Recording medium recording an optometry control program and subjective optometry system

Abstract

Provided are a recording medium and a subjective refraction system that enable more smooth execution of subjective refraction. A first information processing device acquires an instruction signal that instructs an operation of a subjective refraction device, and transmits a drive signal that causes the operation instructed by the acquired instruction signal to be performed to the subjective refraction device. In a case where the first information processing device is being remotely accessed by a second information processing device, the first information processing device can acquire an instruction signal input by a user to the second information processing device via a network. In addition, the first information processing device can acquire a response input by a subject who visually confirmed a presented visual target, and generate an instruction signal that instructs an operation of the subjective refraction device based on the acquired response.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a recording medium that records the refraction control procedures executed in a subjective refraction system and a subjective refraction system. Background Technology

[0002] Subjective refraction devices are known to include those that place optical elements in front of the subject's eyes, presenting a test target to the examined eye through these optical elements, thereby measuring the eye's refractive power and other optical characteristics. For example, the subjective refraction device described in Patent Document 1 includes an eye refractive power measuring unit, a test target presentation unit, and a controller. The eye refractive power measuring unit switches between optical elements located in the refraction window from among the multiple optical elements in the corrective optics system via a drive unit. The test target presentation unit switches the test target presented to the examined eye. The controller detects user operations on the operation panel and sends drive signals to the eye refractive power measuring unit and the test target presentation unit based on the detected operations.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-18712 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In conventional subjective refraction devices, the examiner and the patient need to work together to input the driving instruction for the next action of the subjective refraction device based on the patient's response after visual confirmation of the examination target. Therefore, conventional subjective refraction devices make it difficult to reduce the examiner's burden and smoothly perform subjective refraction.

[0008] A typical objective of this disclosure is to provide a recording medium and a subjective refraction system that enable more efficient execution of subjective refraction procedures.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The recording medium disclosed herein is a computer-readable recording medium that records an optometry control program executed by the first information processing device of a subjective optometry system equipped with a subjective optometry device and a first information processing device.

[0011] The subjective optometry device has a corrective optical system that alters the optical properties of the target beam presented to the examined eye, and is used to subjectively measure the optical properties of the examined eye.

[0012] The first information processing device is connected to the subjective optometry device.

[0013] The recording medium is characterized in that...

[0014] The optometry control program includes:

[0015] A drive control application for sending drive signals controlling the drive of the subjective refraction device to the subjective refraction device; and

[0016] A self-service eye exam application, designed to automate the eye exam process based on responses input by the examinee.

[0017] The first information processing device executes the drive control application program by executing the first information processing device's control unit:

[0018] The instruction signal acquisition step involves acquiring an instruction signal that instructs the operation of the subjective optometry device; and

[0019] The drive signal transmission step involves sending the drive signal, which causes the action indicated by the acquired indication signal, to the subjective optometry device.

[0020] The first information processing device can be remotely accessed by another information processing device, namely a second information processing device, connected via a network. In the indication signal acquisition step, the indication signal input by the user to the second information processing device is acquired by the first information processing device via the network.

[0021] The first information processing device executes the self-service optometry application by the control unit of the first information processing device.

[0022] The response acquisition step involves obtaining the response input from the subject after visually confirming the presented target; and

[0023] The indication signal generation step generates the indication signal that indicates the operation of the subjective optometry device based on the obtained response.

[0024] The recording medium disclosed herein is a computer-readable recording medium that records an optometry control program executed by the first information processing device of a subjective optometry system equipped with a subjective optometry device and a first information processing device.

[0025] The subjective optometry device includes a corrective optical system that changes the optical characteristics of the target beam presented to the examined eye, and a drive unit that drives the corrective optical system, and is used to subjectively measure the optical characteristics of the examined eye.

[0026] The first information processing device is connected to the subjective optometry device.

[0027] The recording medium is characterized in that...

[0028] The optometry control program includes a drive control application for sending drive signals that control the drive of the subjective optometry device to the subjective optometry device.

[0029] The first information processing device executes the drive control application program by executing the first information processing device's control unit:

[0030] The instruction signal acquisition step involves acquiring an instruction signal that instructs the operation of the subjective optometry device; and

[0031] In the drive signal transmission step, the drive signal that causes the action indicated by the acquired indication signal to be executed is transmitted to the drive unit via a relay unit that converts the drive signal into a drive signal capable of controlling the drive unit.

[0032] The first information processing device can be remotely accessed by another information processing device, namely the second information processing device, connected via a network. In the indication signal acquisition step, the indication signal input by the user to the second information processing device is acquired by the first information processing device via the network.

[0033] The subjective optometry system disclosed herein has the following features:

[0034] A subjective optometry device, having a corrective optical system that alters the optical properties of the target beam presented to the examined eye, is used for subjectively measuring the optical properties of the examined eye; and

[0035] A first information processing device is connected to the subjective optometry device.

[0036] The subjective optometry system is characterized by the following:

[0037] The first information processing device has:

[0038] The drive control application sends a drive signal controlling the drive of the subjective refraction device to the subjective refraction device; and

[0039] Self-service eye exam applications automate the eye exam process based on the responses input by the examinee.

[0040] The drive control application executes:

[0041] The instruction signal acquisition step involves acquiring an instruction signal that instructs the operation of the subjective optometry device; and

[0042] The drive signal transmission step involves sending the drive signal, which causes the action indicated by the acquired indication signal, to the subjective optometry device.

[0043] The first information processing device can be remotely accessed by another information processing device, namely a second information processing device, connected via a network. In the indication signal acquisition step, the indication signal input by the user to the second information processing device is acquired by the first information processing device via the network.

