JP2024028448A - slit lamp microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a high quality slit lamp microscopic examination widely.SOLUTION: An illumination system of a slit lamp microscope irradiates the anterior eye part of an eye to be examined with slit light. An imaging system includes an optical system for guiding light from the anterior eye part irradiated with the slit light, and an image pick-up device for receiving the light guided by the optical system on an imaging surface. An object surface along an optical axis of the illumination system, the optical system, and the imaging surface satisfy a condition of Scheimpflug. A moving image capturing system sequentially acquires frames in which a predetermined site of the anterior eye part is depicted by capturing a moving image of the anterior eye part from the front. A movement mechanism moves the illumination system and the imaging system without moving the moving image capturing system. A control unit executes, in parallel, control of the movement mechanism to move the illumination system and the imaging system, and control of the imaging system to image the anterior eye part repeatedly and acquire a plurality of images in parallel with the capturing of the moving image of the anterior eye part from the front and a fixed position by the moving image capturing system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a slit lamp microscope.

Image diagnosis occupies an important position in the field of ophthalmology. In image diagnosis, various ophthalmological imaging devices are used. Ophthalmological imaging devices include a slit lamp microscope, a fundus camera, a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO), and an optical coherence tomography (OCT). In addition, various inspection and measurement devices such as refractometers, keratometers, tonometers, specular microscopes, wavefront analyzers, and microperimeters are also equipped with functions for photographing the anterior segment and fundus of the eye.

One of the most widely and frequently used of these various ophthalmic devices is the slit lamp microscope. A slit lamp microscope is an ophthalmological device that illuminates a subject's eye with slit light and observes or photographs the illuminated cross section from the side with a microscope (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

A slit lamp microscope is generally used to observe and diagnose the anterior segment of the eye, such as the cornea and crystalline lens. For example, a doctor observes the entire diagnosis site while moving the illumination field and focus position of the slit light to determine the presence or absence of an abnormality. Additionally, a slit lamp microscope is sometimes used in prescribing vision correction devices, such as checking the fitting condition of contact lenses. Furthermore, slit lamp microscopes are sometimes used by people with qualifications other than doctors, such as optometrists, and employees of eyeglass stores, for purposes such as screening for eye diseases.

By the way, in response to recent advances in information and communication technology, research and development regarding telemedicine technology is progressing. Telemedicine is the act of providing medical treatment to patients in remote locations using information technology such as the Internet. Patent Documents 3 and 4 disclose techniques for operating a slit lamp microscope from a remote location.

However, obtaining good images using a slit lamp requires detailed and complicated operations such as adjusting the illumination angle and photographing angle. With the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 3 and 4, even when observing the eyes of a subject in front of them, an examiner in a remote location must perform difficult operations, which increases the examination time. Problems may arise, such as the inability to obtain a good image.

Additionally, as mentioned above, slit lamp microscopes are effective for inspections such as screening, but there is currently a shortage of people with specialized skills related to the equipment, making it difficult to provide high-quality inspections to many people. There is.

JP 2016-159073 Publication Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-179004 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-116732 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-284273

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to widely provide high-quality slit lamp microscopy.

A first aspect of the exemplary embodiment includes an illumination system that irradiates the anterior segment of the eye to be examined with slit light, an optical system that guides light from the anterior segment that is irradiated with the slit light, and the optical system. an imaging system including an image sensor that receives the light guided by the system on an imaging surface; a moving mechanism that moves the illumination system and the imaging system; The optical system and the imaging surface satisfy the Scheimpflug condition, and the imaging system captures a plurality of images of the anterior segment by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system and the imaging system by the moving mechanism. This is a slit lamp microscope characterized by acquiring images of.

A second aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the first aspect, wherein the imaging system is a first optical system that guides light from the anterior segment of the eye to which the slit light is irradiated. and a first imaging device that receives the light guided by the first optical system on a first imaging surface, and acquires a first image group by repeatedly photographing in parallel with the movement. an imaging system, a second optical system that guides light from the anterior eye segment irradiated with the slit light, and a second image sensor that receives the light guided by the second optical system on a second imaging surface. and a second imaging system that acquires a second image group by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement, and the optical axis of the first optical system and the optical axis of the second optical system are , are arranged in mutually different directions, the object plane, the first optical system, and the first imaging plane satisfy the Scheimpflug condition, and the object plane, the second optical system, and the second imaging plane satisfy the Scheimpflug condition. The imaging surface is characterized in that the imaging surface satisfies Scheimpflug conditions.

A third aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the second aspect, wherein the optical axis of the first optical system and the optical axis of the second optical system are the optical axis of the illumination system. are arranged to be inclined in opposite directions to each other, and determine whether an artifact is included in either of the two images obtained substantially simultaneously by the first imaging system and the second imaging system, The image processing apparatus is characterized in that it further includes an image selection section that selects the other image when it is determined that one of the two images includes an artifact.

A fourth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the third aspect, in which a group of images including an image selected from the first group of images and the second group of images by the image selection section is provided. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that it further includes a three-dimensional image construction unit that constructs a three-dimensional image based on the three-dimensional image.

A fifth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope of the second aspect, wherein two images obtained substantially simultaneously by the first imaging system and the second imaging system are compared. The method further includes an artifact removal unit that determines whether an artifact is included in either of the two images, and removes the artifact when it is determined that the artifact is included in either of the two images. do.

A sixth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the fifth aspect, wherein a three-dimensional image is constructed based on a group of images including images from which artifacts have been removed by the artifact removal section. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that it further includes an image construction section.

A seventh aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the first aspect, which includes a three-dimensional image construction unit that constructs a three-dimensional image based on the plurality of images acquired by the imaging system. It is characterized by further comprising:

An eighth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to any one of the fourth, sixth, and seventh aspects, wherein the moving mechanism rotates the illumination system and the illumination system with the optical axis of the illumination system as a rotation axis. The imaging system includes a rotation mechanism that integrally rotates the imaging system, and when the illumination system and the imaging system are arranged at a first rotation position, the imaging system acquires the plurality of images and rotates the imaging system at the first rotation position. When the illumination system and the imaging system are arranged at a second rotational position different from the rotational position, the imaging system acquires an image of the anterior segment irradiated with slit light by the illumination system, The three-dimensional image construction unit is characterized in that it includes an image position determination unit that determines relative positions of the plurality of images based on the images acquired at the second rotational position.

A ninth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to any one of the fourth, sixth to eighth aspects, wherein the three-dimensional image constructing unit extracts the slit light from each of the plurality of images. an image region extraction section that extracts an image region corresponding to the irradiation region; and an image synthesis section that composes a plurality of image regions respectively extracted from the plurality of images by the image region extraction section to construct a three-dimensional image. It is characterized by including.

A tenth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the ninth aspect, wherein the image area extracting unit extracts the slit light irradiation area and the anterior ocular segment from each of the plurality of images. It is characterized by extracting an image area corresponding to both predetermined parts of the image.

An eleventh aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the tenth aspect, wherein the predetermined region is a region defined by the anterior surface of the cornea and the posterior surface of the crystalline lens.

A twelfth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to any one of the fourth, sixth to eleventh aspects, further comprising a rendering unit that renders the three-dimensional image to construct a rendered image. It is characterized by

A thirteenth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the twelfth aspect, in which when a cross section is specified for the three-dimensional image, the rendering unit converts the three-dimensional image into the cross-section. The feature is that a three-dimensional partial image is constructed by cutting the image.

A fourteenth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the twelfth aspect, in which when a cross section is specified for the three-dimensional image, the rendering unit is configured to provide a two-dimensional cross section representing the cross section. It is characterized by constructing an image.

A fifteenth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the twelfth aspect, in which when a slice is specified for the three-dimensional image, the rendering section It is characterized by constructing slice images.

A sixteenth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the optical axis is an angle formed by the optical axis of the illumination system and the optical axis of the imaging system. The image processing apparatus is characterized in that it further includes a distortion correction unit that applies processing for correcting distortion caused by angle to at least one of the plurality of images.

A seventeenth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the optical axis of the optical system included in the imaging system is relative to the optical axis of the illumination system. The distortion correction section is arranged to be inclined in a third direction perpendicular to both a first direction along the optical axis of the system and a second direction along the longitudinal direction of the slit light, and the distortion correction section The present invention is characterized in that processing for correcting distortion in a plane including both directions in the second direction is executed.

An 18th aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the 16th or 17th aspect, wherein the distortion correction section adjusts a correction coefficient set based on a predetermined reference angle and the optical axis angle. The correction coefficient is stored in advance, and processing for correcting the distortion is executed based on the correction coefficient.

A nineteenth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, wherein at least one of the plurality of images acquired by the imaging system is analyzed. The apparatus is characterized in that it further includes a first measurement section that obtains a predetermined measurement value.

A 20th aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to any one of the 4th, 6th to 15th aspects, wherein the slit lamp microscope is configured to analyze the three-dimensional image constructed by the three-dimensional image construction section. The apparatus is characterized in that it further includes a second measurement section that obtains a predetermined measurement value.

A twenty-first aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to any one of the first to twentieth aspects, wherein the illumination system and the imaging system are arranged in a region defined by at least the anterior surface of the cornea and the posterior surface of the crystalline lens. The camera is characterized in that the photographing system is configured to be in focus.

A twenty-second aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to any one of the first to twenty-first aspects, wherein the illumination system emits the slit light whose longitudinal direction is the body axis direction of the subject. The anterior segment of the eye is irradiated with the illumination system, and the moving mechanism moves the illumination system and the imaging system in a direction perpendicular to the body axis direction.

A twenty-third aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the twenty-second aspect, wherein the length of the slit light is equal to or longer than the corneal diameter in the body axis direction, and the illumination system by the moving mechanism The imaging system is characterized in that a moving distance of the imaging system is equal to or larger than a corneal diameter in a direction perpendicular to the body axis direction.

A twenty-fourth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to any one of the first to twenty-third aspects, wherein the optical system included in the imaging system includes a reflector that reflects light from the eye that travels in a direction away from the optical axis of the illumination system in a direction approaching the optical axis of the illumination system, and a reflector that reflects the light reflected by the reflector. and one or more lenses that form an image on the imaging surface.

A twenty-fifth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to any one of the first to twenty-fourth aspects, in which the anterior segment of the eye is moved from a fixed position in parallel with the acquisition of the plurality of images by the imaging system. The present invention is characterized in that it further includes a moving image shooting system for shooting moving images.

A twenty-sixth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the twenty-fifth aspect, further comprising a motion detection unit that analyzes a moving image acquired by the video imaging system and detects the movement of the eye to be examined. It is characterized by further comprising:

A twenty-seventh aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to the twenty-sixth aspect, further comprising a movement control section that controls the movement mechanism based on the output from the movement detection section. do.

A twenty-eighth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the slit lamp microscope according to any one of the first to twenty-seventh aspects, further comprising a communication unit that transmits an image acquired of the anterior segment to an information processing device. It is characterized by further comprising:

A twenty-ninth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is a slit lamp microscope connected to the slit lamp microscope via a communication line to process an image of the anterior segment of the subject's eye acquired by the slit lamp microscope. This is an ophthalmology system including an information processing device. The slit lamp microscope includes an illumination system that irradiates the anterior segment of the subject's eye with slit light, an optical system that guides light from the anterior segment that is irradiated with the slit light, and a system that guides the light from the anterior segment that is irradiated with the slit light. The image capturing system includes an imaging device that receives light on an imaging surface, and a moving mechanism that moves the illumination system and the imaging system. The object surface along the optical axis of the illumination system, the optical system, and the imaging surface satisfy the Scheimpflug condition. The imaging system acquires a plurality of images of the anterior segment of the eye by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system and the imaging system by the moving mechanism.

A 30th aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the 29th aspect, wherein the imaging system of the slit lamp microscope guides light from the anterior segment of the eye to which the slit light is irradiated. It includes a first optical system and a first image sensor that receives the light guided by the first optical system on a first imaging surface, and captures a first image group by repeatedly photographing in parallel with the movement. a first imaging system for capturing, a second optical system that guides light from the anterior eye segment irradiated with the slit light, and a second imaging surface that receives the light guided by the second optical system. and a second imaging system that acquires a second image group by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement, the optical axis of the first optical system and the second optical system The optical axes are arranged in different directions from each other, and the object surface, the first optical system, and the first imaging surface satisfy the Scheimpflug condition, and the object surface and the second optical system and the second imaging surface satisfy Scheimpflug conditions.

A thirty-first aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the thirtieth aspect, wherein the optical axis of the first optical system and the optical axis of the second optical system are aligned with the optical axis of the illumination system. The information processing device is arranged to be inclined in opposite directions to each other, and the information processing device is configured to detect artifacts included in either of the two images obtained substantially simultaneously by the first imaging system and the second imaging system. The present invention is characterized in that it includes an image selection section that determines whether or not an artifact is included in one of the two images, and selects the other image when it is determined that one of the two images includes an artifact.

A thirty-second aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the thirty-first aspect, wherein the information processing apparatus selects an image selected from the first image group and the second image group by the image selection unit. It is characterized by including a three-dimensional image construction unit that constructs a three-dimensional image based on a group of images including.

A 33rd aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the 30th aspect, in which the information processing apparatus is configured to perform two images acquired substantially simultaneously by the first imaging system and the second imaging system. An artifact removal unit that determines whether an artifact is included in either of the two images by comparing the images, and removes the artifact when it is determined that the artifact is included in either of the two images. It is characterized by

A thirty-fourth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the thirty-third aspect, wherein the information processing device generates a three-dimensional image based on a group of images including images from which artifacts have been removed by the artifact removal unit. It is characterized by including a three-dimensional image construction unit that constructs a three-dimensional image.

A thirty-fifth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the twenty-ninth aspect, wherein the information processing device constructs a three-dimensional image based on the plurality of images acquired by the imaging system. It is characterized by including a dimensional image construction unit.

A thirty-sixth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmologic system according to any one of the thirty-second, thirty-fourth, and thirty-fifth aspects, wherein the moving mechanism moves the illumination system and the The imaging system includes a rotation mechanism that integrally rotates the imaging system, and when the illumination system and the imaging system are arranged at a first rotational position, the imaging system acquires the plurality of images and rotates the imaging system at the first rotational position. When the illumination system and the imaging system are arranged at a second rotational position different from the position, the imaging system acquires an image of the anterior segment irradiated with the slit light by the illumination system, and The three-dimensional image construction unit is characterized in that it includes an image position determination unit that determines relative positions of the plurality of images based on the images acquired at the second rotational position.

A thirty-seventh aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to any one of the thirty-second, thirty-fourth to thirty-sixth aspects, wherein the three-dimensional image construction unit generates the slit light from each of the plurality of images. an image region extraction section that extracts an image region corresponding to the irradiation region; and an image synthesis section that synthesizes a plurality of image regions respectively extracted from the plurality of images by the image region extraction section to construct a three-dimensional image. It is characterized by containing.

A thirty-eighth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the thirty-seventh aspect, wherein the image area extracting unit extracts the irradiation area of the slit light and the anterior segment from each of the plurality of images. It is characterized by extracting image regions corresponding to both predetermined parts.

A thirty-ninth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the thirty-eighth aspect, wherein the predetermined region is a region defined by the anterior surface of the cornea and the posterior surface of the crystalline lens.

A 40th aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to any one of the 32nd, 34th to 39th aspects, wherein the information processing device is a rendering device that constructs a rendered image by rendering the three-dimensional image. It is characterized by including a section.

A forty-first aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the fortieth aspect, in which, when a cross section is specified for the three-dimensional image, the rendering unit converts the three-dimensional image into the cross-section. The feature is that three-dimensional partial images are constructed by cutting.

A 42nd aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the 40th aspect, in which when a cross section is specified for the three-dimensional image, the rendering unit generates a two-dimensional cross-sectional image representing the cross section. It is characterized by the construction of

A forty-third aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the fortieth aspect, in which, when a slice is specified for the three-dimensional image, the rendering unit slices a three-dimensional slice corresponding to the slice. It is characterized by constructing an image.

A forty-fourth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to any one of the twenty-ninth to forty-third aspects, wherein the information processing device is configured such that an optical axis of the illumination system and an optical axis of the imaging system form The image forming apparatus is characterized in that it includes a distortion correction unit that applies processing for correcting distortion caused by an optical axis angle, which is an angle, to at least one of the plurality of images.

A forty-fifth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the forty-fourth aspect, wherein the optical axis of the optical system included in the imaging system is relative to the optical axis of the illumination system. and a second direction along the longitudinal direction of the slit light. It is characterized by executing processing for correcting distortion in a plane including both directions.

A forty-sixth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the forty-fourth or forty-fifth aspect, wherein the distortion correction unit presets a correction coefficient set based on a predetermined reference angle and the optical axis angle. It is characterized in that the correction coefficient is stored and a process for correcting the distortion is executed based on the correction coefficient.

A forty-seventh aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to any one of the twenty-ninth to forty-sixth aspects, wherein the information processing apparatus includes at least one of the plurality of images acquired by the imaging system. The present invention is characterized in that it includes a first measurement section that obtains a predetermined measurement value by analyzing the first measurement value.

A forty-eighth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to any one of the thirty-second, thirty-fourth to forty-third aspects, wherein the information processing device is configured to image the three-dimensional image constructed by the three-dimensional image constructing unit. It is characterized in that it includes a second measurement section that obtains a predetermined measurement value by analyzing.

A forty-ninth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to any of the twenty-ninth to forty-eighth aspects, wherein the illumination system and the imaging system are arranged in a region defined by at least the anterior surface of the cornea and the posterior surface of the crystalline lens. The camera is characterized in that the photographing system is configured to be in focus.

