System and method for automatically assessing a user's vision

Abstract

A method of automatically assessing vision of a user can include: displaying, by a processing unit, a subset of stimuli of a plurality of stimuli successively on a display; tracking, by a gaze tracking device, a gaze of the user with respect to at least some of the stimuli in the subset being displayed on the display; obtaining a plurality of gaze data sets, at least one gaze data set obtained for at least some of the stimuli in the subset being displayed; and assessing, by the processing unit, the vision of the user based on at least one of the plurality of gaze data sets.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ophthalmology and more specifically to a system and method for automatically assessing a user's vision. BACKGROUND

[0002] Current electronic systems for assessing a user's vision typically require active feedback from the user in response to stimuli being displayed on a display. The system further assesses the user's vision based on the user's feedback.

[0003] One drawback of current electronic systems for assessing a user's vision is that such systems are not objective. For example, the user is typically required to respond as to whether the user observed the stimuli or not. However, each user can interpret these optional answers in different ways as compared to other users. Thus, the user's vision assessment can be affected by the user's subjective interpretation of the stimuli.

[0004] Another drawback of current electronic systems for assessing a user's vision is that such systems typically only support binary feedback. For example, the user is typically required to respond as to whether the user observed the stimuli or not. However, the assessment of vision is not discrete and can have multiple stages.

[0005] Another drawback of current electronic systems is that waiting for the user to provide feedback increases the overall duration of the assessment and increases the user's fatigue, which in turn can affect the results of the assessment.

[0006] Another drawback of current electronic systems for assessing a user's vision is that such systems typically require the user to provide feedback in response to stimuli being displayed on a display, which in turn requires a cognitive action. Thus, the user's vision assessment can be affected by the user's cognitive condition.

[0007] Another drawback of current electronic systems for assessing a user's vision is that such systems can have a high false positive error and / or a high false negative error. For example, the user can confuse an input gesture (e.g., a single click is a yes but not a no) with respect to a predetermined input instruction. SUMMARY

[0008] Some aspects of the present disclosure can provide a method of automatically assessing vision of a user, the method can include: displaying, by a processing unit, a subset of stimuli of a plurality of stimuli on a display such that each of the stimuli is displayed for a predetermined stimulus display time interval; tracking, by a gaze tracking device, a gaze of the user with respect to at least some of the stimuli in the subset being displayed on the display; obtaining a plurality of gaze data sets, at least one gaze data set is obtained for at least some of the stimuli in the subset being displayed; and assessing, by the processing unit, the vision of the user based on at least one of the plurality of gaze data sets.

[0009] Some embodiments can include: correlating, by the processing unit, at least one of the plurality of gaze data sets with a respective at least one stimulus of the subset stimuli for which the at least one gaze data set has been generated; and assessing the vision of the user based on the correlation thereof.

[0010] Some embodiments can include: obtaining the plurality of gaze data sets is performed by at least one of: calculating, by the processing unit, the plurality of gaze data sets; calculating, by the gaze tracking device, the plurality of gaze data sets; and receiving the plurality of gaze data sets from a remote processor.

[0011] Some embodiments can include: assessing the vision of the user is performed by determining at least one of: one or more components of a prescription of a user's eyeglasses based on a determined refractive error of the user, visual acuity of the user, reaction time, and contrast sensitivity.

[0012] Some embodiments can include: performing, by the processing unit, an initial screening of a user to obtain personal information of the user; and determining at least one of the subset of stimuli, an order in which the stimuli are to be displayed, and the stimulus display time interval based on the initial screening of the user.

[0013] Some embodiments can include: updating, by the processing unit, the subset of stimuli by selecting at least one additional stimulus of the plurality of stimuli based on at least one of the plurality of gaze data sets and adding it to the subset.

[0014] Some embodiments can include: setting, by the processing unit, the stimulus display time interval to be between 100 milliseconds to 1500 milliseconds.

[0015] Some embodiments can include: defining the stimuli such that each of the stimuli includes at least one line and at least one gap along the at least one line.

[0016] Some embodiments can include defining the stimuli such that a ratio of a stimulus size of each of at least some of the stimuli to a size of the at least one gap of the stimuli is between 1 / 50 to 1 / 10.

[0017] Some embodiments can include correlating, by the processing unit, for at least one of the gaze data sets and for the respective at least one stimulus of the subset, a determined location of the at least one gaze point on the display with a known at least one location of the at least one gap of the respective at least one stimulus on the display; and assessing the vision of the user based on the correlation thereof.

[0018] Some aspects of the present disclosure can provide a system for automatically assessing vision of a user, the system can include a display capable of displaying stimuli in a subset such that each of the stimuli is displayed in a predetermined order and at predetermined stimulus display time intervals; a gaze tracking device for tracking a gaze of the user with respect to at least some of the stimuli in the subset being displayed on the display; and a processing unit for obtaining a plurality of gaze data sets, obtaining at least one gaze data set for at least some of the stimuli in the subset being displayed, and assessing the vision of the user based on at least one of the plurality of gaze data sets.

[0019] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to: correlate at least one of the plurality of gaze data sets with a respective at least one stimulus of the subset stimuli for which the at least one gaze data set has been generated; and assess the vision of the user based on the correlation thereof.

[0020] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to obtain the plurality of gaze data sets by at least one of: calculating the plurality of gaze data sets, receiving the plurality of gaze data sets from the gaze tracking device, and receiving the plurality of gaze data sets from a remote processor.

[0021] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to determine at least one of: one or more components of a prescription of eyeglasses of a user based on a determined refractive error of the user, visual acuity of the user, reaction time, and contrast sensitivity.

