Perimeter

A perimeter of the present invention including: visual field scanning screen generating means; fixation image displaying and controlling means; visual target scan line parallel setting means; visual target displaying and controlling means; statically displaying and controlling means for a specific time; static display position storing means for a specific time; kinetic display and control starting means for giving rise to another of the visual target kinetically based on the start point of a specific time from the position which the static display position storing means stores; detecting means; detection position storing means; distance storing means; and scanning continuation means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a perimeter, an operational method of a perimeter, a program for realizing a perimeter, and a computer-readable recorded medium.

The following are known as previous perimeters: Goldmann perimeter of 510 model [1945], 940 model [1967]; Tubinger perimeter [1957]; Octopus perimeter [1976]. (see, for example, the nonpatent literature 1.)

The explanation of previous perimeters: Goldmann perimeter is the first brightness perimeter, adopting manual method of simultaneous recording, with 4 to 60 degrees of brightness of the visual target and 6 types of visual angle of the visual target, capable of examining visual field of visual angle, and with adjustability of its background brightness. The shortcoming is that it fails to examine the central region within 5 degrees;

Tubinger perimeter [1957] is the first practical, static perimeter, capable of examining the kinetic visual field and the visual field of color, flicker, and etc., adopting manual method of simultaneous recording, with 80 degrees of brightness of the visual target and 100 degrees of brightness of the fixation image and 5 kinds of color and 6 degrees of background brightness, and capable of examining the central and eccentric vision. Its shortcoming is in the difficulty of controlling the visual target movement, and of adjusting the visual target, fixation image, and background illumination lamp;

There is the high possibility of erroneous responses made by the subject due to habituation, etc., because procedures of previous examinations are very monotonous.

There exists a considerable discrepancy between the chart resulted from a previous visual field examination and the shape of scotoma and blind spot true to the subject, since the shapes of scotoma and blind spot detected by previous perimeters are very rough.

It is because of relying on previous perimeters that the early detection of visual defects has been failing.

The aim of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a perimeter capable of reflecting, in much greater detail, the shape of the scotoma and blind spot true to a subject into the image obtained by the examination.

The aim of the present invention is also to provide a perimeter reducing the monotony seen in previous examinations of the visual field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to provide the perimeter capable of reflecting, in much greater detail, the shape of the scotoma and blind spot true to a subject into the image obtained by the examination.

The aim of the present invention is also to provide the perimeter reducing the monotony seen in previous examinations of the visual field.

To achieve the above aim,

InFIG. 1, a visual field mapping rectangle is filled with a green whose brightness is decreased according to severity of the decline in visual function of the corresponding visual field, by a CPU501.

InFIG. 1, a scotoma201, a blind spot203, a connection of scotoma with blind spot202, etc. are explicitly shown by a cluster of visual field mapping rectangles of dark greens.

The perimeter of the present invention can map visual function of the visual field.

The perimeter of the present invention can map in detail not only the scotoma201and blind spot203, but also portions of visual field where visual function slightly declines204.

InFIG. 1, not only the scotoma201and blind spot203but also visual function of the visual field is mapped.

InFIG. 1, which is an example of the visual field mapping image generated by the perimeter of the present invention,

portions of visual field where visual function slightly declines204are explicitly shown in detail regarding their locations, sizes, shapes, etc., by a cluster of the visual field mapping rectangles filled with dark greens.

The perimeter of the present invention can also map the condition of visual function in the vicinity of a fovea205of the visual field.

The fovea205, which has the highest functioning among visual field, is represented, inFIG. 1, by a cluster of the visual field mapping rectangles filled with greens of higher brightness.

For the perimeter of the present invention,the CPU501forms a visual field mapping rectangle from data obtained by its scanning of a visual field and carries out an image processing for the visual field mapping rectangle based on the data, through which, in the meanwhile,the CPU501can generate a visual field mapping image proper for being called scan of visual field, strongly indicating the retinal structure and so forth.

The perimeter of the present invention may be embodied by a simple setup without the need for voluminous equipment such as Goldmann perimeter and the like.

The perimeter of the present invention can examine the central portion within 5 degrees of a visual field.

The perimeter of the present invention reduces the monotony of the visual field examination accompanied by the existing perimeters, in its operational aspect of the visual target display control, etc.

InFIG. 7, a visual field mapping rectangle is filled with a green whose brightness is increased according to severity of the decline in visual function of the corresponding visual field, by a CPU501.

InFIG. 7, a scotoma201, a blind spot203, a connection of scotoma with blind spot202, etc. are explicitly shown by a cluster of visual field mapping rectangles of bright greens.

The perimeter of the present invention can map visual function of the visual field. InFIG. 7, not only the scotoma201and blind spot203but also visual function of the visual field is mapped.

The perimeter of the present invention can also map the condition of visual function in the vicinity of a fovea205of the visual field.

The fovea205, which has the highest functioning among visual field, is represented, inFIG. 7, by a cluster of the visual field mapping rectangles filled with greens of lower brightness.

For the perimeter of the present invention,the CPU501forms a visual field mapping rectangle from data obtained by its scanning of a visual field and carries out an image processing for the visual field mapping rectangle based on the data, through which, in the meanwhile,the CPU501can generate a visual field mapping image proper for being called scan of visual field, strongly indicating the retinal structure and so forth.