A fiftieth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to any one of the twenty-ninth to forty-ninth aspects, wherein the illumination system emits a slit light whose longitudinal direction is in the body axis direction of the subject. The eye is irradiated with the illumination system, and the moving mechanism moves the illumination system and the imaging system in a direction perpendicular to the body axis direction.

A fifty-first aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the fiftieth aspect, wherein the length of the slit light is equal to or longer than the corneal diameter in the body axis direction, and the illumination system by the moving mechanism The imaging system is characterized in that a moving distance of the imaging system is equal to or larger than a corneal diameter in a direction perpendicular to the body axis direction.

A 52nd aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to any of the 29th to 51st aspects, wherein the optical system included in the imaging system is configured such that the anterior eye is irradiated with the slit light. a reflector that reflects light from a light source traveling in a direction away from the optical axis of the illumination system in a direction approaching the optical axis of the illumination system; It is characterized by including one or more lenses that form an image on an imaging surface.

A 53rd aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to any of the 29th to 52nd aspects, wherein the slit lamp microscope is configured to operate the anterior eye in parallel with the acquisition of the plurality of images by the imaging system. It is characterized by including a video shooting system that takes videos of the area from a fixed position.

A 54th aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system according to the 53rd aspect, wherein the slit lamp microscope detects the movement of the subject's eye by analyzing a moving image acquired by the video imaging system. It is characterized by including a motion detection section that performs the following.

A fifty-fifth aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the ophthalmological system of the fifty-fourth aspect, wherein the slit lamp microscope includes a movement control unit that controls the movement mechanism based on an output from the movement detection unit. It is characterized by

Exemplary embodiments enable high quality slit lamp microscopy to be widely provided.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 is a flowchart illustrating the usage of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a variation of the configuration of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage pattern of a slit lamp microscope according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an ophthalmological system according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an ophthalmological system according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an ophthalmological system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that any known techniques such as those disclosed in the documents cited in this specification can be combined with the embodiments.

The slit lamp microscope according to the embodiment may be installed in an eyeglass store or a medical facility, or may be portable. The slit lamp microscope according to the embodiment is typically used in a situation or environment where a person with expertise regarding the device is not on hand. Note that the slit lamp microscope according to the embodiment may be used in a situation or environment where a professional technician is present, or in a situation or environment where a professional technician can monitor, instruct, and operate from a remote location. May be used in the environment.

The ophthalmologic system according to the embodiment includes one or more slit lamp microscopes and one or more information processing devices, and can be used for, for example, telemedicine. The information processing device receives and processes images acquired by the slit lamp microscope. The information processing device may be capable of transmitting data to a slit lamp microscope or other information processing device. The information processing device may be used for, for example, image analysis, image processing, image interpretation, etc.

When the ophthalmology system of the embodiment is used for telemedicine, a person located at a remote location away from the facility where the slit lamp microscope is installed interprets images acquired by the slit lamp microscope. The image reader is typically a doctor and has expertise in slit lamp microscopy. Furthermore, it is also possible to employ computer-assisted image interpretation using information processing technology (eg, artificial intelligence, image analysis, image processing).

Examples of facilities where slit lamp microscopes are installed include opticians, optometrists, medical institutions, health examination halls, examination halls, patients' homes, welfare facilities, public facilities, and examination vehicles.

The slit lamp microscope according to the embodiment is an ophthalmologic imaging device that has at least a function as a slit lamp microscope, and may further include other imaging functions (modalities). Examples of other modalities include fundus camera, SLO, OCT, etc. The slit lamp microscope according to the embodiment may further include a function of measuring characteristics of the eye to be examined. Examples of measurement functions include visual acuity measurement, refraction measurement, intraocular pressure measurement, corneal endothelial cell measurement, aberration measurement, and visual field measurement. The slit lamp microscope according to the embodiment may further include an application for analyzing captured images and measurement data. The slit lamp microscope according to the embodiment may further include functions for treatment and surgery. Examples include photocoagulation therapy and photodynamic therapy.

Various exemplary embodiments are described below. It is possible to combine any two or more of these embodiments. Furthermore, it is possible to make modifications (additions, substitutions, etc.) to each of these embodiments or a combination of two or more thereof based on any known technology.

In the embodiments illustrated below, a "processor" may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a programmable logic. device (for example, SPLD (Simple Programmable Logic Device) , CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and other circuits. The processor realizes the functions according to the embodiment by, for example, reading and executing programs and data stored in a storage circuit or a storage device.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows an example of a slit lamp microscope according to the first embodiment.

The slit lamp microscope 1 is used to photograph the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined, and includes an illumination system 2, an imaging system 3, a movement mechanism 6, a control section 7, a data processing section 8, and a communication section 9. . In addition, the code|symbol C shows a cornea, and the code|symbol CL shows a crystalline lens.

The slit lamp microscope 1 may be a single device or a system including two or more devices. As an example of the latter, the slit lamp microscope 1 includes a main unit including an illumination system 2, an imaging system 3, and a moving mechanism 6, a computer including a control unit 7, a data processing unit 8, and a communication unit 9, and the main unit. A communication device responsible for communication with a computer. For example, the computer may be installed together with the main device or may be installed on a network.

[Lighting system 2]
The illumination system 2 irradiates the anterior segment of the eye E with slit light. Reference numeral 2a indicates the optical axis (illumination optical axis) of the illumination system 2. The illumination system 2 may have a configuration similar to that of a conventional slit lamp microscope. For example, although not shown, the illumination system 2 includes, in order from the side farthest from the eye E, an illumination light source, a positive lens, a slit forming section, and an objective lens.

The illumination light source outputs illumination light. The illumination system 2 may include a plurality of illumination sources. For example, the illumination system 2 may include an illumination light source that outputs continuous light and an illumination light source that outputs flash light. Further, the illumination system 2 may include an anterior segment illumination light source and a posterior segment illumination light source. Furthermore, the illumination system 2 may include two or more illumination light sources with different output wavelengths. A typical illumination system 2 includes a visible light source as an illumination light source. The illumination system 2 may include an infrared light source. Illumination light output from the illumination light source passes through a positive lens and is projected onto the slit forming section.

The slit forming section allows part of the illumination light to pass through and generates slit light. A typical slit forming section has a pair of slit blades. By changing the interval between these slit blades (slit width), the width of the area (slit) through which the illumination light passes is changed, thereby changing the width of the slit light. Further, the slit forming section may be configured to be able to change the length of the slit light. The length of the slit light is the cross-sectional dimension of the slit light in a direction perpendicular to the cross-sectional width direction of the slit light corresponding to the slit width. The width of the slit light and the length of the slit light are typically expressed as dimensions of an image projected onto the anterior segment of the eye by the slit light.

The slit light generated by the slit forming section is refracted by the objective lens and irradiated onto the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined.

The illumination system 2 may further include a focusing mechanism for changing the focus position of the slit light. For example, the focusing mechanism moves the objective lens along the illumination optical axis 2a. Movement of the objective lens can be performed automatically and/or manually. Note that a focusing lens is placed at a position on the illumination optical axis 2a between the objective lens and the slit forming part, and the focus position of the slit light is changed by moving this focusing lens along the illumination optical axis 2a. It may be possible.

Note that FIG. 1 is a top view, and as shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the direction along the axis of the eye E to be examined is defined as the Z direction, and among the directions orthogonal to this, the left and right directions for the examinee are The X direction is defined as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the X direction and the Z direction is defined as the Y direction. Typically, the X direction is the direction in which the left eye and the right eye are arranged, and the Y direction is the direction along the body axis of the subject (body axis direction). In the present embodiment, the slit lamp microscope 1 is arranged such that the illumination optical axis 2a coincides with the axis of the eye E to be examined, or more broadly, the illumination optical axis 2a is arranged parallel to the axis of the eye E to be examined. alignment is performed. The alignment will be described later.

[Photography system 3]
The imaging system 3 photographs the anterior segment of the eye illuminated with the slit light from the illumination system 2. Reference numeral 3a indicates the optical axis (photographing optical axis) of the photographing system 3. The imaging system 3 of this embodiment includes an optical system 4 and an image sensor 5.

The optical system 4 guides light from the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined, which is irradiated with the slit light, to the imaging device 5 . The image sensor 5 receives the light guided by the optical system 4 on its imaging surface.

The light guided by the optical system 4 (that is, the light from the anterior segment of the subject's eye E) includes the return light of the slit light irradiating the anterior segment, and may further include other light. Examples of returned light include reflected light, scattered light, and fluorescence. Examples of other light include light from the installation environment of the slit lamp microscope 1 (indoor light, sunlight, etc.). If the anterior ocular segment illumination system for illuminating the entire anterior ocular segment is provided separately from the illumination system 2, even if the returned light of the anterior ocular segment illumination light is included in the light guided by the optical system 4. good.

The image sensor 5 is an area sensor having a two-dimensional imaging area, and may be, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

The optical system 4 may have, for example, a configuration similar to the imaging system of a conventional slit lamp microscope. For example, the optical system 4 includes, in order from the side closest to the eye E to be examined, an objective lens, a variable power optical system, and an imaging lens. Light from the anterior segment of the subject's eye E, which is irradiated with the slit light, passes through the objective lens and variable magnification optical system, and is imaged on the imaging surface of the imaging element 5 by the imaging lens.

The imaging system 3 may include, for example, a first imaging system and a second imaging system. Typically, the first imaging system and the second imaging system have the same configuration. A case where the imaging system 3 includes a first imaging system and a second imaging system will be described in other embodiments.

The photographing system 3 may further include a focusing mechanism for changing its focus position. For example, the focusing mechanism moves the objective lens along the photographing optical axis 3a. Movement of the objective lens can be performed automatically and/or manually. Note that it is possible to change the focus position by arranging a focusing lens at a position on the photographing optical axis 3a between the objective lens and the imaging lens and moving this focusing lens along the photographing optical axis 3a. good.

The illumination system 2 and the photographing system 3 function as a Scheimpflug camera. That is, the illumination system 2 and the photographing system 3 are configured such that the object surface along the illumination optical axis 2a, the optical system 4, and the imaging surface of the image sensor 5 satisfy the so-called Scheimpflug condition. More specifically, the YZ plane (including the object plane) passing through the illumination optical axis 2a, the main surface of the optical system 4, and the imaging surface of the image sensor 5 intersect on the same straight line. Thereby, it is possible to perform photography while focusing on all positions in the object plane (all positions in the direction along the illumination optical axis 2a).

In this embodiment, the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 are configured so that the imaging system 3 focuses on a region defined by at least the anterior surface of the cornea C and the posterior surface of the crystalline lens CL. In other words, images should be taken with the imaging system 3 focused on the entire range from the anterior vertex of the cornea C (Z=Z1) to the posterior vertex of the crystalline lens CL (Z=Z2) shown in FIG. is possible. Note that Z=Z0 indicates the Z coordinate of the intersection of the illumination optical axis 2a and the photographing optical axis 3a.

Such conditions are typically realized by the configuration and arrangement of elements included in illumination system 2, the configuration and arrangement of elements included in imaging system 3, and the relative positions of illumination system 2 and imaging system 3. be done. The parameter indicating the relative position between the illumination system 2 and the photographing system 3 includes, for example, the angle θ between the illumination optical axis 2a and the photographing optical axis 3a. The angle θ is set to, for example, 17.5 degrees, 30 degrees, or 45 degrees. Note that the angle θ may be variable.

[Moving mechanism 6]
The moving mechanism 6 moves the illumination system 2 and the photographing system 3. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 6 moves the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 integrally in the X direction.

For example, the moving mechanism 6 includes a movable stage on which the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 are mounted, an actuator that operates according to a control signal input from the control unit 7, and a movable stage based on the driving force generated by the actuator. and a mechanism for moving the. In another example, the moving mechanism 6 includes a movable stage on which the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 are mounted, and a mechanism that moves the movable stage based on a force applied to an operation device (not shown). The operating device is, for example, a lever. The movable stage is movable at least in the X direction and may be further movable in the Y direction and/or the Z direction.

[Control unit 7]
The control section 7 controls each section of the slit lamp microscope 1. For example, the control unit 7 includes elements of the illumination system 2 (illumination light source, slit forming unit, focusing mechanism, etc.), elements of the imaging system 3 (focusing mechanism, image sensor, etc.), the movement mechanism 6, the data processing unit 8, Controls the communication section 9 and the like. Further, the control unit 7 may be able to execute control for changing the relative positions of the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3.

The control unit 7 includes a processor, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, and the like. The auxiliary storage device stores control programs and the like. The control program and the like may be stored in a computer or storage device that can be accessed by the slit lamp microscope 1. The functions of the control unit 7 are realized by cooperation between software such as a control program and hardware such as a processor.

The control unit 7 can apply the following control to the illumination system 2, imaging system 3, and movement mechanism 6 in order to scan the three-dimensional region of the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined using slit light. .

First, the control unit 7 controls the moving mechanism 6 to arrange the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 at predetermined scan start positions (alignment control). The scan start position is, for example, a position corresponding to the end (first end) of the cornea C in the X direction, or a position further away from the axis of the eye E to be examined. The symbol X0 in FIG. 2A indicates a scan start position corresponding to the first end of the cornea C in the X direction. Further, the symbol X0' in FIG. 2B indicates a scan start position that is further away from the axis EA of the eye E than the position corresponding to the first end of the cornea C in the X direction.

The control unit 7 controls the illumination system 2 to start irradiating the anterior segment of the eye E with the slit light (slit light irradiation control). Note that slit light irradiation control may be performed before or during alignment control. The illumination system 2 typically emits continuous light as slit light, but may also irradiate intermittent light (pulsed light) as slit light. Further, although the illumination system 2 typically emits visible light as slit light, it may also irradiate infrared light as slit light.

The control unit 7 controls the imaging system 3 to start video imaging of the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined (imaging control). Note that the imaging control may be performed before or during the execution of the alignment control. Typically, the photographing control is executed simultaneously with the slit light irradiation control or after the slit light irradiation control.

After executing the alignment control, slit light irradiation control, and photographing control, the control unit 7 controls the moving mechanism 6 to start moving the illumination system 2 and the photographing system 3 (movement control). The illumination system 2 and the photographing system 3 are moved integrally by the movement control. That is, the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 are moved while maintaining the relative positions (angle θ, etc.) between the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3. The illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 are moved from the above-described scan start position to a predetermined scan end position. For example, like the scan start position, the scan end position is a position corresponding to the end (second end) of the cornea C opposite to the first end in the X direction, or a position closer to the end of the cornea C on the opposite side of the first end in the X direction. It is located away from the axis. In such a case, the scan range is the range from the scan start position to the scan end position.

Typically, the imaging system 3 is irradiated with a slit light whose width direction is in the X direction and whose longitudinal direction is in the Y direction, while moving the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 in the X direction. Video shooting is performed.

Here, the length of the slit light (that is, the dimension of the slit light in the Y direction) is set, for example, to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the cornea C on the surface of the eye E to be examined. That is, the length of the slit light is set to be longer than the corneal diameter in the Y direction. Further, as described above, the moving distance (that is, the scanning range) of the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 by the moving mechanism 6 is set to be equal to or larger than the corneal diameter in the X direction. Thereby, at least the entire cornea C can be scanned with the slit light.

Through such scanning, a plurality of anterior segment images with different slit light irradiation positions are obtained. In other words, a moving image is obtained in which the irradiation position of the slit light is depicted moving in the X direction. FIG. 3 shows an example of such a plurality of anterior segment images (that is, a group of frames constituting a moving image).

FIG. 3 shows a plurality of anterior segment images (frame groups) F1, F2, F3, . . . , FN. The subscript n of these anterior segment images Fn (n=1, 2, . . . , N) represents the chronological order. That is, the nth acquired anterior segment image is represented by the symbol Fn. The anterior segment image Fn includes a slit light irradiation area An. As shown in FIG. 3, the slit light irradiation areas A1, A2, A3, . . . , AN are moving to the right in time series. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the scan start position and scan end position correspond to both ends of the cornea C in the X direction. Note that the scan start position and/or scan end position is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, a position farther from the axis of the eye E than the corneal end. Furthermore, the direction and number of scans can be arbitrarily set.

[Data processing section 8]
The data processing unit 8 performs various data processing. The data to be processed may be either data acquired by the slit lamp microscope 1 or data input from the outside. For example, the data processing unit 8 can process images acquired by the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3. Note that the configuration and functions of the data processing section 8 will be explained in other embodiments.

The data processing unit 8 includes a processor, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, and the like. The auxiliary storage device stores data processing programs and the like. The data processing program and the like may be stored in a computer or storage device that can be accessed by the slit lamp microscope 1. The functions of the data processing section 8 are realized by cooperation between software such as a data processing program and hardware such as a processor.

[Communication Department 9]
The communication unit 9 performs data communication between the slit lamp microscope 1 and other devices. That is, the communication unit 9 transmits data to other devices and receives data transmitted from other devices.

The data communication method executed by the communication unit 9 is arbitrary. For example, the communication unit 9 includes one or more of various communication interfaces, such as a communication interface compliant with the Internet, a communication interface compliant with leased lines, a communication interface compliant with LAN, and a communication interface compliant with short-range communication. . Data communication may be wired communication or wireless communication.

Data sent and received by the communication unit 9 may be encrypted. In that case, for example, the control unit 7 and/or the data processing unit 8 may include an encryption processing unit that encrypts data transmitted by the communication unit 9, and a decryption processing unit that decrypts data received by the communication unit 9. It includes at least one of the processing units.

[Other elements]
In addition to the elements shown in FIG. 1, the slit lamp microscope 1 may include a display device and an operating device. Alternatively, the display device and the operation device may be peripheral equipment of the slit lamp microscope 1.

