JP2003010123A - Pupil imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pupil imaging apparatus capable of imaging a pupil without operation and care by a measurer. SOLUTION: This pupil imaging apparatus is composed of an imaging means 1 for imaging a prescribed space area including the pupil of a measuring object person A, a pupil extracting means 2 for extracting a pupil part from a pickup image, an arithmetic operation means 3 for calculating a pupil diameter of the extracted pupil, a determining means 4 for determining whether or not the pupil diameter can be measured by a calculation result of the pupil diameter, and at least one of an LED 5a, an LCD 5b, a buzzer 5c, and a voice generator 5d forming a presenting means for presenting the fact of unmeasurableness of the pupil diameter to the measuring object person A when a determining result of the determining means 4 is 'unmeasurable'.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pupil image pickup device capable of picking up an image of a pupil only by a person to be measured.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional pupil image pickup apparatus, a person to be measured presses the vicinity of his eyes against an image pickup means and measures the pupil diameter by the presence and operation of the person to be measured.

[0003]

However, in the prior art, since the vicinity of the subject's eye is covered by the imaging means, the subject alone operates the pupil imaging device to image the entire eyeball. This is difficult, and it is necessary to perform imaging under the instructions of the measurer or the operation of the pupil image pickup device by the measurer.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pupil image pickup apparatus capable of picking up an image of a pupil without the operation and assistance of a measurer.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup means for picking up an image of a predetermined spatial region including a pupil of a person to be measured, a pupil extracting means for extracting a pupil portion from the picked-up image, and In the case where the calculating means for calculating the pupil diameter of the extracted pupil, the judging means for judging whether or not the pupil diameter can be measured based on the calculated result of the pupil diameter, and the judgment result of the judging means are “unmeasurable” In addition, it is characterized by further comprising a presenting means for presenting to the subject that the pupil diameter cannot be measured.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the presenting means is a warning presenting means for presenting a warning to the person to be measured that the pupil diameter cannot be measured. And

The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the presenting means is a method presenting means for presenting an appropriate measurement method to the person to be measured.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the presenting means presents a warning to the subject to warn that the pupil diameter cannot be measured, and the subject to be measured. It is a method presenting means for presenting an appropriate measurement method for.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the third or fourth aspect of the invention, the method presenting means is a video display means for displaying operation guidance in characters or symbols.

The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 5, the image display means displays an image of a pupil.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the second or fourth aspect of the invention, the warning presenting means is an LED that presents a warning by emitting light.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the third or fourth aspect of the invention, the method presenting means is a light emission pattern, a color,
It is an LED that presents an appropriate measurement method according to the amount of emitted light.

The invention of claim 9 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 2 or 4, the warning presenting means presents a warning by sound.

The invention of claim 10 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 3 or 4, the method presenting means presents an appropriate measuring method according to a sound pattern and a sound volume.

The invention of claim 11 is characterized in that in the invention of claim 2 or 4, the warning presenting means presents a warning by voice.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect of the invention, the method presenting means presents an appropriate measuring method by voice operation guidance.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pupil image pickup apparatus of the present embodiment has an image pickup means 1 for picking up an image of a predetermined spatial region including the pupil of the person A to be measured, and a pupil extraction for extracting a pupil portion from the picked-up image. Means 2, calculation means 3 for calculating the pupil diameter of the extracted pupil, judgment means 4 for judging whether or not the pupil diameter can be measured based on the calculation result of the pupil diameter, and judgment result of the judgment means 4 is "measurement failure". When it is “possible”, it is composed of at least one of the LED 5a, the LCD 5b, the buzzer 5c, and the sound generator 5d, which are means for presenting to the person A to be measured that the pupil diameter cannot be measured. It

The image pickup means 1 receives an eyepiece 1a for pressing the vicinity of the eyeball of the person A to be measured, and an image pickup element 1b for receiving an image near the eyeball of the person A to be measured incident through the eyepiece lens 1a. Memory 1c for storing images near the eyeball
The image pickup device 1b outputs a video signal to the pupil extraction means 2.

The pupil extraction means 2 compares the video signal with a predetermined set threshold value and binarizes the pixel value to extract the pupil B from the imaged image P1 near the eyeball as shown in FIG. The extracted image P2 is generated.

In order to detect the position and the pupil diameter of the pupil, it is necessary to obtain the end points (points on the contour line) of the pupil, but as shown in FIG. , And from the position of the intersection of the scan line L and the pupil B,
The length between the intersections of the scanning lines is calculated as the lateral pupil diameter, and the scan number and the pupil diameter and position corresponding to the scan number are held.

