JP2019042571A - Image pickup apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a time burden on a subject when performing tomographic imaging. An imaging apparatus displays a first tomographic image on a first screen configured to enable adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of an eye to be examined, and the first tomographic image is displayed on the first screen. A second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction from the first screen after the acquisition instruction is executed in a state where the second tomographic image is displayed The second tomographic image obtained according to the acquisition instruction is displayed on the second screen, and the display of the display means is displayed from the second screen according to the instruction from the examiner. A control means is provided for changing to a first screen configured to allow adjustment for acquisition of the image. [Selected figure] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device for imaging an object to be inspected.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an imaging apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as an OCT apparatus) using optical coherence tomography (OCT: Optical Coherence Tomography) using interference by low coherence light has been put to practical use. Since a tomogram can be acquired with the resolution of the wavelength grade of light which enters into a thing to be examined, a tomogram of a sample can be obtained with high resolution. The OCT apparatus is a useful apparatus for obtaining a tomogram of the retina located in the fundus, particularly in the ophthalmologic area.

  Furthermore, a combined device of an OCT device and a fundus camera (a device for capturing a surface image or a two-dimensional image of the fundus) is also a useful device. Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus capable of simultaneously capturing a surface image of a fundus and a tomographic image as such a combined apparatus. This configuration is such that the OCT apparatus is connected to the optical connector of the fundus camera. Then, when the operation button of the joystick provided to the fundus camera is pressed, both the surface image and the tomographic image of the fundus are captured.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2007-252693

  Here, for example, in the case where the positional deviation of the image occurs due to the involuntary eye movement of the eye to be examined, it is necessary to perform tomographic imaging again. At this time, it is preferable to improve the usability of the user of the device. In addition, when performing tomographic imaging, it is preferable to reduce the time burden on the subject.

One of the imaging devices according to the present invention is
Acquisition for acquiring a first tomographic image of the subject's eye based on combined light of return light from the subject's eye irradiated with measurement light and reference light, and acquiring a second tomographic image of the subject's eye Tomographic image acquisition means for acquiring a second tomographic image of the subject's eye based on combined light of reference light and return light from the subject's eye irradiated with measurement light according to an instruction;
The first tomographic image is displayed on a first screen configured to allow adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of the eye to be examined, and the first tomographic image is displayed on the first screen A second tomographic image display device configured to enable display of a second tomographic image obtained according to the acquisition instruction from the first screen after the acquisition instruction is executed in the state The screen is changed to a second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction is displayed on the second screen, and the display on the display means is displayed on the second screen in response to an instruction from the examiner. And controlling means for changing to a first screen configured to enable adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of an eye to be examined.

  According to one of the present invention, when performing tomographic imaging, it is possible to reduce the time burden on the subject.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view for explaining the overall configuration of the fundus imaging apparatus in the first to third embodiments. FIG. 2 is a schematic view for explaining an optical system configuration in Example 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining image acquisition in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining display screens in the first and second embodiments. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a display screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining image acquisition in the second embodiment. FIG. 14A is a schematic view for explaining an optical system configuration in Example 3; and FIG. 7B is a flowchart for explaining image acquisition.

  A fundus imaging apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The fundus imaging apparatus is an apparatus configured to be capable of capturing an image for observing the fundus (an example of an object to be examined) of a subject (also referred to as a subject). At this time, visual observation may be included.

  First, reference numeral 300 denotes a fundus imaging unit (also called a fundus camera main body) configured to be capable of capturing a two-dimensional image of the surface of the fundus (for example, the fundus image 1402 in FIG. 5B). Preferably, the camera unit 500 is configured to be detachable. The fundus oculi image capturing unit is an example of a surface image acquisition unit that acquires a surface image of the test object. The surface image acquisition means also includes a configuration in which the computer 125 (an example of the display control means) for displaying the surface image on the display unit receives the surface image data.

  Next, 100 is configured (or configured to be connectable) via an optical system common to the fundus image imaging unit 300, and captures a tomographic image of the fundus (for example, a B scan image 1401 in FIG. 5B). Is a tomographic image capturing unit for These are preferably optically connected via, for example, an optical fiber 148. The tomographic image capturing unit is an example of a tomographic image acquisition unit that acquires a tomographic image of an object to be inspected. The tomographic image acquisition unit also includes a configuration in which a computer 125 (an example of a display control unit) that causes a display unit to display a tomographic image receives tomographic image data.

  Reference numeral 128 denotes a display unit for displaying a tomographic image 1401. The display unit is connected via an output unit (which may be configured to be included in a control unit described later, or may be configured separately) of the device. The output unit outputs a signal related to the tomographic image 1401 to the display unit.

  Reference numeral 125 denotes a control unit for controlling the fundus image capturing unit 300, the tomographic image capturing unit 100, and the output unit.

  Reference numeral 804 denotes a signal input unit for inputting a signal related to control of each configuration described above to the control unit 125. Here, in addition to the operation switch 804 provided in the joystick 805 in FIG. 1A, the signal input unit 804 can input a signal to the control unit 125 such as the tomographic image capturing button 1203 in FIG. 4B. Anything will do.

  At this time, the control unit 125 performs the following steps a) to c).

  a) A signal input from the signal input unit 804 (e.g., a first signal input by a first press on the operation switch 804) allows tomographic images (e.g., a plurality of B scans in FIG. 5A) The tomographic image capturing unit 100 is controlled to capture a verification tomographic image 1305 consisting of images.

  b) The output unit is controlled such that a signal related to the captured tomographic image 1305 is output from the display unit 128.

  c) When the signal related to the tomographic image 1305 is output to the output unit, the signal input from the signal input unit 804 (for example, the second signal input by the second press on the operation switch 804) The fundus image capturing unit 300 is controlled to capture a two-dimensional image 1402.

  As a result, the tomographic image 1305 can be confirmed and then the imaging of the fundus image 1402 can be performed. If it is necessary to capture a tomographic image again due to the positional deviation of the image due to the involuntary eye movement or the like, the tomographic image can be efficiently captured by checking the tomographic image.

  Here, it is preferable to include a selection input unit 1304 (also referred to as a tomographic image re-imaging button) for selecting re-imaging (re-acquisition) of the tomographic image 1305. The selection input unit may be an alignment tab, or may be anything as long as it can input a signal to the control unit 125. Then, when a signal related to the tomographic image 1305 is output from the output unit, the control unit 125 captures a tomographic image (captures the tomographic image for confirmation 1305 again) by the signal input from the selection input unit 1304. It is preferable to control the tomographic image capturing unit 100. Thereby, when imaging a tomographic image again, since it is not necessary to wait until the pupil of a subject opens, re-imaging can be repeated in a short time.

  In addition, the control unit 125 displays a signal related to screen information (for example, each screen of FIGS. 4 and 5) from the output unit based on the signal input from the signal input unit 804 or the selection input unit 1304. It is preferable to output to 128.