The display device displays various information under the control of the control unit 7. The display device may include a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD).

The operation device includes a device for operating the slit lamp microscope 1 and a device for inputting information. Operation devices include, for example, buttons, switches, levers, dials, handles, knobs, mice, keyboards, trackballs, operation panels, and the like.

A device in which a display device and an operation device are integrated, such as a touch screen, may also be used.

The subject or the assistant can operate the slit lamp microscope 1 by using the display device and the operation device.

[alignment]
The alignment of the slit lamp microscope 1 with respect to the eye E to be examined will be explained. Generally, alignment is an operation of arranging the apparatus optical system at a suitable position for photographing or measuring the eye E to be examined. The alignment in this embodiment is an operation of arranging the illumination system 2 and the photographing system 3 at suitable positions to obtain a moving image as shown in FIG.

There are various techniques for aligning ophthalmic devices. Although some alignment methods will be illustrated below, the methods applicable to this embodiment are not limited to these.

Stereo alignment is an alignment method applicable to this embodiment. Stereo alignment can be applied to an ophthalmological apparatus that can image the anterior segment of the eye from two or more different directions, and a specific method thereof is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-248376 by the present applicant. Stereo alignment includes, for example, the following steps: a step in which two or more anterior segment cameras capture images of the anterior segment from different directions to obtain two or more captured images; a processor analyzes these captured images and identifies the subject's eye. a step in which the processor controls the movement of the optical system based on the determined three-dimensional position; Thereby, the optical system (in this example, the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3) is placed at a suitable position with respect to the eye to be examined. In typical stereo alignment, the position of the pupil (center or center of gravity of the pupil) of the eye to be examined is used as a reference.

In addition to such stereo alignment, it is possible to employ any known alignment method, such as a method using a Purkinje image obtained by alignment light or a method using an optical lever. In the method using a Purkinje image or the method using an optical lever, the position of the corneal vertex of the eye to be examined is used as a reference.

Note that typical conventional alignment methods including the above examples are performed with the aim of aligning the axis of the eye to be examined with the optical axis of the optical system, but in this embodiment, It is possible to perform alignment so that the illumination system 2 and imaging system 3 are placed at

As a first example of alignment in this embodiment, after performing alignment using the pupil or corneal apex of the eye E as a reference by applying any of the alignment methods described above, a preset standard value of the corneal radius is applied. The illumination system 2 and imaging system 3 can be moved (in the X direction) by a distance corresponding to . Note that instead of using the standard value, a measured value of the corneal radius of the eye E to be examined may be used.

As a second example, after performing alignment based on the pupil or corneal vertex of the eye E by applying one of the alignment methods described above, the corneal radius is determined by analyzing the image of the anterior segment of the eye E. can be measured, and the illumination system 2 and imaging system 3 can be moved (in the X direction) by a distance corresponding to this measured value. The image of the anterior segment analyzed in this example is, for example, the anterior segment image obtained by the imaging system 3 or another image. The other image may be any image, such as an image obtained by an anterior segment camera or an image obtained by anterior segment OCT.

As a third example, the first end of the cornea is determined by analyzing the image of the anterior eye obtained by the anterior eye camera or imaging system 3 for stereo alignment, and the first end is determined by applying stereo alignment. The illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 can be moved to positions corresponding to the parts.

Note that alignment is performed using the pupil or corneal apex of the eye E to be examined as a reference by applying one of the above alignment methods, and the anterior segment scan using the slit light is started from the position determined thereby. Good too. Even in this case, the scan sequence can be set to scan the entire cornea C. For example, a scan sequence is set such that a scan is performed to the left and then to the right from the position determined by the alignment.

[Other matters]
The slit lamp microscope 1 may include a fixation system that outputs light (fixation light) for fixating the eye E to be examined. A fixation system typically includes at least one visible light source (fixation light source) or a display device that displays an image, such as a landscape chart or a fixation target. The fixation system is arranged coaxially or non-coaxially with the illumination system 2 or the imaging system 3, for example.

The types of images that can be acquired by the slit lamp microscope 1 are not limited to the above-mentioned moving images of the anterior segment of the eye (a plurality of anterior segment images). For example, the slit lamp microscope 1 can produce a three-dimensional image based on this moving image, a rendered image based on this three-dimensional image, a transillumination image, a moving image showing the movement of a contact lens worn on the eye to be examined, and a contact lens formed by applying a fluorescent agent. There are images that show the gap between the lens and the corneal surface. Rendered images will be explained in other embodiments. A transillumination image is an image obtained by a transillumination method that uses retinal reflection of illumination light to depict intraocular opacity or foreign bodies. Note that fundus photography, corneal endothelial cell photography, meibomian gland photography, etc. may also be possible.

[Usage form]
A usage pattern of the slit lamp microscope 1 (a system including the same) will be explained. FIG. 4 shows an example of usage.

Although not shown, the subject or the assistant inputs subject information into the slit lamp microscope 1 at any stage. The input patient information is stored in the control unit 7. The subject information typically includes the subject's identification information (subject ID).

Additionally, background information can be entered. Background information is any information about the examinee, such as interview information of the examinee, information written by the examinee on a prescribed sheet, information recorded in the examinee's electronic medical record, etc. There is. Typically, background information includes gender, age, height, weight, disease name, candidate disease name, test results (visual acuity value, eye refractive power value, intraocular pressure value, etc.), refractive correction equipment (glasses, contact lenses, etc.) ) wearing history, frequency, examination history, treatment history, etc. These are examples, and the background information is not limited to these.

(S1: Adjust table, chair, chin rest)
First, the table on which the slit lamp microscope 1 is installed, the chair on which the subject sits, and the chin rest of the slit lamp microscope 1 are adjusted (all are omitted from illustration). For example, the heights of tables, chairs, and chin rests are adjusted. These adjustments are made, for example, by the subject himself/herself. Alternatively, an assistant may make any of these adjustments. The chin rest is provided with a chin rest and a forehead rest for stably positioning the subject's face.

(S2: Instruct to start shooting)
When the adjustment in step S1 is completed, the subject sits on a chair, rests his chin on the chin rest, and touches his forehead on the forehead rest. Before or after these operations, the subject or the assistant performs an instruction operation to start photographing the subject's eye. This operation is, for example, pressing a shooting start trigger button (not shown).

(S3: Alignment)
Upon receiving the instruction in step S2, the slit lamp microscope 1 performs alignment with respect to the eye E in the manner described above. Focus adjustment may be performed after alignment is completed.

(S4: Scan the anterior segment)
As described above, the slit lamp microscope 1 combines slit light irradiation by the illumination system 2, video shooting by the photographing system 3, and movement of the illumination system 2 and photographing system 3 by the moving mechanism 6, so that the eye to be examined is Scan the anterior segment of E. As a result, for example, a plurality of anterior segment images F1 to FN shown in FIG. 3 are obtained.

The data processing unit 8 can process at least one of the anterior segment images F1 to FN. For example, as described in other embodiments, the data processing unit 8 can construct a three-dimensional image based on the anterior segment images F1 to FN. It is also possible to perform predetermined image processing and predetermined image analysis.

(S5: Send image)
The control unit 7 controls the communication unit 9 to display images of the anterior segment (anterior segment images F1 to FN, parts of the anterior segment images F1 to FN, anterior segment images) acquired by the slit lamp microscope 1. 3D images based on F1 to FN) to other devices.

Examples of other devices include information processing devices and storage devices. The information processing device is, for example, a server on a wide area line, a server on a LAN, a computer terminal, or the like. The storage device is a storage device provided on a wide area line, a storage device provided on a LAN, or the like.

Background information can be sent along with the anterior segment image. In addition, identification information of the subject is transmitted together with the image of the anterior segment of the eye. This identification information may be the subject ID (described above) input into the slit lamp microscope 1, or may be identification information generated based on the subject ID. As an example of the latter, the subject ID (internal identification information) used for personal identification within the facility where the slit lamp microscope 1 is installed can be converted into external identification information used outside the facility. . Thereby, it is possible to improve information security regarding personal information such as images of the anterior segment of the eye and background information.

(S6: Observation and diagnosis)
The image of the anterior segment of the subject's eye E (and the subject's identification information, background information, etc.) transmitted from the slit lamp microscope 1 in step S5 is directly or indirectly transmitted to, for example, a doctor (or optometrist). ) is sent to the information processing device used.

A doctor (or optometrist) can observe an image of the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined. At this time, for example, displaying a predetermined number of anterior segment images F1 to FN, displaying a list of anterior segment images F1 to FN, displaying a slide show of anterior segment images F1 to FN, It is possible to construct a three-dimensional image from the anterior segment images F1 to FN and to display a rendered image of the three-dimensional image.

A doctor (or optometrist) can perform image diagnosis (image interpretation) by observing an image of the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined. A doctor (or optometrist) can create a report in which information obtained from image interpretation is recorded. The report is sent, for example, to the facility where the slit lamp microscope 1 is installed. Alternatively, the report may be sent to address information (email address, address, etc.) registered by the subject. With this, the processing according to this example ends.

[effect]
The effects achieved by this embodiment will be explained.

The slit lamp microscope 1 includes an illumination system 2, an imaging system 3, and a moving mechanism 6. The illumination system 2 irradiates the anterior segment of the eye E with slit light. The imaging system 3 includes an optical system 4 that guides light from the anterior segment of the eye that is irradiated with the slit light, and an image sensor 5 that receives the light guided by the optical system 4 on an imaging surface. The moving mechanism 6 moves the illumination system 2 and the photographing system 3.

The illumination system 2 and the photographing system 3 are arranged so that the object surface along the optical axis (illumination optical axis) 2a of the illumination system 2, the optical system 4, and the imaging surface of the image sensor 5 satisfy the Scheimpflug condition. It is configured.

The imaging system 3 acquires a plurality of images of the anterior segment of the eye E by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 by the moving mechanism 6. Typically, this repeated shooting is video shooting, whereby a moving image consisting of a plurality of anterior segment images is acquired.

According to such a slit lamp microscope 1, by moving the illumination system 2 and the photographing system 3, a three-dimensional region of the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined can be scanned with the slit light, and the three-dimensional region can be scanned with the slit light. It is possible to obtain a representative image. Therefore, a doctor or an optometrist can observe the image acquired by the slit lamp microscope 1 and grasp the condition of a desired part of the anterior segment of the eye.

Furthermore, images acquired by the slit lamp microscope 1 can be provided to a doctor or an optometrist in a remote location. Typically, the slit lamp microscope 1 can transmit, through the communication unit 9, an image acquired of the anterior segment of the eye E to an information processing device used by a doctor or an optometrist. Note that providing the communication section 9 is optional. The method of providing the image acquired by the slit lamp microscope 1 is not limited to such data communication, but may also be a method of providing a recording medium or a print medium on which the image is recorded. Recording on a recording medium is performed by a recording device (data writer) compliant with the recording medium, and recording on a print medium is performed by a printing device.

Furthermore, the slit lamp microscope 1 is configured such that the object surface along the illumination optical axis 2a, the optical system 4, and the imaging surface of the image sensor 5 satisfy the Scheimpflug condition. ) It is possible to focus on a wide range. For example, the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 are configured such that the imaging system 3 focuses on a region defined by at least the anterior surface of the cornea and the posterior surface of the crystalline lens. This enables high-definition imaging of the entire main region of the anterior segment, which is the target of slit lamp microscopy. Note that the range in focus is not limited to the area defined by the anterior surface of the cornea and the posterior surface of the crystalline lens, and can be arbitrarily set.

When a configuration that does not satisfy the Scheimpflug conditions is applied, in order to focus on a wide range in the depth direction and photograph a three-dimensional area, it is necessary to Although it is necessary to move the illumination system and the imaging system along a curved path depending on the shape, such operations and controls are complicated and cannot be said to be practical.

Further, the illumination system 2 may irradiate the anterior segment of the eye with slit light whose longitudinal direction is in the body axis direction (Y direction) of the subject. Further, the moving mechanism 6 may be configured to be able to move the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 in a direction (X direction) perpendicular to the body axis direction of the subject. Note that the direction and moving direction of the slit light are not limited to these and can be set arbitrarily, but typically the moving direction is set in the width direction of the slit light.

When a slit light whose longitudinal direction is in the body axis direction is irradiated and the illumination system 2 and imaging system 3 are moved in a direction perpendicular to the body axis direction, the length of the slit light (the length of the slit light in the body axis direction) is The illumination system 2 can be configured such that the diameter of the cornea in the body axis direction is greater than or equal to the corneal diameter in the body axis direction. In addition, the moving mechanism 6 can be configured such that the moving distance of the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 by the moving mechanism 6 is equal to or larger than the corneal diameter in the direction (X direction) orthogonal to the body axis direction. This corneal diameter may be the corneal diameter of the eye E to be examined, or may be a standard corneal diameter. Note that the length and movement distance of the slit light are not limited to these, and can be set arbitrarily.

According to such a configuration, an image of the entire cornea can be acquired. Furthermore, by combining it with a configuration that satisfies the Scheimpflug condition, it becomes possible to obtain an image that represents the entire cornea and a sufficient depth range.

As described above, according to the slit lamp microscope 1, high-quality images representing a wide range (three-dimensional area) of the anterior segment of the eye can be automatically obtained without the need for detailed and complicated operations by a person with specialized skills. can do. The image interpreter can receive the image obtained by the slit lamp microscope 1 and perform observation and diagnosis.

Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem of a shortage of specialized technicians, and it is possible to widely provide high-quality slit lamp microscopy. For example, such a slit lamp microscope 1 can be said to be effective in screening for anterior segment diseases.

Exemplary functions and configurations that can be combined with the slit lamp microscope 1 will be described below. In the following embodiments, elements similar to those in the first embodiment may be indicated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the figures shown in the following embodiments, elements similar to those in the first embodiment may be omitted.

<Second embodiment>
In this embodiment, a configuration of an optical system applicable to the slit lamp microscope 1 of the first embodiment will be described. An example is shown in FIG. Note that in addition to the element group shown in FIG. 5, elements shown in other embodiments may be provided. For example, the control section 7, data processing section 8, communication section 9, etc. of the first embodiment may be provided.

The illumination system 20 shown in FIG. 5 is an example of the illumination system 2 of the first embodiment, and the left imaging system 30L and the right imaging system 30R are examples of the imaging system 3. Reference numeral 20a indicates the optical axis (illumination optical axis) of the illumination system 20, reference numeral 30La indicates the optical axis (left imaging optical axis) of the left imaging system 30L, and reference numeral 30Ra indicates the optical axis (right imaging optical axis) of the right imaging system 30R. axis). The left photographing optical axis 30La and the right photographing optical axis 30Ra are arranged in different directions. The angle between the illumination optical axis 20a and the left photographing optical axis 30La is indicated by θL, and the angle between the illumination optical axis 20a and the right photographing optical axis 30Ra is indicated by θR. The angle θL and the angle θR may be equal to or different from each other. The illumination optical axis 20a, the left photographing optical axis 30La, and the right photographing optical axis 30Ra intersect at one point. As in FIG. 1, the Z coordinate of this intersection is indicated by Z0.

The moving mechanism 6 is capable of moving the illumination system 20, the left imaging system 30L, and the right imaging system 30R in the direction indicated by an arrow 49 (X direction). Typically, the illumination system 20, the left imaging system 30L, and the right imaging system 30R are placed on a stage movable at least in the X direction, and the moving mechanism 6 receives a control signal from the control unit 7. Move this movable stage accordingly.

The illumination system 20 irradiates the anterior segment of the eye E with slit light. The illumination system 20, like the illumination system of a conventional slit lamp microscope, includes an illumination light source 21, a positive lens 22, a slit forming part 23, and objective lens groups 24 and 25 in order from the side farthest from the eye E. include.

Illumination light (typically visible light) output from the illumination light source 21 is refracted by the positive lens 22 and projected onto the slit forming section 23 . A part of the projected illumination light passes through the slit formed by the slit forming section 23 and becomes slit light. The generated slit light is refracted by the objective lens groups 24 and 25, reflected by the beam splitter 47, and irradiated onto the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined.

The left photographing system 30L includes a reflector 31L, an imaging lens 32L, and an image sensor 33L. The reflector 31L and the imaging lens 32L guide light (light traveling in the direction of the left photographing system 30L) from the anterior eye segment irradiated with the slit light by the illumination system 20 to the imaging device 33L.

The light that travels from the anterior eye toward the left imaging system 30L is light from the anterior eye that is irradiated with the slit light, and is light that travels in a direction away from the illumination optical axis 20a. The reflector 31L reflects the light in a direction approaching the illumination optical axis 20a. The imaging lens 32L refracts the light reflected by the reflector 31L and forms an image on the imaging surface 34L of the imaging element 33L. The imaging element 33L receives the light at the imaging surface 34L.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the left imaging system 30L repeatedly performs imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, left imaging system 30L, and right imaging system 30R by the moving mechanism 6. This allows a plurality of anterior segment images to be obtained.

Similar to the first embodiment, the object surface along the illumination optical axis 20a, the optical system including the reflector 31L and the imaging lens 32L, and the imaging surface 34L satisfy the Scheimpflug condition. More specifically, considering the deflection of the optical path of the imaging system 30L by the reflector 31L, the YZ plane (including the object plane) passing through the illumination optical axis 20a, the main surface of the imaging lens 32L, and the imaging surface 34L. intersect on the same straight line. Thereby, the left imaging system 30L can perform imaging while focusing on all positions within the object plane (for example, the range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the crystalline lens).