Next, the judging means 4 checks the relationship between the scan number and the pupil diameter. FIG. 4 shows an image P obtained by extracting the pupil B.
2 is a distribution diagram showing the relationship between 2 and the scan number of the image P2 and the pupil diameter.

FIG. 4 (a) shows the case where the pupil B is in an appropriate state, and the size of the pupil diameter hardly changes in the vicinity of the scan number at which the pupil diameter becomes maximum, so that the judging means 4
Determines that the pupil B is at an appropriate position and the pupil diameter can be measured.

FIG. 4B shows the case where the pupil B is more than half outside the imaging range, and the scan number that maximizes the pupil diameter is close to the initial scan number or the final scan number. The means 4 determines that the pupil B is in the peripheral part of the imaging range and the pupil diameter cannot be measured.

FIG. 4C shows a case where the pupil B is missing with the eyelid C half closed, and the pupil diameter greatly changes in the vicinity of the scan number at which the pupil diameter becomes maximum, and The scan number that maximizes the pupil diameter is the initial scan number,
Or, since it is not close to the final scanning number, the judging means 4
Determines that the eyelid C is closed to some extent and the pupil diameter cannot be measured.

When the judgment means 4 judges that the pupil diameter cannot be measured, the LED 5a, which is a warning presenting means,
The buzzer 5c and the voice generator 5d present a warning to the person A to be measured. The LED 5a emits light to emit a buzzer 5c.
Is a sound, the voice generator 5d gives a warning to the person A to be measured by a pre-sampled voice or voice synthesis, and the central portion of the pupil B is not in an appropriate position with respect to the imaging means 1, or The person A to be measured, who has been warned that the eyelids are closed, etc., can recognize that the measurement is impossible. Therefore, the person A to be measured can properly adjust the pupil B without the operator's operation and assistance. An image can be taken to measure the pupil diameter.

Further, the person A to be measured can see the screen of the LCD 5b, which is a method presenting means for presenting an appropriate measuring method, through the eyepiece lens 1a and the image pickup device 1b.
The LCD 5b is a video display means for displaying operation guidance in characters or symbols. For example, when the pupil B is at the lower end of the imaging range, the face is raised or the eyelid C is half closed. The person A to be measured can accurately perform the appropriate measurement method by displaying an appropriate measurement method such as opening his eyes wide on the screen with characters or symbols. Only with this, it becomes easier to perform appropriate imaging and measurement. In addition, the captured pupil image itself can be displayed on the LCD 5b, and the pupil of the person A to be measured can be confirmed. The LCD 5b may have a function of displaying an image for keeping the eyeball of the person A to be measured stationary during pupil measurement.

When it is difficult to mount a video display means such as the LCD 5b as the method presenting means, the LED 5a is used.
It is also possible to substitute the operation guidance by presenting an appropriate measurement method according to the light emission pattern, color, and light emission amount by using as a method presenting means. For example, by providing LEDs 5a on the upper, lower, left and right sides of the pupil image pickup device to emit blue light when the measurement is normally performed, and when the pupil B is at the lower part of the captured image, the LED 5a provided downward is made to emit red light. An appropriate measurement method can be presented to the person A to be measured.

However, when it is desired to avoid measurement in a bright place, that is, to perform measurement in a dark place, the LED 5a
It is not preferable to use the light emitting element such as the LED 5a as the warning presenting means or the method presenting means because the state changes such that the size of the pupil B is reduced when such a light emitting element is used. In such a case, the buzzer 5c is used as a warning presenting means or a method presenting means to present a warning or an appropriate measurement method according to the sound pattern or volume. For example, when the pupil B is in the lower part of the captured image, a sound corresponding to the state is generated, and the person A to be measured can be alerted or an appropriate measurement method can be presented.

Further, if the voice generator 5d is used as a method presenting means, it is possible to present an appropriate measurement method to the person A to be measured by voice preliminarily sampled or by voice synthesis to give operation guidance. .

[0031]

According to the invention of claim 1, an image pickup means for picking up an image of a predetermined spatial region including the pupil of the person to be measured, a pupil extracting means for extracting a pupil portion from the picked-up image, and the extracted pupil A calculation means for calculating the pupil diameter, a judgment means for judging whether or not the pupil diameter can be measured based on the calculation result of the pupil diameter, and a measurement result when the judgment result of the judgment means is “unmeasurable”. Since it is provided with presenting means for presenting to the person that the measurement of the pupil diameter is impossible, the current position of the pupil is measured, and the central part of the pupil is not in an appropriate position with respect to the imaging means, or The person to be measured, whose eyelids are closed or other inappropriate measurement methods, can recognize that the measurement is impossible, and therefore, the person to be measured can properly image the pupil without the operator's operation and assistance. Can measure the pupil diameter There is an effect that.