[0044] The self-service optometry application performs the following:

[0045] The response acquisition step involves obtaining the response input from the subject after visually confirming the presented target; and

[0046] The indication signal generation step generates the indication signal that indicates the operation of the subjective optometry device based on the obtained response.

[0047] According to the recording medium containing the refraction control procedure and the subjective refraction system disclosed herein, subjective refraction is performed more smoothly. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the general structure of the subjective optometry system 100.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the optometry control process executed by the first information processing device 2A.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the self-service refraction process executed in the refraction control process.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the remote refraction process executed in the refraction control process.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a remote optometry screen 50 used in this embodiment.

[0053] Label Explanation

[0054] 1. Subjective optometry device

[0055] 2A First Information Processing Device

[0056] 2B Second Information Processing Device

[0057] 5. Network

[0058] 10 Ocular Refractive Power Measurement Unit

[0059] 11 Corrective Optical System

[0060] 12 Drive Unit

[0061] 15 Target Presentation Units

[0062] 16. Visual Target Presentation Section

[0063] 17 Drive Unit

[0064] 19 Relay Section

[0065] 21A, 21B CPU

[0066] 22A and 22B storage devices

[0067] 50 Remote eye exam images

[0068] 100 Subjective Refraction System Detailed Implementation

[0069] <Summary>

[0070] The subjective refraction system illustrated in this disclosure includes a subjective refraction device and a first information processing device. The subjective refraction device has a corrective optical system that changes the optical characteristics of a target beam presented to the examined eye, used for subjectively measuring the optical characteristics of the examined eye. The first information processing device is an information processing device connected to the subjective refraction device (hereinafter, the first information processing device may also be referred to as a "connection device"). The refraction control program recorded in the recording medium of this disclosure includes a drive control application and a self-refraction application. The drive control application is a program for sending drive signals controlling the drive of the subjective refraction device to the subjective refraction device (drive control application). The self-refraction application is a program for automatically performing refraction based on responses input by the examinee (self-refraction application).

[0071] The first information processing device executes the instruction signal acquisition step and the drive signal transmission step via a drive control application executed by its control unit. In the instruction signal acquisition step, the first information processing device acquires an instruction signal instructing the subjective optometry device to operate. In the drive signal transmission step, the first information processing device sends a drive signal, instructing the operation indicated by the acquired instruction signal, to the subjective optometry device. The first information processing device can be remotely accessed by another information processing device connected via a network, namely a second information processing device (hereinafter, there may also be cases referred to as a "remote control device"). In this case, the first information processing device can acquire the instruction signal input by the user to the second information processing device via the network during the instruction signal acquisition step.

[0072] The first information processing device executes the response acquisition step and the instruction signal generation step via the control unit of the self-service optometry application. In the response acquisition step, the first information processing device acquires the response input by the subject who has visually confirmed the presented visual target. In the instruction signal generation step, the first information processing device generates an instruction signal that instructs the operation of the subjective optometry device based on the acquired response.

[0073] According to the technology illustrated in this disclosure, if a user (examiner) inputs an instruction signal to a second information processing device that is remotely accessing the first information processing device, the input instruction signal is acquired by the first information processing device. Then, a drive signal to execute the instruction is sent from the first information processing device to the subjective refraction device. Therefore, the user can smoothly perform refraction on the examinee from a distance different from the examinee's location. Furthermore, by using a self-service refraction application, the examinee's refraction can be properly performed even if the examiner does not initiate the refraction. Thus, subjective refraction is properly performed with a reduced burden on the examiner.

[0074] It should be noted that various devices can be used for the first information processing device (connection device) that performs the optometry control procedure and the second information processing device (remote control device) that remotely accesses the first information processing device. For example, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") can be used as at least one of the first and second information processing devices. Alternatively, a server, portable terminal, or smartphone can also be used as at least one of the first and second information processing devices. There can be one or more second information processing devices capable of remotely accessing the first information processing device.

[0075] Furthermore, at least one of the first information processing device and the second information processing device can also be configured by combining multiple devices. For example, the first information processing device can also be configured as a device such as a personal computer and a dedicated controller equipped with a controller and a storage device.

[0076] Furthermore, the storage device for storing the refraction control program can be appropriately selected. For example, the refraction control program can be stored in a storage device built into the first information processing device, or it can be stored in a storage device that can be attached to or detached from the first information processing device. The refraction control program can also be stored in a storage device built into the aforementioned dedicated controller. In addition, the refraction control program can be stored in multiple storage devices.

[0077] The first information processing device can also further execute the switching step between self-service and remote refraction methods. Self-service refraction is performed by a self-service refraction application, while remote refraction is performed based on an instruction signal input to the second information processing device. In this case, self-service and remote refraction are each appropriately performed according to various circumstances. For example, the appropriate refraction method between self-service and remote refraction can be selected based on the condition of the facility or shop equipped with a subjective refraction device or the personnel assigned. Furthermore, the appropriate refraction method can be selected based on the patient's condition. Since there is no need to prepare separate devices for self-service and remote refraction, convenience is high.

[0078] Alternatively, at the start of refraction testing for the subject, if remote access to the first information processing device has been established between one or more second information processing devices, self-service refraction can be performed before remote refraction. In this case, since self-service refraction begins first, refraction will be performed automatically for subjects capable of self-service refraction, even if the examiner does not initiate the refraction. Furthermore, in cases where the subject is unable to perform self-service refraction, the system switches to remote refraction performed by the second information processing device with established remote access. Therefore, refraction is performed more smoothly compared to the case where a connection between the first and second information processing devices is established after deciding to switch from self-service to remote refraction.

