of this wide-area image can be obtained.

[0201] Typically, wide-area imaging using the Scheinproof imaging system 22 has relatively low digital resolution, while narrow-area imaging using the Scheinproof imaging system 23 has relatively high digital resolution. This allows for obtaining wide-area images with relatively low resolution and narrow-area images with relatively high resolution. For example, wide-area images are used to observe and / or analyze the entire anterior segment (the entire range in the Z direction) of the eye E under examination, while narrow-area images are used to observe and / or analyze a specific area of ​​interest in the anterior segment in detail.

[0202] Image 331 contains the entirety of Image 332. By utilizing the overlapping area of ​​the two images 331 and 332, the two images 331 and 332 can be easily combined. This image combining process is performed by the data combining processing unit 81.

[0203] Figure 11 shows yet another embodiment of imaging that can be performed in this embodiment. In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 10, the two fields of view of the two Shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 are arranged to be offset from each other in the Z direction, but in this embodiment, the two fields of view are arranged to be offset in the X direction. Note that the matters relating to this embodiment can also be applied when the offset direction of the two fields of view is in the Y direction or in any direction within the XY plane. The upper figure in Figure 11 is a top view of the eye under examination E, and the lower figure is a front view of the eye under examination E.

[0204] In Figure 11, reference numeral 340A indicates the position of the object surface (field of view) of the Scheinproof imaging system 22, and reference numeral 340B indicates the position of the object surface (field of view) of the Scheinproof imaging system 23. Fields 340A and 340B are positioned offset from each other in the X direction. Both fields 340A and 340B include the range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the pupil in the Z direction, but the range of each field in the Z direction is not limited to this. Furthermore, the ranges of the two fields 340A and 340B in the Z direction are equal to each other, but the range of field 340A in the Z direction and the range of field 340B in the Z direction may be different from each other.

[0205] The slit light 21b from the illumination system 21 is projected onto both the field of view 340A of the shineproof imaging system 22 and the field of view 340B of the shineproof imaging system 23.

[0206] For example, by controlling the slit width of the aforementioned slit forming section, the illumination system 21 projects a single light beam (slit light 21b) onto a region that includes both of the two fields of view 340A and 340B. In another example, the illumination system 21 sequentially projects the slit light 21b onto the field of view 340A and then onto the field of view 340A again. In yet another example, the illumination system 21 includes two (or more) illumination systems, projecting slit light from one of these illumination systems onto the field of view 340A and slit light from another illumination system onto the field of view 340B. Note that the methods for projecting slit light onto the two fields of view 340A and 340B are not limited to these examples.

[0207] The image acquired by the shooting method shown in Figure 11 will be explained with reference to Figure 12. In this embodiment, the two shineproof shooting systems 22 and 23 shoot simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0208] In Figure 12, the image 350A on the left shows an image acquired by the Scheinproof imaging system 22, and the image 350B on the right shows an image acquired by the Scheinproof imaging system 23. The area depicted in image 350A corresponds to the field of view 340A of the Scheinproof imaging system 22, and the area depicted in image 350B corresponds to the field of view 340B of the Scheinproof imaging system 23.

[0209] Thus, in this embodiment, two fields of view 340A and 340B arranged in the X direction can be captured simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0210] Two images 350A and 350B can be combined. This image combining process is performed, for example, based on the tissue images and anterior segment anatomical information depicted in the two images 350A and 350B. In one specific example, a corneal image is detected from each of the two images 350A and 350B, and the relative position between the two images 350A and 350B is estimated based on these corneal images and corneal shape data of the eye E obtained separately. In another specific example, a corneal image is detected from each of the two images 350A and 350B, and the relative position between the two images 350A and 350B is estimated based on these corneal images and standard information on corneal shape (e.g., a model eye). Such image combining processes are performed by the data combining processing unit 81.

[0211] An anterior segment scan that can be performed in this embodiment will now be described. As previously mentioned, the movement mechanism 6 is configured to move the illumination system 21 and the two shine-proof imaging systems 22 and 23. Furthermore, the control unit 7 scans the anterior segment of the eye E under examination by controlling the illumination system 21, the two shine-proof imaging systems 22 and 23, and the movement mechanism 6. This anterior segment scan generates a dataset containing multiple data points corresponding to multiple scan positions along the scan path (the movement path of the illumination system 21 and the two shine-proof imaging systems 22 and 23).