  In addition, an adjustment screen for adjusting an imaging mode (for example, position adjustment, etc .; various parameters for imaging) when the above-described screen information captures a two-dimensional image 1402 or a tomographic image 1401. For example, it is preferable to include the screen of FIG. 4 (b) or (c) displayed by clicking the tab of alignment. At this time, the control unit 125 preferably controls the fundus oculi image capturing unit 300 or the tomographic image capturing unit 100 based on the signal related to the imaging mode adjusted on the adjustment screen.

  Further, the first signal in the step a) may be input by pressing the operation switch 804 a second time. At this time, the signal input by the first press is a signal for capturing a tomographic image for preview. Then, after previewing, the signal input by the second press becomes the first signal. At this time, the second signal is a signal that is input by the third press. These are described in detail in Example 2.

  Furthermore, it is also preferable to provide the adapter part 400 of FIG.1 (b). Here, the fundus oculi image capturing unit 300 is configured of a main body unit 900 and a camera unit 500 configured to detachably attach a camera. The adapter unit 400 is detachably provided between the main body unit 900 and the camera unit 500. Then, the optical path is branched into the camera unit 500 and the tomogram imaging unit 100. At this time, it is preferable to include a control circuit unit 905 configured to be able to input a signal input from the signal input unit 904 to the adapter unit 400 and the main body unit 900. These are described in detail in Example 3.

  The above is the description of the fundus imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to these.

(Control method)
Next, a control method of the fundus imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. Each process from the following a-1) to b-1) is included.

  a-1) controlling the output unit to output a signal for displaying screen information (for example, the respective screens of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) on the display unit.

  b-1) The type of screen information output from the output unit according to the signal input from the signal input unit (for example, the screen of FIG. 4 (b) or (c) displayed by clicking the alignment tab Step of controlling to be imaged by either of the tomographic image capturing unit 100 and the fundus image capturing unit 300 based on each tab).

(Imaging method)
Further, an imaging method of the fundus imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. Each process from the following a-2) to d-2) is included.

  a-2) a step of capturing a tomographic image of the fundus of a subject.

  b-2) outputting a signal related to the tomographic image to be displayed on a display unit.

  c-2) When a signal relating to the tomographic image is output, a two-dimensional image of the surface of the fundus is captured (for example, the fundus imaging button 1301 in FIG. 5A is clicked) or the tomographic image Selecting whether to re-image (for example, click the tomographic image re-imaging button 1304 in FIG. 5A).

  d-2) performing the selected imaging.

  Thereby, after confirming the tomographic image, it is possible to shift to imaging of the surface image of the fundus oculi. Therefore, if it is necessary to capture a tomographic image again due to the positional deviation of the image due to the involuntary eye movement or the like, the tomographic image can be efficiently captured by checking the tomographic image.

  Here, the imaging time in the case of imaging a large number of tomographic images by the OCT apparatus is longer than the imaging time of the surface image of the fundus oculi by the fundus camera, and is often about several seconds. When imaging a tomographic image with an OCT apparatus, the eye blinks randomly or even if the subject (also called the subject) blinks or causes a slight eye movement (even if the subject consciously moves his eyes) In the acquired tomographic image, the luminance may be low or the relative positional relationship among the plurality of tomographic images may be shifted due to the phenomenon described below. As a result, it may occur that a region to be seen that is important for diagnosis, such as the retina of the fundus and the optic disc, is not included. In this case, it is necessary to acquire a tomographic image of the fundus of the subject again.

  Here, conventionally, when the operation button of the joystick provided in the fundus camera is pressed, a configuration is first disclosed in which a tomographic image is captured and then a surface image of the fundus is captured. As described above, the tomographic image and the surface image are continuously performed in the above order by one pressing of the operation button. At this time, the surface image of the fundus was acquired before the operator confirmed the tomographic image.

  On the other hand, in order to obtain a fundus oculi image by the fundus camera, it is necessary to illuminate the fundus by making the flash emit light. Due to the large amount of light of this illumination, the pupil of the subject may become pupillary after acquisition of the surface image of the fundus. At this time, depending on the subject, it takes several minutes for the pupil to open. For this reason, the next tomographic image can not be acquired unless it takes several minutes after acquiring the surface image of the fundus.

  In the case where imaging of a tomographic image is performed again due to the above-mentioned reason, there is a problem that after capturing the surface image of the fundus, it is necessary to wait for a long time until the next imaging, which is not convenient for the user of the apparatus. In addition, there is a problem that a time load for imaging a subject whose fundus is imaged is large.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to shift to imaging of the surface image of the fundus after confirming the tomographic image. In this way, if it is necessary to capture a tomographic image again due to positional deviation of the image due to involuntary eye movement or the like, the tomographic image can be efficiently captured by checking the tomographic image. In addition, it is possible to improve the usability of the user who performs imaging, and to lighten the time burden on the subject.

(Storage medium and program)
Here, as another embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium (for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD) as a program for causing a computer to execute the imaging method according to the above-described embodiment. -ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, Blu-ray disc, etc.). Moreover, the program for making a computer perform the above-mentioned imaging method may be sufficient as another embodiment.

(Example 1: Fundus imaging device and control method therefor)
First, the entire configuration of the fundus imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a side view of a fundus imaging apparatus. 200 is a fundus imaging apparatus, 100 is a tomographic imaging unit, 300 is a main unit, and 500 is a camera unit. Here, the fundus camera body 300 and the camera unit 500 are optically connected. Further, the main body 300 and the tomogram imaging unit 100 are optically connected via an optical fiber 148. The main body unit 300 and the tomographic imaging unit 100 each have a connector 410 and a connector 147. In addition, reference numeral 323 denotes a jaw base, which fixes the subject's jaw and forehead, thereby promoting fixation of the subject's eye. A monitor 391 displays an infrared image or the like for adjustment at the time of imaging.

  Reference numeral 805 denotes a joystick for controlling movement for aligning the main unit 300 with the subject's eye, and reference numeral 804 denotes an operation switch which is one of signal input units for inputting imaging operations for tomographic image imaging and fundus imaging. Reference numeral 125 denotes a control unit configured by a personal computer, which controls the main body unit 300 and the camera unit, controls the configuration of a tomographic image, and controls the display of a tomographic image and a fundus image. Reference numeral 128 denotes a control unit monitor which is a display unit, and reference numeral 129 denotes a storage unit formed of a hard disk for storing a program and a captured image. The storage unit 129 may be incorporated in the control unit 125. Here, the camera unit 500 is a general-purpose digital single-lens reflex camera. The camera unit 500 and the main unit 300 are connected by a general-purpose camera mount.

(Configuration of the optical system of the main unit)
The configuration of the optical system of the main body portion will be described with reference to FIG.

  The fundus imaging apparatus 200 acquires a tomographic image (OCT image) and a fundus image (planar image) of the retina 127 of the eye 107 to be examined 107 using the tomographic image capturing unit 100 and the camera unit 500.

  First, the main unit 300 will be described. An objective lens 302 is installed opposite to the eye 107 to be examined, and it is branched into an optical path 351 and an optical path 352 by a perforated mirror 303 on the optical axis.

