JP7580252B2 - Ophthalmic imaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to an ophthalmic imaging device.

Fundus examination is an examination to check the condition of the blood vessels, retina, optic nerve, etc. of the fundus, and is used for early detection of various diseases and observation of disease conditions, not just eye diseases. In such fundus examination, a doctor or the like may directly observe the fundus using an ophthalmoscope, or the doctor or the like may observe a fundus image acquired by a fundus camera or a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (hereinafter referred to as SLO). In fundus examination, a wide-angle, high-quality fundus image is useful from the viewpoint of examination accuracy and management.

A fundus camera is an ophthalmic imaging device that obtains a fundus image by illuminating the fundus of the subject's eye with illumination light and receiving the light returned from the fundus. An SLO is an ophthalmic imaging device that obtains a fundus image by scanning the inside of the eyeball of the subject's eye with laser light and detecting the light reflected from the fundus. There are two types of SLO: point scan SLO, which scans the fundus with a spot of light, and line scan SLO, which scans the fundus with a line of light.

In general, fundus cameras are configured to be able to photograph the fundus even in subjects with small pupils. However, if the pupil diameter size that can be photographed is reduced, the photographing angle of view cannot be increased, making it difficult to achieve a wide angle of view.

On the other hand, SLOs can generally obtain fundus images with higher contrast and a wider angle of view than fundus cameras. However, as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, with SLOs, the difference in aberration of the ocular optical system between the center of imaging and its periphery becomes large, so to achieve a wider angle of view, it is necessary to reduce the pupil diameter size. As a result, with SLOs, reflection artifacts caused by reflections from the imaging optical system and the ocular optical system such as the cornea or crystalline lens become prominent.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fundus camera that can obtain a wide-angle image of a test eye with a small pupil diameter by synthesizing two images obtained by exchanging two crystalline lens apertures with different light-shielding areas near the optical axis.

For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a method for removing artifacts caused by reflection components from the center of the objective lens by appropriately setting the dimensions of the dead zone between the irradiation zone and the detection zone on the pupil division plane.

JP 2003-339643 A U.S. Pat. No. 1,058,2852

David A. Atchison, “Anterior corneal and internal contributions to peripheral aberrations of human eyes”, Optical Society of America , March 2004, Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 355-359

However, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a mechanism for replacing the crystalline aperture, and the applicable pupil diameter size is limited by the light-shielding area of the crystalline aperture. Furthermore, even if the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied, the optical design becomes complicated when trying to widen the angle of view of the image.

In addition, while the method disclosed in Patent Document 2 can remove artifacts caused by components reflected from the center of the objective lens, it cannot avoid degradation of image quality caused by aberrations in the ocular optical system.

As described above, it is difficult to obtain high-quality images of the subject's eye with a wide angle of view using conventional methods.

The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide a new technology for acquiring high-quality images of the examinee's eye with a wide angle of view.

The first aspect of the embodiment is an ophthalmic imaging device including a first imaging system including a first illumination system including an optical scanner and irradiating a predetermined portion of the subject's eye with a first illumination light deflected by the optical scanner, a first light receiving system that receives a first return light of the first illumination light from the predetermined portion, a second imaging system including a second illumination system that irradiates the predetermined portion with a second illumination light and a second light receiving system that receives a second return light of the second illumination light from the predetermined portion, and an image forming unit that forms a composite image of a first image formed based on the result of receiving the first return light and a second image formed based on the result of receiving the second return light.

In a second aspect of the embodiment, in the first aspect, the first illumination system includes a field stop that is disposed in the optical path of the first illumination light and can be positioned at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the predetermined portion.

A third aspect of the embodiment is the first or second aspect, including an objective lens, and the first illumination system irradiates the first illumination light to the predetermined portion via the objective lens, and the second illumination system irradiates the second illumination light to the predetermined portion via the objective lens.

In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in the third embodiment, the second illumination system includes a black dot plate that removes reflections from the objective lens.

A fifth aspect of the embodiment is any one of the first to fourth aspects, and includes a light path combining member that combines the light path of the first illumination light and the light path of the second illumination light, and the first irradiation system, the first light receiving system, and the second light receiving system are arranged in the transmission direction of the light path combining member, and the second irradiation system is arranged in the reflection direction of the light path combining member.

A sixth aspect of the embodiment is any one of the first to fifth aspects, and includes a control unit that simultaneously executes a first shooting control for acquiring the first image using the first shooting system, and a second shooting control for acquiring the second image using the second shooting system.

A seventh aspect of the embodiment is any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which either the first light receiving system or the second light receiving system includes an area sensor that receives the first return light and also receives the second return light.

The eighth aspect of the embodiment is the seventh aspect, and includes a control unit that executes a first shooting control for acquiring the first image using the first shooting system and a second shooting control for acquiring the second image using the second shooting system at different times.

In a ninth aspect of the embodiment, in any of the first to eighth aspects, the first imaging system is configured to irradiate the predetermined portion with the line-shaped first illumination light and to receive the first return light in an opening range of the light receiving surface corresponding to the irradiation range of the first illumination light in the predetermined portion.

In a tenth aspect of the embodiment, in any of the first to ninth aspects, a first focal position of the first illumination light in the optical axis direction of the first illumination system is set to be different from a second focal position of the second illumination light in the optical axis direction of the second illumination system.

In an eleventh aspect of the embodiment, in the tenth aspect, the difference between the first focal position set by the first imaging system and the second focal position set by the second imaging system is determined in advance.

In a twelfth aspect of the embodiment, in the tenth or eleventh aspect, the first focal position is a position corresponding to the center of imaging in the specified area, and the second focal position is a position corresponding to an area in the periphery outside the central area including the imaging center.

In a thirteenth aspect of the embodiment, in the first to twelfth aspects, the imaging magnification of the first imaging system is substantially equal to the imaging magnification of the second imaging system.

In a fourteenth aspect of the embodiment, in any of the first to thirteenth aspects, the composite image has an image area in the second image that corresponds to the center of the predetermined part, located in a center portion including the center of the image, and an image area in the first image that corresponds to the peripheral portion is located in a peripheral portion outside the center portion.

In a fifteenth aspect of the embodiment, in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the predetermined site is the fundus.

The configurations relating to the above-mentioned aspects can be combined in any way.

The present invention provides a new technology for obtaining high-quality images of the subject's eye with a wide angle of view.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical system of an ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical system of an ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of an ophthalmologic apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical system of an ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment.

An example of an embodiment of an ophthalmologic imaging device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that in the embodiment, it is possible to arbitrarily use the techniques described in the documents cited in this specification.

The ophthalmic imaging device according to the embodiment includes a scanning imaging system (first imaging system) and an area imaging system (second imaging system), and obtains a composite image of a scanning imaging image (first image) obtained using the scanning imaging system and an area imaging image (second image) obtained using the area imaging system. Specifically, the scanning imaging system includes an optical scanner, and includes a first irradiation system that irradiates a predetermined portion of the subject's eye with a first illumination light deflected by the optical scanner, and a first light receiving system that receives a first return light of the first illumination light from the predetermined portion. The area imaging system includes a second irradiation system that irradiates a predetermined portion of the subject's eye with a second illumination light, and a second light receiving system that receives a second return light of the second illumination light from the predetermined portion. The ophthalmic imaging device forms a composite image of a scanning imaging image formed based on the result of receiving the first return light and an area imaging image formed based on the result of receiving the second return light. The ophthalmologic imaging device can form a composite image in which a specific area including artifacts (noise) in a scanning imaging image is replaced with a corresponding area in an area imaging image. The specific area is, for example, an area including the imaging center in the image. The artifact is, for example, a reflection artifact from an optical system, etc.

The area photography system irradiates a predetermined portion of the subject's eye with illumination light and receives the return light of the illumination light from the predetermined portion with a two-dimensional sensor. The function of the area photography system is realized, for example, by a photography optical system provided in the fundus camera.

The scanning photography system scans a specific area of the subject's eye with illumination light, and receives the return light of the illumination light from the specific area with a point light receiving element, a one-dimensional sensor, or a two-dimensional sensor. The function of the scanning photography system is realized, for example, by a photography optical system provided in a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). Specifically, the function of the scanning photography system is realized by an SLO optical system that realizes the function of a point scan SLO that scans a specific area with spot-shaped light, or a line scan SLO that scans a specific area with line-shaped light.

This makes it possible to obtain a composite image in which the specified area is an image obtained by the area photography system, and the area other than the specified area is an image obtained by the scanning photography system. As a result, in an image of a specified part of the examinee's eye, the specified area from which reflection artifacts have been removed can be expressed with high resolution and high color reproducibility, and the area other than the specified area can be expressed with high contrast and a wide angle of view. It is also possible to provide an ophthalmic photography device that can capture a small pupil diameter size and obtain high-quality images of the examinee's eye at a wide angle of view.

An example of the imaging center is a position at a specific part of the subject's eye that intersects with the imaging optical axis (for example, the optical axis of the illumination system that irradiates illumination light, or the optical axis of the light receiving system that receives the return light of the illumination light). Examples of the specific part of the subject's eye are the fundus, the anterior segment, etc.