[0212] The initial state (e.g., initial position, initial orientation) of the slit light 21b in an anterior segment scan can be determined arbitrarily. The initial position is the position from which the slit light 21b is projected at the start of the anterior segment scan. The initial orientation is the orientation of the slit light 21b projected at the start of the anterior segment scan. When a parallel-shift scanning method for anterior segment scanning is used, the orientation of the projected slit light 21b remains unchanged from the initial orientation.

[0213] In an embodiment where a rotational scanning method for anterior segment scanning is applied to the eye E under examination, for example, the initial orientation is set so that the longitudinal direction of the slit light 21b substantially coincides with the Y direction, and the initial position is set so that the center of the slit light 21b (the center in the longitudinal direction and the center in the short direction, that is, the center in the slit length direction and the center in the slit width direction) substantially coincides with the axis of the eye E under examination. In this embodiment, the center of the slit light 21b corresponds to the illumination optical axis 21a of the illumination system 21.

[0214] In an embodiment where a parallel-shift scanning method for anterior segment scanning is applied to the eye E under examination, for example, the initial orientation is set such that the longitudinal direction of the slit light 21b substantially coincides with the Y direction, and the initial position is set at the edge position of the cornea Co in the X direction or at a position further from the corneal center than the said edge position.

[0215] The control unit 7 performs the following actions to apply an anterior segment scan to the eye E under examination: control to output slit light 21b from the illumination system 21; control to repeatedly perform imaging (data generation) at predetermined time intervals (predetermined imaging rate) on the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23; and control to move the illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 together using the moving mechanism 6.

[0216] In this embodiment, the images acquired at each scan position by the anterior segment scan consist of two images acquired by two Scheinproof imaging systems 22 and 23 with different fields of view in the Z direction, as shown in images 311 and 312 in Figure 8 and images 331 and 332 in Figure 10. In some embodiments, the images acquired at each scan position by the anterior segment scan consist of two images acquired by two Scheinproof imaging systems 22 and 23 with different fields of view in the X direction (and / or Y direction), as shown in images 350A and 350B in Figure 12. In some embodiments, the images acquired at each scan position by the anterior segment scan consist of two images acquired by two Scheinproof imaging systems 22 and 23 with different fields of view in the X, Y, and Z directions. In some embodiments, the number of images acquired at each scan position by the anterior segment scan may be three or more. The number of images acquired at each scan position by the anterior segment scan may be equal or different.

[0217] This disclosure will describe in particular detail the rotational scanning method and the translational scanning method as anterior segment scanning methods, but it is also possible to employ other methods of anterior segment scanning.

[0218] In an embodiment where a rotational scanning method for anterior segment scanning is applied to the eye E under examination, the control unit 7 performs, for example, the following: control of the illumination system 21 for projecting slit light 21b onto the anterior segment; control of the shineproof imaging system 22 for repeatedly imaging the anterior segment at a predetermined imaging rate; control of the shineproof imaging system 23 for repeatedly imaging the anterior segment at a predetermined imaging rate; and control of the moving mechanism 6 (rotating mechanism) for integrally rotating the illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 with the illumination light axis 21a as the axis of rotation. Here, the imaging rate of the shineproof imaging system 22 and the imaging rate of the shineproof imaging system 23 may be equal or different.

[0219] In the rotational scanning method for anterior segment scanning, the range of angles in which the illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 are rotated may be arbitrary. For example, as shown in Figure 13, by rotating the illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 over a range of 180 degrees around the axis Rc of the eye under examination E (rotation along the trajectory R), a dataset corresponding to the three-dimensional region around the axis Rc of the eye under examination E is collected.

[0220] The dataset collected by the anterior segment scan in Figure 13, as shown in Figure 14, contains multiple data points corresponding to multiple cross-sections P1 to PN arranged radially around the axis Rc of the eye E being examined. The multiple cross-sections P1 to PN correspond to multiple rotational positions (multiple scan positions) in the anterior segment scan. Multiple rotational positions can be defined as multiple positions on the trajectory R of the anterior segment scan, and the positions of the multiple cross-sections P1 to PN can be defined in the same way.