The perimeter of the present invention may be embodied by a simple setup without the need for voluminous equipment such as Goldmann perimeter and the like.

The perimeter of the present invention can examine the central portion within 5 degrees of a visual field.

The perimeter of the present invention reduces the monotony of the visual field examination accompanied by the existing perimeters, in its operational aspect of the visual target display control, etc.

According to the first invention of a perimeter, a visual field mapping image, as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 7, can be obtained based on the data generated from a scanning of a visual field by the perimeter of the present invention.

The perimeter of the present invention reduces the monotony of the visual field examination accompanied by the existing perimeters, in its operational aspect of the visual target display control, etc.

The perimeter of the present invention can generate data regarding visual function of the visual field.

The perimeter of the present invention can also generate data regarding the condition of visual function in the vicinity of fovea of the visual field.

The perimeter of the present invention can generate data relating not only to the scotoma and blind spot but also to regions where visual function of the visual field slightly declines.

According to the second invention of a program, a visual field mapping image, as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 7, can be obtained based on the data generated from a scanning of a visual field by carrying out the program for realizing the perimeter of the present invention.

The perimeter of the present invention reduces the monotony of the visual field examination accompanied by the existing perimeters, in its operational aspect of the visual target display control, etc.

The perimeter of the present invention can generate data regarding visual function of the visual field.

The perimeter of the present invention can also generate data regarding the condition of visual function in the vicinity of fovea of the visual field.

The perimeter of the present invention can generate data relating not only to the scotoma and blind spot but also to regions where visual function of the visual field slightly declines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed explanation of the present invention of a perimeter, an operational method of a perimeter, a program for realizing a perimeter, and a computer-readable recorded medium will be disclosed as below while referring to the drawings.

Firstly, a setup of the present invention of the perimeter is described referring toFIG. 3andFIG. 6.

FIG. 3shows an embodiment of the system of the present invention of the perimeter.

FIG. 6shows an embodiment of the hardware configuration of the CPU501in the present invention of the perimeter.

The present invention of the perimeter is realized by the computer system301carrying out a program for realizing a perimeter.

As shown inFIG. 3, the computer system301realizing an embodiment of the present invention of the perimeter includes a main unit302that is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit)501, etc., which will be mentioned later, a keyboard303, (if necessary, a mouse306), a display304, and a printer305(and if necessary, a speaker307too).

Next, an embodiment of the hardware configuration of the CPU501in the present invention of the perimeter is described referring toFIG. 6.

The CPU501in the present invention of the perimeter is configured specifically including:a microprocessor such as the CPU501, a RAM (Random Access Memory)502, a ROM (Read Only Memory)503, a HDD (Hard Disc Drive)504, a keyboard303, a mouse306, a display304, a printer305, a speaker307, and a communications interface.

These parts are connected via a bus505.(The HDD504is connected through the input-output interface to the bus505.) The keyboard303is connected through the input-output interface to the bus505, which enables output to the CPU501of input by the keyboard303.

The display304is connected through the input-output interface to the bus505, which enables output to the display304of image data input from the CPU501. The printer305is connected through the input-output interface to the bus505, which enables output by the printer305of input from the CPU501.(The speaker307is connected through the input-output interface to the bus505, which enables output by the speaker307of input from the CPU501.)(The mouse306is connected through the input-output interface to the bus505, which enables output to the CPU501of input through the mouse306.)

The CPU501carries out operations characteristic of an embodiment of the present invention, by loading onto the RAM502a program, which is stored in the HDD (Hard Disc Drive)504, for realizing the present invention of a perimeter.

The CPU501carries out controls, and kinds of arithmetic processing, of the present invention of the perimeter, according to a program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter.

The CPU501controls display processing of the display304(an example of the output device). (Specifically, the CPU501, for example, displaying and controlling the fixation image and the visual target, and generating the visual field mapping image from the data obtained by the present invention of the perimeter.)

The CPU501controls the present invention of the perimeter according to input by the keyboard303(an example of the input device).

The CPU501can control the printer305and the like so as to output the visual field mapping image, etc. that are generated based on the data obtained from the perimeter.

the CPU501may control the speaker307(an example of the output device) to produce output (for example, according to input by an input device such as the keyboard303or the like, or, for example, when the scan line is changed in the visual field scanning, or, for example, when the visual field mapping image is output, or the like).)(The CPU501may control the present invention of the perimeter according to input from the mouse306(an example of the input device).)

The keyboard303(and if necessary, the mouse306) and the display304are used as user interfaces in the present invention of the perimeter.

The keyboard303is used, for example, as a device for input (the input device). (If necessary, the mouse306is used as a device for performing various kinds of operations of input to the display screen of the display304.)

The display304is a display device (the output device), for example, of a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like, which scans a visual field in accordance with the present invention of the perimeter, and displays a visual field mapping image generated by the present invention of the perimeter.(If necessary, various screens such as an operation screen and a setting screen may be displayed on the display304.)

And when the CPU501is connected to communications network such as the Internet and a LAN (Local Area Network), the communications interface can be equipped with a network adapter such as a LAN card or communications equipment such as a modem, in order to establish data communication among the network. In such a case, by installing on the network a server storing a program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter, and configuring the CPU501as a client terminal of the server, the operation of the present invention of the perimeter can be carried out by the perimeter.