[0079] Alternatively, during the refraction method switching step, if the conditions for performing self-service refraction meet or if a switching instruction to remote refraction is input, the process can be switched to remote refraction performed by at least one of the second information processing devices with remote access. In this case, if a situation arises where the examinee is unable to perform self-service refraction, the switch from self-service refraction to remote refraction can be appropriately performed.

[0080] It should be noted that the conditions for switching from self-service to remote refraction can be appropriately selected. For example, the control unit can determine that the switching conditions for remote refraction are met if a predetermined time has elapsed without any response from the examinee. Alternatively, the control unit can also determine that the switching conditions for remote refraction are met if the response input by the examinee is inappropriate.

[0081] Alternatively, if the first information processing device fulfills the prescribed conditions for performing a self-service eye exam or if a switch to remote eye exam instruction is input, the second information processing device, which has established remote access, will perform a notification action to the user. In this case, the user of the second information processing device can easily understand if a situation has arisen where self-service eye exam cannot be performed. Therefore, the switch from self-service eye exam to remote eye exam is performed more smoothly.

[0082] It should be noted that the method of switching between self-service and remote refraction can also be changed. For example, the first information processing device can also appropriately switch between self-service and remote refraction based on instructions input by the user (e.g., the examiner).

[0083] At least one of an operation unit that outputs operation signals via user operation and a microphone that outputs voice signals (hereinafter referred to as "operation unit / microphone") can be connected to or mounted on the second information processing device. In the instruction signal input step, an instruction signal can be input via at least one of the operation signal and the voice signal. In this case, by using an information processing device connected to or mounted on the operation unit / microphone as the second information processing device, it is not necessary to configure the subjective optometry device to be able to connect to the operation unit / microphone. As a result, subjective optometry is appropriately performed while simplifying the structure of the subjective optometry device.

[0084] It should be noted that the operating unit can use at least one of the common devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel. Alternatively, a dedicated operating unit (such as a joystick) suitable for inputting operating instructions in subjective optometry can also be used.

[0085] A camera can be connected to or mounted on a first information processing device. The first information processing device can further perform a display step whereby a remote refraction image, which is visually confirmed by a user who inputs an instruction signal to a second information processing device, is displayed on a display device. The remote refraction image may include an area displaying an operational image containing information about the optical characteristics of the target beam presented to the examined eye, and an area displaying an image captured by the camera connected to or mounted on the first information processing device. In this case, the user (examiner) of the second information processing device can confirm the image captured by the camera connected to the first information processing device (e.g., an image of the examinee) along with the operational image during remote refraction. Therefore, remote refraction is performed more smoothly.

[0086] Other embodiments of the subjective refraction system illustrated in this disclosure include a subjective refraction device and a first information processing device. The subjective refraction device has a corrective optics system that changes the optical characteristics of a target beam presented to the examined eye, and a drive unit that drives the corrective optics system, used to subjectively measure the optical characteristics of the examined eye. The first information processing device is an information processing device connected to the subjective refraction device. The refraction control program recorded in the recording medium of this disclosure includes a drive control application program for implementing an application (drive control application) that sends a drive signal controlling the drive of the subjective refraction device to the subjective refraction device. The first information processing device executes an indication signal acquisition step and a drive signal transmission step by executing the drive control application program through the control unit of the first information processing device. In the indication signal acquisition step, the first information processing device acquires an indication signal that indicates the operation of the subjective refraction device. In the drive signal transmission step, the first information processing device transmits a drive signal that executes the action indicated by the acquired indication signal to the drive unit via a relay unit. The relay unit converts the drive signal sent from the first information processing device into a drive signal capable of controlling the drive unit. The first information processing device can be remotely accessed by another information processing device, namely the second information processing device, connected via a network. In this case, during the instruction signal acquisition step, the first information processing device acquires the instruction signal input by the user to the second information processing device via the network.

[0087] In conventional subjective optometry devices, the drive signal controlling the drive unit is sometimes sent from a dedicated controller to the drive unit via a relay unit. The drive signal needs to be converted by the relay unit into a drive signal capable of controlling the drive unit. In this case, as a method for combining a conventional subjective optometry device and an information processing device, a method can be considered where a control signal is sent from the information processing device to the controller, and the drive signal is then sent from the controller to the drive unit via the relay unit. However, in this method, because signal processing is required in the controller, problems such as delays in the operation of the drive unit sometimes occur.

[0088] In contrast, according to the technology illustrated in this disclosure, a drive signal is sent from a first information processing device connected to the subjective optometry device to a drive unit via a relay unit. That is, the signal sent from the first information processing device does not need to pass through a controller. Therefore, adverse conditions such as operational delays in the subjective optometry device are less likely to occur. Furthermore, if a user (examiner) inputs an instruction signal to a second information processing device that is remotely accessing the first information processing device, the input instruction signal is acquired by the first information processing device, and a drive signal for executing the instructed action is sent from the first information processing device. Therefore, the user can smoothly perform optometry on the examinee from a distance different from the examinee's location.

[0089] <Implementation Method>

[0090] (System Architecture)

[0091] Hereinafter, one of the typical embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 As shown, the subjective optometry system 100 of this embodiment includes a subjective optometry device 1 and a first information processing device 2A. The subjective optometry device 1 is used to subjectively measure the optical characteristics of the examined eye. The optical characteristic of the examined eye measured by the subjective optometry device 1 of this embodiment is the refractive power of the eye. The measured refractive power of the eye can be at least one of the spherical power, cylindrical power, and astigmatic axis angle of the examined eye. The first information processing device 2A is connected to the subjective optometry device 1. Hereinafter, the first information processing device 2A may also be referred to as a connecting device. In addition, the first information processing device 2A is remotely accessed by another information processing device, namely the second information processing device 2B, via the network 5. Hereinafter, each device will be described in detail.