[0221] The data acquired in each cross-section Pn by the rotational scanning method of the anterior segment scan in this example consists of two images, each acquired by two Scheinproof imaging systems 22 and 23, which have different fields of view in the Z direction, as shown in images 311 and 312 in Figure 8 and images 331 and 332 in Figure 10.

[0222] In anterior segment scanning using a rotational scanning method, the range of rotation of the illumination system 21 and the Scheinproof imaging systems 22 and 23 is not limited to 180 degrees as shown in Figure 13. In some embodiments, the illumination system 21 and the Scheinproof imaging systems 22 and 23 can be rotated by an angle greater than 180 degrees. In this case, two or more data points (e.g., two or more image pairs) corresponding to a single rotation position can be acquired. This enables statistical calculations (such as averaging) for each rotation position and data selection for each rotation position.

[0223] In some embodiments, the illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 can be rotated by an angle of less than 180 degrees. In this case, an anterior segment scan can be performed targeting only the area of ​​interest in the anterior segment, thereby shortening the examination time.

[0224] In an embodiment where a parallel-shift scanning method for anterior segment scanning is applied to the eye E under examination, the control unit 7 performs, for example, the following: control of the illumination system 21 for projecting slit light 21b onto the anterior segment; control of the shineproof imaging system 22 for repeatedly imaging the anterior segment at a predetermined imaging rate; control of the shineproof imaging system 23 for repeatedly imaging the anterior segment at a predetermined imaging rate; and control of the movement mechanism 6 (parallel-shift mechanism) for integrally moving the illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 from their initial positions in a predetermined direction. Here, the imaging rate of the shineproof imaging system 22 and the imaging rate of the shineproof imaging system 23 may be equal or different.

[0225] In the anterior segment scan using the translational scanning method, the distance over which the illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 are moved can be arbitrary. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the illumination system 21 and the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 are moved integrally in the X direction in a translational manner (trajectory T in the X direction) so as to move the projection area of ​​the slit light 21b from an initial position further from the corneal center than the first end position of the cornea Co in the X direction to an end position further from the corneal center than the second end position of the cornea Co in the X direction (the end position opposite the first end position in the X direction). This collects a dataset corresponding to a three-dimensional region that includes (almost) the entire cornea Co.

[0226] The dataset collected by the anterior segment scan in Figure 15, as shown in Figure 16, contains multiple data points corresponding to multiple cross-sections U1 to UM arranged parallel to each other. These multiple cross-sections U1 to UM correspond to multiple positions (positions expressed in X-coordinates) in the anterior segment scan. The positions of the multiple cross-sections U1 to UM can be similarly defined.

[0227] The data acquired in each cross-section Um by the anterior segment scan using the parallel translation scanning method in this example consists of two images, each acquired by two Scheinproof imaging systems 22 and 23, which have different fields of view in the Z direction, as shown in images 311 and 312 in Figure 8 and images 331 and 332 in Figure 10.

[0228] The data processing unit 8 can apply predetermined data processing to the dataset collected in this manner. For example, the data processing unit 8 is configured to apply predetermined analysis processing to the dataset. This analysis processing may be any known processing, and may include, for example, corneal curvature analysis, corneal pachymetry, corneal elevation analysis, corneal topography, anterior chamber depth analysis, and gonioscopy. In distance measurement, pixel spacing is performed to determine the distance corresponding to one pixel (pixel interval).

[0229] Furthermore, the data processing unit 8 can correct each piece of data collected by the anterior segment scan. For example, the data processing unit 8 may be configured to correct the distortion of the data acquired at each scan position by the anterior segment scan (for example, image pairs like those in Figures 8 and 10). This distortion correction may include, for example, trapezoidal distortion and refractive distortion. For details on distortion correction, please refer to, for example, Patent Document 4.

[0230] The data synthesis processing unit 81 is configured to synthesize the datasets generated by the Shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23. The data synthesis processing unit 81 can synthesize image pairs corresponding to a single scan position to construct a single image.

[0231] When an image pair is acquired in each cross-section Um by the anterior segment scan using the translational scanning method shown in Figure 15, the data synthesis processing unit 81 can synthesize the image pairs for each cross-section Um. For example, if the image pair for cross-section Um is the two images 311 and 312 in Figure 8, the data synthesis processing unit 81 can construct a single image whose range in the Z direction spans the sum range 305 by synthesizing the two images 311 and 312. The same applies to the anterior segment scan using the rotational scanning method.