The right photographing system 30R includes a reflector 31R, an imaging lens 32R, and an image sensor 33R. Similar to the left imaging system 30L, the right imaging system 30R uses the reflector 31R and the imaging lens 32R to direct the light from the anterior eye segment, which is irradiated with slit light by the illumination system 20, onto the imaging surface 34R of the imaging element 33R. lead to. Furthermore, similarly to the left imaging system 30L, the right imaging system 30R repeatedly performs imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, left imaging system 30L, and right imaging system 30R by the moving mechanism 6, thereby capturing multiple anterior eye images. Obtain a partial image. Similar to the left photographing system 30L, the object surface along the illumination optical axis 20a, the optical system including the reflector 31R and the imaging lens 32R, and the imaging surface 34R satisfy the Scheimpflug condition.

The control unit 7 can synchronize repeated imaging by the left imaging system 30L and repeated imaging by the right imaging system 30R. Thereby, a correspondence relationship between the plurality of anterior eye segment images obtained by the left imaging system 30L and the plurality of anterior eye segment images obtained by the right imaging system 30R is obtained. This correspondence is a temporal correspondence, and more specifically, images that are acquired substantially at the same time are paired.

Alternatively, the control unit 7 or the data processing unit 8 determines the correspondence between the plurality of anterior segment images obtained by the left imaging system 30L and the plurality of anterior segment images obtained by the right imaging system 30R. processing can be executed. For example, the control unit 7 or the data processing unit 8 may control the anterior segment images sequentially inputted from the left imaging system 30L and the anterior segment images sequentially inputted from the right imaging system 30R depending on their input timings. Can be paired.

This embodiment further includes a video shooting system 40. The video shooting system 40 takes a video of the anterior segment of the subject's eye E from a fixed position in parallel with the shooting by the left shooting system 30L and the right shooting system 30R. "Video shooting from a fixed position" means that the video shooting system 40 is not moved by the moving mechanism 6, unlike the illumination system 20, left shooting system 30L, and right shooting system 30R.

Although the video shooting system 40 of this embodiment is arranged coaxially with the illumination system 20, the arrangement is not limited to this. For example, a video shooting system can be arranged non-coaxially with the illumination system 20. Furthermore, an optical system may be provided that illuminates the anterior segment of the eye with illumination light in a band to which the video imaging system 40 is sensitive.

The light transmitted through the beam splitter 47 is reflected by a reflector 48 and enters the moving image shooting system 40. The light incident on the video shooting system 40 is refracted by the objective lens 41 and then focused on the imaging surface of the image sensor 43 by the imaging lens 42 . The image sensor 43 is an area sensor.

When the video shooting system 40 is provided, the movement of the eye E to be examined can be monitored and tracked. Tracking is a process for causing the optical system to follow the movement of the eye E to be examined. Such processing will be explained in other embodiments.

Depending on the output wavelength of the illumination system 20 and the detection wavelength of the video imaging system 40, the beam splitter 47 is, for example, a dichroic mirror or a half mirror.

The effects achieved by this embodiment will be explained.

This embodiment is an example of the imaging system 3 of the first embodiment, and includes a left imaging system 30L and a right imaging system 30R. The combination of the left imaging system 30L and the right imaging system 30R is an example of a combination of the first imaging system and the second imaging system.

The left imaging system 30L includes a reflector 31L and an imaging lens 32L (first optical system) that guide light from the anterior eye segment illuminated with slit light, and an imaging surface 34L (first imaging surface) that directs the guided light. ) and an image sensor 33L (first image sensor) that receives light. Similarly, the right photographing system 30R includes a reflector 31R and an imaging lens 32R (second optical system) that guide light from the anterior segment of the eye that is irradiated with the slit light, and an imaging surface 34R (second optical system) that guides the guided light. and an image sensor 33R (second image sensor) that receives light on a second image sensor.

The optical axis of the left imaging system 30L (left imaging optical axis 30La) and the optical axis of the right imaging system 30R (right imaging optical axis 30Ra) are arranged in different directions. Furthermore, the object surface along the optical axis (illumination optical axis 20a) of the illumination system 20, the reflector 31L, the imaging lens 32L, and the imaging surface 34L satisfy the Scheimpflug condition. Similarly, the object surface, the reflector 31L, the imaging lens 32L, and the imaging surface 34L satisfy the Scheimpflug condition.

The left imaging system 30L acquires the first image group by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, left imaging system 30L, and right imaging system 30R by the moving mechanism 6. Similarly, the right imaging system 30R acquires the second image group by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, left imaging system 30L, and right imaging system 30R by the moving mechanism 6.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to take moving pictures of the anterior ocular segment irradiated with the slit light from different directions. Even if an image acquired by one imaging system includes an artifact, an image acquired by the other imaging system at substantially the same time as the image may not include the artifact. Also, when artifacts are included in both of a pair of images acquired substantially simultaneously by both imaging systems, and the artifact in one image overlaps the region of interest (for example, the slit light irradiation region). However, artifacts in the other image may not overlap the region of interest. Therefore, the possibility of obtaining a suitable image increases. The process of acquiring a suitable image from a pair of images acquired substantially simultaneously will be described later.

In addition, the imaging system 3 may include, in addition to the first imaging system and the second imaging system, a third imaging system having a similar configuration, ..., a K-th imaging system (K is an integer of 3 or more). .

The left imaging system 30L of this embodiment includes a reflector 31L and an imaging lens 32L. The reflector 31L reflects light from the anterior segment of the eye irradiated with the slit light, which travels in a direction away from the illumination optical axis 20a, in a direction closer to the illumination optical axis 20a. Further, the imaging lens 32L forms an image of the light reflected by the reflector 31L on the imaging surface 34L. Here, the imaging lens 32L includes one or more lenses.

Similarly, the right imaging system 30R includes a reflector 31R and an imaging lens 32R. The reflector 31R reflects light from the anterior segment of the eye irradiated with the slit light, which travels in a direction away from the illumination optical axis 20a, in a direction approaching the illumination optical axis 20a. Further, the imaging lens 32R forms an image of the light reflected by the reflector 31R on the imaging surface 34R. Here, the imaging lens 32R includes one or more lenses.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to downsize the device. That is, the image acquired by the image sensor 33L (33R) is output through a cable extending from the surface opposite to the image pickup surface 34L (34R), but according to this configuration, the image is output relatively close to the illumination optical axis 20a. A cable can be placed from the back of the image sensor 33L (33R) located in the direction opposite to the eye E to be examined. Therefore, cables can be routed suitably, and the device can be made smaller.

Furthermore, according to this configuration, it is possible to set the angle θL and the angle θR to a large value, so that when an image acquired by one imaging system contains an artifact, the image is substantially different from that obtained by the other imaging system. It is possible to increase the possibility that images acquired at the same time do not contain artifacts. Also, when artifacts are included in both of a pair of images acquired substantially simultaneously by both imaging systems, and the artifact in one image overlaps the region of interest (for example, the slit light irradiation region). In this case, it is possible to reduce the possibility that an artifact in the other image overlaps the region of interest.

This embodiment includes a video shooting system 40. The left imaging system 30L and the right imaging system 30R repeatedly image the anterior segment of the eye in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, left imaging system 30L, and right imaging system 30R by the moving mechanism 6. In parallel with this repeated photographing, the video photographing system 40 photographs a video of the anterior segment of the eye from a fixed position.

According to such a configuration, by capturing a video from a fixed position (for example, from the front) in parallel with scanning the anterior segment of the eye using slit light, it is possible to grasp the condition of the eye E during the scan, and to It is possible to perform control according to the state of E. Examples thereof will be explained in other embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an optical system that can be applied instead of the configuration shown in FIG. 5. Note that the symbols for each element are omitted. In the left photographing system 30L' of the optical system according to the present example, the reflector is configured to illuminate light from the anterior eye segment irradiated with the slit light, which travels in a direction away from the illumination optical axis 20a'. It is reflected in a direction further away from the optical axis 20a. Further, the imaging lens forms an image of the light reflected by the reflector on the imaging surface of the imaging element.

Although it is possible to adopt such a configuration, since the cable is arranged laterally (or in the direction toward the eye E to be examined) from the back of the image sensor located relatively far from the illumination optical axis 20a', There is a problem in that the cable cannot be routed properly.

<Third embodiment>
In this embodiment, the configuration of a processing system applicable to the slit lamp microscope 1 of the first embodiment will be described. In addition, in the imaging system 3 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 described in the second embodiment, for example, the left imaging optical axis 30La and the right imaging optical axis 30Ra are in opposite directions with respect to the illumination optical axis 20a. It is placed at an angle. The processing system of this embodiment executes the following artifact-related processing.

The data processing section 8A shown in FIG. 7 is an example of the data processing section 8 of the first embodiment. The data processing section 8A includes an image selection section 81.

The image selection unit 81 determines whether an artifact is included in either of the two images obtained substantially simultaneously by the left imaging system 30L and the right imaging system 30R. Artifact determination involves predetermined image analysis, typically thresholding on luminance information assigned to pixels.

In this threshold processing, for example, pixels to which a luminance value exceeding a preset threshold is assigned are identified. Typically, the threshold value is set higher than the brightness value of the slit light irradiation area in the image. In this case, the image selection unit 81 does not determine the slit light irradiation area as an artifact, but determines an image brighter than that (for example, a regular reflection image) as an artifact.

The image selection unit 81 may perform any image analysis other than threshold processing, such as pattern recognition, segmentation, and edge detection, for artifact determination. Generally, any information processing technology such as image analysis, image processing, artificial intelligence, cognitive computing, etc. can be applied to artifact determination.

As a result of the artifact determination, when it is determined that one of the two images acquired substantially simultaneously by the left imaging system 30L and the right imaging system 30R includes an artifact, the image selection unit 81 selects the other image. select. In other words, the image selection unit 81 selects the image that is not the image determined to contain an artifact from among these two images.

When artifacts are included in both images, the image selection unit 81 can, for example, evaluate the adverse effect of the artifacts on observation and diagnosis, and select the image with less adverse effect. This evaluation is performed, for example, based on the size and/or position of the artifact. Typically, an image containing a large amount of artifacts is evaluated to have a large negative impact, and an image in which an artifact is located in or near a region of interest such as a slit light irradiation area is evaluated to have a large negative impact.

Note that if both images include artifacts, artifact removal described in the fourth embodiment may be applied.

As described in the second embodiment, the left imaging system 30L captures the first image group by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, left imaging system 30L, and right imaging system 30R by the moving mechanism 6. get. Similarly, the right imaging system 30R acquires the second image group by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, left imaging system 30L, and right imaging system 30R by the moving mechanism 6. The repeated shooting is typically moving image shooting, and each of the first image group and the second image group is a frame group that constitutes a moving image. Further, as described above, the images acquired substantially simultaneously among the first image group and the second image group are paired with each other.

The image selection unit 81 selects one of the two paired images (a combination of an image from the first image group and an image from the second image group). This may result, for example, in selecting one image from each of a plurality of image pairs, thereby selecting a plurality of images that are substantially free of artifacts.

The data processing section 8A further includes a three-dimensional image construction section 82. The three-dimensional image construction unit 82 constructs a three-dimensional image based on the image group including the images selected from the first image group and the second image group by the image selection unit 81. This image group may include only one of the plurality of images selected from the first image group and the second image group by the image selection unit 81, or may further include images other than these.

Note that a three-dimensional image is an image (image data) in which pixel positions are defined by a three-dimensional coordinate system. Examples of three-dimensional images include stack data and volume data. Stack data is constructed by embedding multiple two-dimensional images into a single three-dimensional coordinate system according to their positional relationships. Volume data is also called voxel data, and is constructed by applying voxelization to stacked data, for example.

An example of processing for constructing a three-dimensional image will be explained. It is assumed that the image group to which three-dimensional image construction is applied is a plurality of anterior segment images (frame group) F1, F2, F3, . . . , FN shown in FIG. The anterior segment image Fn includes a slit light irradiation area An (n=1, 2, . . . , N).

The three-dimensional image construction unit 82 analyzes the anterior segment image Fn and extracts the slit light irradiation area An. Extraction of the slit light irradiation area An is performed with reference to luminance information assigned to pixels, and typically includes threshold processing. As a result, a slit light irradiation area image Gn in which (only) the slit light irradiation area An is depicted is obtained (n=1, 2, . . . , N). FIG. 8 shows an example of a plurality of slit light irradiation area images G1 to GN constructed from a plurality of anterior segment images F1 to FN.

When an artifact is included in the slit light irradiation area image Gn, the artifact can be removed from the slit light irradiation area image Gn, for example, by known image processing or image processing according to another embodiment. Further, distortion correction described in other embodiments can be applied to the anterior segment image Fn or the slit light irradiation area image Gn.

The three-dimensional image constructing unit constructs a three-dimensional image based on at least a portion of the plurality of slit light irradiation area images G1 to GN. Details of the three-dimensional image and its construction will be explained in other embodiments.

The effects achieved by this embodiment will be explained.

In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the left photographing optical axis 30La and the right photographing optical axis 30Ra are arranged to be inclined in opposite directions with respect to the illumination optical axis 20a. The data processing section 8A of this embodiment includes an image selection section 81. The image selection unit 81 determines whether an artifact is included in either of the two images obtained substantially simultaneously by the left imaging system 30L and the right imaging system 30R. If it is determined that one of the two images contains an artifact, the image selection unit 81 selects the other of the two images, that is, the image that does not contain the artifact.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to select an image that does not include artifacts (such as specular reflection images) that interfere with observation and diagnosis.

Furthermore, the data processing section 8A of this embodiment includes a three-dimensional image construction section 82. The three-dimensional image construction unit 82 is based on an image group including an image selected by the image selection unit 81 from among the plurality of images acquired by the left imaging system 30L and the plurality of images acquired by the right imaging system 30R. , a three-dimensional image representing the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined is constructed.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to construct a three-dimensional image of the anterior segment of the eye based on a group of images that do not include artifacts that interfere with observation or diagnosis.

<Fourth embodiment>
In this embodiment, the configuration of a processing system applicable to the slit lamp microscope 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

In the imaging system 3 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 described in the second embodiment, the left imaging optical axis 30La and the right imaging optical axis 30Ra are inclined in opposite directions with respect to the illumination optical axis 20a. Alternatively, the two imaging optical axes may be arranged in the same direction with respect to the illumination optical axis. In the latter case, the angle between one of the two imaging optical axes and the illumination optical axis is different from the angle between the other imaging optical axis and the illumination optical axis. Further, in either case, the position of one photographing optical axis with respect to the illumination optical axis and the position of the other photographing optical axis with respect to the illumination optical axis are different from each other. The processing system of this embodiment executes the following artifact-related processing.

The data processing section 8B shown in FIG. 9 is an example of the data processing section 8 of the first embodiment. The data processing section 8B includes an artifact removal section 83.

The artifact removal unit 83 compares two images obtained substantially simultaneously by the left imaging system 30L and the right imaging system 30R, and determines whether an artifact is included in either of these two images. Here, the two images acquired substantially simultaneously by the left imaging system 30L and the right imaging system 30R are associated with each other by, for example, the image pairing described above.

As described above, in this embodiment, the position of one photographing optical axis with respect to the illumination optical axis and the position of the other photographing optical axis with respect to the illumination optical axis are different from each other. Therefore, the position of the artifact in the image acquired by one imaging system (for example, the left imaging system 30L) is different from the position of the artifact in the image acquired by the other imaging system (for example, the right imaging system 30R). Alternatively, only one of the two images being compared contains the artifact.

The artifact removal unit 83 analyzes each of these two images and determines whether they contain artifacts. The artifact determination is performed, for example, in the same manner as the image selection unit 81 of the third embodiment.

If only one of the two images contains an artifact, the artifact removal unit 83 can remove the artifact or select an image that does not contain the artifact as in the third embodiment. Note that determining that one of the two images includes an artifact and the other does not include the artifact corresponds to comparing the two images.

If an artifact is included in both of the two images, the artifact removal unit 83 processes one or both of the two images to remove the artifact.

The artifact removal unit 83 can paste a partial area of another image into the image area from which the artifact has been removed. As mentioned above, the position of the artifact in the two images being compared is different, or only one of the two images contains the artifact, so that if the artifact is removed from one image, it will be removed from the other image. The corresponding region in is not an artifact. The artifact removal unit 83 extracts this corresponding area from the other image and pastes it to the area from which the artifact has been removed.

Alternatively, if another imaging system is provided, such as the video imaging system 40 of the second embodiment, the corresponding region in the image of the anterior eye segment acquired by it is extracted, and this is extracted as the area from which artifacts have been removed. It is possible to paste it on.

As described in the second embodiment, the left imaging system 30L captures the first image group by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, left imaging system 30L, and right imaging system 30R by the moving mechanism 6. get. Similarly, the right imaging system 30R acquires the second image group by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, left imaging system 30L, and right imaging system 30R by the moving mechanism 6. The repeated shooting is typically moving image shooting, and each of the first image group and the second image group is a frame group that constitutes a moving image. Further, as described above, the images acquired substantially simultaneously among the first image group and the second image group are paired with each other. The artifact removal unit 83 applies alignment removal as described above to each of the plurality of image pairs.

The data processing section 8B further includes a three-dimensional image construction section 84. The three-dimensional image construction unit 84 constructs a three-dimensional image based on a group of images including images from which artifacts have been removed by the artifact removal unit 83. This image group may include only any one of the plurality of images processed by the artifact removal unit 83, or may further include images other than these. Details of the three-dimensional image and its construction will be explained in other embodiments.

The effects achieved by this embodiment will be explained.

The data processing section 8B of this embodiment includes an artifact removal section 83. The artifact removal unit 83 compares two images obtained substantially simultaneously by the left imaging system 30L and the right imaging system 30R, and determines whether an artifact is included in either of these two images. If it is determined that any of the images contains an artifact, the artifact removal unit 83 removes this artifact.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to construct an image that does not include artifacts (such as specular reflection images) that interfere with observation and diagnosis.