[0092] The subjective refraction device 1 will be described. The subjective refraction device 1 includes an ocular refractive power measuring unit 10, a visual target presentation unit 15, and a relay unit 19.

[0093] The ocular refractive power measurement unit 10 includes a corrective optical system 11 and a drive unit 12. The corrective optical system 11 changes the optical characteristics of the target beam presented to the examined eye. That is, the corrective optical system 11 changes at least one of the spherical power, cylindrical power, astigmatic axis angle, polarization characteristics, and aberrations of the target beam. As an example, the corrective optical system 11 of this embodiment changes the optical characteristics of the target beam by switching the optical element of the examination window arranged in front of the examined eye among a plurality of optical elements. In the corrective optical system 11 of this embodiment, a lens disk for the left eye and a lens disk for the right eye are used, with a plurality of optical elements arranged on the same circumference. Each of the left eye lens disk and the right eye lens disk can be one or more. For the optical elements, at least one of the following can be used: spherical lens, cylindrical lens, cross cylindrical lens, rotating prism, and wavefront modulation element. The drive unit 12 changes the optical characteristics of the target beam by driving the corrective optical system 11. In this embodiment, the drive unit 12 drives the corrective optical system 11 by rotating the lens disks for the left and right eyes respectively, thereby switching the optical elements disposed in the examination window. For the drive unit 12, a stepper motor, for example, can be used. The drive unit 12 is driven according to a drive signal.

[0094] The target presentation unit 15 presents examination targets (such as at least one of a Landau ring target and text) to the examined eye and switches the examination targets presented to the examined eye. Specifically, the target presentation unit 15 includes a target presentation section 16 and a drive section 17. The target presentation section 16 presents the examination targets to the examined eye. For the target presentation section 16, at least one of the following can be used: a space-saving target projection device that projects the examination targets to the examined eye via a concave mirror, a chart projector that projects the examination targets to a screen, and a display that displays the examination targets. The target presentation section 16 is positioned at approximately the same height as the oculomotor power measurement unit 10 such that the distance from the examined eye is optically fixed to a predetermined distance. The drive section 17 switches the examination targets presented to the examined eye by driving the target presentation section 16. The drive section 17 is driven according to a drive signal.

[0095] The relay unit 19 relays drive signals between the first information processing device 2A and the drive units 12 and 17. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the system for outputting drive signals from the first information processing device 2A differs from the system for controlling drive signals of at least one of the drive units 12 and 17. In this embodiment, the relay unit 19 converts the drive signals received from the first information processing device 2A into drive signals capable of controlling the drive units 12 and 17 and transmits them to the drive units 12 and 17. Moreover, as an example, when the relay unit 19 receives a single drive signal from the first information processing device 2A for driving both drive units 12 and 17 together, it converts the received single drive signal into two drive signals for driving each of the two drive units 12 and 17 individually, and transmits them to each of the two drive units 12 and 17 respectively.

[0096] The first information processing device 2A and the second information processing device 2B will be described. For the first information processing device 2A and the second information processing device 2B, at least any of various information processing devices capable of processing various types of information can be used. As an example, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") is used for the first information processing device 2A and the second information processing device 2B of this embodiment. However, the information processing device that can function as the first information processing device 2A and the second information processing device 2B of this embodiment is not limited to a PC. For example, a server, a portable terminal, or a smartphone can also be used as at least any of the first information processing device 2A and the second information processing device 2B. At least any of the first information processing device 2A and the second information processing device 2B can also be composed of multiple devices. For example, the first information processing device 2A can also be composed of a dedicated controller equipped with a controller and a storage device and a personal computer.

[0097] The first information processing device 2A and the second information processing device 2B are connected in a communicable state via a network (e.g., the Internet) 5. Figure 1 The example shown illustrates a case where one first information processing device 2A is connected to multiple second information processing devices 2B. However, it is also possible to connect one first information processing device 2A to one second information processing device 2B. Alternatively, it is also possible for one second information processing device 2B to be connected to multiple first information processing devices 2A.

[0098] The first information processing device 2A is disposed at a location (such as an optician's shop or hospital) where subjective refraction is performed relative to the examinee. The first information processing device 2A includes a CPU 21A and a storage device 22A. The CPU 21A is a control unit (controller) that manages the control of the first information processing device 2A. The storage device 22A can store programs and various data. In this embodiment, the refraction control program is stored in the storage device 22A.

[0099] The first information processing device 2A is connected to the subjective optometry device 1 (specifically, the relay unit 19 of the subjective optometry device 1) in a communicable state. Various standards, such as LAN, can be used for the connection between the first information processing device 2A and the subjective optometry device 1. Furthermore, the first information processing device 2A is connected to the objective optometry device 3 in a communicable state. The objective optometry device 3 objectively measures the optical characteristics of the examined eye (e.g., at least one of spherical power, cylindrical power, and astigmatic axis angle). Various standards, such as LAN, can be used for the connection between the first information processing device 2A and the objective optometry device 3. It should be noted that the objective optometry device 3 can also be connected to the relay unit 19. The measurement results of the objective optometry device 3 can also be stored in the storage device provided in the relay unit 19.

[0100] A camera 31A, a microphone 32A, a speaker 33A, an operation unit 34A, and a display unit 35A are connected to the first information processing device 2A. The camera 31A captures images. In particular, the camera 31A in this embodiment is used to capture dynamic images of the subject. The microphone 32A converts sound into a speech signal and outputs it. The speaker 33A converts the speech signal into sound. The operation unit 34A is operated by the user to input various instructions. At least one of a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel can be used for the operation unit 34A. Alternatively, a dedicated operation unit (e.g., a joystick) suitable for inputting responses in subjective optometry can be used as the operation unit 34A. The display unit 35A displays various images. Various devices capable of displaying images (e.g., at least one of a monitor, display, and projector) can be used for the display unit 35A.