[0022] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to perform an initial screening of a user to obtain personal information of the user; and determine at least one of a subset of stimuli, an order in which the stimuli are to be displayed, and a stimulus display time interval based on the initial screening of the user.

[0023] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to update the subset of stimuli by selecting at least one further stimulus of the plurality of stimuli based on at least one of the plurality of gaze data sets and adding it to the subset.

[0024] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to set the stimulus display time interval to be between 100 milliseconds to 1500 milliseconds.

[0025] In some embodiments, each of the stimuli can comprise at least one line and at least one gap along the at least one line.

[0026] In some embodiments, a ratio of a stimulus size of each of at least some of the stimuli to a size of the at least one gap of the stimuli is between 1 / 50 to 1 / 10.

[0027] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to, for at least one of the gaze data sets and for the respective at least one stimulus of the subset, correlate a determined position of the at least one gaze point on the display with a known at least one position of the at least one gap of the respective at least one stimulus on the display; and assess the vision of the user based on the correlation thereof.

[0028] These and / or other aspects and / or advantages of the present application can become apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the following detailed description of the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] For a better understanding of the embodiments of the present application and to show how the same can be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout.

[0030] In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system for automatically assessing the vision of a user according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of more detailed aspects of a system for automatically assessing the vision of a user according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a gaze tracking device or of a constituent part of a gaze data set that can be generated by a processing unit of a system for automatically assessing the vision of a user according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0034] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4F These are schematic diagrams illustrating various configurations of stimuli for a system for automatically assessing a user's vision according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4G , Figure 4H , Figure 4I , Figure 4J , Figure 4K , Figure 4L , Figure 4M , Figure 4N , Figure 4O , Figure 4P , Figure 4Q , Figure 4R , Figure 4S and Figure 4T These are schematic diagrams of various configurations of stimuli accompanied by corresponding gaze point distributions according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

[0036] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for automatically assessing a user's vision according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] It will be understood that, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, the elements shown in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be enlarged relative to others for clarity. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated in the drawings where deemed appropriate to indicate corresponding or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In the following description, various aspects of the invention are described. Specific configurations and details are set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without the specific details presented herein. Furthermore, well-known features have been omitted or simplified to make the invention readily understandable. Specific reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are emphasized to be shown only by way of example and for the purposes of illustrative discussion of the invention, and are presented to provide the most useful and readily understood description of what is considered to be the principles and concepts of the invention. In this respect, no attempt is made to show the structural details of the invention in greater detail than is necessary for a basic understanding of the invention; the description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, makes it clear to those skilled in the art how various forms of the invention can be embodied in practice.

[0039] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the application of the invention is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments that can be practiced or performed in various ways, as well as combinations of the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the terms and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting.

[0040] Unless otherwise specifically indicated, as is apparent from the following discussion, it should be understood that terms such as “processing,” “calculating,” “operating,” “determining,” and “enhancing” used throughout the discussion of this specification refer to the actions and / or processes of a computer or computing system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates data represented as physical quantities, such as electronic quantities, within the registers and / or memory of the computing system, and converts said data into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the memory, registers, or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices of the computing system. Any of the disclosed modules or units may be implemented at least in part by a computer processor.

[0041] Now for reference Figure 1 The figure is a schematic block diagram of a system 100 for automatically assessing a user's vision according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] According to some implementations, system 100 may include database 110, display 120, processing unit 130 communicating with database 110 and display 120, and gaze tracking device 140 communicating with processing unit 130.

[0043] Database 110 may include multiple stimuli or parameters required to present stimuli. Stimuli may include, for example, visual impairment fonts. The following is relative to... Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4F Examples of visual acuity fonts according to various embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0044] Processing unit 130 can select, determine, or predetermine a subset of stimuli to be displayed to the user from a plurality of stimuli. Processing unit 130 can further display the stimuli from the subset on display 120. Display 120 can be, for example, a digital display such as an LED display, a computer screen, a television, a mobile device, etc. Processing unit 130 can display the stimuli from the subset in a controlled manner. For example, processing unit 130 can display the stimuli from the subset sequentially in a predetermined order, wherein each of the stimuli can be displayed at predetermined stimulus display time intervals. Processing unit 130 can display the stimuli in an adaptive manner, for example, depending on, for example, the user's response to previously displayed stimuli, such that the subset can be changed throughout the test. The user's response can then be analyzed and compared with data stored in database 110. The test can be repeated until a decision to obtain reliable data is made, for example, by comparing reliable data with database 110 and determining whether there are a sufficient number of correct responses to make a decision with high confidence.

[0045] For clarity, the user (in) Figure 1 The user (not shown) can be located at a predetermined distance from the display 120. The distance of the user from the display 110 can be determined by, for example, the processing unit 130 (e.g., based on images obtained by the camera of the system 100 or by a camera that may be part of a gaze tracking device). The user can view a subset of stimuli displayed on the display 120, and therefore the user's gaze can move relative to the display 120.

[0046] The gaze tracking device 140 can track a user's gaze relative to at least some of a subset of stimuli being displayed on the display 120. In various embodiments, the gaze tracking device 140 or processing unit 130 can generate at least one gaze dataset for at least some of the stimuli being displayed to produce multiple gaze datasets. In some other embodiments, at least one gaze dataset can be generated by a remote processor (e.g., such as a cloud) based on readings from the gaze tracking device. Each of the multiple gaze datasets may include at least one of, for example, a reference vector, a gaze vector, a gaze angle, and a gaze point (e.g., relative to, as described below) Figure 3 (As described). In some implementations, at least some of the multiple gaze datasets may include the user's pupil size.

[0047] The processing unit 130 can assess the user's vision based on at least one of the gaze datasets.