A program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter can be stored on any computer-readable recording media (storage media).

Next, the detailed explanation regarding the present invention of a perimeter, operational method of a perimeter, and program for realizing a perimeter will be described while referring toFIG. 2,FIG. 4,FIG. 5andFIG. 8, as below.

FIG. 2is a schematic diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the scanning, operation, and visual field mapping aspect of the present invention of the perimeter.

FIG. 4andFIG. 5are flow charts showing a preferred embodiment of the visual field scanning and visual field mapping process of the present invention of the perimeter.

FIG. 8is a schematic diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the scanning and operation aspect of the present invention of the perimeter.

A coordinate axis606inFIG. 8is for schematic representation of the position in x axis direction of a visual target which is displayed and controlled in a visual field scanning screen1.

A coordinate axis607inFIG. 8is a time axis for schematically representing the lapse of time.

First, referring toFIG. 2andFIG. 8, an embodiment of the scanning, operation, and visual field mapping aspect of the present invention of the perimeter will be described in detail.

A CPU501generates a visual field scanning screen1on an output device (for example, a display304).

The CPU501displays a fixation image2at a predetermined position on the visual field scanning screen1in accordance with a program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter.

The fixation image2is to be fixated by an eye of a subject during visual field scanning.

The CPU501sets, in the visual field scanning screen1, a plurality of scan lines according to the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter. For example, the CPU501arranges from an upper side of the screen a visual target scan line3, a visual target scan line4, . . . , and a visual target scan line5in order, each with a predetermined spacing (for example, in the y direction).

The CPU501does not display such scan lines on the visual field scanning screen1, since each of them is set as a path of a visual target in the visual field scanning.(Although visual target scan lines are horizontally set inFIG. 1, they may be set with other directionality.)

The CPU501displays first, for example, a visual target6statically, at a left side of the visual field scanning screen1on the visual target scan line3in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter.

And after a predetermined moment (in this case, the predetermined moment may be omitted to proceed to the next process), the CPU501, in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter, gives rise to another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target6(while keep displaying the visual target6statically), and carries out a display control of making it move rightward at a predetermined constant velocity.

If an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of a keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, a keyboard303and the like), the CPU501stops the rightward scanning of the kinetic visual target at the position (for example, a position600inFIG. 8) at that instant (for example, a time point602inFIG. 8) of the kinetic visual target, for example, at the position of a visual target7.

At that time, the CPU501stores the display positions of the visual target6and the visual target7, (and if necessary, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4,) (and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target6, and visual target7,) on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501generates a visual field mapping screen16on an output device (for example, the display304). (The visual field mapping screen16may be generated on the output device when the CPU501generates the visual field scanning screen1on the output device.)

The CPU501reads out the display positions of the visual target6and visual target7(and if necessary, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4,) (and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target6, and visual target7), which are stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501forms and displays a visual field mapping rectangle18on the visual field mapping screen16, based on the readout positions of the visual target6and visual target7(and if necessary, based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4,) (and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target6, and visual target7).

The width of the visual field mapping rectangle18is formed based on the display positions of the visual target6and the visual target7, by the CPU501.

The height of the visual field mapping rectangle18is formed based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4, by the CPU501.

The display position of the visual field mapping rectangle18on the visual field mapping screen16is determined based on the display positions of the visual target6and visual target7(and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target6, and visual target7), by the CPU501.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle18with, for example, a green (another kind of color may be used for the filling), in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter.

In the filling, the CPU501reads out the distance between the visual target6and visual target7which is calculated through an arithmetic unit and stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.), and, carrying out an arithmetic operation by the arithmetic unit, converts the value of the distance into a value for specifying (according to the value of the distance) the color code of, for example, G in the RGB.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle18with a green whose brightness is increased according to length of the distance between the visual target6and visual target7. (The brightness may be set decreasing according to the length of the distance.)

As already described, if an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target6, has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), the CPU501stops the rightward scanning of the kinetic visual target at the position (for example, the position600inFIG. 8) at that instant (for example, the time point602inFIG. 8) of the kinetic visual target, for example, at the position of the visual target7. And, for example, immediately after that time point (for example, the time point602inFIG. 8), the CPU501displays the visual target7statically.

And after a predetermined moment (for example, a moment from the time point602to a time point603inFIG. 8), the CPU501, in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter, gives rise to another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target7(for example, the position600in FIG.8,) (while keep displaying the visual target7statically), and carries out a display control of making it move rightward at a predetermined constant velocity (for example, at the same velocity as the CPU501made the kinetic visual target move rightward from the position of the visual target6on the visual field scanning screen1at).

After an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target6, has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), and after a predetermined moment (for example, the time point603inFIG. 8), the CPU501erases the visual target6displayed until then statically from the visual field scanning screen1.

(Alternatively, at the time when an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target6, has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like) (, for example, at the time point602inFIG. 8), the visual target6statically displayed until then may be set to be erased from the visual field scanning screen1.)

If an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target7(for example, the position600inFIG. 8), has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), the CPU501stops the rightward scanning of the kinetic visual target at the position (for example, a position601inFIG. 8) at that instant (for example, a time point604inFIG. 8) of the kinetic visual target, for example, at the position of the visual target8.