The control method for an ophthalmic imaging device according to the embodiment includes one or more steps of controlling the above-mentioned ophthalmic imaging device. The program according to the embodiment causes a computer (processor) to execute each step of the control method for an ophthalmic imaging device according to the embodiment. The recording medium according to the embodiment is a non-transitory recording medium (storage medium) on which the program according to the embodiment is recorded.

In this specification, a processor includes circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and a programmable logic device (e.g., an SPLD (Simple Programmable Logic Device), a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)). The processor realizes the functions of the embodiment by, for example, reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit or a storage device. A memory circuit or a storage device may be included in the processor. Additionally, the memory circuit or storage device may be provided outside the processor.

In some embodiments, the ophthalmologic imaging device has a function of projecting a fixation target onto the fundus. The fixation target can be an internal fixation target or an external fixation target.

The following describes the ophthalmic imaging device according to the embodiment when it is used to obtain an image of the fundus of the subject's eye, but the configuration of the embodiment is not limited to this. The ophthalmic imaging device according to the embodiment can also be used to obtain an image of a specific part of the subject's eye other than the fundus (e.g., the anterior segment).

In addition, the ophthalmic imaging device according to the embodiment will be described as having a fundus camera function and a line scan SLO function, but the configuration according to the embodiment is not limited to this. The configuration according to the embodiment can be applied to an ophthalmic imaging device having a fundus camera function and a point scan SLO function.

Unless otherwise specified, the left-right direction as seen by the subject is the X direction, the up-down direction is the Y direction, and the front-back direction (depth direction) is the Z direction. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction define a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system.

First Embodiment
[composition]
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an example of the configuration of an ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment.

The ophthalmic imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment uses a scanning imaging system and an area imaging system to image a predetermined area including an imaging center that can be arbitrarily set in the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E. The ophthalmic imaging device 1 forms a composite image in which a predetermined area including a reflection artifact in an image obtained by the scanning imaging system is replaced with a corresponding area of the predetermined area in the area imaging image obtained by the area imaging system.

The ophthalmic imaging device 1 includes an optical system (device optical system) 10, a control unit 100, a data processing unit 200, an operation unit 110, a display unit 120, and a movement mechanism 10D.

The ophthalmic imaging device 1 includes a scanning imaging system and an area imaging system that can be set so that the focal positions of the illumination light on the fundus Ef are different from each other, and acquires a scanning imaging image and an area imaging image.

The optical system 10 includes an imaging optical system 20, an anterior segment observation optical system 90, an optical element M1, and an objective lens 11. The imaging optical system 20 is used to acquire an image (fundus image) of the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E. The anterior segment observation optical system 90 is used to acquire an image (anterior segment image) of the subject's eye E. The anterior segment image acquired by the anterior segment observation optical system 90 is used, for example, to align the optical system 10 with respect to the subject's eye E.

In FIG. 1, the objective lens 11 is arranged on the combined optical path of the optical path (observation optical axis, observation optical path) of the anterior eye observation optical system 90 and the optical path (imaging optical axis, imaging optical path) of the imaging optical system 20 so as to face the subject's eye E. Here, the observation optical axis corresponds to the optical axis on which the image sensor in the anterior eye observation optical system 90 is arranged. The imaging optical axis corresponds to the optical axis (or the optical axis along the optical path of the illumination light) on which the image sensor 51 described below or the image sensor 71 described below is arranged in the imaging optical system 20.

The optical element M1 combines the optical path of the anterior eye observation optical system 90 with the optical path of the photographing optical system 20, and separates the optical path of the return light from the subject's eye E into the optical path of the anterior eye observation optical system 90 and the optical path of the photographing optical system 20. It is desirable for the optical element M1 to combine these optical systems so that the optical axis of the anterior eye observation optical system 90 is approximately coaxial with the optical axis of the photographing optical system 20.

For example, optical element M1 is a beam splitter (polarizing beam splitter, half mirror, reflective mirror with a partially reflective member), a dichroic mirror, or a dichroic beam splitter.

In addition, if the anterior segment observation optical system 90 has two or more imaging units for substantially simultaneously photographing the anterior segment of the subject's eye E from two or more positions off the optical axis (imaging optical axis, illumination optical axis) of the optical system 10 as described below, the optical element M1 may be omitted in the optical system 10.

The objective lens 11 is disposed between the subject's eye E and the optical element M1. That is, the optical system 10 includes an objective lens common to each optical system. The scanning photographing system included in the photographing optical system 20 irradiates the fundus Ef with illumination light via the objective lens 11, and the area photographing system included in the photographing optical system 20 irradiates the fundus Ef with illumination light via the objective lens 11. Note that the objective lens 11 may be omitted in the optical system 10.

(Anterior segment observation optical system 90)
The anterior eye observation optical system 90 is used to observe the anterior eye of the subject's eye E illuminated by illumination light. The anterior eye observation optical system 90 is an illumination optical system for observing the anterior eye. The illumination optical system for observing the anterior segment of the eye outputs illumination light in, for example, a near-infrared or visible wavelength region.

The anterior segment observation optical system 90 includes at least one of an eyepiece and an image sensor. The eyepiece is used for naked eye observation of the subject's eye E. The image sensor is used to obtain a front image of the anterior segment of the subject's eye E by receiving return light of the illumination light output by the illumination optical system for anterior segment observation. The image obtained using the image sensor is displayed on the display device of the display unit 120 by the control unit 100 controlling the display unit 120 upon receiving a detection signal from the image sensor.

For example, illumination light from an anterior segment illumination light source (not shown) passes through optical element M1 and is guided to the anterior segment of the subject's eye E via objective lens 11. Return light (reflected light) of the illumination light from the anterior segment passes through objective lens 11, passes through optical element M1, and is guided to the anterior segment observation optical system 90.

The anterior eye observation optical system 90 is not limited to an optical system coupled to the optical path of the imaging optical system 20 using the optical element M1. For example, the anterior eye observation optical system 90 may be an optical system that is arranged at a position off the optical axis of the imaging optical system 20 and is capable of photographing the anterior eye of the subject's eye E without using the objective lens 11.

In some embodiments, the anterior segment observation optical system 90 includes an anterior segment illumination light source that irradiates illumination light onto the anterior segment of the subject's eye E from a direction off the optical axis of the imaging optical system 20, and two or more imaging units that substantially simultaneously image the anterior segment of the subject's eye E from a direction off the optical axis of the imaging optical system 20. In this case, two or more images with parallax are acquired using the two or more imaging units. By applying a known trigonometric method based on two or more positions of the characteristic parts of the anterior segment depicted in the two or more acquired images, the three-dimensional positional relationship of the subject's eye E with respect to the optical system 10 is specified. The optical system 10 can be aligned with the subject's eye E using the specified three-dimensional positional relationship. At least one function of the two or more imaging units may be realized by an image sensor included in the imaging optical system 20.

(Photographing Optical System 20)
The photographing optical system 20 is used to obtain a scanning photographic image and an area photographic image of the fundus Ef. The photographing optical system 20 includes a scanning photographing system 30 and an area photographing system 60. At least the optical axis of the scanning photographing system 30 and the optical axis of the area photographing system 60 are coupled approximately coaxially and arranged to approximately coincide with the optical axis of the objective lens 11.

(Scanning photography system 30)
The scanning imaging system 30 scans the fundus Ef with illumination light and receives return light of the illumination light from the fundus Ef.

The scanning photography system 30 includes a scanning illumination optical system 40, a scanning system image sensor 50, a focal position change unit 31, and optical elements M31 and M32.

The scanning illumination optical system 40 generates illumination light for scanning the fundus Ef and illuminates the fundus Ef with the generated illumination light. The scanning illumination optical system 40 includes an illumination light source, a lens, and the like. In some embodiments, the illumination light source includes an SLD (Super Luminescent Diode) light source or a semiconductor laser, and outputs illumination light in a near-infrared wavelength region having a wavelength component with a central wavelength of 700 nm to 1000 nm. In some embodiments, the illumination light source includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an LD (Laser Diode), a halogen lamp, or a xenon lamp, and outputs illumination light in a visible wavelength region having a wavelength component with a central wavelength of 420 nm to 700 nm. In some embodiments, the illumination light source includes a white light source or a light source capable of outputting light of each color component of RGB. The illumination light source may have multiple types of light sources. In this case, it is possible to switch between multiple types of light sources depending on the application, such as using a near-infrared light source for alignment and a light source in the visible wavelength range for photography.

Optical element M32 deflects the illumination light from the scanning illumination optical system 40 and guides it to optical element M31. For example, optical element M32 is a deflection mirror.

Optical element M31 transmits the illumination light deflected by optical element M32 and guides it to the focal position change unit 31. In addition, optical element M31 reflects the return light of the illumination light that has passed through the focal position change unit 31 toward the scanning system image sensor 50. For example, optical element M31 is a beam splitter (a polarizing beam splitter, a half mirror, or a reflecting mirror partially provided with a reflecting member).

The focal position change unit 31 changes the focal position of the illumination light generated by the scanning illumination optical system 40 at the fundus Ef in the illumination optical axis direction (Z direction). For example, the focal position change unit 31 includes a focusing lens or a liquid crystal lens that can be moved in the optical axis direction.

In some embodiments, the function of the focus position change unit 31 is realized by a movement mechanism that moves the scanning imaging system 30 in the optical axis direction.