[0048] In some implementations, processing unit 130 may apply one or more artificial intelligence (AI) methods to at least one of the gaze datasets. For example, at least one of the gaze datasets may be input into one or more pre-trained neural networks that can output the user's assessed vision.

[0049] In some other embodiments, processing unit 130 may associate at least one of the gaze datasets with a corresponding at least one stimulus in a subset (e.g., one or more stimuli for which at least one gaze dataset has been generated). For example, processing unit 130 may associate the location of one or more determined gaze points (e.g., indicating the intersection of one or more gaze vectors on display 120, as described below relative to) at least one of the gaze datasets and a corresponding at least one stimulus in a subset. Figure 3 The processing unit 130 may further assess the user's vision based on the correlation between the described (as described) and one or more known locations (or one or more designated portions thereof) of the corresponding at least one stimulus on the display 120.

[0050] For example, processing unit 130 may determine a user's refractive error. In another example, processing unit 130 may (e.g., based on the user's determined refractive error) determine a prescription for the user's glasses or one of its components. Components of the prescription (often referred to as Rx) may be, for example, spherical (Sph), cylindrical or astigmatic (Cyl), astigmatic axis (Ax), vertical and horizontal prisms, and add (Add). In another example, processing unit 130 may determine the user's visual acuity (VA). Other visual acuity assessment measurements, including, for example, reaction time, contrast sensitivity, and other visual acuity parameters, may be determined.

[0051] In some implementations, processing unit 130 may calibrate gaze tracking device 140. For example, calibration may be performed for each user before actually assessing their vision (e.g., before testing the user). During the calibration phase, processing unit 130 may instruct the user to look at one or more known calibration positions on display 120 (e.g., by displaying a corresponding instruction to the user on display 120), and gaze tracking device 140 may track the user's gaze relative to one or more known calibration positions and generate one or more calibration datasets. Processing unit 130 may further calibrate gaze tracking device 140 based on one or more calibration datasets. Calibration may, for example, improve the accuracy of gaze tracking device 140 and / or the gaze datasets generated by processing unit 130.

[0052] In some implementations, processing unit 130 may perform initial screening of users. Initial screening may be performed, for example, by obtaining the user's personal information. For instance, processing unit 130 may display predetermined questions on display 120 and receive answers from the user (e.g., via a user interface). Personal information may include, for example, information about whether the user is nearsighted or farsighted, information about previous vision assessments (e.g., previous refractive error measurements), the subject's age, etc. This data may be stored in database 110.

[0053] In some implementations, processing unit 130 may determine a subset of stimuli to be displayed to the user based on initial screening and the user's collected personal information. Optionally, processing unit 130 may also determine a subset of stimuli to be displayed to the user based on calibration results.

[0054] For example, processing unit 130 may select, for each user and based on the user’s initial screening (and optionally based on calibration), which of a plurality of stimuli from database 110 should be included in a subset of stimuli, determine the order of the stimuli in the subset, and / or determine the stimulus display time interval for each stimulus in the subset to be displayed during its period.

[0055] In some implementations, the stimulus display interval may be between 100 milliseconds and 1500 milliseconds. For example, the stimulus display interval may be 300 milliseconds. Generally, for example, the stimulus display interval determined by the processing unit 130 may be long enough to obtain a large gaze dataset for each stimulus, but not long enough for the user to adapt and adjust in order to improve their perception of the stimulus.

[0056] In some other implementations, the processing unit 130 may randomly select stimuli from a plurality of stimuli stored in the database 110 to form a subset to be displayed to the user.

[0057] In some implementations, processing unit 130 may update a subset of stimuli during assessment of a user's vision. The subset of stimuli may be updated based on, for example, at least one from a gaze dataset. For example, processing unit 130 may select at least one additional stimulus from a plurality of stimuli and add it to the subset based on the correlation between at least one gaze dataset and at least one corresponding stimulus already displayed on the display. In this way, an adaptive psychophysical process may be used to update the subset of stimuli, wherein one or more new stimuli to be displayed are selected based on the user's response to one or more previously displayed stimuli. For example, one or more newly selected / additional stimuli may have different stimulus parameters compared to the initially selected stimuli. Such stimulus parameters may include, for example, the type of stimulus, geometric parameters of the stimulus (e.g., such as size, thickness, gap size, etc.). For example, if processing unit 130 determines that the user can observe a stimulus of a specified size, processing unit 130 may update the subset of stimuli by adding a stimulus smaller than the initially selected stimulus.

[0058] In some implementations, at least some of the user data obtained by system 100 may be stored in database 110. Such data may include, for example, user metadata, user gaze datasets (for each displayed stimulus), user refractive errors, Rx (e.g., after evaluation), etc.

[0059] Now for reference Figure 2The figure is a schematic diagram of a more detailed aspect of a system 200 for automatically assessing the vision of a user 80 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] According to some implementations, system 200 may include database 210, display 220, processing unit 230, and gaze tracking device 240. Database 210, display 220, processing unit 230, and gaze tracking device 240 may be respectively similar to those described above relative to… Figure 1 The database 110, display 120, processing unit 130, and gaze tracking device 140 are described.

[0061] Database 210 may include multiple stimuli (e.g., trial fonts). Processing unit 230 may select, determine, or predefine a subset of stimuli from the multiple stimuli to display the subset of stimuli on display 220. For example, Figure 2 Stimuli 212 are shown in a subset of those stimuli displayed on display 220. Gaze tracking device 240 can track a user's gaze relative to at least some of the stimuli in the subset of those stimuli displayed on display 220. Gaze tracking device 240 or processing unit 230 (or optionally a remote processor) can determine at least one gaze dataset for at least some of the stimuli in the subset of those stimuli to generate multiple gaze datasets. Processing unit 230 can correlate at least one of the gaze datasets with a corresponding stimulus in the subset and assess the user's visual acuity based on this correlation (e.g., relative to stimuli as described above). Figure 1 (As described).