At that time, the CPU501stores the display positions of the visual target7and the visual target8, (and if necessary, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4,) (and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target7, and visual target8,) on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501reads out the display positions of the visual target7and visual target8(and if necessary, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4,) (and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target7, and visual target8), which are stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501forms and displays a visual field mapping rectangle19on the visual field mapping screen16, based on the readout positions of the visual target7and visual target8(and if necessary, based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4,) (and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target7, and visual target8).

The width of the visual field mapping rectangle19is formed based on the display positions of the visual target7and the visual target8, by the CPU501.

The height of the visual field mapping rectangle19is formed based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4, by the CPU501.

The display position of the visual field mapping rectangle19on the visual field mapping screen16is determined based on the display positions of the visual target7and visual target8(and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target7, and visual target8), by the CPU501.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle19with, for example, a green (another kind of color may be used for the filling), in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter.

In the filling, the CPU501reads out the distance between the visual target7and visual target8which is calculated through an arithmetic unit and stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.), and, carrying out an arithmetic operation by the arithmetic unit, converts the value of the distance into a value for specifying (according to the value of the distance) the color code of, for example, G in the RGB.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle19with a green whose brightness is increased according to length of the distance between the visual target7and visual target8. (The brightness may be set decreasing according to the length of the distance.)

As already described, if an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target7(for example, the position600inFIG. 8), has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), the CPU501stops the rightward scanning of the kinetic visual target at the position (for example, the position601inFIG. 8) at that instant (for example, the time point604inFIG. 8) of the kinetic visual target, for example, at the position of the visual target8. And, for example, immediately after that time point (for example, the time point604inFIG. 8), the CPU501displays the visual target8statically.

And after a predetermined moment (for example, a moment from the time point604to a time point605inFIG. 8) (, for example, it may be the same amount of time as the predetermined moment of the time from the start of the static display of the visual target7to (, while keep displaying the visual target7statically,) the generation of another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target7) (for example, the time point605inFIG. 8), the CPU501, in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter, gives rise to another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target8(for example, the position601in FIG.8,) (while keep displaying the visual target8statically), and carries out a display control of making it move rightward at a predetermined constant velocity (for example, at the same velocity as the CPU501made the kinetic visual target move rightward from the position of the visual target6at).

After an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target7(for example, the position600inFIG. 8), has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), and after a predetermined moment (, for example, it may be the same amount of time as the predetermined moment of the time from the start of the static display of the visual target7to (, while keep displaying the visual target7statically,) the generation of another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target7) (for example, the time point605inFIG. 8), the CPU501erases the visual target7displayed until then statically (for example, the visual target displayed at the position600inFIG. 8) from the visual field scanning screen1.

(Alternatively, at the time when an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target7(, for example, the position600inFIG. 8), has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like) (, for example, at the time point604inFIG. 8), the visual target7statically displayed until then (for example, the visual target displayed at the position600inFIG. 8) may be set to be erased from the visual field scanning screen1.)

By iterating the similar processing, the CPU501is now, for example, supposed to carry out a display control of giving rise to another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target9(while keep displaying the visual target9statically), and carries out a display control of making it move rightward at a predetermined constant velocity (for example, at the same velocity as the CPU501made the kinetic visual target move rightward from the position of the visual target6at).

If the kinetic visual target exceeds a right edge on the visual field scanning screen1, a position3A, the CPU501detects that event through the arithmetic unit and stores a display position of the visual target9, the position3A, and, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, the visual target9, and the position3A), on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501reads out the display positions of the visual target9and position3A, and, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target9, and position3A), which are stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501forms and displays a visual field mapping rectangle20on the visual field mapping screen16, based on the readout positions of the visual target9and position3A, and based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target9, and position3A).

The width of the visual field mapping rectangle20is formed based on the display positions of the visual target9and the position3A, by the CPU501.

The height of the visual field mapping rectangle20is formed based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4, by the CPU501.

The display position of the visual field mapping rectangle20on the visual field mapping screen16is determined based on the display positions of the visual target9and position3A (and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target9, and position3A), by the CPU501.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle20with, for example, a green (another kind of color may be used for the filling), in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter.

In the filling, the CPU501reads out the distance between the visual target9and position3A which is calculated through the arithmetic unit and stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.), and, carrying out an arithmetic operation by the arithmetic unit, converts the value of the distance into a value for specifying (according to the value of the distance) the color code of, for example, G in the RGB.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle20with a green whose brightness is increased according to length of the distance between the visual target9and position3A. (The brightness may be set decreasing according to the length of the distance.)

As already described, if the visual target, starting rightward kinetic movement from the position of the visual target9, exceeds the right edge on the visual field scanning screen1, the position3A, the CPU501detects that event through the arithmetic unit and, in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter, switches the scan line to a visual target scan line4and (if necessary, after waiting a predetermined moment) displays a visual target10, at a left side of the visual field scanning screen1on the visual target scan line4, for a predetermined moment (, for example, it may be the same amount of time as the predetermined moment of the time from the start of the static display of the visual target7to (, while keep displaying the visual target7statically,) the generation of another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target7), and then, the CPU501, in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter, gives rise to another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target10(while keep displaying the visual target10statically), and carries out a display control of making it move rightward at a predetermined constant velocity (for example, at the same velocity as the CPU501made the kinetic visual target move rightward from the position of the visual target6at).