[0232] Furthermore, the data synthesis processing unit 81 may be configured to construct an image of a three-dimensional region corresponding to the dataset (or at least a portion thereof) generated by the Shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23.

[0233] When a dataset containing multiple image pairs corresponding to multiple cross-sections U1 to UM is acquired by the anterior segment scan using the translational scanning method shown in Figure 15, the data synthesis processing unit 81 first synthesizes the image pairs for each cross-section Um to construct a single image for that cross-section Um. This results in M ​​images corresponding to M cross-sections U1 to UM.

[0234] The data synthesis processing unit 81 can construct three-dimensional image data (stacked data) by embedding these M images into a single XYZ image space. Furthermore, the data synthesis processing unit 81 can construct three-dimensional image data (voxel data, volume data) by applying a voxelization process to this stacked data.

[0235] The data processing unit 8 can apply rendering to the three-dimensional image data constructed by the data synthesis processing unit 81. The type of rendering can be arbitrary and may include, for example, volume rendering, surface rendering, or multi-sectional reconstruction (MPR).

[0236] By applying data synthesis processing to a dataset collected from the three-dimensional region of the eye E under examination using the anterior segment scan of the translational scanning method shown in Figure 15, for example, image data of a three-dimensional region defined by the range in the XY direction shown by the multiple cross-sections U1 to UM in Figure 16 and the range in the Z direction shown by the sum range 305 in Figure 8 is generated.

[0237] Next, the operation of the ophthalmic device 1 will be explained. Figure 17 shows an example of non-limited operation.

[0238] In this example, first, the subject's head is placed on the holding parts (forehead rest, chin rest) of the ophthalmic device 1 (not shown). The ophthalmic device 1, for example, receives instructions made using the user interface 10, and starts projecting fixation light onto the subject eye E that is the target of the anterior segment scan, and performs alignment of the illumination imaging optical system 2 with respect to the subject eye E (S1).

[0239] Alignment may be performed automatically or manually. After alignment is complete, the ophthalmic device 1 may start tracking the illumination and imaging optical system 2 to follow the movement of the eye E being examined.

[0240] Alignment and tracking may be performed using an anterior segment observation system (not shown). The anterior segment observation system acquires observational images (moving images) of the anterior segment of the eye E under examination. The observational images are typically generated by capturing moving images of the anterior segment from a frontal or oblique direction, and may be color images or near-infrared images. For details on anterior segment observation systems, please refer to, for example, Patent Documents 3 and 4.

[0241] Once preparatory actions such as alignment are complete, the ophthalmic device 1 starts projecting slit light 21b onto the anterior segment of the eye E being examined using the illumination system 21 (S2).

[0242] Next, the ophthalmic device 1 applies an anterior segment scan using slit light 21b to the eye E under examination using the illumination system 21, the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23, and the movement mechanism 6 (S3). This collects a dataset corresponding to the three-dimensional region of the eye E under examination. The collected dataset is stored, for example, in the storage device of the control unit 7 or the storage device of the data processing unit 8.

[0243] Next, the ophthalmic device 1 uses a data synthesis processing unit 81 to construct a composite image (3D image data) from the dataset collected in step S3 (S4).

[0244] Furthermore, the ophthalmic device 1 applies predetermined analysis processing to the dataset collected in step S3 and / or the composite image constructed in step S4 using the data processing unit 8 (S5).

[0245] The control unit 7 displays the composite image constructed in step S4 and the analysis data obtained in the analysis process of step S5 on the display unit 11 (S6). The displayed composite image is a rendered image, and may also be an image that has undergone correction processing such as distortion correction.

[0246] The ophthalmic device 1 configured in this manner can achieve the various effects described above. Furthermore, the ophthalmic device 1 will achieve various effects corresponding to the matters relating to this embodiment.

[0247] According to the ophthalmic device 1, since it is configured to capture optical sections formed by the illumination system 21 using Shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 having different fields of view, it is possible to achieve both a wide imaging range (wide composite field of view) and high resolution.

[0248] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to acquire a high-resolution image that represents the entire main observation range of the anterior segment of the eye (for example, the range from the anterior surface CoA of the cornea to the posterior surface CrP of the lens).