[0062] In some implementations, gaze tracking device 240 may include one or more cameras (e.g., such as...). Figure 2 (Illustrative illustration). In some embodiments, gaze tracking device 240 may include one or more illuminators (e.g., such as...). Figure 2 (Illustrative illustration). In some other embodiments, gaze tracking device 240 may rely on one or more external illuminators. In operation, the one or more illuminators may form one or more light patterns on the eyes of user 80. One or more cameras of gaze tracking device 240 may capture one or more images of the eyes of user 80 and the one or more light patterns generated by the illuminators.

[0063] In some embodiments, system 200 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may include one or more subsets of instructions that, when executed, cause the processor of gaze-tracking device 240 or the processing unit 230 of system 200 to generate a gaze dataset based, for example, images obtained by one or more cameras of gaze-tracking device 240 (e.g., as described above relative to...). Figure 1 and the following text relative to Figure 3 (The described gaze dataset).

[0064] Notice, Figure 2 An example of gaze tracking device 240 is shown. However, other gaze tracking devices may also be used. For example, in some other embodiments, gaze tracking device 240 may include two infrared cameras and one or more infrared illuminators. In some other embodiments, gaze tracking device 240 may include a camera and one or more illuminators with structured light. In some other embodiments, gaze tracking device 240 may include a single camera (e.g., a camera integrated into a mobile device). In some other embodiments, gaze tracking device 240 may be wearable by a user 80 (e.g., gaze tracking device 140 may include a head-mounted camera).

[0065] In some embodiments, gaze tracking device 240 may operate at a frequency of at least 25 Hz to 30 Hz. In various embodiments, gaze tracking device 240 may have an accuracy of not more than 1° of gaze angle and / or not less than 1 mm of gaze point (e.g., calculated for a stimulus being displayed on display 220).

[0066] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, each of the database 210, display 220, processing unit 230, and / or gaze tracking device 240 can be implemented on its own device, a single device, or a combination of devices. For example, the database 210, display 220, and / or processing unit 230 can be implemented on a single computing device (e.g., a personal computing device such as a laptop). Communication between the database 210, display 220, processing unit 230, and / or gaze tracking device 240 can be wired and / or wireless.

[0067] Now for reference Figure 3 The figure is a schematic diagram of the components of a gaze dataset 300 that can be generated by a gaze tracking device or processing unit of a system for automatically assessing a user's vision according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 3 Depicts certain components of a gaze dataset 300 in an arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system X′, Y′, Z′. In some embodiments, the gaze dataset 300 may be generated by a gaze tracking device (e.g., such as those described above relative to...). Figure 1 , Figure 2 The gaze tracking devices 140 and 240 described above generate the gaze dataset 300. In some other embodiments, the gaze dataset 300 may be generated by a system for automatically assessing a user's vision (e.g., such as those described above relative to...). Figure 1 , Figure 2 The processing units of the systems 100 and 200 described above (e.g., as described above, respectively relative to...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 The gaze dataset 300 is generated by the processing units 130, 230 described above. In some other embodiments, the gaze dataset 300 may be generated by a remote processor (e.g., in the cloud, etc.). For example, the gaze dataset 300 may be based on a gaze tracking device (e.g., as described above relative to...). Figure 2 One or more images obtained (as described) are generated.

[0069] In some implementations, the gaze dataset 300 may include at least one of a reference vector 302, a gaze vector 304, a gaze angle 306, and a gaze point 308 (e.g., as shown in the original text). Figure 3 (As shown).

[0070] Reference vector 302 may extend from the user's eye 84 and may be perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the display 310 on which the stimulus is displayed. Display 310 may be similar to, for example, those described above, relative to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The described monitors are 120 and 220.

[0071] The gaze vector 304 extends from the user's eye 84 in the direction of the user's gaze (or substantially in its direction). The gaze vector 304 can indicate the degree of rotation of the user's eye.

[0072] Angle of gaze 306 (at) Figure 3 The angle between the gaze vector 304 and the reference vector 302 (also indicated as αRG) can be the angle between the gaze vector 304 and the reference vector 302 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 3 (As shown). The gaze angle 306 may have a horizontal component (e.g., in the direction of the X′ axis in the X′-Y′-Z′ coordinate system) and a vertical component (in the direction of the Y′ axis in the X′-Y′-Z′ coordinate system). In some embodiments, the gaze angle 306 may be monocular (e.g., measured / determined independently for the user's right and left eyes).

[0073] A gaze point 308 may be a point (e.g., a 3D point) where a gaze vector 304 intersects with a display 310 on which a stimulus is being displayed. The gaze point 308 may indicate the precise location the user is looking at during measurement. In various embodiments, the gaze point 308 may be monocular or binocular. A monocular gaze point 308 may be measured / determined independently for the user's right and left eyes. A binocular gaze point 308 may be determined, for example, as the average position between monocular gaze points 308 determined independently for the user's right and left eyes.

[0074] Now for reference Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4FThe figure is a schematic diagram of various configurations of stimulation 400 for an automatic assessment of a user’s vision according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4F Examples of various stimuli (collectively referred to below as Stimulus 400) are described. Stimulus 400 can be used in systems for automatically assessing a user's vision (e.g., as described above, respectively relative to...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the systems 100 and 200 described above. Stimulus 400 may be presented on the system's display and / or stored in the system's database (e.g., such as those described above relative to...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The databases described are 110 and 120.