After an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target10, has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), and after a predetermined moment (, for example, it may be the same amount of time as the predetermined moment of the time from the start of the static display of the visual target7to (, while keep displaying the visual target7statically,) the generation of another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target7), the CPU501erases the visual target10displayed until then statically from the visual field scanning screen1.

(Alternatively, at the time when an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target10, has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), the visual target10displayed until then statically may be set to be erased from the visual field scanning screen1.)

If an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target10, has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), the CPU501stops the rightward scanning of the kinetic visual target at the position at that instant of the kinetic visual target, for example, at the position of the visual target11.

At that time, the CPU501stores the display positions of the visual target10and the visual target11, and, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned), (and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target10, and visual target11,) on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501reads out the display positions of the visual target10and visual target11and, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned,) (and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target10, and visual target11), which are stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501forms and displays a visual field mapping rectangle21on the visual field mapping screen16, based on the readout positions of the visual target10and visual target11, and based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned) (and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target10, and visual target11).

The width of the visual field mapping rectangle21is formed based on the display positions of the visual target10and the visual target11, by the CPU501.

The height of the visual field mapping rectangle21is formed based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned), by the CPU501.

The display position of the visual field mapping rectangle21on the visual field mapping screen16is determined based on the display positions of the visual target10and visual target11(and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target10, and visual target11), by the CPU501.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle21with, for example, a green (another kind of color may be used for the filling), in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter.

In the filling, the CPU501reads out the distance between the visual target10and visual target11which is calculated through an arithmetic unit and stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.), and, carrying out an arithmetic operation by the arithmetic unit, converts the value of the distance into a value for specifying (according to the value of the distance) the color code of, for example, G in the RGB.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle21with a green whose brightness is increased according to length of the distance between the visual target10and visual target11. (The brightness may be set decreasing according to the length of the distance.)

As already described, if an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target10, has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), the CPU501stops the rightward scanning of the kinetic visual target at the position at that instant of the kinetic visual target, for example, at the position of the visual target11. And, for example, immediately after that time point, the CPU501displays the visual target11statically.

And after a predetermined moment (, for example, it may be the same amount of time as the predetermined moment of the time from the start of the static display of the visual target7to (, while keep displaying the visual target7statically,) the generation of another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target7), the CPU501, in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter, gives rise to another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target11(while keep displaying the visual target11statically), and carries out a display control of making it move rightward at a predetermined constant velocity (for example, at the same velocity as the CPU501made the kinetic visual target move rightward from the position of the visual target6at).

After an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target10, has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), and after a predetermined moment (, for example, it may be the same amount of time as the predetermined moment of the time from the start of the static display of the visual target7to (, while keep displaying the visual target7statically,) the generation of another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target7), the CPU501erases the visual target10displayed statically until then from the visual field scanning screen1.

(Alternatively, at the time when an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target10, has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), the visual target10statically displayed until then may be set to be erased from the visual field scanning screen1.)

If an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target11, has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), the CPU501stops the rightward scanning of the kinetic visual target at the position at that instant of the kinetic visual target, for example, at the position of the visual target12.

At that time, the CPU501stores the display positions of the visual target11and the visual target12, and, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned), (and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target11, and visual target12,) on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501reads out the display positions of the visual target11and visual target12and, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned,) (and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target11, and visual target12), which are stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501forms and displays a visual field mapping rectangle22on the visual field mapping screen16, based on the readout positions of the visual target11and visual target12, and based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned) (and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target11, and visual target12).

The width of the visual field mapping rectangle22is formed based on the display positions of the visual target11and the visual target12, by the CPU501.

The height of the visual field mapping rectangle22is formed based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned), by the CPU501.

The display position of the visual field mapping rectangle22on the visual field mapping screen16is determined based on the display positions of the visual target11and visual target12(and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target11, and visual target12), by the CPU501.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle22with, for example, a green (another kind of color may be used for the filling), in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter.

In the filling, the CPU501reads out the distance between the visual target11and visual target12which is calculated through an arithmetic unit and stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.), and, carrying out an arithmetic operation by the arithmetic unit, converts the value of the distance into a value for specifying (according to the value of the distance) the color code of, for example, G in the RGB.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle22with a green whose brightness is increased according to length of the distance between the visual target11and visual target12. (The brightness may be set decreasing according to the length of the distance.)

As already described, if an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target11, has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), the CPU501stops the rightward scanning of the kinetic visual target at the position at that instant of the kinetic visual target, for example, at the position of the visual target12. And, for example, immediately after that time point, the CPU501displays the visual target12statically.

And after a predetermined moment (, for example, it may be the same amount of time as the predetermined moment of the time from the start of the static display of the visual target7to (, while keep displaying the visual target7statically,) the generation of another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target7), the CPU501, in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter, gives rise to another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target12(while keep displaying the visual target12statically), and carries out a display control of making it move rightward at a predetermined constant velocity (for example, at the same velocity as the CPU501made the kinetic visual target move rightward from the position of the visual target6at).

After an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target11, has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), and after a predetermined moment (, for example, it may be the same amount of time as the predetermined moment of the time from the start of the static display of the visual target7to (, while keep displaying the visual target7statically,) the generation of another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target7), the CPU501erases the visual target11displayed statically until then from the visual field scanning screen1.