The scanning system image sensor 50 includes an image sensor that receives the return light of the illumination light reflected by the optical element M31. The image sensor is a two-dimensional sensor (area sensor) in which light receiving elements are arranged two-dimensionally. Such an image sensor is realized by a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor. The light receiving surface of the scanning system image sensor 50 for receiving the return light can be arranged at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the peripheral area outside the central part including the center of the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E. The position of the light receiving surface of the returning light in the scanning system image sensor 50 in the photographing optical axis direction can be changed, for example, using the focal position change unit 31 and the focal position change unit 61 described below, so that it is positioned at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with a desired part of the fundus Ef.

In some embodiments, the scanning system image sensor 50 is controlled by the control unit 100 and is capable of setting an aperture range on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination area of the illumination light on the fundus Ef. The aperture range is a range that includes the irradiation range of the return light on the light receiving surface corresponding to the illumination area of the illumination light on the fundus Ef. For example, when the scanning illumination optical system 40 generates a line-shaped illumination light, the scanning system image sensor 50 is capable of setting an aperture range on the light receiving surface corresponding to the irradiation range of the line-shaped illumination light on the fundus Ef. That is, the scanning photography system 30 is configured to irradiate the fundus Ef with a line-shaped illumination light and receive the return light of the illumination light in the aperture range of the light receiving surface corresponding to the irradiation range of the illumination light on the fundus Ef. This makes it possible to form an image of the fundus Ef based on the light receiving results obtained by the light receiving elements in the aperture range without being affected by unnecessary light received in a range other than the aperture range, and to achieve high image quality of the fundus Ef.

(Area photography system 60)
The area imaging system 60 illuminates the fundus Ef with illumination light and receives return light of the illumination light from the fundus Ef.

The area imaging system 60 includes an area image sensor 70, an area illumination optical system 80, a focal position change unit 61, and optical elements M61 and M62.

The area illumination optical system 80 generates illumination light for illuminating the fundus Ef and illuminates the fundus Ef with the generated illumination light. The area illumination optical system 80 includes an illumination light source, a lens, and the like. The illumination light source includes, for example, a xenon lamp or a halogen lamp, and outputs illumination light in the visible wavelength region having wavelength components with a central wavelength in the wavelength range of 420 nm to 700 nm. In some embodiments, the illumination light source includes a white light source or a light source capable of outputting light of each color component of RGB.

In some embodiments, the area illumination optical system 80 includes an optical element (black dot plate) to prevent reflections from the objective lens, cornea, and other ocular optical systems.

Optical element M61 deflects the illumination light from the area illumination optical system 80 and guides it to optical element M1 (objective lens 11). For example, optical element M61 is a beam splitter (polarized beam splitter, half mirror, reflective mirror with partial reflective members). The illumination light deflected by optical element M61 is reflected by optical element M1 toward objective lens 11 and guided to the subject's eye E via objective lens 11. The return light of the illumination light from the subject's eye E passes through the objective lens 11, is reflected by optical element M1, passes through optical element M61, and is guided to the focal position change unit 61.

The focal position changer 61 is disposed in the optical path between the optical elements M61 and M62, and changes the focal position of the light in the optical path in the illumination optical axis direction (Z direction). For example, the focal position changer 61 includes a focusing lens or a liquid crystal lens that can move in the optical axis direction, similar to the focal position changer 31.

In some embodiments, the function of the focus position change unit 61 is realized by a movement mechanism that moves the scanning imaging system 30 and the area imaging system 60 in the optical axis direction.

The optical element M62 is disposed between the focal position change unit 31 and the focal position change unit 61. The optical element M62 transmits the illumination light from the scanning photography system 30 and the return light of the illumination light from the scanning photography system 30 from the subject's eye E, and reflects the return light of the illumination light from the area illumination optical system 80 from the subject's eye E that has passed through the focal position change unit 61 toward the area system image sensor 70. The optical element M62 may be a mechanical switching mirror. In this case, it is possible to retract the optical element M62 from the optical path when the scanning photography system 30 is used, and to place the optical element M62 in the optical path when the return light of the illumination light from the area illumination optical system 80 is received by the area system image sensor 70.

The area system image sensor 70 includes an image sensor that receives the return light of the illumination light from the area illumination optical system 80 reflected by the optical element M62. The image sensor is a two-dimensional sensor (area sensor) in which light receiving elements are arranged two-dimensionally. Such an image sensor is realized by a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor. The light receiving surface of the area system image sensor 70 for receiving the return light can be arranged at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the central portion including the center of the photographing center of the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E. The position of the light receiving surface of the return light in the area system image sensor 70 in the photographing optical axis direction can be changed, for example, using the focal position change unit 61, so that it is arranged at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the desired portion of the fundus Ef.

In some embodiments, the imaging magnification of the scanning imaging system 30 (the ratio between the size of the image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor and the size of the area to be imaged) is configured to be approximately equal to the imaging magnification of the area imaging system 60. For example, the imaging magnification of the scanning imaging system 30 and the area imaging system 60 can be made approximately equal to the imaging magnification of the area imaging system 60 by adjusting the refractive index of the lenses in the scanning imaging system 30 and the area imaging system 60 or the arrangement of the lenses, or by providing a variable magnification optical system in at least one of the scanning imaging system 30 and the area imaging system 60.

The above configuration may be such that the "transmission" of the illumination light or return light in the optical elements M31, M61, and M62 is replaced with the "reflection" of the illumination light or return light, or the "reflection" of the illumination light or return light is replaced with the "transmission" of the illumination light or return light.

The scanning photography system 30 and the area photography system 60, which are combined by the optical element M62, can independently change the focal position of the illumination light on the fundus Ef to different positions using the focal position change units 31, 61. Alternatively, the scanning photography system 30 and the area photography system 60, which are combined by the optical element M62, can use the focal position change units 31, 61 to position the light receiving surface of the image sensor at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with different parts of the fundus Ef.

In some embodiments, the scanning system image sensor 50 and the area system image sensor 70 are configured to simultaneously receive return light of illumination light from the scanning imaging system 30 and return light of illumination light from the area imaging system 60.

In some embodiments, either the scanning system image sensor 50 or the area system image sensor 70 is configured to receive return light of illumination light from the scanning imaging system 30 and return light of illumination light from the area imaging system 60.

(Control unit 100)
The control unit 100 controls the optical system 10 , the moving mechanism 10 D, the data processing unit 200 , the operation unit 110 , the display unit 120 , and the anterior eye observation optical system 90 .

The control unit 100 includes a control unit (controller) 101 and a storage unit 102. The functions of the control unit 101 are realized by a processor. The storage unit 102 stores in advance a computer program for controlling the ophthalmic imaging device 1. The computer programs include a control program for the scanning illumination optical system 40, a control program for the scanning image sensor 50, a control program for the focal position change unit 31, a control program for the area image sensor 70, a control program for the area illumination optical system 80, a control program for the focal position change unit 61, a control program for the anterior eye observation optical system 90, a control program for the moving mechanism 10D, a data processing program, and a user interface program. The control unit 100 executes control processing by the control unit 101 operating according to such computer programs.

The control of the optical system 10 includes control of the scanning illumination optical system 40, control of the scanning system image sensor 50, control of the area system image sensor 70, control of the area illumination optical system 80, and control of the focal position change unit 31, 61. The control of the scanning illumination optical system 40 includes switching the light source on and off, control of the amount of light, control of the generation of illumination light, and control of the scanning of illumination light. The control of the scanning system image sensor 50 includes exposure adjustment of the light receiving element, gain adjustment of the light receiving element, light receiving rate adjustment, and aperture range control. The control of the area system image sensor 70 includes exposure adjustment of the light receiving element, gain adjustment of the light receiving element, light receiving rate adjustment, and aperture range control. The control of the area illumination optical system 80 includes switching the light source on and off, and control of the amount of light. The control of the focal position change unit 31 includes control of changing the focal position of the illumination light generated by the scanning illumination optical system 40, or control of changing the focal position of the return light of the illumination light. The control over the focal position change unit 61 includes control to change the focal position of the illumination light generated by the scanning illumination optical system 40, control to change the focal position of the return light of the illumination light generated by the scanning illumination optical system 40, and control to change the focal position of the return light of the illumination light generated by the area illumination optical system 80.

In some embodiments, the control unit 100 (control unit 101) simultaneously executes a first imaging control for acquiring an image (scanning imaging image) using the scanning imaging system 30, and a second imaging control for acquiring an image (area imaging image) using the area imaging system 60. In some embodiments, the control unit 100 (control unit 101) executes the first imaging control for acquiring an image using the scanning imaging system 30, and the second imaging control for acquiring an image using the area imaging system 60, at different times.

The control over the moving mechanism 10D includes control of the movement of the optical system 10. In some embodiments, the moving mechanism 10D moves at least one of the lenses constituting the focal position change unit 31 and the lenses constituting the focal position change unit 61. In this case, the control over the moving mechanism 10D includes at least one of control of the movement of the lenses constituting the focal position change unit 31 in the optical axis direction and control of the movement of the lenses constituting the focal position change unit 61 in the optical axis direction.

Control over the data processing unit 200 includes control over the execution of each process in the data processing unit 200, which will be described later.

The control over the operation unit 110 includes, for example, reception control of operation contents for the operation unit 110. The control over the display unit 120 includes, for example, display control using the display unit.