[0249] Furthermore, the ophthalmic device 1 of this embodiment can contribute to the optimization of the optical system design, cost reduction, and functional expansion.

[0250] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same resolution (and equivalent imaging range) as an expensive image sensor using an inexpensive image sensor.

[0251] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to photograph the entire or a part of the main target area for anterior segment observation with multiple different fields of view, thereby contributing to an improvement in the observation quality of the photographed area.

[0252] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic device 1 of this embodiment, the entire main target area for anterior segment observation can be divided into multiple different depth regions for imaging, thus contributing to an improvement in the overall observation quality of the main target area for anterior segment observation.

[0253] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the field of view of the Scheinproof imaging system is designed to be relatively narrow (i.e., the angle of view is relatively small) compared to conventional similar devices, so the resolution of the images obtained from each Scheinproof imaging system is relatively high. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide images of the entire main target area for anterior segment observation, and to provide high-quality images for each part.

[0254] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to observe the entire range from the anterior corneal CoA to the posterior crystalline lens CrP in a single image.

[0255] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic device 1 of this embodiment, processing and observation can be performed using the overlap of two regions, or, similar to the third embodiment, it is possible to acquire an image corresponding to a relatively wide area and an image corresponding to a relatively narrow area with relatively high resolution.

[0256] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, by using a shineproof imaging system 22 (23) with high light detection efficiency in which the image sensor 221 (231) is eccentrically positioned with respect to the imaging optical axis 22a (23a), it is possible to acquire anterior segment images of high quality and with a deep depth of field.

[0257] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic device 1 of this embodiment, by presenting a fixation target to the eye E under examination, the subject can be encouraged to keep the eye E from moving during imaging.

[0258] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, processing (for example, display, analysis, evaluation, etc.) can be performed using composite data of multiple data generated by the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23, which can contribute to improving the quality of observation and diagnosis.

[0259] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, by performing multiple imaging operations using the Shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 while moving the object surface illuminated by the illumination light, it is possible to image a wide area (three-dimensional region) of the anterior segment of the eye with a deep depth of field.

[0260] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, processing (e.g., display, analysis, evaluation, etc.) can be performed using the composite data of the dataset generated by scanning using the shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23, which can contribute to improving the quality of observation and diagnosis.

[0261] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide users with high-quality images of the anterior segment of the eye captured with a deep depth of field, thereby contributing to improvements in the quality and efficiency of examinations and diagnoses.

[0262] Furthermore, according to the ophthalmic device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to perform processing such as analysis and evaluation using high-quality data and high-quality images generated with a deep depth of field, which can contribute to improving the quality and efficiency of examinations and diagnoses.

[0263] <Modifications> Several modifications of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment are described below.

[0264] A first modified example will be described. In the main embodiment described above, one illumination system is provided, but in this modified example, two or more illumination systems are provided. The ophthalmic apparatus according to this modified example comprises a first illumination system that projects a first illumination light onto the object surface of one of the multiple imaging systems, and a second illumination system that projects a second illumination light onto the object surface of another of the multiple imaging systems. For example, the first illumination system is configured to project slit light (first illumination light) onto the object surface of the Shineproof imaging system 22, and the second illumination system is configured to project slit light (second illumination light) onto the object surface of the Shineproof imaging system 23.

[0265] The wavelength bands of the first illumination light projected by the first illumination system and the wavelength bands of the second illumination light projected by the second illumination system may be equal or different. For example, the first and second illumination lights may be visible light with equal wavelength bands, visible light with different wavelength bands, infrared light with equal wavelength bands, or infrared light with different wavelength bands. Alternatively, one of the first and second illumination lights may be visible light and the other infrared light.

[0266] A second modification will now be described. As briefly explained in the above embodiment, in the ophthalmic apparatus according to this modification, at least one of the multiple imaging systems includes a region shifting unit. The region shifting unit is used to move the field of view of the imaging system.

[0267] The area shifting unit includes, for example, a zoom optical system that includes a zoom lens and a mechanism for moving it. The optical system configuration shown in Figure 18 is obtained by adding zoom optical systems 22d and 23d to the Shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 of Figure 4, respectively. The zoom optical systems 22d and 23d are controlled independently of each other by the control unit 7. By controlling the zoom optical system 22d, the field of view of the Shineproof imaging system 22 can be moved. Similarly, by controlling the zoom optical system 23d, the field of view of the Shineproof imaging system 23 can be moved.