(Alternatively, at the time when an input made when movement of the kinetic visual target, which started the kinetic scan from the position of the visual target11, has first been perceived by the subject's visual field (more specifically, an input made by a momentary press of, for example, the space key of the keyboard303) is received through an input device (for example, the keyboard303and the like), the visual target11statically displayed until then may be set to be erased from the visual field scanning screen1.)

By iterating the similar processing, the CPU501is now, for example, supposed to carry out a display control of giving rise to another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target13(while keep displaying the visual target13statically), and carries out a display control of making it move rightward at a predetermined constant velocity (for example, at the same velocity as the CPU501made the kinetic visual target move rightward from the position of the visual target6at).

If the kinetic visual target exceeds a right edge on the visual field scanning screen1, a position4A, the CPU501detects that event through the arithmetic unit and stores a display position of the visual target13, the position4A, and, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned) (and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, the visual target13, and the position4A), on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501reads out the display positions of the visual target13and position4A, and, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned) (and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target13, and position4A), which are stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501forms and displays a visual field mapping rectangle23on the visual field mapping screen16, based on the readout positions of the visual target13and position4A, and based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned) (and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target13, and position4A).

The width of the visual field mapping rectangle23is formed based on the display positions of the visual target13and the position4A, by the CPU501.

The height of the visual field mapping rectangle23is formed based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned), by the CPU501.

The display position of the visual field mapping rectangle23on the visual field mapping screen16is determined based on the display positions of the visual target13and position4A (and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target13, and position4A), by the CPU501.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle23with, for example, a green (another kind of color may be used for the filling), in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter.

In the filling, the CPU501reads out the distance between the visual target13and position4A which is calculated through the arithmetic unit and stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.), and, carrying out an arithmetic operation by the arithmetic unit, converts the value of the distance into a value for specifying (according to the value of the distance) the color code of, for example, G in the RGB.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle23with a green whose brightness is increased according to length of the distance between the visual target13and position4A. (The brightness may be set decreasing according to the length of the distance.)

By iterating the similar processing, the CPU501is now, for example, supposed to carry out a display control of giving rise to another kinetic visual target from the position of the visual target14(while keep displaying the visual target14statically), and carries out a display control of making it move rightward at a predetermined constant velocity (for example, at the same velocity as the CPU501made the kinetic visual target move rightward from the position of the visual target6at).

If the kinetic visual target exceeds a right edge on the visual field scanning screen1, a position14A, the CPU501detects that event through the arithmetic unit and stores a display position of the visual target14, the position14A, and, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned) (and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, the visual target14, and the position14A), on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501reads out the display positions of the visual target14and position14A, and, for example, the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned) (and if necessary, for example, relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target14, and position14A), which are stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.).

The CPU501forms and displays a visual field mapping rectangle24on the visual field mapping screen16, based on the readout positions of the visual target14and position14A, and based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned) (and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target14, and position14A).

The width of the visual field mapping rectangle24is formed based on the display positions of the visual target14and the position14A, by the CPU501.

The height of the visual field mapping rectangle24is formed based, for example, on the distance between the visual target scan line3and visual target scan line4(i.e., for example, the distance between the visual target scan line currently under scanning and its adjacent visual target scan line already scanned), by the CPU501.

The display position of the visual field mapping rectangle24on the visual field mapping screen16is determined based on the display positions of the visual target14and position14A (and if necessary, based, for example, on relative locations of the fixation image2, visual target14, and position14A), by the CPU501.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle24with, for example, a green (another kind of color may be used for the filling), in accordance with the program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter.

In the filling, the CPU501reads out the distance between the visual target14and position14A which is calculated through the arithmetic unit and stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.), and, carrying out an arithmetic operation by the arithmetic unit, converts the value of the distance into a value for specifying (according to the value of the distance) the color code of, for example, G in the RGB.

The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle24with a green whose brightness is increased according to length of the distance between the visual target14and position14A. (The brightness may be set decreasing according to the length of the distance.)

(In order to clarify the positions of the scotoma201and blind spot203shown in the visual field mapping screen16in relation to the display position of the fixation image2on the visual field scanning screen1,)

The position on the visual field mapping screen16, which corresponds to the display position of the fixation image2on the visual field scanning screen1, may be explicitly shown by a fixation image on the visual field mapping screen17in the visual field mapping screen16.

A cluster of visual field mapping rectangles15, which is to be generated as a result of a visual field scanning, is shown as a reference to the precise positional representation in the visual field scanning screen1.

A cluster of visual field mapping rectangles25, which is to be generated as a result of a visual field scanning, is shown as a reference to the precise positional representation in the visual field mapping screen16.

Regarding a visual field scanning and visual field mapping process carried out by the CPU501in accordance with a program for realizing the present invention of the perimeter, the detailed explanation will be disclosed as below while referring toFIG. 4andFIG. 5.

FIG. 4andFIG. 5are flow charts showing a visual field scanning and visual field mapping process to be carried out by a computer shown inFIG. 6.

At the step of S2of the visual field scanning and visual field mapping process, a CPU501generates an ID0window for a visual field scanning screen1, on an output device (for example, a display304).

The CPU501sets its width of 600 dots in the x direction and its height of 460 dots in the y direction.