  The optical path 352 forms an illumination optical system that illuminates the fundus of the eye 107 to be examined. Under the fundus camera main body 300, a halogen lamp 316 used for alignment of the subject's eye 107 and a strobe tube 314 used for imaging the fundus of the subject's eye 107 are installed. Here, 313 and 315 are condenser lenses, and 317 is a mirror. The illumination light from the halogen lamp 316 and the strobe tube 314 is turned into a ring-like light flux by the ring slit 312, reflected by the perforated mirror 303, and illuminates the fundus of the eye 107 to be examined. Here, 309 and 311 are lenses, and 310 is an optical filter. Reference numeral 390 denotes an alignment optical system, which projects a split image for focusing on the fundus and an index for aligning the optical axis of the optical path of the optical system of the eye 107 and the main body 300 and the like. .

  The optical path 351 forms an imaging optical system that captures a tomographic image and a fundus image of the fundus of the eye 107 to be examined. A focusing lens 304 and an imaging lens 305 are installed on the right side of the perforated mirror 303. Here, the focus lens 304 is supported so as to be movable in the optical axis direction when the examiner operates a knob (not shown). Next, the optical path 351 is led to the fixation lamp 320 and the infrared area sensor 321 via the quick return mirror 318. The quick return mirror is configured to transmit infrared light in the wavelength range used for tomographic image imaging and not transmit visible light used for fundus imaging. The image information obtained by the infrared area sensor 321 is displayed on the display unit 128 or the monitor 391 (see FIG. 1) and used for alignment of the eye to be examined. Here, silver and its protective film are formed in order on the surface of the quick return mirror 318. The dichroic mirror 319 is designed to branch visible light in the direction of the fixation lamp 320 and infrared light in the direction of the infrared area sensor 321. Next, the optical path 351 is guided to the camera 500 side via the mirror 306, the field lens 322, the mirror 307, and the relay lens 308.

  On the other hand, the optical path 351 is divided, via the dichroic mirror 405, into an optical path 351-1 for imaging a tomographic image and an optical path 351-2 for imaging a fundus oculi image. Here, 406 and 407 are relay lenses, 408 is an XY scanner, and 409 is a collimating lens. Although the XY scanner 408 is described as one mirror for the sake of simplicity, actually, two mirrors, an X scanning mirror and a Y scanning mirror, are disposed close to each other, and the retina 127 is perpendicular to the optical axis. Raster scan in the direction. Further, the optical axis of the optical path 351-1 is adjusted to coincide with the rotation centers of the two mirrors of the XY scanner 408. Reference numeral 410 denotes a connector for attaching an optical fiber.

  The camera unit 500 is a digital single-lens reflex camera for capturing a fundus oculi image. The main unit 300 and the camera unit 500 are connected via a general-purpose camera mount. Therefore, it is easily removable. Reference numeral 501 denotes an area sensor, on which the fundus image is formed.

(Configuration of tomogram imaging unit)
Next, the configuration of the tomogram imaging unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2B, 101 is a light source, 114 is a mirror, 115 is a dispersion compensation glass, 125 is a control unit, 130 is an optical fiber for single mode, 131 is an optical coupler, 139 is an optical circulator, 180 is a spectroscope, A photodetector 183 includes a shutter and a photodetector 184.

  In the present embodiment, the tomographic image capturing unit 100 acquires a tomographic image of the retina 127 of the eye 107 to be examined. In addition, downsizing is achieved by configuring a part of the optical system using an optical fiber. In the present embodiment, an optical fiber is used for the optical path, but it is not necessary to use it.

  Here, the configuration of the tomogram imaging unit 100 will be described. The tomogram imaging unit 100 constitutes a Mach-Zehnder interference system. The light emitted from the light source 101 is split into the measurement light 105 and the reference light 106 through the optical coupler 131-1. The measurement light 105 travels to the light detector 184 for monitoring the light amount through the optical coupler 131-2 and is divided from the measurement light. The measurement light 105 is guided to the optical fiber 130-5 through the lenses 135-2 and 135-3. A shutter 183 is provided between the lenses 135-2 and 135-3, and is configured to be controllable by the control unit 125 as to whether or not to block the light directed to the subject's eye. Specifically, the shutter 183 is configured such that a plate-like light blocking member can be freely taken in and out of the light path by controlling a solenoid (not shown) by the control unit 125. The measuring beam 105 is directed by the optical circulator 139-2 in the direction of the arrow shown by the optical circulator 139-2 in the drawing, and is guided to the optical fiber 130-6 and directed to the main body 300 through the connector 147.

  Thereafter, the measurement light emitted to the retina 127 of the subject eye 107 to be observed through the main body 300 is returned as return light 108 by reflection or scattering by the retina 127, and then the optical circulator 139- 2 to the direction of the arrow in the optical circulator, this time it is led to the optical fiber 130-12 to reach the optical coupler 131-2.

  On the other hand, the reference beam 106 is guided to the optical fiber 130-8 because it travels in the direction of the arrow shown by the optical circulator 139-1 in the drawing through the optical circulator 139-1, and the lens 135-1 disperses the measurement light and the reference light. The light reaches the mirror 114 via the dispersion compensation glass 115 inserted to match the The light reaches the optical circulator 139-1 via the dispersion compensation glass 115, the lens 135-1 and the optical fiber 130-8, and is directed in the direction of the arrow shown in the optical circulator 139-1 in the figure. The light reaches the optical coupler 131-2.

  The return beam 108 and the reference beam 106 are combined by the photocoupler 131-2. Here, as an interferometer, interference occurs when the optical path lengths of the measurement light and the reference light become substantially the same. Thus, the mirror 114 is held adjustable. The reference beam 106 and the return beam 108 are combined and then guided to the spectroscope 180. In the spectroscope 180, the multiplexed light becomes parallel light through the lens 135-4, and then split by the diffraction grating 181 and imaged on the line sensor 182 by the lens 135-5.

  Next, the periphery of the light source 101 will be described. The light source 101 is SLD (Super Luminescent Diode) which is a typical low coherent light source. The wavelength is 830 nm and the bandwidth is 50 nm. Here, the bandwidth is an important parameter because it affects the resolution of the obtained tomographic image in the optical axis direction. In addition, although SLD is selected as the type of light source here, low coherent light may be emitted, and ASE (Amplified Spontaneous Emission) or the like can also be used. Also, in view of measuring the eye, near infrared light is suitable. Furthermore, the wavelength is preferably as short as possible in order to affect the lateral resolution of the obtained tomographic image. Other wavelengths may be selected depending on the measurement site to be observed. The light emitted from the light source 101 is guided to the optical coupler 131-1 through the optical fiber 130-1.

  Here, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer is used as an interferometer, but a Michelson interferometer having a simpler configuration may be used. In general, it is desirable to use a Mach-Zehnder interferometer when the light amount difference is large according to the light amount difference between the measurement light and the reference light, and a Michelson interferometer when the light amount difference is relatively small.

  Also, the shutter 183 may be configured as one that can control transmission and non-transmission using, for example, liquid crystal, or one that can control whether or not to make the light enter the optical fiber 130-5 by a mirror whose angle can be controlled. Good.

(Imaging method of tomographic image and fundus image)
Next, an imaging method of a tomographic image and a fundus oculi image using the fundus imaging device 200 will be described. The fundus imaging apparatus 200 can acquire a tomographic image of a desired region on the retina 127 by controlling the XY scanner 408, and acquires a fundus image after acquiring a tomographic image.