Furthermore, the data processing section 8B of this embodiment includes a three-dimensional image construction section 84. The three-dimensional image construction unit 84 constructs a three-dimensional image representing the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined, based on the image group including the image from which artifacts have been removed by the artifact removal unit 83.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to construct a three-dimensional image of the anterior segment of the eye based on a group of images that do not include artifacts that interfere with observation or diagnosis.

<Fifth embodiment>
In this embodiment, the configuration of a processing system applicable to the slit lamp microscope 1 of the first embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment, typically, processing related to artifacts is applied to two images acquired substantially simultaneously by the first imaging system and the second imaging system, and the processing does not include artifacts. A three-dimensional image is constructed based on a group of images. On the other hand, it is also possible to construct a three-dimensional image without undergoing any processing related to artifacts. This embodiment is applicable to such cases.

The data processing unit 8C shown in FIG. 10 is an example of the data processing unit 8 of the first embodiment. The data processing section 8C includes a three-dimensional image construction section 85.

In the first example of the present embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, the imaging system 3 repeatedly performs imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 by the moving mechanism 6. A plurality of images of the anterior segment of optometry E are acquired.

The three-dimensional image construction unit 85 can construct a three-dimensional image based on the plurality of images acquired by the imaging system 3. The image group used for three-dimensional image construction may include only any one of the plurality of images acquired by the imaging system 3, or may further include images other than these. Details of the three-dimensional image and its construction will be explained in other embodiments.

In the second example of the present embodiment, as described in the second embodiment, the left photographing system 30L is repeatedly moved in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, the left photographing system 30L, and the right photographing system 30R by the moving mechanism 6. A first image group is acquired by photographing. Similarly, the right imaging system 30R acquires a second image group by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, left imaging system 30L, and right imaging system 30R by the moving mechanism 6. Images acquired substantially simultaneously among the first image group and the second image group are paired with each other.

The three-dimensional image construction unit 85 can construct a three-dimensional image based on the first image group acquired by the left imaging system 30L. The image group used to construct this three-dimensional image may include only one of the first image groups, or may further include images other than these. Similarly, the three-dimensional image construction unit 85 can construct a three-dimensional image based on the second image group acquired by the right imaging system 30R. The image group used to construct this three-dimensional image may include only one of the second image groups, or may further include images other than these. Details of the three-dimensional image and its construction will be explained in other embodiments.

The effects achieved by this embodiment will be explained.

The data processing section 8C of this embodiment includes a three-dimensional image construction section 85. The three-dimensional image construction unit 85 constructs a three-dimensional image based on the plurality of images acquired by the imaging system 3. The imaging system 3 may include both the left imaging system 30L and the right imaging system 30R, or may include only a single imaging system corresponding to one of them.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to construct a three-dimensional image representing a three-dimensional region in the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined. Three-dimensional images are useful for observation and diagnosis.

<Sixth embodiment>
This embodiment is applicable to cases where it is possible to construct a three-dimensional image of the anterior segment, as in the third to fifth embodiments.

As described above, a three-dimensional image is constructed from a plurality of images sequentially obtained by scanning with slit light. To construct a 3D image from multiple images, it is necessary to arrange the multiple images, but since the multiple images were obtained at different times, the multiple images can be arranged with high accuracy and precision. That is difficult. This embodiment was devised to solve such a problem.

The control section 7 shown in FIG. 11 is similar to that of the first embodiment. The moving mechanism 6A is an example of the moving mechanism 6 of the first embodiment, and includes a parallel moving mechanism 61 and a rotating mechanism 62. The data processing section 8D includes a three-dimensional image construction section 86. The three-dimensional image construction unit 86 is an example of the three-dimensional image construction unit 82 of the third embodiment, an example of the three-dimensional image construction unit 84 of the fourth embodiment, and the three-dimensional image construction unit 86 of the fifth embodiment. This is an example of the construction unit 85. The three-dimensional image construction section 86 includes an image position determination section 87 .

When the configuration shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment is applied, the parallel movement mechanism 61 moves the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 integrally in the X direction in order to scan the anterior eye segment with slit light. .

When the configuration shown in FIG. 5 of the second embodiment is applied, the parallel movement mechanism 61 integrates the illumination system 20, left imaging system 30L, and right imaging system 30R in order to scan the anterior eye segment with slit light. move in the X direction.

When the configuration shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment is applied, the rotation mechanism 62 rotates the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 integrally with the illumination optical axis 2a as the rotation axis.

When the configuration shown in FIG. 5 of the second embodiment is applied, the rotation mechanism 62 integrally rotates the illumination system 20, the left imaging system 30L, and the right imaging system 30R using the illumination optical axis 20a as a rotation axis.

Thereby, the direction of the slit light irradiated onto the anterior segment of the eye E to be examined can be rotated, and the imaging direction is also rotated by the same angle as the rotation of the direction of the slit light.

When the configuration shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment is applied, when the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 are arranged at the first rotation position, an anterior segment scan using slit light is performed and the imaging system 3 Multiple images are acquired.

When the configuration shown in FIG. 5 of the second embodiment is applied, an anterior segment scan using slit light is performed when the illumination system 20, left imaging system 30L, and right imaging system 30R are arranged at the first rotational position. A first image group is acquired by the left imaging system 30L, and a second image group is acquired by the right imaging system 30R.

The first rotational position is, for example, a rotational position where the longitudinal direction of the slit light projected onto the anterior segment of the eye coincides with the body axis direction (Y direction) of the subject.

When the configuration shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment is applied, when the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 are arranged at a second rotational position different from the first rotational position, the imaging system 3 An image of the anterior segment of the eye irradiated with the slit light is obtained by

When the configuration shown in FIG. 5 of the second embodiment is applied, when the illumination system 20, the left imaging system 30L, and the right imaging system 30R are arranged at a second rotational position different from the first rotational position, the left imaging The system 30L and the right photographing system 30R each acquire an image of the anterior segment of the eye that is irradiated with slit light by the illumination system 20.

The second rotational position is, for example, a rotational position where the longitudinal direction of the slit light projected onto the anterior segment of the eye coincides with the left-right direction (X direction). As a result, one or more imaging operations are performed in addition to the anterior segment scan performed at the first rotational position. In this additional imaging, the direction of the slit light is different from that during anterior segment scanning. Typically, the direction of the slit light can be set so that it passes through all the slit light irradiation areas in the anterior segment scan.

The image position determining unit 87 determines the relative positions of the plurality of images of the anterior eye segment acquired at the first rotational position, based on the images of the anterior eye segment acquired at the second rotational position. In this image position determination, the arrangement of the plurality of images obtained at the first rotation position is adjusted by referring to the image obtained at the second rotation position.

For example, the image position determination unit 87 analyzes each image obtained at the first rotational position and the image obtained at the second rotational position to identify a common area between the two. Furthermore, the image position determination unit 87 determines the relative position of each image obtained at the first rotation position and the image obtained at the second rotation position, using the identified common area as a reference.

By applying such processing to all images obtained at the first rotation position, all images obtained at the first rotation position are Images are arranged. That is, the relative positions of all images obtained at the first rotation position are determined using the images obtained at the second rotation position.

The processing executed by the image position determination unit 87 may include any information processing such as image correlation processing, segmentation, pattern matching, processing using artificial intelligence, processing using cognitive computing, and the like.

The three-dimensional image construction unit 86 arranges the plurality of images obtained at the first rotational position in a single three-dimensional coordinate system based on the relative position determined by the image position determination unit 87, and creates a three-dimensional image. form.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the irradiation position of the slit light in this embodiment. FIG. 12 shows the anterior segment of the eye viewed from the front. When the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 are arranged at the first rotational position, the plurality of slit light irradiation regions in the anterior segment scan are a plurality of strip-shaped regions whose longitudinal direction is the Y direction and arranged in the X direction. corresponds to In the anterior segment scan of this example, these strip-shaped regions are sequentially irradiated with slit light in the order indicated by arrows 11. At least one photographing is performed while each strip-shaped region is irradiated with the slit light.

On the other hand, reference numeral 12 indicates the position of the slit light irradiated onto the anterior segment of the eye when the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3 are placed at the second rotational position. The slit light irradiation area 12 corresponding to the second rotational position is a strip-shaped area whose longitudinal direction is in the X direction. That is, in this example, the direction of the slit light irradiated onto the anterior eye segment at the first rotational position and the direction of the slit light irradiated onto the anterior eye segment at the second rotational position are orthogonal to each other. Note that the relationship between the direction of the slit light irradiated onto the anterior eye segment at the first rotational position and the direction of the slit light irradiated onto the anterior eye segment at the second rotational position is not limited to this; It is sufficient that the directions are different.

Although the case where the illumination system 2 and the photographing system 3 are applied has been described here, the same applies to the case where the illumination system 20, the left photographing system 30L, and the right photographing system 30R are applied.

In this example, both the anterior segment scan at the first rotational position and the imaging at the second rotational position are performed, but the timing for performing these may be arbitrary. For example, performing an anterior segment scan at the first rotational position after imaging at the second rotational position, or performing imaging at the second rotational position after performing an anterior segment scan at the first rotational position. Or, it is possible to perform imaging at the second rotational position during the anterior segment scan at the first rotational position.

The effects achieved by this embodiment will be explained.

The moving mechanism 6A of this embodiment includes a rotation mechanism 62 that rotates the illumination system 2 (20) and the imaging system 3 (30L, 30R) integrally about the illumination optical axis 2a (20a) as a rotation axis. When the illumination system 2 (20) and the imaging system 3 (30L, 30R) are arranged at the first rotational position, the imaging system 3 (30L, 30R) is configured to move the plurality of anterior ocular segments irradiated with the slit light. Get the image of. Furthermore, when the illumination system 2 (20) and the imaging system 3 (30L, 30R) are arranged at a second rotational position different from the first rotational position, the imaging system 3 (30L, 30R) 20), an image of the anterior segment of the eye irradiated with the slit light is acquired. The image position determination unit 87 determines the relative positions of the plurality of images acquired at the first rotational position based on the images acquired at the second rotational position. The three-dimensional image constructing unit 86 constructs a three-dimensional image by aligning the plurality of images based on the determined relative positions.

According to such a configuration, alignment between a plurality of images acquired at the first rotational position can be performed with reference to the image acquired at the second rotational position, so that construction of a three-dimensional image is facilitated. It is possible to improve accuracy and precision.

Note that "determining the relative positions of the plurality of images acquired at the first rotational position" does not only mean determining the relative positions of the plurality of images themselves, but also determining the relative positions of the plurality of images respectively extracted from the plurality of images. It also includes determining the relative position of the slit light irradiation area. Therefore, in this embodiment, the slit light irradiation area is extracted after determining the relative positions of the plurality of images, and the slit light irradiation area is extracted from the plurality of images and then their relative positions are determined. Including both.

This embodiment also includes determining the relative position of a group of images selected from a plurality of images acquired at the first rotational position, as in the case where the third embodiment is applied. Furthermore, this embodiment includes determining the relative position of a group of images obtained by processing a plurality of images acquired at the first rotational position, as in the case where the fourth embodiment is applied. Therefore, in this embodiment, there are cases in which images are selected or processed after determining the relative positions of the plurality of images, and cases in which the relative positions of selected images or processed images are determined after images are selected or processed. Including both.

<Seventh embodiment>
In this embodiment, three-dimensional image construction explained in the third to sixth embodiments will be explained.

The three-dimensional image construction section 88 shown in FIG. 13 includes an image region extraction section 89 and an image composition section 90.

When the configuration shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment is applied, the image area extraction unit 89 extracts from each of the plurality of images acquired by the imaging system 3 in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 2 and the imaging system 3. An image area corresponding to the irradiation area of the slit light from the illumination system 2 is extracted. The extracted image area is a two-dimensional image area or a three-dimensional image area.

When the configuration shown in FIG. 5 of the second embodiment is applied, the image area extraction unit 89 extracts the image area acquired by the left imaging system 30L in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, the left imaging system 30L, and the right imaging system 30R. An image area corresponding to the irradiation area of the slit light from the illumination system 20 can be extracted from each of the plurality of images. In addition, the image area extraction unit 89 extracts the slit light from the illumination system 20 from each of the plurality of images acquired by the right photography system 30R in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, the left photography system 30L, and the right photography system 30R. An image area corresponding to the irradiation area can be extracted. Also in this example, the image area to be extracted is a two-dimensional image area or a three-dimensional image area.

The process executed by the image region extraction unit 89 is, for example, as described in the third embodiment with reference to FIGS. 3 and 8, by extracting the slit light irradiation region An from the anterior segment image Fn and generating the slit light irradiation region image. It is executed in the same manner as the process for constructing Gn.

The image synthesis section 90 synthesizes a plurality of image regions (a plurality of slit light irradiation regions) extracted from the plurality of images by the image region extraction section 89 to construct a three-dimensional image. The image synthesis unit 90 includes, for example, a process of embedding a plurality of slit light irradiation regions into a single three-dimensional coordinate system, and may further include a process of processing the embedded plurality of slit light irradiation regions. As for the processing of the plurality of slit light irradiation areas, it is possible to perform, for example, noise removal, noise reduction, voxelization, etc.

Before combining the plurality of slit light irradiation regions, the relative positions of the plurality of slit light irradiation regions may be determined by applying the process according to the sixth embodiment.

The image region extraction unit 89 may be configured to extract an image region corresponding to both the slit light irradiation region and a predetermined region of the anterior segment from each of the plurality of images. The predetermined region of the anterior segment of the eye may be, for example, a region defined by the anterior surface of the cornea and the posterior surface of the crystalline lens.

For example, the image region extracting unit 89 first identifies the slit light irradiation region by threshold processing of luminance information, and also identifies the image region corresponding to the anterior surface of the cornea and the image region corresponding to the posterior surface of the crystalline lens by segmentation.

Next, based on the image area corresponding to the anterior surface of the cornea and the image area corresponding to the posterior surface of the crystalline lens, the image region extraction unit 89 extracts an image region (target image region) corresponding to a region defined by the anterior surface of the cornea and the posterior surface of the crystalline lens. Identify.

Subsequently, the image area extraction unit 89 identifies a common area between the slit light irradiation area and the target image area, that is, an image area included in both the slit light irradiation area and the target image area. Thereby, for example, a two-dimensional image area (cross section) or a three-dimensional image area (slice) in the target image, which corresponds to the slit light irradiation area in the range from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the crystalline lens, is specified.

In this example, image synthesis is performed after extraction of the slit light irradiation area, but conversely, extraction of the slit light irradiation area may be performed after image synthesis. Further, the image area to be extracted is not limited to the slit light irradiation area, and the predetermined area is not limited to the region from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the crystalline lens.

According to such a configuration, a three-dimensional image of a desired region of the anterior segment of the eye can be obtained from a plurality of images obtained by scanning the anterior segment of the eye using slit light. In particular, it is possible to construct a three-dimensional image that represents the slit light irradiation area, which is the main observation target in slit lamp microscopy, and also the area from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the crystalline lens, which is the main observation target in the anterior segment of the eye. It is possible to construct a three-dimensional image representing the .

<Eighth embodiment>
In this embodiment, rendering of three-dimensional images constructed in the third to seventh embodiments will be described.

The data processing section 8E shown in FIG. 14 includes a three-dimensional image construction section 91 and a rendering section 92. The three-dimensional image construction unit 91 includes, for example, the three-dimensional image construction unit 82 of the third embodiment, the three-dimensional image construction unit 84 of the fourth embodiment, the three-dimensional image construction unit 85 of the fifth embodiment, and the sixth embodiment. The three-dimensional image constructing section 86 of the seventh embodiment or the three-dimensional image constructing section 88 of the seventh embodiment may be used.

The rendering unit 92 constructs a new image (rendered image) by rendering the three-dimensional image constructed by the three-dimensional image constructing unit 91.

Rendering may be any process, including, for example, three-dimensional computer graphics. 3D computer graphics creates images with a three-dimensional effect by converting virtual three-dimensional objects (three-dimensional images such as stack data and volume data) in a three-dimensional space defined by a three-dimensional coordinate system into two-dimensional information. It is a calculation method to create .

Examples of rendering include volume rendering, maximum intensity projection (MIP), minimum intensity projection (MinIP), surface rendering, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), projection image construction, shadowgram construction, and the like. Further examples of rendering include the reproduction of cross-sectional images obtained with a slit lamp microscope, the formation of Scheimpflug images, etc. Further, the rendering unit 92 may be able to execute any processing applied in conjunction with such rendering.

The rendering unit 92 can specify a region corresponding to a predetermined region in the three-dimensional image of the anterior segment. For example, the rendering unit 92 can specify a region corresponding to the anterior surface of the cornea, a region corresponding to the posterior surface of the cornea, a region corresponding to the anterior surface of the crystalline lens, a region corresponding to the posterior surface of the crystalline lens, and the like. Known image processing such as segmentation, edge detection, and threshold processing is applied to such image region identification.

Note that the three-dimensional image is typically stack data or volume data. Designation of a cross section for a three-dimensional image is performed manually or automatically.

When manually specifying a cross section of a three-dimensional image, the rendering unit 92 renders the three-dimensional image and constructs a display image for manual cross-section specification. The displayed image typically represents the entire region to be observed, for example, from the anterior surface of the cornea to the posterior surface of the crystalline lens. Rendering for constructing display images is typically volume rendering or surface rendering.

The control unit 7 displays the display image constructed by the rendering unit 92 on a display device (not shown). A user uses an operation device such as a pointing device to specify a desired cross section on the displayed image. Position information of the cross section specified in the display image is input to the rendering unit 92.