[0076] In some embodiments, each of the stimuli 400 may include at least one line 402 and at least one gap 404 along its at least one line 402. Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4F In the illustrated implementation, when a stimulus is displayed on the system's display (e.g., as described above relative to...), Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the described display (120, 220) is used, it can instruct the user to find the gap 404 in the stimulation 400.

[0077] In various implementations, one or more lines 402 of each of the stimuli 400 can be straight or shaped into a predefined form (e.g., circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc.). For example, Figure 4A The first stimulus 400a is depicted, wherein line 402 is shaped as a circle (or substantially a circle). In another example, Figure 4B The second stimulus 400b is depicted, wherein the line 402 is straight (or substantially straight). In some embodiments, one or more lines 402 of different stimuli 400 may have different widths.

[0078] In some implementations, each of at least some of the stimuli 400 may have one or more gaps 404 of different sizes compared to the other stimuli 400. For example, Figure 4C Depicting the third stimulus 400c, where the gap 404 has a greater than Figure 1 The first stimulus 400a described by A has a first size 404a smaller than the second size 404b.

[0079] In various embodiments, each of at least some of the stimuli 400 may have one or more gaps 404 positioned at different angular locations 405 relative to a reference point 406 and a reference axis 407 of the stimuli, compared to the other stimuli 400. For example, in Figure 4A In the depicted first stimulus 400a, the gap 404 is positioned at a first angular location 405a relative to the reference point 406 of the first stimulus (e.g., the center point defined by curve 402) and the reference axis 407, and... Figure 4D In the depicted fourth stimulus, gap 404 is positioned at a second angular position 405b relative to the reference point 406 and reference axis 407 of the fourth stimulus. In another example, in Figure 4B In the depicted second stimulus 400b, the gap 404 is positioned at a triangular position 405c relative to the reference point 406 of the second stimulus (e.g., one of the ends of the straight line 402) and the reference axis 407, and... Figure 4E In the depicted fifth stimulus 400e, the gap 404 is positioned at the fourth corner position 405d relative to the reference point 406 and the reference axis 407 of the fifth stimulus.

[0080] In some embodiments, each of at least some of the stimuli 400 may have one or more gaps 404 positioned at different distances 408 relative to a reference point 406 of that stimulus along one or more lines 402, compared to the other stimuli 400. For example, in Figure 4B In the depicted second stimulus 400b, the gap 404 is positioned at a first distance 408a along line 402 relative to a reference point 406 of the second stimulus (e.g., one of the ends of line 402), and... Figure 4F In the depicted sixth stimulus 400f, the gap 404 is positioned at a second distance 408b along line 402 relative to the reference point 406 of the sixth stimulus.

[0081] Generally, the lines 402 of different stimuli 400 may have different shapes (e.g., circular, linear, elliptical, rectangular, etc.), different sizes (e.g., length or diameter), and / or different thicknesses. The gaps 404 of different stimuli 400 may have different sizes. The gaps 404 of different stimuli may be positioned at different angular locations 405 relative to the reference point 406 and reference axis 407 of the stimulus. The gaps 404 of different stimuli may be positioned at different distances 408 along the line 402 relative to the reference point 406 of the stimulus (e.g., as described above relative to...). Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4F (As described).

[0082] In some implementations, the ratio of the size of each of the stimuli 400 (e.g., the diameter, length, etc. of the entire stimulus) to the size of the corresponding stimulus gap 404 may not exceed 1 / 5. For example, the ratio may be between 1 / 50 and 1 / 10. In another example, the ratio may be 1 / 30. This contrasts with typical visual acuity fonts where the ratio is typically 1 / 5 (e.g., the Snellen type visual acuity font widely used to determine the minimum perceptible angle of the gap, or Landort C used as a measure of visual acuity).

[0083] According to some embodiments of the invention, such a relatively high ratio (e.g., ranging from 1 / 50 to 1 / 10) of the stimulus size to the size of the stimulus gap 404 can be attributed, for example, to the gaze tracking device of the system (e.g., such as those described above relative to...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The accuracy of the gaze tracking devices 140, 240 described herein, said accuracy in the display of the system of the present invention (e.g., such as those described above relative to...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described display (120, 220) may have a size between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. For example, if a typical visual acuity font (e.g., such as Landort C-type) is used in the system, the stimulus size will be several millimeters in many cases. Therefore, the accuracy of the gaze tracking device will not be high enough to determine which gaze points fall on and which do not fall on the gap 404 of the stimulus 400, because the error in the measurement results will be too large.

[0084] In some embodiments, the stimulus 400 may have a predetermined foreground color. In some embodiments, the stimulus 400 may be displayed on top of a predetermined background color. In various embodiments, the foreground and / or background colors may be modified throughout the evaluation to achieve high or low color contrast (or grayscale contrast) between the background and foreground. These colors and the contrast between them may be additional parameters that can be used, for example, to evaluate a user's contrast sensitivity.

[0085] Now for reference Figure 4G , Figure 4H , Figure 4I , Figure 4J , Figure 4K , Figure 4L , Figure 4M , Figure 4N , Figure 4O , Figure 4P , Figure 4Q , Figure 4R , Figure 4S and Figure 4TThe figure is a schematic diagram of various configurations of a stimulus 400 accompanied by a corresponding gaze point distribution 420 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 4G , Figure 4H , Figure 4I , Figure 4J , Figure 4K , Figure 4L , Figure 4M , Figure 4N , Figure 4O , Figure 4P , Figure 4Q , Figure 4R , Figure 4S and Figure 4T Examples of various stimuli 400 are depicted, each of which is accompanied by a corresponding gaze point distribution 420 (e.g., such as those described above relative to...). Figure 3 The described gaze point 308).