  Description will be made in the order of steps of the imaging flowchart of FIG.

  Step 1001 starts an imaging operation. The imaging program is executed by the control unit 125 to activate the imaging screen on the control unit monitor 128.

  Step 1002 displays the examination information screen (or the initial screen) on the control unit monitor 128. This is performed as soon as the imaging screen is activated. FIG. 4A shows an examination information screen.

  In 1101, the date and time are displayed. Also, in 1102, patient information is input. Characters or numerals can be input by an input device such as a keyboard (not shown) such as a patient ID, patient name, age, intraocular pressure, visual acuity, refractive power, and axial length. In addition, sex, disease, eye to be examined (left and right), fixation position (macular, papilla etc.) can be selected by a pull-down menu. In addition, since the broken line of FIG. 4 (a) is described in order to demonstrate Example 1, it is not necessary to display in fact.

  The scan settings of the XY scanner 408 for capturing a tomographic image are displayed in 1104. First, the number of imaging in the x direction (direction substantially perpendicular to the depth direction of the subject's fundus) is displayed in Ascan (a tomographic image for one in the depth direction). Further, the number of times of imaging in the y direction (a direction substantially perpendicular to the depth direction and a direction substantially perpendicular to the x direction) is displayed in Bscan (two-dimensional tomographic image). Furthermore, the imaging range in the x direction and the y direction is displayed in mm.

Here, the scan operation of the XY scanner 408 will be described. First, scanning is performed in the x direction, and the imaging range in the x direction is read by the line sensor 182 by the number of Ascan imaging, and then the scanning position in the y direction is moved and scanning in the x direction is performed again. The imaging range is repeated by the number of Bscans. Reference numeral 1103 denotes a predicted value of the time taken for the scan determined by the displayed scan setting. For example, when the reading frequency of the line sensor 182 is 35 kHz, the measurement time displayed in 1103 is as follows.
(1/35000) × 1024 × 128 ≒ 3.74 sec.

  Reference numeral 1105 denotes a scan setting change button. This is a button for displaying a dedicated setting screen by clicking when it is desired to change each of the displayed scan settings. The description of this setting screen is omitted. Furthermore, 1106 is a stop button. This is to stop the imaging.

  Here, the shutter 183 in FIG. 2B is in a state of blocking the measurement light in steps 1001 to 1002. Also, regardless of the step, the light amount is always monitored by the light detector 184 after activation, and when the light amount becomes larger than the setting, it is determined that the light amount directed to the eye to be examined becomes large and the shutter 183 is closed. While holding the measurement light so as not to reach the subject's eye 107, an error message "light amount error" is displayed.

  Step 1003 displays an imaging position adjustment screen on the monitor. The display is switched when the examiner clicks the "alignment" tab in FIG. 4 (a). FIG. 4B shows this imaging position adjustment screen. Reference numeral 1201 denotes an infrared image screen of the fundus, which is a tomographic image imaging range 1202 superimposed on the image captured by the infrared area sensor 321 in FIG. 2A. Specifically, the scan range displayed on the examination information screen of FIG. 4A is shown as a figure. A button 1204 is for moving the tomographic imaging range 1202 vertically and horizontally. Reference numeral 1203 denotes a tomographic image capturing button which is one of the signal input units of the imaging operation. A stop button 1206 is the same as the stop button 1106 described in step 1002. In this step, the examiner aligns the fundus imaging apparatus 200 and the eye 107 to be examined. Specifically, while looking at the monitor 391 provided on the infrared image screen 1201 or the main body 300, the joystick 805 is operated to make the working dots 1211 uniform in the vertical and horizontal directions and the most precise. As a result, the center of the optical axis on the apparatus side can be aligned with the center of the optical axis of the fundus, and the distance between the eye 107 to be examined and the objective lens 302 can be made appropriate. Further, in order to focus on the fundus, the adjustment is performed by rotating the knob (not shown) so as to align the two splits 1212 horizontally and moving the lens 305 in FIG. 2A. This alignment is similar to that of a conventional fundus camera. Step 1003 is a tomographic imaging standby state in which the examiner waits for an input from the tomographic image imaging button 1203 or the operation switch 804 on the screen and shifts to the next step. This is because the program of the control unit 125 determines that pressing of the tomographic image capturing button 1203 which is a signal input unit of the imaging operation or the operation switch 804 in this step is the input of the tomographic image capturing operation. In addition, the light emitting point position of the fixation lamp 320 is adjusted as adjustment of the eye 107 side to adjust the necessary imaging part of the retina, and the tomographic image pickup range 1202 is provided on the button 1204 or the main unit 300 on the screen. Adjust with the controller (not shown).

  In step 1004, when the examiner clicks the tomographic image imaging button 1203 on the screen or presses the operation button 804, the controller 125 acquires this input and sets the XY scanner 408. Scan based on the information. At the same time, the shutter 183 is opened to irradiate the measuring light to the eye 107 to be examined. On the other hand, the quick return mirror 318 of the main body 300 remains down, and only the infrared light for imaging a tomographic image is guided to the dichroic mirror 405 for branching. Accordingly, no light is guided to the camera unit 500. Here, the XY scanner 408 is operated, and the control unit 125 reads out the interference signal at each position of the fundus from the line sensor 182. On the other hand, light of the dispersed wavelength is incident on each pixel of the line sensor 182. A waveform obtained by Fourier transforming intensity information for each wavelength obtained by the line sensor is intensity information of return light in the depth direction at each position of the fundus. This is the principle of general SD (Spectral Domain) -OCT. This one-dimensional data regarding the depth direction at a certain point in the fundus plane is called A scan. In this step, processing is performed until intensity information at each position is acquired. Also, after the scanning operation is completed, the shutter 183 is closed and the XY scanner 408 is stopped.