Hereinafter, the positions are described, in explanation of the visual field scanning screen1, assuming that the position of the upper left corner of the visual field scanning screen1shall be at x coordinate of 0 dot and y coordinate of 0 dot and that an x coordinate axis shall be generated rightward from the upper left corner of the visual field scanning screen1and a y coordinate axis shall be generated downward from the upper left corner of the visual field scanning screen1.

At the step of S3, the CPU501generates an ID2window for a visual field mapping screen16, on an output device (for example, a display304).

The CPU501sets its width of 600 dots in the x direction and its height of 460 dots in the y direction.

Hereinafter, in the explanation of the visual field mapping screen16, positions are described assuming that the position of the upper left corner of the visual field mapping screen16shall be at x coordinate of 0 dot and y coordinate of 0 dot and that an x coordinate axis shall be generated rightward from the upper left corner of the visual field mapping screen16and a y coordinate axis shall be generated downward from the upper left corner of the visual field mapping screen16.

At the step of S4, the CPU501initializes the values of a variable counb and a variable counbv to be 0. (For example, a variable counbv is associated with the position in the y direction of a visual target scan line, and 20+counbv designate the y coordinate of a visual target scan line as, for example, at S12and S13.) (By initializing the value of the variable counbv at 0, the position of a visual target scan line is set at an initial position.)

At the step of S5, the CPU501initializes the value of a variable firstz at 0. (A value of the variable firstz is a display position of a visual target that is stored, through the static display position storing means, on the memory device, equaling to the x coordinate of a left side of a visual field mapping rectangle (for example, each of visual field mapping rectangles18,19,20,21,22,23, and24) generated at S20.)

At the step of S6, the CPU501initializes the value of a variable xcoordinatez at 0.(Forming a part of a scanning continuation means of the same scan line.)(Forming a part of a scanning switching means to the next scan line.)

At the step of S7, the CPU501, for example, interrupts the running of the program for a predetermined moment to display the visual target statically.

(Relating to the designation of the time period from the time point604to the time point605in the case where a visual target is statically displayed and controlled at the position600inFIG. 8.)(Forming a part of a statically displaying and controlling means.)(Forming a part of a scanning continuation means of the same scan line.)(Possibly forming a part of a scanning switching means to the next scan line.)

At the step of S8, the CPU501interrupts the running of the program for a predetermined moment, in terms of the (iterative) processing of the program.

At the step of S9, the CPU501initializes an input receiving means.

At the step of S10, the CPU501sets a background color of the visual field scanning screen1.

At the step of S10, the CPU501fills the visual field scanning screen1with the background color.

At the step of S11, the CPU501sets a color, size, and shape for a fixation image, and displays a fixation image2, for example, at x coordinate of300-2and y coordinate of 200+30 (unit of dot) on the visual field scanning screen1.

At the step of S12, the CPU501sets a color, size, and shape for a visual target.

The CPU501, carrying out an arithmetic operation by the arithmetic unit, displays a visual target, for example, at x coordinate of firstz dots and y coordinate of 20+counbv dots on the visual field scanning screen1.(Forming a part of a visual target scan line setting means.)(Forming a part of a statically displaying and controlling means.)

At the step of S13, the CPU501sets a color, size, and shape for a visual target.

The CPU501, carrying out an arithmetic operation by the arithmetic unit, displays a visual target, for example, at x coordinate of firstz+xcoordinatez dots and y coordinate of 20+counbv dots on the visual field scanning screen1.(Forming a part of a visual target scan line setting means.)(Forming a part of a kinetic display and control starting means.)

At the step of S14, the CPU501carries out a computation of firstz+xcoordinatez through an arithmetic unit, the result of which is substituted into a variable secondz and stored on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.).(The variable secondz forms a part of a detection position storing means if at S21and secondz>=600 does not hold.)(If a visual target exceeds a right edge of the visual field scanning screen1and secondz>=600 is satisfied, the detection position storing means may store, in a variable secondz, the x coordinate of the right edge of the visual field scanning screen1in substitution for a position of a visual target at the time of the detection by a detecting means, as at S16and S20.)(At S20, the variable secondz forms a part of a visual field mapping rectangle forming means, equaling to the x coordinate of a right side of a visual field mapping rectangle (for example, each of visual field mapping rectangles18,19,20,21,22,23, and24) generated at S20.)(At S22, the variable secondz forms a part of a scanning switching means to the next scan line.)

At the step of S15, the CPU501increments the value of xcoordinatez by, for example, one and stores the result on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.).

Such an increment is set so as to cause a visual target to take on a kinetic characteristic through the CPU501(the value of the increment may be set at another value).(Forming a part of a kinetic display and control starting means.)(The variable xcoordinatez is a distance storing means. (but if a visual target exceeds a right edge of the visual field scanning screen1and secondz>=600 is satisfied, a distance from the position of the right edge of the visual field scanning screen1to a starting position of the kinetic display control of the visual target just before its reaching the right edge, may be set to be stored in a variable xcoordinatez, as at S16and S17.))(And a value stored in a variable xcoordinatez is the value representing the length in width of a visual field mapping rectangle generated at S20, and converted, by the arithmetic unit at S17and S18, into a numeric value for designating a color with which the visual field mapping rectangle is filled.)(If necessary, a color other than above mentioned may be designated for visual field mapping rectangles adjacently generated to both ends of a scan line.)