Since the displayed image is a rendered image of a three-dimensional image, there is an obvious positional correspondence between the displayed image and the three-dimensional image. Based on this correspondence, the rendering unit 92 identifies the position of the cross section in the three-dimensional image that corresponds to the position of the cross section specified in the display image. That is, the rendering unit 92 specifies a cross section for the three-dimensional image.

Furthermore, the rendering unit 92 can construct a three-dimensional partial image by cutting the three-dimensional image at the relevant cross section. The rendering unit 92 can construct an image for display by rendering this three-dimensional partial image. An example of such rendering, an example of a three-dimensional partial image, an example of a display image based on the three-dimensional partial image, etc. will be described later.

When automatically specifying a cross section of a three-dimensional image, for example, the data processing unit 8E (for example, the rendering unit 92) may analyze the three-dimensional image and specify a position or area corresponding to a predetermined part of the anterior segment of the eye. I can do it. For example, it is possible to specify the anterior surface of the cornea, the position of the apex of the anterior surface of the cornea, the posterior surface of the crystalline lens, and the position of the apex of the posterior surface of the crystalline lens.

Further, the data processing unit 8E (for example, the rendering unit 92) can apply segmentation to the three-dimensional image to specify an image area corresponding to a predetermined region. For example, it is possible to identify a two-dimensional region corresponding to the anterior surface of the cornea, a three-dimensional region corresponding to the cornea, a three-dimensional region corresponding to the crystalline lens, a three-dimensional region corresponding to the posterior surface of the lens, a three-dimensional region corresponding to the anterior chamber, etc. It is possible.

The data processing unit 8E (for example, the rendering unit 92) can specify a cross section for the three-dimensional image based on the position and area identified in this manner. For example, it is possible to designate a plane passing through the apex position of the anterior surface of the cornea and the vertex position of the posterior surface of the crystalline lens as a cross section, or to designate a curved surface corresponding to the anterior surface of the crystalline lens as a cross section.

The image that the rendering unit 92 can construct when a cross section is specified for a three-dimensional image is not limited to a three-dimensional partial image. For example, when a cross section is specified for a three-dimensional image, the rendering unit 92 can construct a two-dimensional cross-sectional image representing the cross section. Examples of such rendering, examples of two-dimensional cross-sectional images, examples of display images based on two-dimensional cross-sectional images, and the like will be described later.

The positional information that can be specified for a three-dimensional image is not limited to a cross section that is a two-dimensional area that is planar or curved. Another example of positional information that can be specified in a three-dimensional area is a slice. A slice is a three-dimensional region of predetermined thickness, typically a thin section of uniform thickness.

When a slice is designated for a three-dimensional image, the rendering unit 92 can construct a three-dimensional slice image corresponding to the slice. The rendering unit 92 can construct an image for display by rendering this three-dimensional slice image. Examples of such rendering, examples of three-dimensional slice images, examples of display images based on three-dimensional slice images, and the like will be described later.

The effects achieved by this embodiment will be explained.

This embodiment includes a rendering unit 92 that renders the three-dimensional image constructed by the three-dimensional image construction unit 91 to construct a rendered image. Thereby, a rendered image based on the three-dimensional image constructed by the three-dimensional image constructing section 91 can be displayed, and a desired part of the anterior segment of the eye can be observed.

The rendering method is arbitrary. For example, when a cross section is specified for a three-dimensional image, the rendering unit 92 can construct a three-dimensional partial image by cutting the three-dimensional image at this cross section. Thereby, it is possible to observe a desired cross section of the anterior segment of the eye, and also to grasp the three-dimensional form of the anterior segment.

In another example, when a cross section is specified for a three-dimensional image, the rendering unit 92 can construct a two-dimensional cross-sectional image representing the cross section. Thereby, it is possible to observe a desired cross section of the anterior segment of the eye.

In yet another example, when a slice is specified for a three-dimensional image, the rendering unit 92 can construct a three-dimensional slice image corresponding to the slice. Thereby, it is possible to observe a desired slice of the anterior segment of the eye.

<Ninth embodiment>
In the slit lamp microscopes according to the first to eighth embodiments, the illumination optical axis and the photographing optical axis form a predetermined angle, and the illumination system and the photographing system function as a Scheimpflug camera. Images obtained by such a slit lamp microscope are accompanied by distortion. This distortion is typically a trapezoidal distortion.

In this embodiment, distortion correction will be explained. This distortion correction is typically trapezoidal correction (keystone correction). Keystone correction is a well-known technique, and is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-163465 (US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0262163).

As described above, in the anterior segment of the eye (that is, in real space), the slit light irradiation area has an extension in the Z direction, and if the slit width is ignored, it is typically defined in the YZ plane. On the other hand, the optical axis of the imaging system is inclined in the X direction with respect to the optical axis of the illumination system that irradiates the slit light. Therefore, the area to be imaged in the anterior segment of the eye is depicted larger as it approaches the surface of the eye to be examined, and smaller as it approaches the fundus. Therefore, a trapezoidal distortion in (at least) the Z direction occurs.

The data processing section 8F shown in FIG. 15 includes a distortion correction section 93. The distortion correction section 93 can be combined with any of the first to eighth embodiments. The distortion correction unit 93 applies distortion correction to the anterior segment image acquired by the imaging system 3 (left imaging system 30L, right imaging system 30R).

More specifically, the distortion correction unit 93 corrects distortion caused by the optical axis angle θ (θL, θR), which is the angle formed by the illumination optical axis 2a (20a) and the photographing optical axis 3a (30La, 30Ra). At least one of the plurality of images acquired by the imaging system 3 (30L, 30R) in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 2 (20) and the imaging system 3 (30L, 30R). Apply to one.

The image to which distortion correction is applied is not limited to the anterior segment image itself acquired by the imaging system 3 (30L, 30R), but may be extracted from the anterior segment image acquired by the imaging system 3 (30L, 30R). It may also be a slit light irradiation area. Therefore, the slit light irradiation area may be extracted after correcting the distortion of the anterior eye segment image, or conversely, after the slit light irradiation area is extracted from the anterior eye segment image, the distortion of this slit light irradiation area may be corrected. You may.

In addition, like the "image group" in the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment, distortion of the anterior segment image selected from among the anterior segment images acquired by the imaging system 3 (30L, 30R) is corrected. It also includes correcting the distortion of the image obtained by processing the anterior segment image obtained by the imaging system 3 (30L, 30R). Therefore, the selection and processing of the anterior segment image may be performed after correcting the distortion of the anterior segment image, or the distortion of the selected image or the processed image may be corrected after the selection or processing of the anterior segment image. Good too.

In a typical embodiment, the slit lamp microscope includes the optical system shown in FIG. 1 or 5, and distortion in the YZ plane is corrected by the distortion correction unit 93.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the photographing optical axis 3a is arranged in a first direction (Z direction) along the illumination optical axis 2a and in a second direction (Y direction) along the longitudinal direction of the slit light with respect to the illumination optical axis 2a. It is arranged so as to be inclined in a third direction (X direction) perpendicular to both directions. Here, the optical axis angle formed by the illumination optical axis 2a and the photographing optical axis 3a is the angle θ shown in FIG. The distortion correction unit 93 performs processing for correcting distortion in a plane (YZ plane) including both the first direction (Z direction) and the second direction (Y direction) on the anterior segment acquired by the imaging system 3. Can be applied to images.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the left photographing optical axis 30La is arranged in a first direction (Z direction) along the illumination optical axis 20a and in a second direction (Y direction) along the longitudinal direction of the slit light with respect to the illumination optical axis 20a. are arranged so as to be inclined in a third direction (X direction) perpendicular to both. Here, the optical axis angle formed by the illumination optical axis 20a and the left photographing optical axis 30La is the angle θL shown in FIG. The distortion correction unit 93 performs processing for correcting distortion in a plane (YZ plane) including both the first direction (Z direction) and the second direction (Y direction) on the front image obtained by the left photographing optical axis 30La. It can be applied to eye images.

Similarly, the right photographing optical axis 30Ra is orthogonal to both the first direction (Z direction) along the illumination optical axis 20a and the second direction (Y direction) along the longitudinal direction of the slit light with respect to the illumination optical axis 20a. It is arranged so as to be inclined in a third direction (X direction). Here, the optical axis angle formed by the illumination optical axis 20a and the right photographing optical axis 30Ra is the angle θR shown in FIG. The distortion correction unit 93 performs processing for correcting distortion in a plane (YZ plane) including both the first direction (Z direction) and the second direction (Y direction) on the front image obtained by the right photographing optical axis 30Ra. It can be applied to eye images.

Typical trapezoidal correction is performed by distorting a rectangle to return a trapezoidal shape to its original rectangle. In this embodiment, it is also possible to apply such standard keystone correction, but as described below, it may be effective to apply other keystone correction.

Generally, when observing a light section of the anterior segment of the eye (i.e. slit light irradiation area) using a slit lamp microscope, the optical axis of the observation system (observation optical axis) is ) is tilted. Therefore, the user obliquely observes the optical section extending in the Z direction. At this time, the angle between the illumination optical axis and the observation optical axis (observation angle) is typically a predetermined value (for example, 17.5 degrees, 30 degrees, or 45 degrees). This default value is called the reference angle (α).

A correction coefficient for distortion correction (keystone correction) can be set based on the reference angle α and the optical axis angle β (θ, θL, θR). Correction coefficients are set for at least one reference angle α and at least one optical axis angle β (θ, θL, θR). Setting a correction coefficient for each combination of two or more reference angles and one optical axis angle, or setting a correction coefficient for each combination of one reference angle and two or more optical axis angles. Alternatively, it is also possible to set a correction coefficient for each combination of two or more reference angles and two or more optical axis angles. Generally, it is possible to set a discrete or continuous correction coefficient C (α, β) using one or both of the reference angle α and the optical axis angle β as variables.

One or more correction coefficients C (α, β) set in this way are stored in the distortion correction section 93. The distortion correction unit 93 can execute processing for correcting distortion based on the correction coefficient C (α, β).

When the correction coefficient C (α, β) provides a plurality of values, the distortion correction unit 93 or the user specifies one or both of the reference angle α and the optical axis angle β. The distortion correction unit 93 applies a correction coefficient according to the result of this designation. Such a configuration is applied, for example, when a slit lamp microscope with a variable optical axis angle β is applied, and a table or graph showing a plurality of correction coefficients in a variable range of the optical axis angle β is prepared.

Instead of preparing information indicating correction coefficients, it is possible to apply the following configuration. That is, the distortion correction section of this example stores in advance a predetermined arithmetic expression for calculating the correction coefficient. Furthermore, the distortion correction section of this example receives input of the reference angle α and/or the optical axis angle β, and calculates a correction coefficient by substituting the input values into the arithmetic expression. The distortion correction unit of this example executes distortion correction using the calculated correction coefficient.

The effects achieved by this embodiment will be explained.

This embodiment includes a distortion correction section 93. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , the distortion correction unit 93 selects at least one of the plurality of images obtained by repeatedly photographing the illumination system 2 and the photographing system 3 in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 2 and the photographing system 3 by the moving mechanism 6. For this purpose, processing for correcting distortion caused by the optical axis angle θ, which is the angle formed by the optical axis 2a of the illumination system 2 and the optical axis 3a of the imaging system 3, can be applied. Note that the same applies when the configuration shown in FIG. 5 or other configurations are adopted.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a suitable image in which distortion caused by the optical axis angle θ is corrected.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the optical axis 3a of the optical system 4 included in the imaging system 3 is in the first direction (Z direction) along the optical axis 2a of the illumination system 2, and The slit light is arranged so as to be inclined in a third direction (X direction) perpendicular to both the second direction (Y direction) along the longitudinal direction of the slit light. The distortion correction unit 93 can perform processing for correcting distortion in a plane (YZ plane) including both the first direction and the second direction. The same applies when the configuration shown in FIG. 5 or other configurations are adopted.

According to such a configuration, trapezoidal distortion occurs in a plane including both the first direction and the second direction, but it is possible to correct this.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the distortion correction section 93 stores in advance a correction coefficient C set based on a predetermined reference angle α and an optical axis angle θ. Based on this correction coefficient C, the distortion correction unit 93 can apply processing to the image to correct distortion caused by the optical axis angle θ. The same applies when the configuration shown in FIG. 5 or other configurations are adopted.

<10th embodiment>
In slit lamp microscopy, the size and shape of tissues, the positional relationships between tissues, etc. may be referred to. In this embodiment, measurement for this purpose will be explained.

The data processing section 8G shown in FIG. 16 includes a measurement section 94. The measurement unit 94 can be combined with any of the first to ninth embodiments.

When the measurement unit 94 is combined with the slit lamp microscope according to the first to ninth embodiments, the measurement unit 94 analyzes the anterior segment image acquired by the anterior segment scan using the slit light to obtain a predetermined image. The measured value of can be obtained.

When the measuring section 94 is combined with a slit lamp microscope capable of constructing a three-dimensional image, the measuring section 94 analyzes the three-dimensional image constructed by the three-dimensional image constructing section 82 (84, 85, 86, 88, 91). By doing so, a predetermined measurement value can be obtained.

Measurement is performed regarding, for example, parameters indicating the morphology of tissues (thickness, diameter, area, volume, angle, shape, etc.) and parameters indicating relationships between tissues (distance, direction, etc.). Analysis for measurement includes, for example, segmentation to identify tissue or its contours.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to measure parameters effective for observation and diagnosis of the anterior segment of the eye.

By combining the measurement unit 94 with the ninth embodiment capable of performing distortion correction, it is possible to perform measurement based on the image to which distortion correction has been applied. This makes it possible to improve measurement accuracy and measurement precision.

<Eleventh embodiment>
When the slit lamp microscope is equipped with a function of capturing a video of the anterior eye segment from a fixed position in parallel with scanning the anterior eye segment using slit light, as in the video capturing system 40 of the second embodiment, the present embodiment Further functions can be added.

The control unit 7A of this embodiment includes a movement control unit 71, and the data processing unit 8H includes a movement detection unit 95. The present embodiment also includes a video shooting system 40. The video shooting system 40 shoots a video of the anterior eye segment from a fixed position in parallel with scanning the anterior eye segment using slit light.

The movement detection unit 95 analyzes the moving image acquired by the moving image capturing system 40 and detects the movement of the eye E to be examined. This motion detection is executed in parallel with the video shooting system 40.

For example, the movement detection unit 95 first analyzes frames sequentially input from the video imaging system 40 to identify an image area corresponding to a predetermined region. The predetermined region may typically be the center, center of gravity, outline, etc. of the pupil. Image area identification is performed based on luminance information assigned to pixels. The motion detection unit 95 can identify a low-luminance image area in the image of the anterior segment as a pupil area, and can identify the center of gravity or outline of this pupil area. Alternatively, the motion detection unit 95 can obtain an approximate circle or an approximate ellipse of the pupil area and specify its center or outline.

In this way, the motion detection unit 95 sequentially finds feature points in the frames input from the video shooting system 40. Furthermore, the motion detection unit 95 determines temporal changes in the positions of the sequentially identified feature points. Since the moving image capturing system 40 is fixedly arranged, the movement detection unit 95 can detect the movement of the eye E (in real time) through such processing.

The movement control section 71 can control the movement mechanism 6 based on the output from the movement detection section 95. More specifically, the movement detection unit 95 sequentially inputs information indicating temporal changes in the positions of feature points in frames sequentially input from the video imaging system 40 to the movement control unit 71. The movement control unit 71 controls the movement mechanism 6 according to information sequentially input from the movement detection unit 95. This movement control is performed to cancel changes in the alignment state caused by the movement of the eye E to be examined. Such an operation is called tracking.

According to this embodiment, when the subject's eye E moves during anterior segment scanning using slit light, the alignment state is automatically corrected in accordance with this movement. Thereby, it is possible to perform an anterior segment scan using slit light without being affected by the movement of the subject's eye.

<Usage form>
An exemplary usage form of the slit lamp microscope according to the embodiment will be described. Here, the optical system shown in FIG. 5 is applied. Adjustment of the table, chair, chin rest, instruction to start imaging, alignment, etc. are performed in the same manner as described above.

First, as described in the sixth embodiment, the control unit 7 controls the rotation mechanism 62 so that the longitudinal direction of the slit light irradiated onto the anterior segment of the eye coincides with the left-right direction (X direction). The left imaging system 30L or the right imaging system 30R photographs the anterior segment of the eye that is irradiated with the slit light in the relevant direction.

As a result, the anterior segment image H0 shown in FIG. 18 is obtained. The anterior segment image H0 includes a slit light irradiation region J0, which is a region irradiated with slit light whose longitudinal direction is the left-right direction (X direction).

Note that both the left imaging system 30L and the right imaging system 30R may photograph the anterior segment of the eye. In this case, an image photographing the slit light irradiation area from diagonally above and an image photographing diagonally from below are obtained.

Next, the control unit 7 controls the rotation mechanism 62 so that the longitudinal direction of the slit light irradiated onto the anterior segment of the eye coincides with the vertical direction (Y direction). The control unit 7 controls the illumination system 20, the left imaging system 30L, the right imaging system 30R, and the movement mechanism 6 to perform anterior segment scanning using slit light. That is, each of the left imaging system 30L and the right imaging system 30R repeatedly images the anterior segment of the eye E in parallel with the movement of the illumination system 20, left imaging system 30L, and right imaging system 30R by the moving mechanism 6. .