[0101] The second information processing device 2B is disposed at the examiner's location, enabling the subjective optometry device 1 to perform optometry. The second information processing device 2B includes a CPU 21B and a storage device 22B. The CPU 21B is a control unit (controller) that manages the control of the second information processing device 2B. The storage device 22B is capable of storing programs and various data.

[0102] A camera 31A, a microphone 32A, a speaker 33A, an operation unit 34A, and a display unit 35A are connected to the second information processing device 2B. These devices can be used in the same way as the devices connected to the aforementioned first information processing device 2A.

[0103] (Application of Optometry Methods)

[0104] The application of the first information processing device 2A installed in this embodiment will be described. As mentioned above, the storage device 22A of the first information processing device 2A stores information for performing optometry control processing (see reference). Figure 2 The refraction control program includes a drive control application for executing the drive control application and a self-service refraction application for executing the self-service refraction application. The drive control application sends control signals to the subjective refraction device 1 to control its drive. The self-service refraction application automatically performs the refraction using the subjective refraction device 1 based on the responses input by the subject. It should be noted that the drive control application for executing the drive control application and the self-service refraction application for executing the self-service refraction application can be constructed and prepared separately, or they can be combined into one program.

[0105] A subjective refraction method that can be performed using the subjective refraction system 100 of this embodiment will be described. In the subjective refraction system 100 of this embodiment, self-refraction and remote refraction are performed. Self-refraction is performed by a self-refraction application. That is, in self-refraction, the refraction is performed automatically based on the responses input by the examinee. Remote refraction is performed based on signals (indication signals) input to the second information processing device 2B. The second information processing device 2B can be configured at a location different from the location where the subjective refraction device 1 is configured. Therefore, according to remote refraction, even when the examiner's location and the examinee's location are different, the examiner can smoothly perform the refraction.

[0106] (Refraction control processing)

[0107] Reference Figures 2-5An example of the refraction control processing performed by the first information processing device 2A of the subjective refraction system 100 of this embodiment will be described. The refraction control processing includes, for example, controlling self-refraction, controlling remote refraction, and switching between self-refraction and remote refraction. If an instruction to start subjective refraction relative to the eye being examined is input to the first information processing device 2A, the CPU 21A of the first information processing device 2A executes the refraction control program. Figure 2 The illustrated optometry control process.

[0108] First, when the refraction test begins relative to the subject, the CPU 21A determines whether a remote access between one or more second information processing devices 2B and the first information processing device 2A has been established (S1).

[0109] In this embodiment, "remote access established state" refers to a state in which an instruction input to any of the multiple information processing devices connected via network 5 is sent to other information processing devices through network 5. For example, in the case where remote access is established between the second information processing device 2B and the first information processing device 2A, an instruction input by the user to the second information processing device 2B is sent to the first information processing device 2A. As a result, the second information processing device 2B becomes as if it is accessing the first information processing device 2A at a different location.

[0110] It should be noted that various methods can be used to establish remote access between the second information processing device 2B and the first information processing device 2A. For example, remote access between the second information processing device 2B and the first information processing device 2A can be established using RAS (Remote Access Service). In this case, the second information processing device 2B can also access applications in the first information processing device 2A other than the self-service optometry application and the drive control application. Alternatively, it is also possible to send only the optometry control processing controlling the first information processing device 2A from the second information processing device 2B to the first information processing device 2A (see [reference]). Figure 2 The required signals are used to establish remote access.

[0111] If at least one second information processing device 2B has already remotely accessed the first information processing device 2A (S1: Yes), the process proceeds directly to S3 to perform self-service refraction. If none of the second information processing devices 2B have remotely accessed the first information processing device 2A (S1: No), the CPU 21A performs self-service refraction (S3) after establishing remote access with at least one of the second information processing devices 2B (S2). In other words, when refraction begins with the subject, if remote access between the second information processing device 2B and the first information processing device 2A has been established, self-service refraction (S3) is performed before remote refraction (S6). Therefore, for subjects capable of performing self-service refraction, refraction will be performed automatically even if the examiner does not initiate it. Furthermore, as detailed later, in cases where the subject is unable to perform self-service refraction, the process switches from self-service refraction to remote refraction performed by the second information processing device 2B with established remote access. Therefore, eye exams can be performed more smoothly than if a connection (remote access) is established between the first information processing device 2A and the second information processing device 2B after a decision has been made to switch from self-service eye exams to remote eye exams.

[0112] Reference Figure 3 The self-service optometry process will now be explained. Processing steps S11 to S18 in the self-service optometry process are performed by the self-service optometry application. First, the CPU 21A obtains the objective optometry result (S11). As an example, the first information processing device 2A of this embodiment obtains the objective optometry device 3 (see reference 3) connected via a LAN or relay unit 19, etc. Figure 1 The CPU 21A can obtain the objective refraction result relative to the same subject via, for example, a removable memory or network 5. Furthermore, the objective refraction result can also be input by the user via the operation unit 34A. If an objective refraction result relative to the same subject is unavailable, the process in S11 can be omitted.

[0113] CPU 21A determines the initial examination content in self-administered refraction. CPU 21A generates an instruction signal (S12) to instruct the subjective refraction device 1 to perform the determined examination. If an objective refraction result is obtained relative to the same subject in S11, in S12, the initial examination content (that is, the optical elements of the examination window first arranged in the corrective optics system 11 and the type and size of the target presented by the target presentation unit 16) is determined based on the objective refraction result (e.g., at least one of the ocular refractive power (spherical power, astigmatism power, and astigmatic axis angle) measured for the same examined eye). As a result, the self-administered refraction process is simplified. If an objective refraction result is not obtained in S11, the default examination content can also be determined as the initial examination content in S12.