  Step 1005 is to shift automatically from step 1004, and displays a tomographic image confirmation screen. FIG. 5 (a) shows this tomographic image confirmation screen. Reference numeral 1305 denotes a tomographic image for confirmation, which displays a tomographic image in the x direction (an A scan is arranged in the x direction, called a B scan image) along with a scan number 1305 a at a certain y position. Here, only about one-fifth of the total B-scan image is displayed. Depending on the setting, it is possible to show the entire B-scan image or to reduce the number to 1/10. The tomographic image for confirmation is configured so that small images can be arranged in a tiled manner for easy identification. In addition, the B scan image for confirmation displayed here thins out A scan of the X direction, and comprises the tomographic image. For example, in the scan setting of FIG. 4A, an A scan of 1024 columns is taken in the x direction, but the display here is 256 lines. Only 256 lines are subjected to Fourier transform and displayed side by side to form a single tomographic image for confirmation. In addition, when constructing a tomographic image for observation for performing a diagnosis or the like in a later step, arithmetic processing such as fixed noise removal is performed, but here, the above-described arithmetic processing is omitted to obtain a confirmation image. These are done to accelerate the display of the confirmation image, so that the transition time to the confirmation and the next step can be shortened. Further, in FIG. 5A, reference numeral 1301 denotes a button for fundus imaging (one example of a display form for selecting acquisition of a fundus oculi image) which is one of signal input portions of an imaging operation. A storage button 1303 stores a plurality of intensity information obtained from the line sensor 182 before forming a tomographic image or tomographic image by clicking this button if there is no failure in the tomographic image, or both of them as a file Save to 129. At the time of this storage, along with the storage of a series of tomographic images, the infrared image screen 1201 shown in step 1003 is also stored. This is intended to easily confirm the tomographic imaging range 1202 after imaging. Reference numeral 1304 denotes a tomographic image re-imaging button (an example of a display form for selecting re-acquisition of a tomographic image) which is a selection input unit. In addition, in order to prevent transition to fundus imaging without the storage action being performed, the fundus imaging button 1301 may be displayed after the save button 1303 is clicked. In this step, after the tomographic image for confirmation is displayed, the fundus imaging standby state for waiting for clicking of the fundus imaging button 1301 or tomographic image reimaging button 1304 on the screen or pressing of the operation switch 804 is performed. Here, in this step, the program of the control unit 125 determines that depression of the fundus imaging button 1301 or the operation switch 804, which is a signal input unit of the imaging operation, becomes input of the fundus imaging operation unlike step 1003. doing. In this step, the examiner looks at the tomographic image confirmation display, and confirms whether the tomographic image has failed halfway due to blinks, fixation movement or the like. For example, when there are blinks, some B-scan images become significantly darker than others, and if the eye movement is large, some B-scan images do not include the part of the retina to be observed, etc. It becomes a state. On the other hand, in the case where the total number of relatively acquired A-scans is large as shown in this embodiment, that is, high-resolution tomographic images are three-dimensionally obtained, the imaging time becomes long.

  As shown in the description of step 1002, there is a high possibility that the blink will occur in the imaging time of about 3.7 seconds in the present embodiment. When there is a defect in the image as described above, the examiner determines that tomographic image imaging has failed. Here, the examiner decides whether acquisition of a tomographic image is successful or not, but it is determined that the control unit 125 has failed by causing the control unit 125 to determine whether or not a dark image is included in the captured B scan. A display may be automatically made to prompt the examiner's confirmation, such as displaying a red image of the selected image. That is, the control unit 125 may determine the image quality of the tomographic image.

  In step 1006, if tomographic imaging is successful, the examiner confirms the position adjustment to the fundus on the monitor 128, and if necessary, the examiner clicks the fundus imaging button 1301 or the operation button 804 after readjustment. Press down. At this time, the control unit 125 proceeds to the next step 1007. In addition, when tomographic image imaging fails and tomographic image re-imaging is necessary, the tomographic image re-imaging button 1304 is clicked, and in that case, the control unit 125 returns to step 1004 to re-image the tomographic image.

  Step 1007 captures a fundus image. At the same time, the flash tube 314 emits light, and at the same time, the quick return mirror 318 is flipped up, and the fundus oculi image is captured using the camera unit 500 and stored in the storage unit 129.

  Step 1008 is the end of imaging.

  After the series of imaging is completed, the imaging program displays the tomographic image display screen of FIG. 5B by clicking the “Display tomographic result” tab on the screen. Reference numeral 1401 denotes one B-scan image of the captured tomographic image. Reference numeral 1403 denotes a slider for selecting a B-scan, and a B-scan image 1401 at a desired position is shown by operating the slider 1403. Reference numeral 1402 denotes a captured fundus image. The tomographic image imaging range 1405 is also displayed at the same time. The fundus image displayed here is an image obtained by fundus imaging and is different from the infrared image 1201 of the fundus stored in step 1005. Reference numeral 1404 denotes an image quality setting slider for tomographic image display, which can adjust the brightness and contrast of the image. The broken lines are for explanation and are not displayed on the actual screen. A stop button 1406 is similar to the display screen described above. Unlike the display for confirmation in step 1005, the tomographic image shown here indicates an image in which A scan thinning-out is suppressed as much as possible within the displayable range, and fixed noise and the like are also removed by calculation. This enables precise observation of tomographic images.

  As described above, the fundus imaging apparatus in the present embodiment confirms and displays a tomographic image between tomographic image acquisition and fundus image acquisition, and it is possible to select whether to move to fundus imaging or to recapture tomographic images. As a result, even in a device that simultaneously performs tomographic image imaging and fundus imaging that requires a relatively long imaging time, when tomographic images are reacquired, it is possible to wait for recovery from miosis of the eye to be examined by flash emission. In addition, since the operation of the operation switch can be changed to tomographic image acquisition and fundus image acquisition depending on the state of screen display, the apparatus can be simplified.

  Here, although the configuration of the present embodiment uses the configuration of the SD-OCT method for tomographic imaging, tomographic image acquisition may be performed using the configuration of the TD (Time Domain) -OCT method or the SS (Swept-Source) -OCT method. Good.

(Example 2: Preview of tomographic image)
Next, a fundus imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in a part of the imaging method of the tomographic image and the fundus image. The configuration of the main body, the configuration of the optical system of the main body, and the configuration of the tomographic image capturing unit are the same, and therefore, they are omitted, and a method of capturing a tomographic image and a fundus image will be described.

(Imaging method of tomographic image and fundus image)
An imaging method using the fundus imaging apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 4C. The same symbols are used for the same apparatus configurations as in the first embodiment. Description will be made in the order of steps of the imaging flowchart of FIG.

  Step 2001 starts an imaging operation. The imaging program is executed by the control unit 125 to activate the imaging screen on the control unit monitor 128. This is similar to step 1001 of the first embodiment.

  Step 2002 displays the examination information screen on the control unit monitor 128. This is similar to step 1002 of the first embodiment.

  Step 2003 displays the imaging position adjustment screen on the control unit monitor 128. The display is switched when the examiner clicks the “alignment” tab in FIG. 4 (a). FIG. 4C shows this imaging position adjustment screen. Reference numeral 2201 denotes an infrared image screen of the fundus, which is a tomographic image imaging range 2208 superimposed on the image captured by the infrared area sensor 321 in FIG. 2A. Reference numeral 2204 denotes a button for moving the tomographic imaging range 2208 vertically and horizontally. A tomographic image capturing button 2203 is not displayed at this step 2003 but is displayed at the next step 2004. A stop button 2206 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In this step, the examiner aligns the fundus imaging apparatus 200 and the eye 107 to be examined. Since this alignment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description will be omitted. 2202 is a preview screen of a tomographic image, 2207 is a slider for displaying a gate position, and 2205 is a signal level display indicator (an example of a display form indicating the image quality of a tomographic image). These will be described in step 2004. The broken lines are appended to the figure for the purpose of explanation and are not displayed on the actual screen. In this step 2003, the imaging program determines that pressing of the operation switch 804, which is a signal input unit of the imaging operation, is to be a signal input of tomographic image imaging for preview (step 2004). In addition, the light emitting point position of the fixation lamp 320 is adjusted as an adjustment on the eye 107 side to adjust the necessary imaging part of the retina, and the position of the tomographic image pickup range 2208 is displayed on the button 2204 on the screen or the main body 300 Adjust with the provided controller (not shown). The fixation lamp light emitting point position adjustment and the position adjustment of the tomographic image imaging range can be performed in this step and the next step 2004.