As a result, the left imaging system 30L acquires the first image group including the N anterior segment images HL1 to HLN shown in FIG. 19A, and the right imaging system 30R acquires the N anterior segment images shown in FIG. 19B. A second image group including HR1 to HRN is acquired. The anterior segment image HLn acquired by the left imaging system 30L depicts a slit light irradiation region JLn photographed diagonally from the left (n=1, 2, . . . , N). The anterior segment image HRn acquired by the right imaging system 30R depicts a slit light irradiation region JRn photographed diagonally from the right (n=1, 2, . . . , N).

Here, it is assumed that the anterior segment image HLn and the anterior segment image HRn are associated with each other through the image pairing described above (n=1, 2, . . . , N). In an actual anterior segment scan, the number N of left and right anterior segment images is set to 200 or more, taking into consideration the resolution of the three-dimensional images that will be constructed later. Note that the number N is arbitrary.

FIG. 20 shows an anterior segment image obtained in an actually performed anterior segment scan. Each of these anterior segment images includes a slit light irradiation area presented with high brightness.

Subsequently, the image region extraction unit 89 of the seventh embodiment (FIG. 13) extracts the slit light irradiation region JLn from the anterior segment image HLn, and extracts the slit light irradiation region JRn from the anterior segment image HRn. . FIG. 21A shows a plurality of slit light irradiation area images KL1 to KLN constructed from a plurality of anterior segment images HL1 to HLN, respectively. FIG. 21B shows a plurality of slit light irradiation region images KR1 to KRN constructed from a plurality of anterior segment images HR1 to HRN, respectively.

Next, by applying the processing according to the third embodiment or the fourth embodiment to the slit light irradiation area image KLn and the slit light irradiation area image KRn, a plurality of slit light irradiation area images that do not include artifacts can be obtained. . None of the plurality of slit light irradiation area images K1 to KN illustrated in FIG. 22 include artifacts. The slit light irradiation area images K1 to KN each include slit light irradiation areas J1 to JN.

Subsequently, the distortion correction (keystone correction) described in the ninth embodiment is applied to each of the slit light irradiation area images K1 to KN. As a result, a plurality of slit light irradiation area images that do not contain artifacts and have their distortions corrected are obtained. None of the plurality of slit light irradiation area images P1 to PN illustrated in FIG. 23 include artifacts. Furthermore, the slit light irradiation area images P1 to PN include slit light irradiation areas Q1 to QN, respectively.

Next, the image position determining unit 87 of the sixth embodiment determines the relative positions of the plurality of slit light irradiation area images P1 to PN based on the anterior segment image H0 shown in FIG. For example, the image position determining unit 87 determines the slit light irradiation area image P1 based on the image area corresponding to the anterior surface of the cornea (the curve with the smaller radius of curvature in the slit light irradiation area J0) depicted in the anterior segment image H0. ～Arrange PN. As a result, the slit light irradiation area images P1 to PN are arranged in accordance with the curve of the anterior surface of the cornea.

The three-dimensional image construction unit 86 of the sixth embodiment constructs a three-dimensional image based on a plurality of slit light irradiation area images P1 to PN arranged in accordance with the curve of the anterior surface of the cornea. This three-dimensional image does not contain artifacts, and its distortion has been corrected.

Next, the data processing unit 8 calculates the length of the slit light projected onto the anterior eye segment during the anterior eye segment scan (dimension in the Y direction), and the distance traveled by the moving mechanism 6 (dimension in the X direction) of the slit light. The aspect ratio of the three-dimensional image is corrected based on. As a result, the ratio between the dimension in the X direction and the dimension in the Y direction of the three-dimensional image is corrected.

Next, the measurement unit 94 of the tenth embodiment analyzes the three-dimensional image and obtains a predetermined measurement value. Examples of measurement parameters include anterior corneal curvature, anterior corneal radius of curvature, posterior corneal curvature, posterior corneal radius of curvature, corneal diameter, corneal thickness, corneal topography, anterior chamber depth, angle, anterior lens curvature, anterior lens curvature radius, and crystalline lens. These include posterior curvature, radius of posterior lens curvature, and crystalline lens thickness.

FIG. 24 shows a display image R0 obtained by volume rendering an actually obtained three-dimensional image. Rendering is performed by the rendering unit 92 of the eighth embodiment. The control unit 7 causes a display device (not shown) to display the display image R0. The displayed image R0 depicts a region defined by the anterior surface of the cornea and the posterior surface of the crystalline lens.

The user can observe the display image R0 displayed on the display device and specify a desired cross section using an operation device (not shown). The dotted line shown in FIG. 25 indicates the position of the cross section specified by the user with respect to the display image R0.

The rendering unit 92 can construct a three-dimensional partial image by cutting the three-dimensional image at a cross section specified by the user. The image R1 shown in FIG. 26 is a display image obtained by rendering a three-dimensional partial image obtained by cutting the three-dimensional image at the cross section shown in FIG. 25. This display image is also called a three-dimensional partial image R1. The three-dimensional partial image R1 is an image representing a three-dimensional region of the anterior segment of the eye, in which the cross section shown in FIG. 25 is part of the outer surface.

Furthermore, the rendering unit 92 can construct a two-dimensional cross-sectional image representing a cross-section specified by the user. Image R2 shown in FIG. 27 is a two-dimensional cross-sectional image obtained by cutting the three-dimensional image along the cross-section shown in FIG.

The user can observe the display image R0 displayed on the display device and specify a desired slice using an operation device (not shown). The two dotted lines shown in FIG. 28 indicate the positions of two cross sections defining the slice specified by the user for the display image R0. In other words, the area sandwiched between these two cross sections is the slice designated by the user for display image R0.

The rendering unit 92 can construct a three-dimensional slice image corresponding to a slice specified by the user. Image R3 shown in FIG. 29 is a display image obtained by rendering a three-dimensional slice image obtained by cutting the three-dimensional image at the cross section shown in FIG. This display image is also called a three-dimensional slice image R3. The three-dimensional slice image R3 is an image representing a three-dimensional region of the anterior segment of the eye, in which the two cross sections shown in FIG. 28 are part of the outer surface.

The user can grasp the state of the anterior segment by rendering a three-dimensional image and observing the outer surface or desired cross section of the anterior segment, or by performing the measurement according to the tenth embodiment. Then, an interpretation report can be created.

<Twelfth embodiment>
In this embodiment, an ophthalmologic system including an ophthalmologic imaging device and an information processing device will be described. The ophthalmologic imaging device has at least the function of a slit lamp microscope. The slit lamp microscope included in the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus may be the slit lamp microscope of any one of the first to eleventh embodiments. Hereinafter, the elements, configurations, and symbols described in the first to eleventh embodiments will be applied as appropriate.

The ophthalmology system 1000 illustrated in FIG. 30 includes a communication path (communication line) 1100 that connects each of T facilities (first facility to T facility) where ophthalmologic imaging is performed, a server 4000, and a remote terminal 5000 m. It is built using.

Here, the ophthalmologic imaging includes at least anterior segment imaging using a slit lamp microscope. This anterior eye segment imaging includes at least the anterior eye segment scan using slit light as described in the first to eleventh embodiments.

Each facility (t-th facility: t = 1 to T, T is an integer of 1 or more) is equipped with an ophthalmological imaging device 2000-i _t (i _t =1 to K _t , K _t is an integer of 1 or more). ing. In other words, each facility (t-th facility) has one or more ophthalmology imaging devices 2000- _it installed. The ophthalmology imaging device 2000- _it constitutes a part of the ophthalmology system 1000. Note that the ophthalmology system 1000 may include an examination device capable of performing examinations other than those for ophthalmology.

The ophthalmologic imaging device 2000- _it of this example has both the functions of an "imaging device" that performs imaging of the subject's eye, and the functions of a "computer" that processes various data and communicates with external devices. There is. In other examples, the imaging device and computer can be provided separately. In this case, the photographing device and the computer may be configured to be able to communicate with each other. Further, the number of photographing devices and the number of computers are arbitrary, and for example, a single computer and a plurality of photographing devices can be provided.

The "imaging device" in the ophthalmological imaging device ₂₀₀₀ -it includes at least a slit lamp microscope. This slit lamp microscope may be a slit lamp microscope according to any of the first to eleventh embodiments, and includes at least the configuration of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) or the configuration of the second embodiment (FIG. 5).

Furthermore, each facility (t-th facility) is equipped with an information processing device (terminal 3000-t) that can be used by assistants and patients. The terminal 3000-t is a computer used in the facility, and may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone, a server installed in the facility, or the like. Furthermore, terminal 3000-t may include a wearable device such as a wireless earphone. It is sufficient that the terminal 3000-t is a computer whose functions can be used in the facility; for example, it may be a computer (such as a cloud server) installed outside the facility.

The ophthalmology imaging device 2000- _it and the terminal 3000-t communicate using a network built within the t-facility (in-facility LAN, etc.), a wide area network (the Internet, etc.), or short-range communication technology. It may be configured so that it can be performed.

The ophthalmologic imaging apparatus ₂₀₀₀ -it may have a function as a communication device such as a server. In this case, the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 2000- _it and the terminal 3000-t can be configured to communicate directly. As a result, communication between the server 4000 and the terminal 3000-t can be performed via the ophthalmological imaging device 2000- _it , so it is necessary to provide a function for communicating between the terminal 3000-t and the server 4000. disappears.

The server 4000 is typically installed in a facility different from any of the first to T facilities, for example, in a management center. The server 4000 is capable of communicating with remote terminals 5000m (m=1 to M, M is an integer greater than or equal to 1) via a network (LAN, wide area network, etc.). Furthermore, the server 4000 is capable of communicating with at least some of the ophthalmological imaging apparatuses 2000-it installed in the first to _T facilities via a wide area network.

The server 4000 has, for example, a function of relaying communication between the ophthalmological imaging apparatus 2000- _it and the remote terminal 5000m, a function of recording the contents of this communication, and a function of recording data acquired by the ophthalmological imaging apparatus 2000- _it . and information, and a function to store data and information acquired by the remote terminal 5000m. Server 4000 may include data processing functionality.

The remote terminal 5000m can be used to interpret images of the eye to be examined (multiple anterior segment images or rendered three-dimensional images based on these images) acquired by the ophthalmology imaging device 2000- _it , and to create a report. including computers. Remote terminal 5000m may include data processing capabilities.

The server 4000 will be explained. The server 4000 illustrated in FIG. 31 includes a control section 4010, a communication establishment section 4100, and a communication section 4200.

A control unit 4010 controls each unit of the server 4000. The control unit 4010 may be capable of executing other arithmetic processing. Control unit 4010 includes a processor. Control unit 4010 may further include RAM, ROM, hard disk drive, solid state drive, and the like.

The control unit 4010 includes a communication control unit 4011 and a transfer control unit 4012.

The communication control unit 4011 executes control regarding establishment of communication between a plurality of devices including a plurality of ophthalmological imaging apparatuses 2000- _it , a plurality of terminals 3000-t, and a plurality of remote terminals 5000m. For example, the communication control unit 4011 sends a control signal for establishing communication to each of two or more devices selected by a selection unit 4120 (described later) from among a plurality of devices included in the ophthalmological system 1000.

Transfer control unit 4012 controls information exchange between two or more devices with which communication has been established by communication establishment unit 4100 (and communication control unit 4011). For example, the transfer control unit 4012 functions to transfer information transmitted from one of at least two devices with which communication has been established by the communication establishment unit 4100 (and communication control unit 4011) to the other device. do.

As a specific example, when communication is established between the ophthalmological imaging apparatus 2000- _it and the remote terminal 5000m, the transfer control unit 4012 transmits information (for example, slit light) transmitted from the ophthalmological imaging apparatus 2000- _it . A plurality of anterior eye segment images obtained by the anterior eye segment scan used or a three-dimensional image constructed based on these anterior eye segment images can be transferred to the remote terminal 5000m. Conversely, the transfer control unit 4012 can transfer information transmitted from the remote terminal 5000m (for example, an instruction to the ophthalmological imaging apparatus 2000- _it , an interpretation report, etc.) to the ophthalmological imaging apparatus 2000- _it .

The transfer control unit 4012 may have a function of processing information received from a transmission source device. In this case, the transfer control unit 4012 can transmit at least one of the received information and the information obtained through processing to the transfer destination device.

For example, the transfer control unit 4012 can extract a part of the information transmitted from the ophthalmological imaging apparatus 2000- _it , etc., and transmit it to the remote terminal 5000m, etc. In addition, the server 4000 or other device analyzes information (for example, anterior segment image or three-dimensional image) transmitted from the ophthalmological imaging device 2000- _IT , etc., and transmits the analysis results (and original information) to a remote terminal. It is also possible to transmit the information at a distance of 5000 m or the like.

When a plurality of anterior segment images are transmitted from the ophthalmological imaging device 2000- _it , the server 4000 or another device constructs a three-dimensional image (for example, stack data or volume data) from these anterior segment images, The transfer control unit 4012 can be configured to send the constructed three-dimensional image to the remote terminal 5000m.

When stack data is transmitted from the ophthalmological imaging device 2000- _it , the server 4000 or another device constructs volume data from this stack data, and the transfer control unit 4012 transmits the constructed volume data to the remote terminal 5000m. can be configured to send.

The data processing processing that can be executed by the server 4000 or other devices is not limited to the above example, and may include any data processing. For example, the server 4000 or other devices may be capable of executing any of the processes described in the first to eleventh embodiments, such as three-dimensional image rendering, artifact removal, distortion correction, and measurement.

The communication establishment unit 4100 establishes communication between at least two devices selected from a plurality of devices including a plurality of ophthalmological imaging devices 2000- _it , a plurality of terminals 3000-t, and a plurality of remote terminals 5000m. Execute the process to do so. In this embodiment, "establishing communication" means, for example, (1) establishing one-way communication from a state where communication is disconnected, (2) establishing two-way communication from a state where communication is disconnected, This concept includes at least one of (3) switching from a state in which only reception is possible to a state in which transmission is also possible, and (4) switching from a state in which only transmission is possible to a state in which reception is also possible.

Further, the communication establishment unit 4100 can execute a process of disconnecting established communication. In this embodiment, "disconnecting communication" means, for example, (1) disconnecting communication from a state where one-way communication has been established, (2) disconnecting communication from a state where two-way communication has been established, (3) Switching from a state where two-way communication is established to one-way communication, (4) Switching from a state in which transmission and reception are possible to a state in which only reception is possible, (5) A state in which transmission and reception are possible. This concept includes at least one of the following: switching from a state to a state in which only transmission is possible.

Each of the ophthalmological imaging device 2000- _it , the terminal 3000-t, and the remote terminal 5000m sends a communication request (call request) to call another device (its user) and a communication between the other two devices. At least one of the communication request for interrupt (interrupt request) can be transmitted to server 4000. Call requests and interrupt requests may be issued manually or automatically. The server 4000 (communication unit 4200) receives a communication request transmitted from the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 2000-i _t , the terminal 3000-t, or the remote terminal 5000m.

In this embodiment, the communication establishment section 4100 may include a selection section 4120. For example, the selection unit 4120 selects the ophthalmological imaging apparatus 2000- _it , the terminal 3000-t, and the remote terminal based on a communication request transmitted from the ophthalmological imaging apparatus 2000- _it , the terminal 3000-t, or the remote terminal 5000m. One or more devices other than the device that sent the communication request are selected from within 5000 m.

A specific example of the process executed by the selection unit 4120 will be described. When receiving a communication request from the ophthalmological imaging apparatus 2000- _it or the terminal 3000-t (for example, a request for interpretation of an image acquired by the ophthalmological imaging apparatus 2000- _it ), the selection unit 4120 selects, for example, a plurality of Select one of the remote terminals 5000m. The communication establishment unit 4100 establishes communication between the selected remote terminal 5000m and at least one of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 2000- _it and the terminal 3000-t.

Selection of a device in response to a communication request is performed, for example, based on preset attributes. Examples of these attributes include the type of examination (for example, the type of imaging modality, the type of image, the type of disease, the type of candidate disease, etc.), the level of expertise/skill required, and the type of language. In order to implement the processing according to this example, the communication establishment section 4100 may include a storage section 4110 in which attribute information created in advance is stored. The attribute information records the attributes of the remote terminal 5000m and/or its user (physician, optometrist, etc.).

User identification is performed by a pre-assigned user ID. Further, the remote terminal 5000m is identified using, for example, a device ID or a network address assigned in advance. In a typical example, the attribute information includes each user's specialty field (for example, medical department, specialized disease, etc.), degree of expertise/skillfulness, types of languages available for use, and the like.

When the selection unit 4120 refers to attribute information, the communication request transmitted from the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 2000-i _t , the terminal 3000-t, or the remote terminal 5000m may include information regarding the attribute. For example, an image interpretation request (that is, a diagnosis request) sent from the ophthalmology imaging apparatus ₂₀₀₀ -it may include any of the following information: (1) information indicating the type of imaging modality; (2) image (3) Information indicating the disease name or candidate disease name; (4) Information indicating the difficulty level of image interpretation; (5) Information indicating the user of the ophthalmological imaging device 2000- _it and/or terminal 3000-t. Information indicating the language used.

When such an image interpretation request is received, the selection unit 4120 can select one of the remote terminals 5000m based on this image interpretation request and the attribute information stored in the storage unit 4110. At this time, the selection unit 4120 compares the information regarding the attributes included in the image interpretation request with the information recorded in the attribute information stored in the storage unit 4110. Thereby, the selection unit 4120 selects, for example, the remote terminal 5000m corresponding to a doctor (or optometrist) that corresponds to any of the following attributes: (1) a doctor who specializes in the imaging modality; (2) ) A doctor who specializes in the image type; (3) a doctor who specializes in the disease (candidate disease); (4) a doctor who can interpret images with the difficulty level; (5) a doctor who can speak the language.