[0114] Next, the CPU 21A acquires the instruction signal generated in S12 or S18 (described later) and sends a drive signal to the subjective optometry device 1 to perform the action indicated by the instruction signal (S13). As a result, the instructed action is appropriately performed in the subjective optometry device 1. Specifically, in S13 of this embodiment, at least one of the drive signal relative to the drive unit 12 for arranging the optical element determined in S12 or S18 in the examination window of the corrective optical system 11 and the drive signal relative to the drive unit 17 for presenting the visual target determined in S12 or S18 in the visual target presentation unit 16 is sent to the subjective optometry device 1. It should be noted that when the CPU 21A sends the drive signal to the subjective optometry device 1, it outputs a guiding voice corresponding to the examination content from the speaker 33A. Therefore, the examinee can observe the presented examination target based on a proper understanding of the examination content.

[0115] In this embodiment, the drive signal is transmitted via the aforementioned relay unit 19 (see reference 19). Figure 1 The signal is transmitted from the first information processing device 2A to the drive units 12 and 17. Therefore, the signal transmitted from the first information processing device 2A does not need to pass through a dedicated controller or the like. As a result, the signal processing by the dedicated controller or the like is omitted, and the refraction test is performed more smoothly.

[0116] In self-administered optometry, the examinee, having grasped the examination content through guided voice, visually confirms the examination target presented to the examined eye using the subjective optometry device 1, and inputs the result of the visual confirmation to the first information processing device 2A. As an example, in this embodiment, the answer is input through a dedicated operation unit 34A operated by the examinee, suitable for inputting answers in subjective optometry. However, the answer can also be input through a general operation unit 34A. Alternatively, the answer can be input through a voice signal converted by the microphone 32A.

[0117] CPU 21A determines whether an answer has been input from the subject (S15). If an answer has been input (S15: Yes), the input answer is stored in storage device 22A (S16). Next, if a series of self-administered refraction tests has not been completed (S17: No), CPU 21A determines the next examination content based on the answer from the subject obtained in S15 and generates an indication signal (S18).

[0118] As an example, in this embodiment, if the answer obtained by the subject in S15 is correct, the CPU21A determines the next examination content by setting the visual acuity value of the visual acuity target displayed by the visual acuity target display unit 16 to one level higher than the previously displayed visual acuity target (e.g., a visual acuity target one level smaller). Conversely, if the answer obtained by the subject in S15 is incorrect, the CPU21A determines the next examination content by setting the visual acuity value of the visual acuity target displayed by the visual acuity target display unit 16 to one level lower than the previously displayed visual acuity target (e.g., a visual acuity target one level larger). Furthermore, along with the switching of the visual acuity target, the CPU21A determines the correction power, etc., of the optical elements disposed in the examination window of the corrective optics system 11 as the next examination content. Next, the CPU21A generates an instruction signal to instruct the subjective optometry device 1 to perform the determined examination. In other words, the indication signal generated in S18 becomes at least one of an indication signal for positioning the determined optical element in the examination window of the corrective optical system 11 and an indication signal for displaying the determined visual target in the visual target display unit 16. Afterwards, the process returns to S13, and a drive signal is sent to the subjective optometry device 1 based on the indication signal generated in S18.

[0119] It should be noted that if the process of S13 to S18 is repeatedly executed and the series of self-service eye exams is successfully completed (S17: Yes), then the remote eye exam process (refer to...) will proceed. Figure 2 S6 and Figure 4 ) is not executed and optometry control processing (refer to Figure 2 (End directly)

[0120] If no response is received from the examinee (S15: No), it is determined whether the self-service refraction meets the condition that there is a high probability of inappropriateness (S20). For example, in this embodiment, if a predetermined time elapses after the drive signal is sent in S13 without a response from the examinee, it is determined that the predetermined condition has been met. Furthermore, if the response received by the examinee is inappropriate, it is also determined that the predetermined condition has been met. If the predetermined condition is determined to be met (S20: Yes), the process returns to the refraction control process (see [reference]). Figure 2The eye exam method is switched from self-service to remote eye exam. At this time, for example, it's also possible to stop the output of voice and images in the self-service eye exam.

[0121] Furthermore, if no response from the examinee is received (S15: No) and the conditions for self-service refraction are not met (S20: No), the CPU 21A determines whether a switch instruction to remote refraction has been input (S21). In situations where self-service refraction is difficult, the examinee can input the switch instruction to remote refraction to the first information processing device 2A via the operation unit 34A or voice. If no switch instruction is input (S21: No), the process returns to S15, and processes S15, S20, and S21 are repeated. If a switch instruction is input (S21: Yes), the process returns to the refraction control process (see reference). Figure 2 The method of eye examination has been changed from self-service eye examination to remote eye examination.

[0122] return Figure 2 The explanation is as follows: If the self-service eye exam (S3) is not completed, the CPU 21A sends a notification instruction (S4) via the network 5 to one or more second information processing devices 2B that have established remote access to the first information processing device 2A. The notification instruction is an instruction to perform a notification action that informs the user (e.g., an examiner) that the self-service eye exam performed by the first information processing device 2A has not been completed. The notification action can be performed, for example, through at least one method such as voice output or image display. By performing the notification action, the user of the second information processing device 2B can more easily understand that a situation has occurred in the first information processing device 2A where a self-service eye exam could not be performed.

[0123] Next, CPU 21A determines whether a response has been received from a user (e.g., an inspector) of the second information processing device 2B (S5). If no response is received from any of the second information processing devices 2B (S5: No), remote refraction cannot be performed, and the determination in S5 is repeated until the device enters a standby state. If any user of the second information processing device 2B is capable of performing remote refraction and inputs a response instruction to the second information processing device 2B (S5), then CPU 21A performs remote refraction processing (S6).