  In step 2004, when the examiner presses the operation switch 804, the XY scanner 408 operates, and at the same time the shutter 183 opens and the measuring light is irradiated to the subject eye 107, and the scan operation for previewing tomographic image imaging adjustment To start. At the same time, a tomographic image capturing button, which is one of the signal input units of the imaging operation, is displayed on the screen. The scan for preview is for scanning near the center line 2208a in the horizontal direction in FIG. 4C of the tomographic image imaging range 2208, and the obtained B-scan image is displayed on the tomographic image preview screen 2202. While this preview scan operation is being performed, the B scan at the same y-direction position is sequentially displayed while being imaged again. While looking at this tomographic image preview screen 2202, the examiner performs adjustment relating to tomographic image imaging. First, gate position adjustment is performed using a stage controller (not shown). Gate position adjustment is to move the motorized stage (117 in FIG. 2 (b)) to which the mirror (114 in FIG. 2 (b)) to which the reference beam is turned is fixed to adjust the optical path length difference with the reference light. . This means that in the tomographic image, the longitudinal retinal cross-sectional position in the screen is adjusted. In particular, in the case of tomographic image imaging by OCT, the luminance is highest at a place where the optical path lengths of the reference beam and the object to be measured coincide (this is called a gate position). It needs to be located near where the lengths match. However, when the gate position is set in the retina cross section as the principle of SD-OCT, the mirror position by the Fourier transform appears on the screen, so that the retina position is set close to the gate position and there is no gate position in the retina cross section The best image is obtained. Although the examiner adjusts the gate position in this embodiment, the controller 125 may automatically adjust the gate position based on the brightness on the screen. The slider 2207 for displaying the gate position indicates at which position in the direction of the examiner or in the direction of the examinee the gate position is located, and serves as a guide for moving the motorized stage 117. A signal level indicator 2205 indicates the ratio of the maximum value of the luminance value of the displayed preview image of B scan to the luminance value of the background noise, and indicates that the image becomes brighter as it goes to the right. The examiner performs focus adjustment or fine adjustment of the main body position by the joystick 805 with reference to the indicator 2205. In this step, in the tomographic imaging standby state, the examiner stands by to wait for the input from the tomographic image imaging button 2203 or the operation switch 804 on the screen and to shift to the next step. Here, the program of the control unit 125 determines that pressing of the tomographic image capturing button 2203 or the operation switch 804, which is a signal input unit of the imaging operation, in this step is the input of the tomographic image capturing operation. This is the same as step 1003 of the first embodiment. Further, as in step 1003 of the first embodiment, the light emitting point position adjustment of the fixation lamp 320 is performed as adjustment of the eye 107 side to adjust the necessary imaging part of the retina, and the tomographic image imaging range 2208 is displayed on the screen. Adjustment is performed using a button 2204 or a controller (not shown) provided on the main body 300.

  In step 2005, when the examiner clicks the tomographic image imaging button 2203 on the screen or presses the operation button 804, the control unit 125 receives this input and performs tomographic image imaging. This step is similar to that of the first embodiment.

  Step 2006 is to shift automatically from step 2004, and displays a tomographic image confirmation screen. The same as in Example 1. In this step, after the tomographic image for confirmation is displayed, the fundus imaging standby state for waiting for clicking of the fundus imaging button 1301 or tomographic image reimaging button 1304 on the screen or pressing of the operation switch 804 is performed. In the program of the control unit 125, in this step, it is determined that pressing of the fundus image capturing button 1204 or the operation switch 804, which is a signal input unit of the capturing operation, is input of the fundus image capturing operation. This is similar to the first embodiment.

  In step 2007, if the examiner looks at the tomographic image confirmation display and confirms whether the tomographic image has failed halfway due to blinks, visual involuntary eye movement or the like, then the tomographic image imaging is successful, the monitor 128 The position adjustment to the fundus is confirmed, and readjustment is necessary, and then the fundus imaging button 1301 is clicked or the operation button 804 is pressed.

  Also, if tomographic image imaging is unsuccessful and tomographic image re-imaging is required, it is possible to return to step 2003 by clicking the “alignment” tab, which is a selection input unit in this step in this embodiment. As a result, gate adjustment, focus adjustment, and main body position adjustment can be made more finely in tomographic image re-imaging.

  Step 2008 captures a fundus image. It is similar to the first embodiment.

  Step 2009 is the end of imaging.

  After the imaging is completed, the tomographic image display screen is displayed by clicking the "tomographic image display tab" on the screen. This is also similar to the first embodiment.

  When the preview button is displayed in step 2004, if the stop button 2204 is clicked, or if the screen is moved to another screen by clicking a tab other than the alignment tab, the shutter 183 is closed and the patient is checked The measurement light is shielded so that the measurement light is not emitted. If the alignment tab is clicked again, the state of step 2003 is obtained.

  As described above, in addition to the first embodiment, the fundus imaging apparatus in the present embodiment performs a preview of a tomographic image at the time of imaging adjustment (step 2003). Thereby, for example, in the case where only one tomographic image of B scan is imaged, it is possible to adjust the apparatus state to a state in which the tomographic image to be imaged has a better image quality. Furthermore, since it is possible to return to imaging adjustment (step 2003) at the time of tomographic image re-imaging, gate adjustment, focus adjustment, and main body position adjustment can be performed more finely at the time of tomographic image re-imaging. In addition, the start of the preview scan operation can also be performed by the operation switch, and the operation burden on the examiner can be reduced along with the simplification of the apparatus.

(Example 3: Adapter)
Next, a fundus imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described.

  The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in a part of the apparatus configuration. The same parts as in the first embodiment will be described with the omission thereof. In terms of configuration, the same parts as in the first embodiment will be described using the same symbols.

  The entire configuration of the fundus imaging apparatus in the present embodiment will be described using FIGS. 1 (b) and 1 (c). FIG. 1B is a side view of the fundus imaging apparatus, wherein 200 is a fundus imaging apparatus, 100 is a tomographic imaging unit, 900 is a fundus camera body, 400 is an adapter, and 500 is a camera. Here, the fundus camera body 900, the adapter 400, and the camera unit 500 are optically connected. The fundus camera main body 900 and the adapter 400 are held so as to be relatively movable. Therefore, rough optical adjustment can be performed. Further, the adapter 400 and the tomographic image capturing unit 100 are optically connected via an optical fiber 148. The adapter 400 and the tomographic imaging unit 100 each have a connector 410 and a connector 147. Therefore, it can be easily attached and removed. Reference numeral 925 denotes a personal computer, which performs tomographic image configuration and the like. Reference numeral 905 denotes a control circuit unit, which is the same as the control unit of the first embodiment together with the personal computer 925. Further, 928 is a monitor for personal computer, and 929 is a storage unit comprising a hard disk etc., and may be disposed inside the personal computer 925.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1C, one fundus camera 700 can be configured by the fundus camera main body 900 and the camera unit 500. At this time, since the tomographic image capturing unit 100 is not used, it is not necessary to use the control circuit unit 905 as well. In the fundus camera 700, the fundus imaging apparatus can be configured by removing the camera unit 500 from the fundus camera main body 300 and attaching the adapter 400 between the camera unit 500 and the fundus camera main body 300.