According to the invention of claim 2, in the invention of claim 1, the presenting means is a warning presenting means for presenting a warning to the person to be measured that the pupil diameter cannot be measured. The measured person who receives the measurement has the effect of being able to recognize that the measurement cannot be performed with the current measurement method.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the presenting means is a method presenting means for presenting an appropriate measuring method to the person to be measured, so that the measurement is impossible. By performing the measurement according to the presented method, the measured person can recognize the appropriate measurement method, and it is easier for the measured person to perform proper imaging and measurement. Has the effect of becoming.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the presenting means presents a warning to the subject that the measurement of the pupil diameter is impossible, and the subject. With respect to the method presenting means for presenting an appropriate measurement method, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of claims 2 and 3.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the method presenting means is an image display means for displaying operation guidance in characters or symbols. There is an effect that an appropriate measurement method can be recognized by looking at the displayed operation guidance.

According to the invention of claim 6, in the invention of claim 5, the image display means displays an image of a pupil,
There is an effect that the person to be measured can perform the measurement while confirming the pupil that is being imaged.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the second or fourth aspect of the present invention, the warning presenting means is an LED that presents a warning by light emission. There is an effect that it is possible to recognize that measurement is not possible with this measurement method.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the third or fourth aspect of the invention, the method presenting means is a light emission pattern, a color,
Since it is an LED that presents an appropriate measurement method according to the amount of emitted light, the person to be measured has the effect of being able to recognize the appropriate measurement method by looking at the emission pattern, color, and amount of emitted light of the LED.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the second or fourth aspect of the present invention, since the warning presenting means presents a warning by sound, the person to be measured does not perform measurement by the current measurement method by hearing the sound. This has the effect of recognizing that it is possible.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect of the invention, the method presenting means presents an appropriate measuring method according to the sound pattern and sound volume. There is an effect that an appropriate measurement method can be recognized by listening to.

According to the invention of claim 11, in the invention of claim 2 or 4, since the warning presenting means presents a warning by voice, the person to be measured listens to a pre-sampled voice or voice synthesis. As a result, there is an effect that it is possible to recognize that measurement cannot be performed with the current measurement method.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the method presenting means presents an appropriate measurement method by voice operation guidance, so that the person to be measured has a voice sampled beforehand. Alternatively, it is possible to recognize an appropriate measurement method by listening to the guidance by voice synthesis.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation of a pupil extracting unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation of a calculation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation of a judging unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Imaging means 2 Pupil extraction means 3 computing means 4 Judgment means 5a LED 5b LCD 5c buzzer 5d voice generator Person A

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Ryoji Nakajima             1048, Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd.             Inside the company

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means for picking up an image of a predetermined spatial region including a pupil of a person to be measured, a pupil extracting means for extracting a pupil portion from the picked-up image, and an arithmetic means for calculating a pupil diameter of the extracted pupil. And a determination means for determining whether or not the pupil diameter can be measured based on the result of the calculation of the pupil diameter, and when the determination result of the determination means is “unmeasurable”, A pupil imaging device, comprising: a presentation unit that presents that measurement is impossible. 2. The pupil image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the presenting means is a warning presenting means that presents a warning to the subject that the pupil diameter cannot be measured. 3. The pupil imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the presenting means is a method presenting means for presenting an appropriate measurement method to the person to be measured. 4. The presenting means presents a warning presenting means for presenting a warning to the subject that the pupil diameter cannot be measured, and a method presenting a proper measurement method for the subject. The pupil image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the pupil image pickup device is means. 5. The pupil imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the method presenting means is a video display means for displaying operation guidance in characters or symbols. 6. The pupil image pickup device according to claim 5, wherein the image display unit displays an image of the pupil. 7. The pupil imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the warning presenting means is an LED that presents a warning by emitting light. 8. The method presenting means is a light emission pattern,
The pupil image pickup device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the pupil image pickup device is an LED that presents an appropriate measurement method according to a color and a light emission amount. 9. The pupil imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the warning presenting means presents a warning by sound. 10. The method presenting means is a sound pattern,
The pupil imaging apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein an appropriate measurement method is presented according to the sound volume. 11. The pupil imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the warning presenting means presents a warning by voice. 12. The pupil imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the method presenting means presents an appropriate measurement method by voice operation guidance.