[0087] exist Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E as well as Figure 4G , Figure 4H , Figure 4I , Figure 4J , Figure 4K , Figure 4L , Figure 4M , Figure 4N , Figure 4O , Figure 4P , Figure 4Q , Figure 4R , Figure 4S and Figure 4T In the illustrated implementation, the user may be instructed to locate the display currently in the system (e.g., as described above, relative to the displays respectively). Figure 1 and Figure 2 One or more gaps 404 for each stimulus displayed on the described display 120, 220.

[0088] Therefore, when a user is able to observe the gap 404 in a specific stimulus being displayed, the location of one or more gaze points generated on the display plane for that specific stimulus (e.g., such as those mentioned above relative to...) Figure 3 The gaze point 308 of the described gaze dataset 300 can be located at a predetermined position in the gap 404 of this particular stimulus on the adjacent display (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 4G , Figure 4H , Figure 4I , Figure 4K , Figure 4N , Figure 4P (As shown).

[0089] Similarly, when the user is unable to observe the gap 404 in the specific stimulus being displayed, the position of one or more gaze points generated on the display plane for that specific stimulus may extend beyond a predetermined position adjacent to the gap 404 of that specific stimulus (e.g., as...). Figure 4J , Figure 4L , Figure 4M , Figure 4O , Figure 4Q , Figure 4R , Figure 4S , Figure 4T (As shown).

[0090] In some implementations, systems for automatically assessing a user's vision (e.g., such as those described above relative to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described systems 100 and 200 can utilize stimulus 400 to perform their evaluation. The system's database (e.g., such as those described above relative to...) Figure 1 and 2 The databases described (110, 210) may include multiple stimuli 400, such as stimulus 400.

[0091] The system's processing units (e.g., those mentioned above relative to each other) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described processing units 130, 230 can select, determine, or predetermine a subset of stimuli from a plurality of stimuli and display them on the system's display (e.g., as described above relative to...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described displays (120, 220) show a subset of stimuli.

[0092] In some implementations, the processing unit may determine a subset of stimuli to be displayed to the user based on the user's initial screening and personal information, and optionally also on the calibration results of the system's gaze-tracking device (e.g., as described above relative to...). Figure 1 (As described).

[0093] In some implementations, the processing unit may use an adaptive method to determine each stimulus to be displayed based on feedback from the patient prior to that point. For example, if the processor determines with high confidence that the user (in one or more meridians) perceives a specific gap size, the processor may select a subsequent stimulus with a smaller gap size for display. Alternatively, the processor may determine with high confidence that the user does not perceive a specific gap size, and the processor may select a subsequent stimulus with a larger gap size. Alternatively, the processor may determine with high confidence that the user does not perceive a specific gap size in one meridian, and the processor may select a subsequent stimulus with the same gap size in another meridian.

[0094] The processing unit may, for example, select, for each user and based on the user’s initial screening (and optionally based on calibration), which of a plurality of stimuli from the database should be included in the subset of stimuli.

[0095] For example, the processing unit can determine the type of stimulus to be included in the subset (e.g., having a curve, e.g., such as...). Figure 4A , Figure 4C , Figure 4D (as shown) and / or straight lines (e.g., as shown) Figure 4B , Figure 4E , Figure 4F (as shown in the figure) stimulus).

[0096] In another instance, the processing unit may determine the range size of the gaps (e.g., such as gap 404) of stimuli to be included in the subset while maintaining, for example, the ratio of the stimulus size to the size of the corresponding gap 404 of the selected stimulus.

[0097] In another instance, the processing unit can determine the gap angle position (e.g., as described above relative to...). Figure 4A , Figure 4D and Figure 4B , Figure 4E The described angular position 405) range and / or the gap distance of stimuli to be included in the subset (e.g., such as the above relative to) Figure 4B , Figure 4F The described distance is within the range of 408.

[0098] The processing unit may, for example, determine the order of stimuli within a subset, and display the stimuli to the user in that order. For instance, the subset may include a first set of stimuli with gaps of a first size, wherein the stimuli in the first set may have different angular positions of their gaps. However, in this example, the subset may include a second set of stimuli with gaps of a second size smaller than the first size, wherein the stimuli in the second set may also have different angular positions of their gaps. However, in this example, the stimuli in the first set may be displayed to the user sequentially first, and then the stimuli in the second set may be displayed sequentially to the user, wherein each of the stimuli may be displayed at predetermined stimulus display time intervals (e.g., ranging from 100 milliseconds to 1500 milliseconds).

[0099] Note that the subset may include any number of groups, and each group may include any number of stimuli of any type. These and other parameters of the subset and selected stimuli may be determined based on, for example, the user's initial screening and personal information, and optionally also on the calibration results of the system's gaze-tracking device. These and other parameters of the subset may be further updated using adaptive methods based on feedback from the user prior to that testing point in time.

[0100] The user can view a subset of stimuli displayed on the monitor, and therefore the user's gaze can move relative to the monitor. Gaze tracking devices (e.g., such as those described above, respectively relative to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described gaze tracking devices (140, 240) can track a user's gaze relative to at least some of the stimuli in a subset being displayed on a monitor. In various embodiments, the gaze tracking device or processing unit can generate at least one gaze dataset for at least some of the stimuli in the subset being displayed to produce multiple gaze datasets.