[0268] According to this modified version, the field of view can be positioned according to the purpose and the eye E under examination can be photographed. In addition, the positional relationship between the fields of view of the Shineproof imaging systems 22 and 23 can be changed according to the purpose.

[0269] The above describes some non-limiting embodiments of the ophthalmic apparatus according to the embodiment. It is possible to combine at least two or more embodiments of the present disclosure in part.

[0270] <Other Embodiments> The embodiments relating to this disclosure are not limited to ophthalmic devices. Embodiments other than ophthalmic devices include methods for controlling ophthalmic devices, methods for photographing the anterior segment of the eye, programs, recording media, etc. These embodiments can achieve the same effects as the embodiments of ophthalmic devices.

[0271] Some embodiments provide methods for controlling ophthalmic devices.

[0272] In one embodiment of a control method for an ophthalmic device, the ophthalmic device includes an illumination system, a plurality of imaging systems, a display unit, and a processor. The illumination system is configured to project illumination light onto the anterior segment of the eye under examination. The plurality of imaging systems are each configured to satisfy the Scheinproof condition and are configured to generate multiple data by taking images while focusing on multiple different regions in the optical section formed by the illumination light.

[0273] The method according to this embodiment includes the steps of causing a processor to execute control of an illumination system and a plurality of imaging systems for acquiring a plurality of data from the eye under examination (imaging control step), and causing the processor to execute control for displaying an image of the eye under examination on a display unit based on the plurality of data acquired in the imaging step (display control step).

[0274] According to the method of this embodiment, it is possible to achieve both a wide shooting range (wide composite field of view) and high resolution, and to achieve resolution (and equivalent shooting range) equivalent to that of an expensive image sensor using an inexpensive image sensor.

[0275] In another embodiment of the control method for the ophthalmic device, the ophthalmic device includes an illumination system, a plurality of imaging systems, a moving mechanism, a display unit, and a processor. The illumination system is configured to project illumination light onto the anterior segment of the eye under examination. The plurality of imaging systems are each configured to satisfy the Scheinproof condition and are configured to generate a plurality of data by taking images in focus on a plurality of different regions in the optical section formed by the illumination light. The moving mechanism is configured to move the illumination system and the plurality of imaging systems.

[0276] The method according to this embodiment includes the steps of causing a processor to control an illumination system, multiple imaging systems, and a movement mechanism for acquiring a dataset corresponding to multiple positions from the eye under examination (anterior segment scan control step), and causing a processor to control the display unit to display an image of the eye under examination based on the acquired dataset (display control step).

[0277] According to the method of this embodiment, it is possible to achieve both a wide imaging range (wide composite field of view) and high resolution over a three-dimensional region of the eye under examination (for example, a three-dimensional region including the range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens), and to achieve resolution (and equivalent imaging range) equivalent to that of an expensive image sensor using an inexpensive image sensor.

[0278] Any of the matters described in this disclosure can be combined with the methods according to the embodiments.

[0279] Some embodiments provide programs. The programs according to these embodiments cause a computer, including a processor and memory, to execute one of the methods described in the embodiments above. Any of the matters described in this disclosure can be combined with the programs according to these embodiments.

[0280] Some embodiments provide computer-readable non-temporary recording media. The recording media according to these embodiments contain a program that causes a computer to execute one of the methods described in the embodiments above. Any of the matters described in this disclosure can be combined with the recording media according to these embodiments.

[0281] The computer-readable non-temporary recording medium that can be used as a recording medium according to this embodiment may be any form of recording medium, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

[0282] The embodiments and aspects described herein are illustrative only. Any modifications (omissions, substitutions, additions, etc.) within the scope of the gist of the present invention can be applied to the embodiments and aspects of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An ophthalmic apparatus comprising: an illumination system that projects illumination light onto the anterior segment of the eye under examination; and a plurality of imaging systems, each configured to satisfy shine-proof conditions, which generate a plurality of data by taking images of a plurality of different regions in an optical section formed by the illumination light, each in focus.

2. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of imaging systems include a first imaging system that takes images while in focus on a first region among the plurality of different regions, and a second imaging system that takes images while in focus on a second region among the plurality of different regions, and a part of the first region and a part of the second region overlap.

3. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of imaging systems include a third imaging system that takes images while in focus on a third region among the plurality of different regions, and a fourth imaging system that takes images while in focus on a fourth region among the plurality of different regions, and the third region includes the entirety of the fourth region.

4. The ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of different regions captured by the plurality of imaging systems correspond to a plurality of different ranges in the direction along the optical axis of the illumination system.

5. The ophthalmic apparatus of claim 4, wherein the sum of the plurality of different ranges includes at least a portion of the range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens.

6. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sum range includes the entire range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens.

7. The ophthalmic apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of different ranges is a part of the range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens.

8. The ophthalmic apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of different ranges includes the entire range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the lens.

9. The ophthalmic apparatus of claim 6, wherein, with respect to the first and second ranges among the plurality of different ranges, the first range includes at least a portion of the second range.

10. The ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of different regions captured by the plurality of imaging systems correspond to a plurality of different ranges in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the illumination system.

11. An ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of imaging systems includes a region moving unit for moving a region corresponding to the imaging system from among the plurality of different regions each imaging system captures.

12. An ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of imaging systems includes an image sensor that is positioned on the image plane of the imaging system and is eccentrically positioned with respect to the optical axis of the imaging system.

13. The ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the illumination system includes a first illumination system that projects a first illumination light onto the object surface of one of the plurality of imaging systems, and a second illumination system that projects a second illumination light onto the object surface of another of the plurality of imaging systems.

14. An ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a fixation optical system for presenting a fixation target to the eye under examination.

15. An ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a first data synthesis processing unit for synthesizing the plurality of data generated by the plurality of imaging systems.

16. An ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising: a moving mechanism for moving the illumination system and the plurality of imaging systems; and a first control unit that controls the illumination system, the plurality of imaging systems, and the moving mechanism to cause the plurality of imaging systems to generate datasets corresponding to a plurality of positions.

17. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a second data synthesis processing unit for synthesizing the datasets generated by the plurality of imaging systems.

18. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of different regions captured by each of the plurality of imaging systems correspond to a plurality of different ranges in a first direction along the optical axis of the illumination system, the moving mechanism moves the illumination system and the plurality of imaging systems in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the dataset generated by the plurality of imaging systems moved in the second direction by the moving mechanism includes a plurality of data corresponding to the plurality of different regions generated by the plurality of imaging systems for each of the plurality of positions in the second direction, and the second data synthesis processing unit generates image data of a three-dimensional region by synthesizing the dataset, wherein the sum of the plurality of different ranges is the range in the first direction, and the range of movement of the illumination system and the plurality of imaging systems by the moving mechanism is the range in the second direction.

19. An ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a second control unit that displays an image of the eye under examination on a display device based on the plurality of data generated by the plurality of imaging systems.

20. An ophthalmic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a processing unit for performing processing of the plurality of data generated by the plurality of imaging systems.

21. A method for controlling an ophthalmic device for photographing an eye under examination, the ophthalmic device comprising: an illumination system for projecting illumination light onto the anterior portion of the eye under examination; a plurality of imaging systems, each configured to satisfy shine-proof conditions, for generating a plurality of data by imaging while focusing on a plurality of different regions in an optical section formed by the illumination light; a display unit; and a processor, the method comprising: causing the processor to control the illumination system and the plurality of imaging systems for acquiring the plurality of data from the eye under examination; and causing the processor to control the display unit for displaying an image of the eye under examination based on the plurality of data.

22. A method for controlling an ophthalmic device for photographing an eye under examination, the ophthalmic device comprising: an illumination system for projecting illumination light onto the anterior portion of the eye under examination; a plurality of imaging systems, each configured to satisfy shine-proof conditions, for generating a plurality of data by imaging while focusing on a plurality of different regions in an optical section formed by the illumination light; a movement mechanism for moving the illumination system and the plurality of imaging systems; a display unit; and a processor, the method comprising: causing the processor to control the illumination system, the plurality of imaging systems, and the movement mechanism for acquiring a dataset corresponding to a plurality of positions from the eye under examination; and causing the processor to control the display unit for displaying an image of the eye under examination based on the dataset.

23. A computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which a program causing a computer to execute the method of claim 21 or 22 is recorded.

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