The memory unit 102 stores various types of data. The data stored in the memory unit 102 includes images of the fundus Ef acquired using the scanning image sensor 50 and the area image sensor 70, and information about the subject's eye. The information about the subject's eye includes subject information such as a patient ID and name, left/right eye identification information, and electronic medical record information.

(Data Processing Unit 200)
The data processing unit 200 forms an image of the fundus oculi Ef based on the results of receiving the return light of the illumination light acquired by the scanning image sensor 50 and the area image sensor 70 .

For example, the data processing unit 200 forms an image of the fundus Ef (scanning image) based on the result of receiving the return light of the illumination light obtained by the scanning system image sensor 50. In some embodiments, the data processing unit 200 forms an image of the fundus Ef based on the result of receiving the return light of the illumination light obtained by the scanning system image sensor 50 and the scan position information (scanning control information) of the illumination light on the fundus Ef. The scanning control information may be deflection control information for controlling the deflection angle of the optical scanner described below.

In addition, the data processing unit 200 forms an image (area photographed image) of the fundus Ef based on the results of receiving the return light of the illumination light acquired by the area image sensor 70.

Furthermore, the data processing unit 200 forms a composite image in which a predetermined area including a reflection artifact in an image (scanning photographed image) formed based on the result of receiving the return light obtained by the scanning system image sensor 50 is replaced with a corresponding area of the predetermined area in an image (area photographed image) formed based on the result of receiving the return light obtained by the area system image sensor 70. The predetermined area is, for example, an area including the photographing center in the image. That is, the data processing unit 200 forms a composite image in which an image area corresponding to the center in the area photographed image is arranged in the center including the photographing center of the fundus Ef, and an image area corresponding to the periphery in the scanning photographed image is arranged in the outer periphery of the center.

In some embodiments, the data processing unit 200 can form an anterior segment image of the subject's eye E based on the results of receiving the return light of the illumination light acquired by the anterior segment observation optical system 90. For example, when the anterior segment observation optical system 90 uses two or more imaging units to substantially simultaneously capture images of the anterior segment of the subject's eye E from two or more positions off the optical axis of the optical system 10, the data processing unit 200 acquires two or more anterior segment images based on the results of receiving the return light obtained by the two or more imaging units. The data processing unit 200 identifies characteristic sites depicted in each of the two or more acquired anterior segment images, and identifies the three-dimensional positional relationship of the subject's eye E with respect to the optical system 10 by applying a known trigonometric method based on the positions of the two or more identified characteristic sites. The control unit 100 can align the optical system 10 with respect to the subject's eye E by controlling a moving mechanism 10D described later using the identified three-dimensional positional relationship.

The data processing unit 200 is also controlled by the control unit 100 and is capable of performing various data processing (image processing) and analysis processing on the light reception results obtained using the optical system 10. For example, the data processing unit 200 performs correction processing such as image brightness correction and dispersion correction. In some embodiments, the data processing unit 200 performs data processing such as image analysis, image evaluation, and diagnostic support.

The functions of the data processing unit 200 are realized by a processor that operates according to a data processing program.

The moving mechanism 10D moves the optical system 10 three-dimensionally (in the X-, Y-, and Z-directions). This allows the optical system 10 to be moved relative to the subject's eye E. For example, the moving mechanism 10D is provided with a holding member that holds the optical system 10, an actuator that generates a driving force for moving the holding member, and a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force. The actuator is, for example, a pulse motor. The transmission mechanism is, for example, a combination of gears or a rack and pinion. The control unit 100 can control the moving mechanism 10D to move the optical system 10 three-dimensionally. For example, this control is used in alignment and tracking. Alignment is the alignment of the subject's eye E and the optical system 10 so that a desired part of the fundus Ef is the center of the image. When performing alignment, the optical system 10 is moved so that the positional relationship of the optical system 10 with respect to the subject's eye E has a predetermined relationship based on an image obtained by photographing the subject's eye E using the anterior segment observation optical system 90. Tracking refers to moving the optical system 10 in accordance with the movement of the subject's eye E. When tracking is performed, alignment and focusing are performed beforehand. Tracking is a function that maintains an optimal positional relationship with good alignment and focus by moving the optical system 10 in real time to match the position and orientation of the subject's eye E based on an image obtained by taking a video of the subject's eye E using the anterior eye observation optical system 90.

As described above, the movement mechanism 10D may be configured to move at least one of the lenses constituting the focal position change unit 31 and the lenses constituting the focal position change unit 61.

In some embodiments, the optical system 10 includes at least one of an alignment system for aligning the optical system 10 with respect to the subject's eye E and a focus system for focusing the optical system 10 with respect to the subject's eye E.

(Operation unit 110)
The operation unit 110 is used by the user to input instructions to the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 1. The operation unit 110 may include a known operation device used in a computer. For example, the operation unit 110 may include a pointing device such as a mouse, a touch pad, or a trackball. The operation unit 110 may also include a keyboard, a pen tablet, a dedicated operation panel, or the like.

(Display unit 120)
The display unit 120 includes a display section (display device) such as a liquid crystal display, and displays various information such as images under the control of the control unit 100. The display unit 120 and the operation unit 110 do not need to be configured as separate units. For example, a device in which the display function and the operation function are integrated, such as a touch panel, can be used.

Here, we will specifically explain an example of the configuration of the optical system 10 of the ophthalmic imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[Optical system configuration]
Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the scanning illumination optical system 40 in the optical system 10 scans the fundus Ef with line-shaped illumination light. However, the configuration according to the embodiment is not limited to the configuration described below. The configuration according to the embodiment can also be applied to a case in which the scanning illumination optical system in the optical system scans the fundus Ef with spot-shaped illumination light.

Figures 2 and 3 show examples of the configuration of the optical system 10 in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a specific example of the configuration of the optical system 10 in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the configuration of the slit 43 in Figure 2 as viewed from the direction of the illumination optical axis O. In Figure 2, parts similar to those in Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In Figure 2, a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E is illustrated as the fundus conjugate position P, and a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the pupil (iris) of the subject's eye E is illustrated as the pupil conjugate position Q.

In addition, FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the anterior eye observation optical system 90 has two imaging units that substantially simultaneously image the anterior eye of the subject's eye E from two positions off the optical axis of the optical system 10. However, the configuration according to the embodiment is also applicable to a case where the anterior eye observation optical system 90 has three or more imaging units. The configuration according to the embodiment is also applicable to a case where the optical path of the anterior eye observation optical system 90 and the optical path of the imaging optical system 20 are combined by the optical element M1 as shown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 2, the scanning illumination optical system 40 includes a light source 41, a condenser lens 42, a slit (field stop) 43, and an optical scanner 44.

The light source 41 is placed at a position that is optically non-conjugate with the fundus Ef (in the case of line scan SLO). In the case of point scan SLO, the light source 41 is placed at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the fundus Ef. As shown in FIG. 3, the slit 43 has a linear opening 43a through which the illumination optical axis O passes. The opening 43a of the slit 43 can be placed at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the fundus Ef. For example, the opening 43a of the slit 43 is placed at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the fundus Ef by moving the optical system 10 using the moving mechanism 10D and changing the focal position using the focal position changing units 31 and 61.

The optical scanner 44 deflects the illumination light that has passed through the opening 43a formed in the slit 43. The optical scanner 44 realizes the function of the optical element M32 shown in FIG. 1. The optical scanner 44 is disposed at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the pupil (pupil center position, pupil center position) of the subject's eye E. As a result, the illumination light that has passed through the opening 43a formed in the slit 43 is deflected with the pupil of the subject's eye E as the scanning center position.

In some embodiments, the optical scanner 44 includes a single-axis deflection member or a two-axis deflection member that are mutually perpendicular. Examples of the deflection member include a galvanometer mirror, a polygon mirror, a rotating mirror, a dowel prism, a double dowel prism, a rotation prism, and a MEMS mirror scanner. When a two-axis deflection member is used, a deflection member for high-speed scanning (e.g., a polygon mirror) and a deflection member for low-speed scanning (e.g., a galvanometer mirror) can be combined. The optical scanner 44 may further include an optical element for projecting the deflected light onto the subject's eye E.

The optical scanner 44 is controlled by the control unit 100 and deflects the illumination light that passes through the opening 43a formed in the slit 43. This changes the irradiation position of the illumination light on the fundus Ef in at least one of the X and Y directions.

The illumination light output from the light source 41 passes through the condenser lens 42, passes through the opening 43a formed in the slit 43, is deflected by the optical scanner 44, and is guided to the beam splitter BS3.

Beam splitter BS3 combines or separates the optical path of the scanning illumination optical system 40 and the optical path of the scanning system image sensor 50. Beam splitter BS3 transmits illumination light from the scanning illumination optical system 40 and reflects the return light of illumination light from the subject's eye E toward the scanning system image sensor 50. Beam splitter BS3 realizes the function of optical element M31 in FIG. 1.

The scanning system image sensor 50 includes an image sensor 51 and an imaging lens 52. The image sensor 51 is a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor. The light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 is disposed at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the fundus Ef. The return light of the illumination light from the subject's eye E is reflected by the beam splitter BS3 and is imaged on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 51 by the imaging lens 52.