[0101] The processing unit can associate at least one of the gaze datasets with at least one corresponding stimulus in a subset (e.g., one or more stimuli for which at least one gaze dataset has been generated). For example, the processing unit can associate the location of one or more determined gaze points (e.g., indicating the intersection of one or more gaze vectors with the display) with one or more known locations of the gap between the corresponding at least one stimulus on the display (e.g., as described above relative to the at least one stimulus) for at least one of the gaze datasets and at least one corresponding stimulus in the subset. Figure 4G , Figure 4H , Figure 4I , Figure 4J , Figure 4K , Figure 4L , Figure 4M , Figure 4N , Figure 4O , Figure 4P , Figure 4Q , Figure 4R , Figure 4S and Figure 4T (As described)

[0102] The processing unit can assess a user's vision based on its correlation. In some embodiments, the processing unit can determine a user's refractive error based on its correlation. In some embodiments, the processing unit can determine a prescription for the user's glasses or at least one component of a prescription based on the user's determined refractive error.

[0103] In some implementations, the processing unit may determine at least one additional gaze dataset based on at least one of the gaze datasets. One or more additional gaze datasets may include, for example, at least one of the following: the number of fixation events, the time interval between fixation events, saccades, the distance between gaps in sequential stimuli, the distribution of gaze points, the rate of change of pupillary constriction, the rate of change of pupillary dilation, and blink events. The rate of change of pupillary size may indicate, for example, cognitive load, which may be higher when the user is tensely determining the location of the gap. The rate of change of pupillary size or pupillary diameter may, for example, be related to gap size and / or refraction. In some implementations, the processing unit may assess the user's visual acuity based on at least one additional gaze dataset.

[0104] In some implementations, the processing unit may update a subset of stimuli during the assessment of the user's vision. This subset of stimuli may be updated based on, for example, the user's response to a stimulus being displayed on the monitor. For example, the probability that the user has perceived the gap of the stimulus being displayed may be calculated based on at least one corresponding gaze dataset or a combination of datasets, and the next stimulus to be displayed may then be determined. In some implementations, the processing unit may estimate (e.g., using an adaptive psychophysical process) a minimum perceptible size threshold for the gap in each axis (e.g., the minimum perceptible gap in a trial vision font). For example, the processing unit may use a stepwise approach that can test a variety of gap sizes. In this way, the gap size of the stimulus can be selected in a more refined manner, allowing the user to begin responding to the stimulus consistently with errors.

[0105] Now for reference Figure 5 The figure is a flowchart of a method for automatically assessing a user's vision according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0106] The method can be provided by a system for automatically assessing a user's vision (e.g., such as those described above relative to...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The method is implemented using the described system 100 and / or system 200, which can be configured to implement the method. Note that the method is not limited to... Figure 5 The flowcharts and corresponding descriptions are shown. For example, in various embodiments, the method does not need to go through every shown box or stage or follow the exact same order as shown and described.

[0107] Some implementation schemes may include providing multiple stimuli (Phase 502). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 1 as well as Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4F The described stimulus.

[0108] Some implementations may include: defining the stimuli such that each of the stimuli includes at least one line and at least one gap along said at least one line (stage 504). For example, as described above relative to Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 3 D、 Figure 3 E and Figure 4F As described.

[0109] Some implementations may include: defining the stimulus such that at least one line of at least one of the stimuli is shaped into a predetermined shape (stage 506). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 4A , Figure 4C , Figure 4D As described.

[0110] Some implementation schemes may include: defining the stimuli such that at least one line of at least one of the stimuli is a straight line (stage 508). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 4B , Figure 4E , Figure 4F As described.

[0111] Some implementations may include: defining stimuli such that at least some of the stimuli, compared to other stimuli among a plurality of stimuli, have at least one gap positioned at a different angular location relative to a reference point and a reference axis of said stimuli (stage 510). For example, as described above relative to Figure 4A , Figure 4C , Figure 4D As described.

[0112] Some implementations may include: defining stimuli such that each of at least some of the stimuli, compared to the other stimuli among a plurality of stimuli, has at least one gap positioned at a different distance relative to a reference point of the stimulus along at least one line of the stimulus (stage 512). For example, as described above relative to Figure 4B , Figure 4E , Figure 4F The description

[0113] Some implementations may include: defining the stimuli such that the ratio of the size of each of at least some of the stimuli to the size of at least one gap of the stimuli does not exceed 1 / 5, for example, between 1 / 50 and 1 / 10 (stage 514). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C Figure 34D Figure 4E and Figure 4F As described.

[0114] Some implementation schemes may include: the processing unit performing initial screening of users to obtain users' personal information (stage 516). For example, as described above, respectively, relative to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The processing units 130 and 230 described above, and as relative to the above... Figure 1 The initial screening and personal information described.

[0115] Some implementations may include: calibrating the gaze tracking device by the processing unit (stage 518). For example, as described above, respectively relative to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The gaze tracking devices 140 and 240 described above, and as relative to the above... Figure 1 The calibration described.

[0116] Some implementation schemes may include: the processing unit selecting, determining, or pre-selecting a subset of stimuli from a plurality of stimuli to be displayed to the user (stage 520). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 1 As described.

[0117] Some implementation schemes may include: determining a subset of stimuli based on at least one of initial user screening and gaze-tracking device calibration (stage 522). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 1 and Figures 4A to 4T As described.

[0118] Some implementation schemes may include determining a subset of stimuli by randomly selecting stimuli from a plurality of stimuli (stage 524). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 1 As described.

[0119] Some implementations may include: the processing unit sequentially displaying a subset of stimuli on a display, such that each of the stimuli is displayed in a predetermined order and at predetermined stimulus display time intervals (stage 526). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described monitors are 120 and 220.

[0120] Some implementations may include: the processing unit determining the order and stimulus display time interval based on at least one of the user's initial screening and the calibration of the gaze tracking device (stage 528). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 1 and Figures 4A to 4T As described.