(Structure of fundus camera unit, adapter and optical system of camera unit)
The configuration of the optical system of the fundus imaging apparatus including the adapter in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7A. The same members as in Example 1 use the same symbols. The configuration of the optical system of the main body in Embodiment 1 is divided into a fundus camera 900 and an adapter 400. The adapter 400 includes a dichroic mirror 405, relay lenses 406 and 407, a collimating lens 409, an XY scanner 408, and a connector 410. Here, all the optical systems on the subject's eye side including the optical path 351 are included in the fundus camera unit 900. The details of each configuration are the same as in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. In the state of the fundus camera 700 shown in FIG. 1B, the relay lens 308 in the fundus camera main body 900 is configured to form an eye fundus image on the area sensor 501 in the camera portion 500. .

(Configuration of tomogram imaging unit)
The description is omitted because it is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the part connected to the control unit 125 in the first embodiment is connected to the control circuit unit 905 in the present embodiment.

(Imaging method of tomographic image and fundus image)
First, a fundus oculi image capturing method in the configuration of the fundus camera 700 shown in FIG. 1 (c) will be described using FIG. 7 (b).

  In step 3001, an imaging operation is started, a program for a single fundus camera is activated on the monitor 928 by the personal computer 925, and an imaging screen is displayed. This is similar to step 1001 of the first embodiment.

  Step 3002 displays an examination information screen. Although substantially the same as step 3002 of the first embodiment, since the scan operation is not performed, the information related to the scan operation is not displayed.

  Step 3003 displays the in-plane alignment screen of the fundus. In the case of the fundus camera configuration, a fundus infrared image for position adjustment is displayed on the monitor 901, and the examiner performs position adjustment of the fundus camera body with the joystick 903 based on that, and performs focus adjustment with a knob (not shown). In this step, the program for the fundus camera alone is determined as the input from the operation switch 904, which is a signal input unit of the imaging operation, performing the fundus imaging operation. The process transitions to step 3004 according to the signal.

  Step 3004 performs fundus imaging. This is the same as step 1007 of the first embodiment. Data of the captured fundus image is displayed on the monitor 928 via the fundus camera main body 900 and stored in the storage unit 929.

  Step 3005 is the end of imaging.

  The imaging method of the tomographic image and the fundus oculi image in the configuration of the fundus imaging device 200 is the same as that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and thus will not be described.

  Here, when the state of the fundus camera 700 is changed to the state of the fundus imaging apparatus 200, the tomographic imaging unit 100, the adapter 400 and the camera unit 500, and the fundus camera main unit 900 are connected to the personal computer 925 via the control circuit unit 905. Ru. A light source, a shutter, a line sensor, and an XY scanner, which are control objects specific to tomographic image imaging, have drivers and the like installed in the control circuit unit 905, and the control circuit unit 905 is connected between the adapter 400 and the personal computer 925. Each part can be controlled. Further, by connecting the operation switch 904 and the camera unit 500 provided in the fundus camera main body unit 900 to the control circuit unit 905, these are controlled as operations in the configuration of the fundus imaging device 200 unlike operation with the fundus camera 700 alone. To be possible. This can correspond to the fact that the function of the operation switch 904 differs from step to step as in the first and second embodiments. For example, when the operation switch 904 is pressed in step 2004 in FIG. 6, the scan operation for prescan starts, but also in this case, the fundus imaging operation of the camera unit 500 is not performed by pressing the operation switch 904. Control unique to the imaging device 200 is possible.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the fundus camera configuration can be easily changed to a fundus imaging apparatus capable of capturing a tomographic image, the number of parts can be reduced by sharing the operation switch in both states. There is no significant change in usability, and both can be used without discomfort.

100 tomographic image imaging unit 125 control unit 200 fundus imaging device 804 operation switch 900 fundus camera main unit 905 control circuit unit 925 personal computer

Claims (31)