The optical path of the scanning imaging system 30 is coupled to the optical path of the area image sensor 70 by the beam splitter BS2. The beam splitter BS2 realizes the function of the optical element M62 in FIG. 1. The illumination light from the scanning illumination optical system 40 is guided to the subject's eye E via the optical path of the area image sensor 70 coupled by the beam splitter BS2. The return light of the illumination light from the subject's eye E is guided to the beam splitter BS3 via an optical path separated from the optical path of the area image sensor 70 by the beam splitter BS2, and is reflected by the beam splitter BS3 toward the imaging lens 52.

Lens 31A and 31B are disposed between beam splitter BS3 and beam splitter BS2 as focal position change unit 31. At least one of lenses 31A and 31B is controlled by control unit 100 and can be moved in the optical axis direction by a moving mechanism (or moving mechanism 10D) not shown. In FIG. 2, lens 31A is configured to be movable in the optical axis direction.

The scanning imaging system 30 is arranged in the reflection direction of the beam splitter BS2. The area image sensor 70 is arranged in the transmission direction of the beam splitter BS2.

The area image sensor 70 includes an image sensor 71 and an imaging lens 72. The light receiving surface of the image sensor 71 is positioned at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the fundus Ef. The return light of the illumination light from the subject's eye E passes through the beam splitter BS2 and is imaged on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 71 by the imaging lens 72.

The optical path of the area image sensor 70 is coupled to the optical path of the area illumination optical system 80 by a perforated mirror BS1. The perforated mirror BS1 realizes the function of the optical element M61 in FIG. 1.

The hole mirror BS1 has a hole formed therein. A reflective member that reflects light is provided in the peripheral area of the hole formed in the hole mirror BS1. The hole of the hole mirror BS1 is positioned at a position that is optically approximately conjugate with the pupil of the subject's eye E. The hole mirror BS1 is positioned so that the optical axis of the area photographing system 60 passes through the hole. The area illumination optical system 80 is positioned in the reflection direction of the hole mirror BS1. That is, the scanning illumination optical system 40, the scanning system image sensor 50, and the area system image sensor 70 are positioned in the transmission direction of the hole mirror BS1, and the area illumination optical system 80 is positioned in the reflection direction of the hole mirror BS1.

A lens 61A is disposed between the beam splitter BS2 and the perforated mirror BS1, serving as the focal position changer 61. The lens 61A is controlled by the control unit 100 and can be moved in the optical axis direction by a movement mechanism (or movement mechanism 10D) (not shown).

The area illumination optical system 80 includes a light source 81, a condenser lens 82, a reflecting mirror 83, a black dot plate 84, and a relay lens 85. The light source 81 is disposed at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the pupil of the subject's eye E. The black dot plate 84 is disposed at a position determined based on the objective lens 11 according to the arrangement of the optical system so as to remove reflections from at least one of the objective lens 11, the cornea of the subject's eye E, and the crystalline lens of the subject's eye E. Multiple black dot plates 84 can be used depending on the reflections from the objective lens and the subject's eye E.

The illumination light output from the light source 81 passes through the condenser lens 82, is reflected by the reflecting mirror 83, passes through the black dot plate 84, passes through the relay lens 85, and is reflected toward the objective lens 11 in the peripheral area of the hole formed in the perforated mirror BS1. The illumination light reflected toward the objective lens 11 is refracted by the objective lens 11 and enters the eye through the pupil of the subject's eye E, illuminating the fundus Ef.

The return light of the illumination light from the fundus Ef passes through the objective lens 11, passes through the hole in the perforated mirror BS1, passes through the lens 61A, passes through the beam splitter BS2, and is imaged on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 71 by the imaging lens 72.

In some embodiments, by controlling the movement of lens 31A in the optical axis direction and/or lens 61A in the optical axis direction, the focal position (first focal position) of the illumination light in the optical axis direction of the scanning illumination optical system 40 is set to be different from the focal position (second focal position) of the illumination light in the optical axis direction of the area illumination optical system 80.

In some embodiments, the difference between the focal position (first focal position) of the illumination light set on the fundus Ef by the scanning illumination optical system 40 and the focal position (second focal position) of the illumination light set on the fundus Ef by the area illumination optical system 80 is determined in advance. That is, the focal position (first focal position) of the illumination light set on the fundus Ef by the scanning illumination optical system 40 has a predetermined difference in the optical axis direction from the focal position (second focal position) of the illumination light set on the fundus Ef by the area illumination optical system 80. For example, the predetermined difference is set corresponding to the shape (specifically, curvature) of the fundus Ef.

In some embodiments, the focal position (first focal position) of the illumination light set on the fundus Ef by the scanning illumination optical system 40 is a position corresponding to the imaging center of the fundus Ef. The focal position (second focal position) of the illumination light set on the fundus Ef by the area illumination optical system 80 is a position corresponding to the peripheral area outside the central area including the imaging center of the fundus Ef.

2, as described above, an anterior segment observation optical system 90 is provided for photographing the anterior segment of the subject's eye E substantially simultaneously from two positions off the optical axis of the optical system 10. The anterior segment observation optical system 90 includes two light sources 91, two imaging lenses 92, and two image sensors 93. The illumination light output from the light source 91 is irradiated onto the anterior segment of the subject's eye E. The return light of the illumination light from the anterior segment of the subject's eye E is imaged on one of the light receiving surfaces of the two image sensors 93 by one of the two imaging lenses 92, and is imaged on the other light receiving surface of the two image sensors 93 by the other of the two imaging lenses 92. The data processing unit 200 forms two anterior segment images based on the light receiving results obtained by the two image sensors 93, and identifies the characteristic sites depicted in each of the two formed anterior segment images. The data processing unit 200 can determine the three-dimensional positional relationship between the optical system 10 and the subject's eye E by applying known trigonometric methods based on the positions of the two identified characteristic parts. Also, there may be only one light source 91, imaging lens 92, and image sensor 93. In this case, it is possible to determine the two-dimensional positional relationship in XY and the positional relationship in the Z direction from the degree of blurring of the image.

As described above, the ophthalmic imaging device 1 uses the scanning imaging system 30 and the area imaging system 60 to acquire a scanning imaging image and an area imaging image by focusing on different parts of the fundus Ef in the optical axis direction. Specifically, the ophthalmic imaging device 1 acquires an area imaging image using the area imaging system 60 with the focus on the central part of the fundus Ef including the imaging center, and acquires a scanning imaging image using the scanning imaging system 30 with the focus on the peripheral part outside the central part of the fundus Ef.

Figure 4 shows an explanatory diagram of the operation of the scanning imaging system 30 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the operation when scanning the central area including the imaging center Pc set on the fundus Ef and the peripheral area outside the central area with illumination light.

The scanning imaging system 30 sequentially irradiates illumination light so that the illumination area moves in a predetermined scanning direction, with the focal position of the illumination light set on the outer periphery of the central area including the imaging center Pc. In FIG. 4, the linear illumination area IR0 is moved in the scanning direction DR. The return light of the illumination light irradiated to each illumination area is received by the image sensor 51 (scanning system image sensor 50). As a result, the entire scan area including the imaging center Pc on the fundus Ef is scanned with the illumination light. The data processing unit 200 forms an image of the entire scan area (scanning imaging image) from the image formed based on the result of receiving the return light from each illumination area on the fundus Ef.

Meanwhile, the area photography system 60 illuminates the center of the fundus Ef including the photography center Pc with illumination light while setting the focal position of the illumination light at the center including the photography center Pc, and receives the return light. The data processing unit 200 acquires an image of the illuminated area of the fundus Ef (area photography image) based on the result of receiving the return light.

Figure 5 shows an explanatory diagram of an area photographed image and a scanning photographed image according to an embodiment. Figure 5 shows the results of a comparison between an area photographed image and a scanning photographed image in terms of resolution, color reproducibility, angle of view, and reflection in the center of the photographed image.

In other words, from the viewpoint of resolution, the area photographed image and the scanning photographed image are acceptable and substantially equivalent. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of color reproducibility, the area photographed image, which can be easily obtained as a color image, is superior to the scanning photographed image. Also, from the viewpoint of angle of view, compared to the area photographed image, the scanning photographed image, which can be obtained by performing deflection control using an optical scanner, can be obtained at a wider angle of view. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of reflection at the center of the photographed image, the area photographed image has no reflection artifacts, whereas the scanning photographed image, in which the reflection noise from the objective lens 11 is prominently depicted by irradiating the subject's eye E with laser light, has no reflection artifacts.

From the comparison results shown in Figure 5, when the imaging center is set at the area of interest, by observing the central area including the imaging center with an area imaging image, it is possible to observe the area of interest in detail without being affected by reflection artifacts. In addition, by observing the peripheral area outside the central area with a scanning imaging image, it is possible to observe a wide range of the fundus Ef.

Figure 6 shows an explanatory diagram of the operation of the ophthalmologic imaging device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an illumination area PR of the fundus Ef illuminated by illumination light incident on the eyeball from the area imaging system 60, and a scan SR of the fundus Ef illuminated by illumination light incident on the eyeball from the scanning imaging system 30.

The area photography system 60, with the focal position set at the center of the fundus Ef including the photography center Pc, irradiates the fundus Ef with illumination light and receives the return light to obtain the light reception result of the illumination region PR including the center. This allows an image (area photography image) of the illumination region PR of the illumination light on the fundus Ef to be obtained.