At the step of S16, a judgement on if “an input regarding a perception of motion of the visual target has been received via an input device” or “secondz>=600 is satisfied”, is made by the CPU501.If neither holds, the CPU501goes back to S8and continues carrying out the process to give rise to the visual target that is statically displayed and controlled and the visual target that is kinetically displayed and controlled, on the visual field scanning screen1.(Forming a part of a statically displaying and controlling means.)(Forming a part of a kinetic display and control starting means.)

In the judgement at the step of S16on if “an input regarding a perception of motion of the visual target has been received via an input device” or “secondz>=600 is satisfied”, when the CPU501judges that either or both hold, the CPU501moves on to S17.(Forming a part of a detecting means.)(Forming a part of a scanning switching means to the next scan line.)

At the step of S17, the CPU501carries out a computation of 5*xcoordinatez through an arithmetic unit, substituting the result into a variable colorz, which is stored on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.).(Forming a part of a visual field mapping rectangle image processing means.)

At the step of S18, the value of a variable colorz stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.) is read out by the CPU501, and a judgement whether colorz>=255, is made through an arithmetic unit by the CPU501.At the step of S18, the CPU501moves to S20and continues the processing if the CPU501judges that colorz>=255 does not hold.(Forming a part of a visual field mapping rectangle image processing means.)

When at the step of S18the CPU501judges that colorz>=255 holds, the CPU501updates, at S19, the value of colorz with 255, stores that value in a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.), and moves on to S20, continuing the processing.

At the step of S20, the CPU501generates a visual field mapping rectangle (for example, any one of visual field mapping rectangles18,19,20,21,22,23, and24) on the visual field mapping screen ID2.The CPU501sets the position of the upper left point of the rectangle (for example, the one of visual field mapping rectangles18,19,20,21,22,23, and24) at (firstz, 20+counbv), and sets the position of the lower right point of the rectangle at (secondz, 20+counbv+20).(Forming a part of a visual field mapping rectangle forming means.)(The “+20” in the 20+counbv+20 of the y coordinate at the lower right corner set a height of a visual field mapping rectangle, and the “20” is, for example, set in reference to the amount of an increment made to counbv at S24, that is, an interval between adjacent visual target scan lines.)The CPU501fills the visual field mapping rectangle with a color whose brightness of R, G, B is, for example, 0, colorz, 6, respectively.(Forming a part of a visual field mapping rectangle image processing means.)

At the step of S21, the CPU501updates the content of a variable firstz with the content stored in a variable secondz, and stores that value on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.).(The variable secondz forms a part of a detection position storing means if “at S21” and “secondz>=600 does not hold.”)(The rewrote content of a variable firstz forms a part of a statically displaying and controlling means if “at S21” and “secondz>=600 does not hold.”)(Forming a part of a scanning continuation means of the same scan line if “at S21” and “secondz>=600 does not hold.”)

At the step of S22, the CPU501judges, via an arithmetic unit, whether secondz>=600.

If the CPU501judges, at S22, that secondz>=600 does not hold, the CPU501goes back to S6, continuing the processing. (Forming a part of a scanning continuation means of the same scan line.)(This instance corresponds to, for example, when the static visual target will be displayed until the time point605at the position600inFIG. 8) (Alternatively, after S12, the CPU501substitutes the value of firstz at that time into a variable firstzd and stores the result on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.), and the CPU501substitutes the value of counbv at that time into a variable counbvz and stores the result on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.), and, before going back to S6after S22, the CPU501reads out the values of the variable firstzd and the variable counbvz from the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.), and the CPU501displays a visual target with the color of the background color of the visual field scanning screen1, and with the size and shape set at S12, at x coordinate of firstzd dots and y coordinate of 20+counbvz dots on the visual field scanning screen1, through which the static visual target may be set to be displayed, for example, until the time point604at the position600, for example, inFIG. 8.)

If the CPU501judges, at S22, that secondz>=600 is satisfied, the CPU501initializes, at S23, the value of a variable firstz at zero (forming a part of a scanning switching means to the next scan line), and increments, at S24, the value of a variable counb by, for example, 1, which is stored on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.), and the CPU501reads out the value of the counb stored on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.), carries out a computation of 20*counb, substitutes the result into a variable counbv (forming a part of a visual target scan line setting means,) (forming a part of a scanning switching means to the next scan line), which is stored on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.), and then the CPU501goes back to S6, continuing the processing.(This instance corresponds to, for example, when the static visual target will be displayed until the time point605at the position600inFIG. 8) (Alternatively, after S12, the CPU501substitutes the value of firstz at that time into a variable firstzd and stores the result on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.), and the CPU501substitutes the value of counbv at that time into a variable counbvz and stores the result on a memory device (for example, such as a RAM502, a HDD504, etc.), and, before going back to S6after S24, the CPU501reads out the values of the variable firstzd and the variable counbvz from the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD504, etc.), and the CPU501displays a visual target with the color of the background color of the visual field scanning screen1, and with the size and shape set at S12, at x coordinate of firstzd dots and y coordinate of 20+counbvz dots on the visual field scanning screen1, through which the static visual target may be set to be displayed, for example, until the time point604at the position600, for example, inFIG. 8.)