The tomographic image of the subject's eye is repeatedly acquired as a first tomographic image based on the combined light of the return light from the subject's eye irradiated with the measurement light and the reference light, and the second tomographic image of the subject's eye is acquired Tomographic image acquisition means for acquiring a second tomographic image of the subject's eye based on combined light of return light from the subject's eye irradiated with measurement light and reference light in response to an acquisition instruction for
The first tomographic image repeatedly acquired is sequentially displayed on a first screen configured to enable adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of the subject eye, and the first tomographic image is displayed as the first tomographic image. After the acquisition instruction is executed in a state where it is displayed on the screen, the display of the display means is configured to enable the display of the second tomographic image obtained according to the acquisition instruction from the first screen. The second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction is displayed on the second screen, and the display of the display means is displayed in response to an instruction from the examiner. Control means for changing from the screen of (1) to a first screen configured to enable adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of the subject's eye;
An imaging apparatus characterized by having: Acquisition for acquiring a first tomographic image of the subject's eye based on combined light of return light from the subject's eye irradiated with measurement light and reference light, and acquiring a second tomographic image of the subject's eye Tomographic image acquisition means for acquiring a second tomographic image of the subject's eye based on combined light of reference light and return light from the subject's eye irradiated with measurement light according to an instruction;
The first tomographic image is displayed on a first screen configured to allow adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of the eye to be examined, and the first tomographic image is displayed on the first screen A second tomographic image display device configured to enable display of a second tomographic image obtained according to the acquisition instruction from the first screen after the acquisition instruction is executed in the state The screen is changed to a second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction is displayed on the second screen, and the display on the display means is displayed on the second screen in response to an instruction from the examiner. Control means for changing to a first screen configured to allow adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of an eye to be examined;
An imaging apparatus characterized by having:   The imaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means causes the first screen to display the first tomographic image and display information indicating a level of a numerical value related to the first tomographic image. apparatus.   The control means displays, as display information indicating the level of the numerical value, display information indicating the level of the numerical value corresponding to the brightness of the first tomographic image, or the maximum value of the luminance value of the first tomographic image and the background 4. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 3, wherein display information indicating a ratio of noise to a luminance value is displayed on the first screen.   The control means changes the display of the display means from the first screen to the second screen after the second tomographic image of the eye to be examined is obtained in response to the acquisition instruction. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The control means causes the second screen to display a second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction and display information indicating quality determination regarding the second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein   7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control means causes the second screen to display information on highlighting of a frame of a second tomographic image obtained according to the acquisition instruction as display information indicating the quality determination. The imaging device according to.   The control means causes the display means to display a button in the case where the second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction is a failure, and in response to an instruction from the examiner to the button in the case of the failure. The image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the display of the display means is changed to the first screen.   9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control means causes the display means to display a save button for saving a second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction and a button in the case of the failure. The imaging device of description.   The control means may sequentially display a B-scan image obtained by repeatedly acquiring tomographic images of substantially the same position of the eye to be examined on the first screen as the first tomographic image. The imaging device according to any one of to 9.   The control means causes the display means to display the display from the second screen in response to one instruction from the examiner on display information for changing the display of the display means to the first screen. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the screen is changed to   The control means causes the display means to display a tab or a button as the display information for changing, and the display of the display means is performed according to one instruction from the examiner to the tab or the button. 12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second screen is changed to the first screen.   The control means causes the fundus image of the eye to be examined and the first tomographic image to be displayed side by side on the first screen, and display information indicating the acquisition position of the tomographic image of the eye to be examined with respect to the fundus image The measurement light is scanned in the eye according to an instruction from the examiner to move the display information indicating the acquisition position with respect to the fundus image by displaying on the first screen in a superimposed state of The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which controls a scanning unit. It further comprises changing means for changing the optical path length difference between the measurement light and the reference light,
The control means causes a slider for adjusting a gate position based on the optical path length of the measurement light and the optical path length of the reference light and the first tomographic image to be displayed on the first screen, and the slider The image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the changing unit is controlled in accordance with an instruction from an examiner to the image forming apparatus. The tomographic image of the subject's eye is repeatedly acquired as a first tomographic image based on the combined light of the return light from the subject's eye irradiated with the measurement light and the reference light, and the second tomographic image of the subject's eye is acquired Tomographic image acquisition means for acquiring a second tomographic image of the subject's eye based on combined light of return light from the subject's eye irradiated with measurement light and reference light in response to an acquisition instruction for
The first tomographic image repeatedly acquired is sequentially displayed on a first screen configured to enable adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of the subject eye, and the first tomographic image is displayed as the first tomographic image. After the acquisition instruction is executed in a state where it is displayed on the screen, the display of the display means is configured to enable the display of the second tomographic image obtained according to the acquisition instruction from the first screen. The second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction is displayed on the second screen, and the display of the display means is displayed in response to an instruction from the examiner. Control means for changing from the screen of (1) to a first screen configured to enable adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of the subject's eye;
A control device characterized by having. Acquisition for acquiring a first tomographic image of the subject's eye based on combined light of return light from the subject's eye irradiated with measurement light and reference light, and acquiring a second tomographic image of the subject's eye Tomographic image acquisition means for acquiring a second tomographic image of the subject's eye based on combined light of reference light and return light from the subject's eye irradiated with measurement light according to an instruction;
The first tomographic image is displayed on a first screen configured to allow adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of the eye to be examined, and the first tomographic image is displayed on the first screen A second display unit configured to enable display of confirmation of a second tomographic image obtained according to the acquisition instruction from the first screen after the acquisition instruction is executed in a state; The second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction is displayed on the second screen, and the display of the display means is displayed from the second screen in response to an instruction from the examiner. A control unit configured to change to a first screen configured to enable adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of the subject's eye;
A control device characterized by having.   17. The control according to claim 15, wherein the control means causes the first screen to display the first tomographic image and display information indicating a level of a numerical value related to the first tomographic image. apparatus.   The control means displays, as display information indicating the level of the numerical value, display information indicating the level of the numerical value corresponding to the brightness of the first tomographic image, or the maximum value of the luminance value of the first tomographic image and the background The control device according to claim 17, wherein display information indicating a ratio of noise to a luminance value is displayed on the first screen.   The control means changes the display of the display means from the first screen to the second screen after the second tomographic image of the eye to be examined is obtained in response to the acquisition instruction. The control device according to any one of claims 15 to 18.   The control means displays, on the second screen, a second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction and display information indicating quality determination regarding the second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction. The control device according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that:   20. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the control means causes the second screen to display information on enhancement of a frame of a second tomographic image obtained according to the acquisition instruction as display information indicating the quality determination. Control device described in.   The control means displays a button in the case where the second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction is a failure on the second screen, and responds to an instruction from the examiner on the button in the case of the failure. The control device according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the display of the display means is changed to the first screen.   The control means causes the second screen to display a save button for saving a second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction and a button in the case of the failure. 22. The control device according to 22.   15. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control means causes the first screen to sequentially display a B-scan image obtained by repeatedly acquiring tomographic images of substantially the same position of the subject's eye as the first tomographic image. 20. The control device according to any one of to 23.   The control means causes the display means to display the display from the second screen in response to one instruction from the examiner on display information for changing the display of the display means to the first screen. The control device according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein the control screen is changed to the screen of.   The control means causes the display means to display a tab or a button as the display information for changing, and the display of the display means is performed according to one instruction from the examiner to the tab or the button. 26. The control device according to claim 25, wherein the second screen is changed to the first screen.   The control means causes the fundus image of the eye to be examined and the first tomographic image to be displayed side by side on the first screen, and display information indicating the acquisition position of the tomographic image of the eye to be examined with respect to the fundus image The measurement light is scanned in the eye according to an instruction from the examiner to move the display information indicating the acquisition position with respect to the fundus image by displaying on the first screen in a superimposed state of 27. Control device according to any of the claims 15 to 26, characterized in that it controls the scanning means.   The control means causes a slider for adjusting a gate position based on the optical path length of the measurement light and the optical path length of the reference light and the first tomographic image to be displayed on the first screen, and the slider 28. The control device according to any one of claims 15 to 27, characterized in that changing means for changing an optical path length difference between the measurement light and the reference light is controlled in accordance with an instruction from an examiner for. The tomographic image of the subject's eye is repeatedly acquired as a first tomographic image based on the combined light of the return light from the subject's eye irradiated with the measurement light and the reference light, and the second tomographic image of the subject's eye is acquired Acquiring a second tomographic image of the subject's eye based on the combined light of the return light from the subject's eye irradiated with the measurement light and the reference light in response to an acquisition instruction to
The first tomographic image repeatedly acquired is sequentially displayed on a first screen configured to enable adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of the subject eye, and the first tomographic image is displayed as the first tomographic image. After the acquisition instruction is executed in a state where it is displayed on the screen, the display of the display means is configured to enable the display of the second tomographic image obtained according to the acquisition instruction from the first screen. The second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction is displayed on the second screen, and the display of the display means is displayed in response to an instruction from the examiner. Changing to the first screen configured to enable adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of the subject's eye from the screen of
A control method characterized by comprising: Acquisition for acquiring a first tomographic image of the subject's eye based on combined light of return light from the subject's eye irradiated with measurement light and reference light, and acquiring a second tomographic image of the subject's eye Acquiring a second tomographic image of the subject's eye based on combined light of reference light and return light from the subject's eye irradiated with the measurement light according to the instruction;
The first tomographic image is displayed on a first screen configured to allow adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of the eye to be examined, and the first tomographic image is displayed on the first screen A second display unit configured to enable display of confirmation of a second tomographic image obtained according to the acquisition instruction from the first screen after the acquisition instruction is executed in a state; The second tomographic image obtained in response to the acquisition instruction is displayed on the second screen, and the display of the display means is displayed from the second screen in response to an instruction from the examiner. Changing to a first screen configured to allow adjustment regarding acquisition of a tomographic image of the subject's eye;
A control method characterized by comprising:   A program that causes a computer to execute the steps of the control method according to claim 29 or 30.

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