In response to this, the scanning photography system 30 scans the fundus Ef with illumination light entering the eye through the pupil PL, with the focal position set at the outer peripheral portion of the central portion including the photography center Pc of the fundus Ef. That is, the scan area SR of the fundus Ef is scanned with illumination light, centered on the scan center set at the pupil PL. As a result, the scan area SR is scanned in focus with illumination light entering the eye through the pupil PL of the subject's eye E.

The ophthalmic imaging device 1 forms a composite image from a scanning image acquired by scanning the scan region SR and an area image acquired by illuminating an illumination region PR including the center, in which the area image is positioned in the center of the fundus Ef and the scanning image is positioned in the peripheral area outside the center.

The fundus Ef is an example of a "predetermined portion of the test eye" according to the embodiment. The scanning illumination optical system 40 is an example of a "first irradiation system" according to the embodiment. The scanning system image sensor 50 is an example of a "first light receiving system" according to the embodiment. The scanning photography system 30 is an example of a "first photography system" according to the embodiment. The area illumination optical system 80 is an example of a "second irradiation system" according to the embodiment. The area system image sensor 70 is an example of a "second light receiving system" according to the embodiment. The area photography system 60 is an example of a "second photography system" according to the embodiment. The image (scanning photography image) acquired using the scanning photography system 30 is an example of a "first image" according to the embodiment. The image (area photography image) acquired using the area photography system 60 is an example of a "second image" according to the embodiment. The data processing unit 200 is an example of an "image forming section" according to the embodiment. The slit 43 is an example of a "field stop" according to the embodiment. The perforated mirror BS1 is an example of an "optical path coupling member" according to the embodiment. The control unit 100 or the control unit 101 is an example of a "control unit" according to the embodiment. The image sensor 51 or the image sensor 71 is an example of an "area sensor" according to the embodiment.

[Example of operation]
An example of the operation of the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

Figure 7 shows an overview of an example of the operation of the ophthalmic imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of an example of the operation of the ophthalmic imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment. A computer program for realizing the processing shown in Figure 7 is stored in the storage section 102 of the control unit 100. The control section 101 of the control unit 100 operates according to this computer program to execute the processing shown in Figure 7.

(S1: Alignment)
First, the control unit 101 executes alignment.

Specifically, the control unit 101 controls the anterior segment observation optical system 90 to capture images of the anterior segment of the subject's eye E from two positions off the optical axis of the optical system 10 substantially simultaneously. The control unit 101 then controls the data processing unit 200 to analyze the two anterior segment images acquired by the anterior segment observation optical system 90, identify two characteristic sites depicted in the two anterior segment images, and identify the three-dimensional positional relationship of the subject's eye E relative to the optical system 10 by applying a known trigonometric method based on the two identified characteristic sites. The control unit 100 aligns the optical system 10 with the subject's eye E by controlling the moving mechanism 10D using the identified three-dimensional positional relationship. The alignment includes alignment in the direction along the optical axis of the optical system 10 (alignment in the axial direction (Z direction)) and alignment in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis (alignment in the XY direction). In the alignment, XY alignment is performed to align the optical axis of the optical system 10 with the axis of the subject's eye E, and Z alignment is performed to position the optical system 10 at a predetermined distance from the subject's eye E. The predetermined distance applied in the Z alignment is a preset value called the working distance.

(S2: Focus adjustment)
Next, the control unit 101 controls at least one of the focus position changing unit 31 and the focus position changing unit 61 to adjust the focus positions of the scanning photographing system 30 and the area photographing system 60 independently.

For example, the control unit 101 controls the focus position changing unit 61 to set the focus position of the area photography system 60 to the central part of the fundus Ef including the photography center, and then controls the focus position changing unit 31 to set the focus position of the scanning photography system 30 to the peripheral part outside the central part of the fundus Ef.

In some embodiments, the focal position of the scanning imaging system 30 is set to a position shifted by a predetermined amount in the optical axis direction of the optical system 10 from the focal position of the area imaging system 60 according to the shape of the fundus Ef. In this case, control of at least one of the focal position changing units 31, 61 may not be executed.

(S3: Area fundus photography)
Next, the control unit 101 controls the area photographing system 60 to photograph the fundus Ef and obtain an area photographed image.

Specifically, the control unit 101 controls the area illumination optical system 80 (light source 81) to irradiate the fundus Ef with illumination light, and controls the area image sensor 70 (image sensor 71) to receive the return light of the illumination light. The data processing unit 200 acquires an area photographed image based on the reception result of the return light acquired by the area image sensor 70.

(S4: Scanning fundus photography)
Next, the control unit 101 controls the scanning photographing system 30 to photograph the fundus Ef and obtain a scanning photographed image.

Specifically, the control unit 101 controls the scanning illumination optical system 40 (light source 41 and optical scanner 44) to scan the fundus Ef with a line-shaped illumination light. Furthermore, the control unit 101 controls the scanning system image sensor 50 (image sensor 51) to receive the return light of the illumination light. For example, the control unit 101 sets an aperture range on the light receiving surface of the return light in the image sensor 51 corresponding to the illumination area of the illumination light on the fundus Ef, and controls the image sensor 51 to obtain the light receiving result of the return light obtained by the light receiving elements within the aperture range. The data processing unit 200 obtains a scanning photographed image based on the light receiving result of the return light obtained by the scanning system image sensor 50.

In some embodiments, area fundus photography is performed in step S3 after scanning fundus photography in step S4.

In some embodiments, the scanning fundus photography in step S4 is performed simultaneously with the area fundus photography in step S3.

(S5: Removing reflection artifact areas from scanned images)
Next, the control unit 101 controls the data processing unit 200 to remove reflection artifact areas (reflection noise areas) from the scanning captured image acquired in step S4.

In some embodiments, the data processing unit 200 identifies a predetermined area including a position corresponding to the center of the scanned image as a reflection artifact area, and removes (trims) the identified reflection artifact area from the scanned image.

In some embodiments, the data processing unit 200 identifies reflection artifact regions based on pixel values of the scanned captured image and removes the identified reflection artifact regions from the scanned captured image.

(S6: Extraction of a corresponding area of a reflection artifact area in an area photographed image)
Next, the control unit 101 controls the data processing unit 200 to extract a region corresponding to the reflection artifact region identified in step S5 from the area photographed image acquired in step S3.

In some embodiments, the data processing unit 200 extracts a predetermined region including a position corresponding to the center of the area shooting image as a corresponding region of the reflection artifact region.

In some embodiments, the data processing unit 200 extracts a corresponding region of the reflection artifact in the area photographed image based on the position information of the reflection artifact region in the scanning photographed image identified in step S5.

In some embodiments, the process of removing the reflection artifact region from the scanned image in step S5 is performed after the process of extracting the corresponding region of the reflection artifact region in the area image in step S6.

(S7: Synthesis)
Next, the control unit 101 controls the data processing unit 200 to form a composite image by combining the scanning captured image from which the reflection artifact area has been removed in step S5 with the area captured image of the corresponding area of the reflection artifact area extracted in step S6.

Figure 8 shows an explanatory diagram of the operation of the data processing unit 200 according to the embodiment.

In step S5, the data processing unit 200 identifies a predetermined area including a position corresponding to the center of the scanning image IMG1 acquired in step S4 as a reflection artifact area NP1. The data processing unit 200 removes the identified reflection artifact area NP1 from the scanning image IMG1.

In step S6, the data processing unit 200 extracts a predetermined area including a position corresponding to the center of the area image IMG2 acquired in step S3 as the corresponding area NP2 of the reflection artifact area.

In step S7, the data processing unit 200 forms a composite image IMG3 by combining the scanning image IMG1 obtained in step S5 with the area image of the corresponding region NP2 of the reflection artifact region extracted in step S6.

In some embodiments, the data processing unit 200 performs an affine transformation on at least one of the scanning captured image IMG1 and the area captured image of the corresponding region NP2 when forming the composite image IMG3.

As described above, when the imaging magnification of the scanning imaging system 30 is configured to be approximately equal to the imaging magnification of the area imaging system 60, it is possible to eliminate the need for the data processing unit 200 to enlarge or reduce the captured image.

(S8: Display)
Next, the control unit 101 controls the display unit 120 to display the composite image formed in step S7 on the display unit.

This completes the operation of the ophthalmic imaging device 1 (END).

As described above, according to the first embodiment, detailed observation of the center of a photographed image of the fundus Ef is possible without being affected by reflection artifacts, and a wide-angle image can be obtained in which not only the center but also the periphery is in focus regardless of the shape of the fundus Ef. This makes it possible to obtain high-quality images of the subject's eye at a wide angle of view. In addition, since a wide-angle image of the subject's eye can be obtained by irradiating illumination light with a small beam diameter into the eye, it is possible to provide an ophthalmic imaging device with a small pupil diameter that can be photographed.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, a composite image is formed by removing a reflection artifact area from a scanning photographed image and extracting a corresponding area of the reflection artifact area in an area photographed image. However, the configuration according to the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a composite image may be formed by overlapping a corresponding area of the reflection artifact area in an area photographed image with a reflection artifact area in a scanning photographed image.

The following describes the ophthalmologic imaging device according to the second embodiment, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

The configuration of the ophthalmic imaging device according to the second embodiment is similar to the configuration of the ophthalmic imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment.