[0124] Reference Figure 4 The remote refraction process will now be explained. The remote refraction process is executed by the driver-controlled application. First, the CPU21A sets the remote refraction screen to 50 (refer to...). Figure 5 The information is displayed on the display unit 35B of the second information processing device 2B used by the examiner to perform remote refraction (S31).

[0125] like Figure 5As shown, the remote refraction screen 50 in this embodiment includes an operation image area 51 and a capture image area 52. The CPU 21A displays an operation image containing information about the optical characteristics of the target beam presented to the examined eye in the operation image area 51. In the operation image of this embodiment, values ​​related to the optical characteristics of the target beam presented to the examined eye are displayed for each type of optical characteristic. The examiner can indicate the desired value among the various types of optical characteristics (spherical power, cylindrical power, and astigmatic axis angle, etc.). Additionally, the CPU 21A displays the captured image from the camera 31A connected to (or mounted on) the first information processing device 2A in the capture image area 52. Therefore, during remote refraction, the examiner can review the captured image from the camera 31A (e.g., an image of the examinee, etc.) together with the operation image. This makes remote refraction easier to perform.

[0126] Furthermore, when the CPU21A obtains objective refraction results relative to the same subject, it displays the obtained results on the remote refraction screen 50 (S32). As mentioned above, objective examination results can be obtained by various methods.

[0127] It should be noted that during remote refraction, the voice signal input from microphone 32A to the first information processing device 2A is converted into speech by the speaker 33B of the second information processing device 2B. Furthermore, the voice signal input from microphone 32B to the second information processing device 2B is converted into speech by the speaker 33A of the first information processing device 2A. Therefore, the examiner and the examinee can converse during remote refraction. Additionally, the image captured by camera 31B can also be displayed on the display unit 35A of the first information processing device 2A.

[0128] In remote refraction, the examiner using the second information processing device 2B can input an instruction signal to instruct the operation of the subjective refraction device 1 via at least one of the operation unit 34B and the microphone 32B. The instruction signal is at least one of an instruction signal for positioning the optical element determined by the examiner in the examination window of the corrective optical system 11 and an instruction signal for displaying the visual target determined by the examiner on the visual target display unit 16.

[0129] As an example, in this embodiment, the inspector can input instruction signals by operating the mouse as the operation unit 34B. The mouse includes a scroll wheel rotation detection unit, a scroll wheel click detection unit, a left click detection unit, and a right click detection unit. The scroll wheel rotation detection unit detects the rotation direction and amount of the scroll wheel, which is rotatably mounted on the mouse body. The scroll wheel click detection unit detects that the scroll wheel has been clicked (pressed). The left click detection unit detects that the left button mounted on the mouse body has been clicked (pressed). The right click detection unit detects that the right button mounted on the mouse body has been clicked (pressed). The mouse outputs the detection signals from the scroll wheel rotation detection unit, the scroll wheel click detection unit, the left click detection unit, and the right click detection unit to an information processing device (e.g., a second information processing device 2B).

[0130] When a click is detected by at least one of the first information processing device 2A and the second information processing device 2B in this embodiment, the CPU of the information processing device switches the type of optical characteristic (e.g., spherical power and cylindrical power) of the change value in the optical characteristics of the target beam presented to the examined eye by the subjective optometry device 1. Furthermore, the CPU of the information processing device changes the value associated with any of a plurality of optically specific types (in this embodiment, the type specified by the click) based on the amount and direction of rotation of the roller detected by the roller rotation detection unit. Therefore, the examiner can intuitively and smoothly change the value associated with the optical characteristics of the target beam by rotating the roller. In other words, the rotation operation is similar whether the optical element is switched using a dedicated controller with a rotation-operable operation unit or by rotating the roller. Therefore, the switching of the optical element can be performed as intuitively as when using a dedicated controller.

[0131] It should be noted that the CPU can also switch the value related to the optical element when the scroll wheel click detection unit detects a click. In this case, for example, the decision to switch the value related to the optical element to either "+" or "-" can be made based on whether the cursor displayed on the display unit 35A matches the "+" or "-" sign on the remote optometry screen 50 when a click is detected. By using the scroll wheel click, the value related to the optical element can be switched precisely. Furthermore, the switching of the optical element value corresponding to the amount and direction of scroll wheel rotation and the switching of the optical element value corresponding to a scroll wheel click can be performed simultaneously. In this case, the examiner can appropriately separate the intuitive switching of the optical element achieved by scroll wheel rotation and the subtle switching of the optical element achieved by scroll wheel click, depending on the situation.

[0132] CPU 21A determines whether an instruction signal has been input to the second information processing device 2B (S33). If an instruction signal has been input to the second information processing device 2B, the input instruction signal is obtained by the first information processing device 2A via network 5. If the instruction signal is input and obtained (S33: Yes), CPU 21A sends a drive signal to the subjective optometry device 1 to perform the action indicated by the obtained instruction signal (S34). As mentioned above, the drive signal is transmitted via relay unit 19 (see reference 19). Figure 1 The first information processing device 2A sends the data to the drive units 12 and 17. Afterwards, the processing returns to S33. Processing steps S33 to S36 are repeated until remote refraction is completed (S36: No). If a remote refraction completion indication is input (S36: Yes), the refraction control processing ends.