Note that the correspondence between the doctor or optometrist and the remote terminal 5000m is made, for example, by the user ID input at the time of logging into the remote terminal 5000m (or the ophthalmology system 1000).

The communication unit 4200 performs data communication with other devices (for example, any one of the ophthalmological imaging device 2000- _it , the terminal 3000-t, and the remote terminal 5000m). The data communication method and encryption may be the same as that of the communication unit (communication unit 9 in the first embodiment) provided in the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 2000- _it .

Server 4000 includes a data processing section 4300. The data processing unit 4300 performs various data processing. The data processing unit 4300 can process a plurality of anterior segment images or three-dimensional images acquired by the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 2000-i _t (particularly, a slit lamp microscope). The data processing unit 4300 includes a processor, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, and the like. The auxiliary storage device stores data processing programs and the like. The functions of the data processing unit 4300 are realized through cooperation between software such as a data processing program and hardware such as a processor.

The data processing section 4300 includes a data processing section 8, a data processing section 8A (image selection section 81, a three-dimensional image construction section 82), a data processing section 8B (artifact removal section 83, a three-dimensional image construction section 84), a data processing section 8C (three-dimensional image construction unit 85), data processing unit 8D (three-dimensional image construction unit 86, image position determination unit 87), three-dimensional image construction unit 88 (image area extraction unit 89, image synthesis unit 90), data processing It may include any one or more of the section 8E (three-dimensional image construction section 91, rendering section 92), the data processing section 8F (distortion correction section 93), and the data processing section 8G (measurement section 94). .

The server 4000 can provide data obtained by the data processing unit 4300 to other devices. For example, when the data processing unit 4300 constructs a three-dimensional image from a plurality of anterior segment images acquired by the ophthalmological imaging device 2000- _it , the server 4000 uses the communication unit 4200 to transmit this three-dimensional image to a remote terminal. Can transmit up to 5000m. When the data processing unit 4300 renders a three-dimensional image constructed by the ophthalmological imaging apparatus 2000- _it or the data processing unit 4300, the server 4000 transmits the constructed rendered image to the remote terminal 5000m by the communication unit 4200. can do. When the data processing unit 4300 applies measurement processing to one or more anterior segment images or three-dimensional images, the server 4000 can transmit the obtained measurement data to the remote terminal 5000m using the communication unit 4200. When the data processing unit 4300 applies distortion correction to one or more anterior segment images or three-dimensional images, the server 4000 can transmit the corrected images to the remote terminal 5000m through the communication unit 4200.

Next, the remote terminal 5000m will be explained. The remote terminal 5000m illustrated in FIG. 32 includes a control section 5010, a data processing section 5100, a communication section 5200, and an operation section 5300.

The control unit 5010 controls each part of the remote terminal 5000m. The control unit 5010 may be capable of executing other calculation processes. Control unit 5010 includes a processor, RAM, ROM, hard disk drive, solid state drive, and the like.

The control section 5010 includes a display control section 5011. The display control unit 5011 controls the display device 6000m. The display device 6000m may be included in the remote terminal 5000m or may be a peripheral device connected to the remote terminal 5000m. The display control unit 5011 displays an image of the anterior segment of the eye E on the display device 6000m. Examples of images of the anterior segment include slit images, Scheimpflug images, rendered three-dimensional images, frontal images, images from other modalities (OCT images, etc.), images representing measurement results, and images representing analysis results. and so on.

The control unit 5010 includes a report creation control unit 5012. The report creation control unit 5012 executes various controls for creating a report regarding the information displayed by the display control unit 5011. For example, the report creation control unit 5012 causes the display device 6000m to display a screen or graphical user interface (GUI) for creating a report. Further, the report creation control unit 5012 inputs information input by the user, an image of the anterior segment, measurement data, analysis data, etc. into a predetermined report template.

<Data processing unit 5100>
The data processing unit 5100 performs various data processing. The data processing unit 5100 can process a plurality of anterior segment images or three-dimensional images acquired by the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 2000-i _t (particularly, a slit lamp microscope). Further, the data processing unit 5100 can process a three-dimensional image or a rendered image constructed by another information processing device such as the server 4000. The data processing unit 5100 includes a processor, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, and the like. The auxiliary storage device stores data processing programs and the like. The functions of the data processing unit 5100 are realized through cooperation between software such as a data processing program and hardware such as a processor.

The data processing section 5100 includes a data processing section 8, a data processing section 8A (image selection section 81, a three-dimensional image construction section 82), a data processing section 8B (artifact removal section 83, a three-dimensional image construction section 84), a data processing section 8C (three-dimensional image construction section 85), data processing section 8D (three-dimensional image construction section 86, image position determination section 87), three-dimensional image construction section 88 (image area extraction section 89, image composition section 90), data processing It may include any one or more of the section 8E (three-dimensional image construction section 91, rendering section 92), the data processing section 8F (distortion correction section 93), and the data processing section 8G (measurement section 94). .

The communication unit 5200 performs data communication with other devices (for example, any one of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 2000- _it , the terminal 3000-t, and the server 4000). The data communication method and encryption may be the same as that of the communication section of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 2000- _it .

The operation unit 5300 is used to operate the remote terminal 5000m, input information to the remote terminal 5000m, and the like. In this embodiment, the operation unit 5300 is used to create a report. The operation unit 5300 includes an operation device and an input device. The operation unit 5300 includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, an operation panel, a switch, a button, a dial, and the like. The operation unit 5300 may include a touch screen.

The effects achieved by this embodiment will be explained.

The ophthalmology system 1000 includes one or more slit lamp microscopes (ophthalmology imaging device 2000- _it ) and one or more information processing devices (server 4000 and/or remote terminal 5000m). The information processing device is connected to the slit lamp microscope via a communication line, and processes images of the anterior segment of the subject's eye acquired by the slit lamp microscope.

The slit lamp microscope (ophthalmologic imaging device 2000-i _t ) includes an illumination system, an imaging system, and a moving mechanism. The illumination system irradiates the anterior segment of the subject's eye with slit light. The imaging system includes an optical system that guides light from the anterior segment of the eye that is irradiated with the slit light, and an image sensor that receives the light guided by the optical system on an imaging surface. The moving mechanism includes a moving mechanism that moves the illumination system and the imaging system. The object surface, optical system, and imaging surface along the optical axis of the illumination system satisfy the Scheimpflug condition. The imaging system acquires a plurality of images of the anterior segment of the eye by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system and imaging system by the moving mechanism.

The illumination system and imaging system of the slit lamp microscope (ophthalmology imaging device 2000-i _t ) may be configured so that the imaging system focuses on a region defined by at least the anterior surface of the cornea and the posterior surface of the crystalline lens.

The illumination system may be configured to irradiate the anterior segment of the eye with slit light whose longitudinal direction is along the body axis of the subject. In this case, the moving mechanism may be configured to move the illumination system and the imaging system in a direction perpendicular to the body axis direction.

The length of the slit light may be set to be longer than the corneal diameter in the body axis direction. In addition, the movement distance of the illumination system and the imaging system by the movement mechanism may be set to be greater than or equal to the corneal diameter in the direction perpendicular to the body axis direction.

According to this embodiment having such a configuration, at least the same effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved. Moreover, any matters such as the configuration, elements, functions, actions, and effects described in the first embodiment can be applied to the present embodiment.

In this embodiment, the imaging system of the slit lamp microscope (ophthalmology imaging device 2000- _it ) may include a first imaging system and a second imaging system. The first imaging system includes a first optical system that guides light from the anterior segment of the eye that is irradiated with the slit light, and a first image sensor that receives the light guided by the first optical system on a first imaging surface. include. Furthermore, the first imaging system acquires the first image group by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system and the imaging system. The second imaging system includes a second optical system that guides light from the anterior segment of the eye that is irradiated with the slit light, and a second image sensor that receives the light guided by the second optical system on a second imaging surface. include. Further, the second imaging system acquires a second image group by repeatedly performing imaging in parallel with the movement of the illumination system and the imaging system. Furthermore, the optical axis of the first optical system and the optical axis of the second optical system are arranged in different directions. In addition, the object surface, the first optical system, and the first imaging surface satisfy the Scheimpflug condition, and the object surface, the second optical system, and the second imaging surface satisfy the Scheimpflug condition.

The optical system included in the imaging system may include a reflector and one or more lenses. The reflector is configured and configured to reflect light from the anterior segment of the eye irradiated with the slit light, which travels in a direction away from the optical axis of the illumination system, in a direction approaching the optical axis of the illumination system. Placed. The one or more lenses are constructed and arranged to image the light reflected by the reflector onto the imaging surface.

According to this embodiment having such a configuration, at least the same effects as in the second embodiment can be achieved. Moreover, any matters such as the configuration, elements, functions, actions, and effects described in the second embodiment can be applied to the present embodiment.

In this embodiment, the optical axis of the first optical system and the optical axis of the second optical system may be inclined in opposite directions with respect to the optical axis of the illumination system. Further, the information processing device (server 4000 and/or remote terminal 5000m) determines whether any of the two images acquired substantially simultaneously by the first imaging system and the second imaging system contains artifacts, and identifies these artifacts. The image selection unit may include an image selection unit that selects the other image when it is determined that one of the two images includes an artifact.

The information processing device (server 4000 and/or remote terminal 5000m) also constructs a three-dimensional image based on the image group including the images selected from the first image group and the second image group by the image selection unit. It may include an image constructor.

According to this embodiment having such a configuration, at least the same effects as in the third embodiment can be achieved. Moreover, any matters such as the configuration, elements, functions, actions, and effects described in the third embodiment can be applied to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the information processing device (server 4000 and/or remote terminal 5000m) compares two images acquired substantially simultaneously by the first imaging system and the second imaging system, thereby The image processing apparatus may include an artifact removal unit that determines whether an artifact is included in either of the two images and removes the artifact when it is determined that an artifact is included in either of the two images.

Further, the information processing device (server 4000 and/or remote terminal 5000m) may include a 3D image construction unit that constructs a 3D image based on a group of images including images from which artifacts have been removed by the artifact removal unit. .

According to this embodiment having such a configuration, at least the same effects as the fourth embodiment can be achieved. Moreover, any matters such as the configuration, elements, functions, actions, and effects described in the fourth embodiment can be applied to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the information processing device (server 4000 and/or remote terminal 5000m) is a 3D image processor that constructs a 3D image based on a plurality of images acquired by a slit lamp microscope (ophthalmology imaging device 2000- _it ). It may include an image constructor.

According to this embodiment having such a configuration, at least the same effects as in the fifth embodiment can be achieved. Furthermore, any of the configurations, elements, functions, actions, effects, etc. described in the fifth embodiment can be applied to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the moving mechanism may include a rotation mechanism that rotates the illumination system and the imaging system integrally with the optical axis of the illumination system as the rotation axis. Furthermore, the imaging system acquires a plurality of images when the illumination system and the imaging system are arranged at the first rotational position, and the lighting system and the imaging system are arranged at a second rotational position different from the first rotational position. The imaging system can acquire an image of the anterior segment of the eye illuminated with slit light by the illumination system. In addition, the three-dimensional image construction unit may include an image position determination unit that determines relative positions of the plurality of images based on images acquired at the second rotational position.

According to this embodiment having such a configuration, at least the same effects as in the sixth embodiment can be achieved. Moreover, any matters such as the configuration, elements, functions, actions, and effects described in the sixth embodiment can be applied to this embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the three-dimensional image construction unit extracts an image region corresponding to the slit light irradiation region from each of a plurality of images acquired by a slit lamp microscope (ophthalmology imaging device 2000- _it ). The image forming apparatus may include an extracting section and an image synthesizing section that synthesizes a plurality of image regions respectively extracted from a plurality of images by the image region extracting section to construct a three-dimensional image.

The image region extraction unit extracts an image region corresponding to both the slit light irradiation region and a predetermined region of the anterior segment from each of the plurality of images acquired by the slit lamp microscope (ophthalmology imaging device 2000- _it ). It may be configured to do so.

The predetermined region may be a region defined by the anterior surface of the cornea and the posterior surface of the crystalline lens.

According to this embodiment having such a configuration, at least the same effects as in the seventh embodiment can be achieved. Moreover, any matters such as the configuration, elements, functions, actions, and effects described in the seventh embodiment can be applied to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the information processing device (server 4000 and/or remote terminal 5000m) may include a rendering unit that renders a three-dimensional image to construct a rendered image.

When a cross-section is specified for a three-dimensional image, the rendering unit can construct a three-dimensional partial image by cutting the three-dimensional image at the cross-section.

When a cross section is specified for a three-dimensional image, the rendering unit can construct a two-dimensional cross-sectional image representing the cross section.

When a slice is specified for a three-dimensional image, the rendering unit can construct a three-dimensional slice image corresponding to the slice.

According to this embodiment having such a configuration, at least the same effects as in the eighth embodiment can be achieved. Moreover, any matters such as the configuration, elements, functions, actions, and effects described in the eighth embodiment can be applied to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the information processing device (server 4000 and/or remote terminal 5000m) performs processing to correct distortion caused by the optical axis angle, which is the angle formed by the optical axis of the illumination system and the optical axis of the imaging system. The image forming apparatus may include a distortion correction unit that applies the following to at least one of the plurality of images acquired by the slit lamp microscope (ophthalmology imaging apparatus 2000-i _t ).

The optical axis of the optical system included in the imaging system is in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction along the optical axis of the illumination system and the second direction along the longitudinal direction of the slit light, with respect to the optical axis of the illumination system. It may be arranged at an angle. In this case, the distortion correction unit can perform processing for correcting distortion in a plane including both the first direction and the second direction.

The distortion correction unit stores in advance a correction coefficient set based on a predetermined reference angle and an optical axis angle, and is configured to execute processing for correcting distortion based on the correction coefficient. good.

According to this embodiment having such a configuration, at least the same effects as the ninth embodiment can be achieved. Furthermore, any of the configurations, elements, functions, actions, effects, etc. described in the ninth embodiment can be applied to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the information processing device (server 4000 and/or remote terminal 5000m) analyzes at least one of a plurality of images acquired by a slit lamp microscope (ophthalmology imaging device 2000- _it ). The device may include a first measurement unit that obtains a predetermined measurement value.

In this embodiment, the information processing device (server 4000 and/or remote terminal 5000m) also includes a second measurement unit that obtains a predetermined measurement value by analyzing the three-dimensional image constructed by the three-dimensional image construction unit. It may be included.

According to this embodiment having such a configuration, at least the same effects as in the tenth embodiment can be achieved. Furthermore, any of the configurations, elements, functions, actions, effects, etc. described in the tenth embodiment can be applied to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the slit lamp microscope (ophthalmological imaging device 2000-i _t ) may include a video imaging system that photographs a video of the anterior segment of the eye from a fixed position in parallel with the acquisition of a plurality of images by the imaging system.

Furthermore, the slit lamp microscope (ophthalmology imaging device 2000-i _t ) may include a motion detection unit that analyzes a moving image acquired by a moving image capturing system to detect the movement of the subject's eye.

In addition, the slit lamp microscope (ophthalmologic imaging device 2000-i _t ) may include a movement control unit that controls the movement mechanism based on the output from the movement detection unit.

According to this embodiment having such a configuration, at least the same effects as in the eleventh embodiment can be achieved. Moreover, any matters such as the configuration, elements, functions, actions, and effects described in the eleventh embodiment can be applied to this embodiment.

<Other matters>
The embodiments described above are merely typical illustrations of the present invention. Therefore, any modification (omission, substitution, addition, etc.) can be made as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

It is possible to configure a program that causes a computer to execute processing related to any one of the first to twelfth embodiments or a combination of any two or more. Further, a program that causes a computer to execute a process realized by applying any modification within the scope of the gist of the present invention to any one or a combination of any two or more of the first to twelfth embodiments. It is possible to configure

Furthermore, it is possible to create a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium recording such a program. This non-transitory recording medium may be in any form, examples of which include magnetic disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, and semiconductor memory.

The present invention includes a method realized by any one of the first to twelfth embodiments or a combination of any two or more. The present invention also includes a method realized by applying any modification within the scope of the gist of the present invention to any one or a combination of any two or more of the first to twelfth embodiments. It will be done.

1 Slit lamp microscope 2 Illumination system 3 Photographing system 4 Optical system 5 Image sensor 6 Movement mechanism 7 Control system 8 Data processing section 9 Communication section

Claims (3)

an illumination system that irradiates the anterior segment of the eye to be examined with slit light;
an imaging system that includes an optical system that guides light from the anterior eye segment that is irradiated with the slit light; and an imaging device that receives the light guided by the optical system on an imaging surface;
a video imaging system that sequentially obtains frames in which predetermined parts of the anterior eye segment are depicted by photographing the anterior eye segment from the front;
a moving mechanism that moves the illumination system and the imaging system without moving the video imaging system;
including a control unit and
the object surface along the optical axis of the illumination system, the optical system, and the imaging surface satisfy Scheimpflug conditions;
In parallel with the video capturing of the anterior eye segment from the front and fixed position by the video capturing system, the control unit controls the moving mechanism for moving the illumination system and the imaging system, and controls the moving mechanism for moving the illumination system and the imaging system. A slit lamp microscope characterized in that control of the photographing system for repeatedly photographing a part of the body and acquiring a plurality of images is executed in parallel. In parallel with the control of the moving mechanism and the control of the imaging system, frames sequentially acquired by the video imaging system are analyzed to identify feature points corresponding to the predetermined region, and The slit lamp microscope according to claim 1, further comprising a movement detection unit that detects movement of the eye to be examined based on a change in the position of a feature point over time. The slit lamp microscope according to claim 2, wherein the control unit executes the control of the moving mechanism based on an output from the movement detection unit.

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