An example of the operation of the ophthalmic imaging device according to the second embodiment is described below.

Figure 9 shows an overview of an example of the operation of the ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. Figure 9 shows a flow diagram of an example of the operation of the ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. A computer program for realizing the processing shown in Figure 9 is stored in the storage section 102 of the control unit 100. The control section 101 of the control unit 100 operates according to this computer program to execute the processing shown in Figure 9.

(S11: Alignment)
First, the control unit 101 executes alignment in the same manner as in step S1.

(S12: Focus adjustment)
Next, the control unit 101 controls at least one of the focus position changing unit 31 and the focus position changing unit 61 to adjust the focus positions of the scanning imaging system 30 and the area imaging system 60 independently, in the same manner as in step S2.

(S13: Area fundus photography)
Next, the control unit 101 controls the area photographing system 60 to photograph the fundus Ef and obtain an area photographed image, similar to step S3.

(S14: Scanning fundus photography)
Next, the control unit 101 controls the scanning photographing system 30 to photograph the fundus Ef and obtain a scanning photographed image, similarly to step S4.

In some embodiments, area fundus photography is performed in step S13 after scanning fundus photography in step S14.

In some embodiments, the scanning fundus photography in step S14 is performed simultaneously with the area fundus photography in step S13.

(S15: Extraction of a corresponding area of a reflection artifact area in an area photographed image)
Next, similarly to step S6, the control unit 101 controls the data processing unit 200 to extract a region corresponding to the reflection artifact region in the area photographed image acquired in step S13.

In some embodiments, the data processing unit 200 extracts a predetermined region including a position corresponding to the center of the area image as a corresponding region of the reflection artifact region in the scanning image.

In some embodiments, the data processing unit 200 identifies a reflection artifact region in the scanning image acquired in step S14, and extracts a corresponding region of the reflection artifact in the area image based on the position information of the identified reflection artifact region.

(S16: Alignment)
Next, the control unit 101 controls the data processing unit 200 to align the corresponding area extracted in step S15 with the reflection artifact area in the scanning captured image acquired in step S14.

(S17: Overlap)
Next, the control unit 101 controls the data processing unit 200 to form a composite image by overlapping the area image of the corresponding region aligned in step S16 on the scanning image acquired in step S14.

In some embodiments, the data processing unit 200 performs an affine transformation on at least one of the scanning image and the area image of the corresponding region when forming the composite image.

(S18: Display)
Next, in the same manner as in step S8, the control unit 101 controls the display unit 120 to display the composite image formed in step S7 on the display unit.

This completes the operation of the ophthalmic imaging device according to the second embodiment (END).

According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to observe the center of the captured image of the fundus Ef in detail without being affected by reflection artifacts, and it is possible to obtain a wide-angle image in which not only the center but also the periphery is in focus regardless of the shape of the fundus Ef. This makes it possible to obtain a high-quality image of the subject's eye at a wide angle of view.

Third Embodiment
In the above embodiment, an image sensor is provided in each of the area photographing system 60 and the scanning photographing system 30, but the configuration according to the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the image sensor in the area photographing system and the image sensor in the scanning photographing system may be shared.

The following describes the ophthalmologic imaging device according to the third embodiment, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

In the third embodiment, either the scanning photography system (first light receiving system) or the area photography system (second light receiving system) includes an image sensor that receives the return light of the illumination light output from the scanning photography system and the return light of the illumination light output from the area photography system. Hereinafter, the area photography system is assumed to include an image sensor that receives the return light of the illumination light output from the scanning photography system and the return light of the illumination light output from the area photography system.

Figure 10 shows a block diagram of an example of the configuration of an ophthalmologic imaging device according to the third embodiment. In Figure 10, parts that are the same as those in Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

The main difference between the configuration of the ophthalmic imaging device 1a according to the third embodiment and the configuration of the ophthalmic imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment is that an optical system 10a is provided instead of the optical system 10, and a control unit 100a is provided instead of the control unit 100.

The main difference between the configuration of optical system 10a and the configuration of optical system 10 is that an imaging optical system 20a is provided instead of the imaging optical system 20.

The main difference between the configuration of the imaging optical system 20a and the configuration of the imaging optical system 20 is that a scanning imaging system 30a is provided instead of the scanning imaging system 30, and an area imaging system 60a is provided instead of the area imaging system 60.

The main difference between the configuration of the scanning photography system 30a and the configuration of the scanning photography system 30 is that a reflection mirror M33 is provided instead of the scanning system image sensor 50. The reflection mirror M33 deflects the return light of the illumination light from the scanning illumination optical system 40 reflected by the optical element M31, and guides it to the optical element M63 (described below) provided in the area photography system 60a.

The main difference between the configuration of the area imaging system 60a and the configuration of the area imaging system 60 is that an optical element M63 is disposed between the area system image sensor 70 and the optical element M62. The optical element M63 reflects the return light of the illumination light from the scanning illumination optical system 40 deflected by the reflecting mirror M33 and guides it to the area system image sensor 70. The optical element M63 also transmits the return light of the illumination light from the area illumination optical system 80 reflected by the optical element M62 and guides it to the area system image sensor 70. The area system image sensor 70 has the function of the scanning system image sensor 50 according to the first embodiment. The optical element M63 is, for example, a beam splitter (polarizing beam splitter, half mirror).

The control unit 100a includes a control unit 101a and a memory unit 102a. The control unit 101a realizes the functions of the control unit 101, and executes the control of the scanning image sensor 50 by the control unit 101 on the area image sensor 70. The memory unit 102a is substantially similar to the memory unit 102, except that it stores a program for the above-mentioned control contents.

Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of the optical system 10a in Figure 10. In Figure 11, parts that are the same as those in Figure 2 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

In FIG. 11, in the scanning imaging system 30a, a reflecting mirror 53 is placed instead of the image sensor 51. In addition, in the area imaging system 60a, a beam splitter 73 is placed between the image sensor 71 and the imaging lens 72.

As described above, the ophthalmic imaging device 1a can obtain a scanning image and an area image by focusing on different parts of the fundus Ef in the optical axis direction using the scanning imaging system 30a and the area imaging system 60a. Therefore, as in the first or second embodiment, the ophthalmic imaging device 1a can obtain an area image using the area imaging system 60a with the focus on the center part including the imaging center of the fundus Ef, and obtain a scanning image using the scanning imaging system 30a with the focus on the peripheral part outside the center part of the fundus Ef.

The operation of the ophthalmic imaging device 1a according to the third embodiment is similar to that of the first or second embodiment, except that control over the scanning system image sensor 50 (image sensor 51) is performed over the area system image sensor 70 (image sensor 71).

According to the third embodiment, it is possible to observe the center of the captured image of the fundus Ef in detail without being affected by reflection artifacts, and it is possible to obtain a wide-angle image in which not only the center but also the periphery is in focus regardless of the shape of the fundus Ef. This makes it possible to obtain a high-quality image of the subject's eye with a wide angle of view.

<Action>
An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment will be described.

An ophthalmic imaging device (1, 1a) according to some embodiments includes a first imaging system (scanning imaging system 30), a second imaging system (area imaging system 60), and an image forming unit (data processing unit 200). The first imaging system includes a first irradiation system (scanning illumination optical system 40) and a first light receiving system (scanning system image sensor 50). The first irradiation system includes an optical scanner (44) and irradiates a predetermined portion (fundus Ef) of the subject's eye (E) with first illumination light deflected by the optical scanner. The first light receiving system receives a first return light of the first illumination light from the predetermined portion. The second imaging system includes a second irradiation system (area illumination optical system 80) and a first light receiving system (area system image sensor 70). The second irradiation system irradiates a predetermined portion with second illumination light. The second light receiving system receives a second return light of the second illumination light from the predetermined portion. The image forming unit forms a composite image of a first image (scanning photographed image) formed based on the result of receiving the first return light and a second image (area photographed image) formed based on the result of receiving the second return light.

According to this aspect, a composite image can be obtained by combining the first image and the second image so as to reduce the influence of reflection artifacts from the optical system, etc., in the first image acquired using the first imaging system. This makes it possible to form a composite image using the second image so as to reduce the influence of reflection artifacts in the first image that can be acquired at a wide angle of view, making it possible to acquire a high-quality image of the test eye at a wide angle of view. In addition, since illumination light with a small beam diameter can be incident on the eye to acquire a wide-angle image of the test eye, it is possible to provide an ophthalmic imaging device with a small pupil diameter that can be captured.

In some embodiments, the first illumination system includes a field stop (slit 43) that is disposed in the optical path of the first illumination light and can be positioned at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the predetermined portion.

According to this aspect, the first image can be acquired by scanning a specific portion of the subject's eye with illumination light that has passed through the field diaphragm, making it possible to acquire a first image with higher contrast. As a result, a composite image with higher image quality can be acquired.

Some embodiments include an objective lens (11), where the first illumination system irradiates the predetermined area with the first illumination light through the objective lens, and the second illumination system irradiates the predetermined area with the second illumination light through the objective lens.

This aspect makes it possible to form a composite image that reduces the effects of reflection artifacts from the objective lens, making it possible to obtain high-quality images of the test eye at a wide angle of view.

In some embodiments, the second illumination system includes a black dot plate to eliminate reflections from the objective lens.