[0133] The technology disclosed in the above embodiments is merely one example. Therefore, the technology exemplified in the above embodiments can also be modified. For example, only a portion of the technology exemplified in the above embodiments can be implemented. As an example, the subjective refraction system 100 may only perform one of self-service refraction and remote refraction. In addition, when both self-service and remote refraction are performed, self-service and remote refraction can be appropriately switched according to instructions from the user. In this case, the subjective refraction system 100 may also set the refraction method performed in self-service and remote refraction according to instructions input by the user. The subjective refraction system 100 may also start the application used to perform the set refraction method when the power is turned on or when the refraction begins.

[0134] exist Figure 3 S13 and Figure 4 The process of acquiring the indication signal in S33 is an example of the "indication signal acquisition step". Figure 3 S13 and Figure 4 The processing of sending drive signals in S34 is an example of the "drive signal sending step". Figure 3 The process of obtaining the answer in S15 is an example of the "answer retrieval step". Figure 3 The process of generating the indicator signal in S18 is an example of the "indicator signal generation step". Figure 3 The process of switching refraction methods in S20 and S21 is an example of the "refraction method switching step". Figure 2 The processing of sending notification instructions in S4 is an example of a "notification step".

Claims

1. A recording medium that records a computer-readable recording medium having a refraction control program executed by the first information processing device of a subjective refraction system equipped with a subjective refraction device and a first information processing device. The subjective optometry device has a corrective optical system that alters the optical properties of the target beam presented to the examined eye, and is used to subjectively measure the optical properties of the examined eye. The first information processing device is connected to the subjective optometry device. The recording medium is characterized in that... The optometry control program includes: A drive control application for sending drive signals controlling the drive of the subjective refraction device to the subjective refraction device; and A self-service eye exam application, designed to automate the eye exam process based on responses input by the examinee. The first information processing device executes the drive control application program by executing the first information processing device's control unit: The instruction signal acquisition step involves acquiring an instruction signal that instructs the operation of the subjective optometry device; and The drive signal transmission step involves sending the drive signal, which causes the action indicated by the acquired indication signal, to the subjective optometry device. The first information processing device can be remotely accessed by another information processing device, namely a second information processing device, connected via a network. In the indication signal acquisition step, the indication signal input by the user to the second information processing device is acquired by the first information processing device via the network. The first information processing device executes the self-service optometry application by the control unit of the first information processing device. The response acquisition step involves obtaining the response input from the subject after visually confirming the presented target; and The indication signal generation step generates an indication signal that instructs the operation of the subjective optometry device based on the obtained response. The first information processing device executes the optometry control program by executing the optometry method switching step between self-service optometry and remote optometry by the control unit of the first information processing device. The self-service eye exam is performed by the self-service eye exam application, while the remote eye exam is performed based on the instruction signal input to the second information processing device. At the start of the refraction test relative to the subject, if one or more of the second information processing devices have established remote access to the first information processing device, the self-service refraction test is performed before the remote refraction test. If, under the established remote access status, the inspector inputs an indication signal to the second information processing device that is remotely accessing the first information processing device, then the indication signal is received by the first information processing device. In the optometry method switching step in the self-optometry, in a case where a condition prescribed is satisfied in a state of the self-optometry being executed in the self-optometry or in a case where a switching instruction to the remote optometry is input in the self-optometry, the self-optometry is switched to the remote optometry by at least any one of the one or more second information processing devices that have established remote access with the first information processing device, The notification step of notifying the user is executed by the first information processing device by executing the optometry control program by the control section of the first information processing device, In a case where a condition prescribed is satisfied in a state of the self-optometry being executed or in a case where a switching instruction to the remote optometry is input, the second information processing device that has established remote access performs a notification action of notifying the user.

2. A subjective optometry system comprising: a subjective optometry device that has a corrective optical system that changes an optical characteristic of an optotype light beam presented to an eye to be examined, and that is used to subjectively measure an optical characteristic of the eye to be examined; and a first information processing device that is connected to the subjective optometry device, The subjective optometry system is characterized in that the first information processing device has: a drive control application that transmits a drive signal that controls driving of the subjective optometry device to the subjective optometry device; and a self-optometry application that automatically performs optometry based on answers input by an examinee, the drive control application executes: an instruction signal acquisition step that acquires an instruction signal that instructs an action of the subjective optometry device; and a drive signal transmission step that transmits the drive signal that causes the action instructed by the acquired instruction signal to be performed to the subjective optometry device, in the instruction signal acquisition step, the instruction signal input by the user to the second information processing device is acquired by the first information processing device via the network by remote access by the second information processing device that is another information processing device connected via the network by the first information processing device, the self-optometry application executes: an answer acquisition step that acquires answers input by an examinee who visually confirms a presented optotype; and an instruction signal generation step that generates the instruction signal that instructs an action of the subjective optometry device based on the acquired answers, the first information processing device executes an optometry method switching step that switches between self-optometry and remote optometry, the self-optometry is optometry performed by a self-optometry application program, and the remote optometry is optometry performed in accordance with the instruction signal input to the second information processing device, at the start of optometry with respect to an examinee, in a state where remote access of the one or more second information processing devices with respect to the first information processing device has been established, the self-optometry is performed first compared to the remote optometry, in the state where the remote access has been established, if an instruction signal to the second information processing device that is remotely accessing the first information processing device is input by an examiner, the instruction signal is acquired by the first information processing device, In the optometry method switching step in the self-optometry, in a case where a condition of the self-optometry being executed in the self-optometry satisfies a prescribed condition or in a case where a switching instruction to the remote optometry is input in the self-optometry, the self-optometry is switched to the remote optometry by at least any one of the second information processing device(s) that establishes remote access with the first information processing device, The first information processing device executes the following notification step: In a case where a condition of the self-optometry being executed satisfies a prescribed condition or in a case where a switching instruction to the remote optometry is input, the second information processing device that establishes remote access performs a notification action of notifying a user.

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