According to this aspect, it is possible to eliminate reflection artifacts in the second image acquired using the second imaging system by eliminating reflections from the objective lens with respect to the second illumination system. As a result, it is possible to acquire a composite image with higher image quality.

Some embodiments include an optical path combining member (perforated mirror BS1) that combines the optical path of the first illumination light with the optical path of the second illumination light, and the first illumination system, the first light receiving system, and the second light receiving system are arranged in the transmission direction of the optical path combining member, and the second illumination system is arranged in the reflection direction of the optical path combining member.

In this embodiment, an optical path combining member is provided to combine the optical path of the first illumination light with the optical path of the second illumination light, so that the optical axis of the illumination light is made common, making it possible to synthesize the first image and the second image with high accuracy.

Some embodiments include a control unit (101, 101a) that simultaneously executes a first imaging control for acquiring a first image using a first imaging system and a second imaging control for acquiring a second image using a second imaging system.

This aspect makes it possible to obtain a higher quality image of the subject's eye with a wide angle of view without being affected by the movement of the subject's eyeball.

In some embodiments, either the first light receiving system or the second light receiving system includes an area sensor (area system image sensor 70, image sensor 71) that receives the first return light and the second return light.

This aspect makes it possible to obtain high-quality images of the subject's eye with a wide angle of view using a simpler configuration.

Some embodiments include a control unit (101, 101a) that executes a first imaging control for acquiring a first image using a first imaging system and a second imaging control for acquiring a second image using a second imaging system at different times.

This aspect makes it possible to obtain high-quality images of the subject's eye with a wide angle of view using simpler control.

In some embodiments, the first imaging system is configured to irradiate a line-shaped first illumination light onto a predetermined location and to receive the first return light within an opening range of the light receiving surface that corresponds to the irradiation range of the first illumination light on the predetermined location.

According to this aspect, the first return light can be received without being affected by unwanted light, making it possible to obtain a first image with higher contrast. As a result, a composite image with higher image quality can be obtained.

In some embodiments, the first focal position of the first illumination light in the optical axis direction of the first illumination system is set to be different from the second focal position of the second illumination light in the optical axis direction of the second illumination system.

According to this aspect, the focal position in the optical axis direction of the first illumination system and the focal position in the optical axis direction of the second illumination system can be set to match the shape of a specific part of the test eye, making it possible to obtain a high-quality image of the test eye with a wide angle of view in which the entire image is in focus.

In some embodiments, the difference between the first focal position set by the first imaging system and the second focal position set by the second imaging system is predetermined.

According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain a high-quality image of the test eye with a wide angle of view in which the entire image is in focus, in accordance with the shape of a specific part of the test eye, with a simpler configuration.

In some embodiments, the first focal position is a position corresponding to the imaging center of the specified area, and the second focal position is a position corresponding to an area in the peripheral area outside the central area including the imaging center.

This aspect makes it possible to obtain a high-quality image of the subject's eye with a wide angle of view in which the entire image is in focus.

In some embodiments, the magnification of the first imaging system is approximately equal to the magnification of the second imaging system.

This aspect makes it possible to easily obtain high-quality images of the subject's eye with a wide angle of view.

In some embodiments, the composite image has an image area in the second image that corresponds to the center of the predetermined region, located in the center including the center of the image, and an image area in the first image that corresponds to the periphery outside the center.

This aspect makes it possible to obtain high-quality images of the subject's eye with a wide angle of view without being affected by reflection artifacts that appear in the central area, including the center of the image.

In some embodiments, the predetermined site is the fundus.

This aspect makes it possible to obtain high-quality images of the fundus of the subject's eye with a wide angle of view.

The embodiment described above is merely one example for implementing this invention. Anyone who wishes to implement this invention may make any modifications, omissions, additions, etc. within the scope of the gist of this invention.

Reference Signs List 1, 1a Ophthalmic photography apparatus 10, 10a Optical system 10D Moving mechanism 11 Objective lens 20 Photography optical system 30, 30a Scanning photography system 31, 61 Focus position changing unit 40 Scanning illumination optical system 50 Scanning system image sensor 60, 60a Area photography system 70 Area system image sensor 80 Area illumination optical system 90 Anterior eye observation optical system 100, 100a Control unit 101, 101a Control unit 102, 102a Memory unit 110 Operation unit 120 Display unit 200 Data processing unit E Subject eye Ef Fundus M31, M32, M61, M62, M63 Optical element M33 Reflecting mirror

Claims (13)

An objective lens;
a first imaging system including a first illumination system that irradiates a predetermined portion of the subject's eye with a first illumination light deflected by an optical scanner, and a first light receiving system that receives a first return light of the first illumination light from the predetermined portion, and obtains a light receiving result of the return light of the first illumination light by scanning the predetermined portion with the first illumination light ;
a second imaging system including a second illumination system that irradiates the predetermined portion with second illumination light and a second light receiving system that receives second return light of the second illumination light from the predetermined portion;
an image forming unit that forms a composite image using a first image formed based on a result of receiving the first return light and a second image formed based on a result of receiving the second return light such that a predetermined area including an artifact in the first image is replaced with the predetermined area in the second image ;
Including,
the first illumination system irradiates the predetermined portion with the first illumination light via the objective lens;
an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus , wherein the second illumination system includes a black dot plate that removes reflection from the objective lens, and irradiates the predetermined area with the second illumination light through the objective lens . a first imaging system including a first illumination system that irradiates a predetermined portion of the subject's eye with a first illumination light deflected by an optical scanner, and a first light receiving system that receives a first return light of the first illumination light from the predetermined portion, and obtains a light receiving result of the return light of the first illumination light by scanning the predetermined portion with the first illumination light;
a second imaging system including a second illumination system that irradiates the predetermined portion with second illumination light and a second light receiving system that receives second return light of the second illumination light from the predetermined portion;
an image forming unit that forms a composite image using a first image formed based on a result of receiving the first return light and a second image formed based on a result of receiving the second return light such that a predetermined area including an artifact in the first image is replaced with the predetermined area in the second image;
an optical path combining member that combines an optical path of the first illumination light and an optical path of the second illumination light ;
Including,
the first illumination system, the first light receiving system, and the second light receiving system are disposed in a transmission direction of the optical path coupling member,
An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus, wherein the second illumination system is disposed in a reflection direction of the optical path combining member. a first imaging system including a first illumination system that irradiates a predetermined portion of the subject's eye with a first illumination light deflected by an optical scanner, and a first light receiving system that receives a first return light of the first illumination light from the predetermined portion, and obtains a light receiving result of the return light of the first illumination light by scanning the predetermined portion with the first illumination light;
a second imaging system including a second illumination system that irradiates the predetermined portion with second illumination light and a second light receiving system that receives second return light of the second illumination light from the predetermined portion;
an image forming unit that forms a composite image using a first image formed based on a result of receiving the first return light and a second image formed based on a result of receiving the second return light such that a predetermined area including an artifact in the first image is replaced with the predetermined area in the second image;
a control unit that simultaneously executes a first photographing control for acquiring the first image using the first photographing system and a second photographing control for acquiring the second image using the second photographing system ;
13. An ophthalmic imaging device comprising: a first imaging system including an optical scanner and configured to irradiate a predetermined portion of the subject's eye with first illumination light deflected by the optical scanner, and a first light receiving system configured to receive first return light of the first illumination light from the predetermined portion, and configured to acquire a result of receiving the return light of the first illumination light by scanning the predetermined portion with the first illumination light;
a second imaging system including a second illumination system that irradiates the predetermined portion with second illumination light and a second light receiving system that receives second return light of the second illumination light from the predetermined portion;
an image forming unit that forms a composite image using a first image formed based on a result of receiving the first return light and a second image formed based on a result of receiving the second return light such that a predetermined area including an artifact in the first image is replaced with the predetermined area in the second image;
Including,
an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus, wherein one of the first light receiving system and the second light receiving system includes an area sensor that receives the first return light and also receives the second return light; The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a control unit that executes a first photographing control for acquiring the first image using the first photographing system and a second photographing control for acquiring the second image using the second photographing system at different timings. The ophthalmologic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first illumination system includes a field stop that is arranged in the optical path of the first illumination light and can be positioned at a position that is approximately optically conjugate with the specified portion . The ophthalmic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first imaging system is configured to irradiate the specified portion with a line-shaped first illumination light and to receive the first return light within an opening range of a light receiving surface corresponding to an irradiation range of the first illumination light at the specified portion. 8. The ophthalmic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a first focal position of the first illumination light in an optical axis direction of the first illumination system is set to be different from a second focal position of the second illumination light in an optical axis direction of the second illumination system. 9. The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a difference between the first focal position set by the first photographing system and the second focal position set by the second photographing system is determined in advance. the first focal position is a position corresponding to an imaging center in the predetermined region,
10. The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the second focal position is a position corresponding to a peripheral portion outside a central portion including the photographing center. 11. The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a magnification of the first photographing system is substantially equal to a magnification of the second photographing system. The ophthalmologic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that in the composite image, an image area corresponding to the central portion in the second image is arranged in a central portion including the imaging center of the specified part, and an image area corresponding to the peripheral portion in the first image is arranged in a peripheral portion outside the central portion. The ophthalmologic photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the predetermined portion is a fundus.

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