[0121] Some implementations may include setting the stimulus display time interval to between 100 milliseconds and 1500 milliseconds (Phase 529). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 1 As described.

[0122] Some implementations may include: tracking the user's gaze by a gaze-tracking device relative to at least some of a subset of stimuli being displayed on the monitor (stage 530). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described.

[0123] Some implementations may include generating at least one gaze dataset by a gaze tracking device or by a processing unit for at least some of the stimuli in the displayed subset to produce multiple gaze datasets (stage 532). For example, as described above relative to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described.

[0124] Some implementations may include: calculating at least one of a reference vector, a gaze vector, a gaze angle, and a gaze point for each item in the gaze dataset by a processing unit or by a gaze tracking device (stage 534). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 3 The reference vector 302, the gaze vector 304, the gaze angle 306, and the gaze point 308 are described respectively.

[0125] Some implementations may include receiving a gaze dataset from a remote processor (phase 535). For example, the gaze dataset may be computed in the cloud based on readings from a gaze tracking device (e.g., as described above relative to...). Figure 1 (As described).

[0126] Some implementations may include: assessing the user's vision based on at least one of the gaze datasets (stage 536). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 1 As described.

[0127] Some implementations may include: the processing unit associating at least one of the gaze datasets with at least one corresponding stimulus from a subset of stimuli for which at least one gaze dataset has been generated (stage 537). For example, as described above relative to Figure 1 As described.

[0128] Some implementations may include: the processing unit associating the position of the determined at least one gaze point on the display with a known at least one position on the display for at least one stimulus in the gaze dataset and for a corresponding at least one stimulus in a subset (stage 538). For example, as described above relative to Figure 1 and Figures 4A to 4T As described.

[0129] Some implementations may include: the processing unit associating the position of at least one determined gaze point on the display with a known at least one position of at least one gap of the corresponding at least one stimulus on the display for at least one of the gaze datasets and for a corresponding at least one stimulus in the subset (stage 540). For example, as described above relative to Figures 4G to 4T As described.

[0130] Some implementations may include updating a subset of stimuli during the assessment of a user’s vision based on at least one of the gaze datasets (Phase 542).

[0131] Some implementations may include updating the stimulus subset by selecting at least one additional stimulus from a plurality of stimuli and adding it to the subset based on the correlation between at least one gaze dataset and a corresponding at least one stimulus already displayed on the display (stage 544). In this way, the stimulus subset can be updated in a stepwise manner, wherein one or more new stimuli to be displayed are selected based on the user's response to one or more previously displayed stimuli (e.g., as described above relative to...). Figure 1 and Figures 4A to 4T (As described).

[0132] Some implementation schemes may include: assessing the user's vision based on correlation (Phase 546). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 1 As described.

[0133] Some implementations may include: assessing a user's vision using one or more artificial intelligence methods based on at least one of the gaze datasets (Phase 547). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 1 As described.

[0134] Some implementation schemes may include: determining the user's refractive error (e.g., based on correlation) (phase 548). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 1 As described.

[0135] Some implementations may include: determining at least one of the following: the user's glasses based on one or more components of the user's determined refractive error prescription, the user's visual acuity, reaction time, and contrast sensitivity (e.g., based on correlation) (stage 550). For example, as described above relative to... Figure 1 As described.

[0136] Some implementations may include: the processing unit determining at least one additional gaze dataset based on at least one of the gaze datasets (stage 552). One or more additional gaze datasets may include, for example, at least one of the following: the number of fixation events, the time interval between fixation events, saccades, the distance between gaps in sequential stimuli, the distribution of gaze points, the rate of change of pupillary constriction, the rate of change of pupillary dilation, and blink events.

[0137] Some implementations may include: the processing unit further assessing the user's vision based on at least one additional gaze dataset (stage 554).

[0138] Advantageously, the disclosed systems and methods can provide an objective assessment of a user's visual acuity. Specifically, the user can simply observe the stimulus displayed on the screen without providing any active input about the observed stimulus. The processing of gaze data in response to the displayed stimulus can be performed automatically by the system, thereby providing an objective assessment of the user's visual acuity. In this way, the disclosed systems and methods enable a user's visual acuity assessment that, compared to current electronic systems, is independent of the user's cognitive state and unaffected by the user's subjective interpretation of the stimulus, allowing the visual acuity assessment to proceed through its multiple stages and reducing overall testing time.

[0139] The ability to measure user responses during short display times results in faster overall testing times and allows for the acquisition of large datasets within minutes. This is a significant advantage over existing automated refraction tools that can take up to 40 minutes. Reduced testing time and objective measurements (e.g., no need for active user responses) make testing easier and reduce user fatigue.

[0140] The foregoing description of aspects of the invention has referenced flowcharts and / or partial diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that each portion of the flowcharts and / or partial diagrams, and combinations of portions thereof, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine such that the instructions, executable by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, establish means for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowcharts and / or partial diagrams or portions thereof.

[0141] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that directs a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to operate in a particular manner, causing the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium to produce an article of writing, including instructions that implement the functions / actions specified in one or more portions of a flowchart and / or partial diagram. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide a process for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more portions of a flowchart and / or partial diagram.

[0142] The flowcharts and diagrams above illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this respect, each portion of a flowchart or partial diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing one or more specified logical functions. It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions mentioned in the portions may not appear in the order shown in the figures. For example, two portions shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these portions may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each portion of the partial diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of portions of the partial diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified functions or operations.

[0143] In the above description, embodiments are examples or implementations of the invention. The various appearances of "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or "a number of embodiments" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. While various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, these features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, while the invention may be described in the context of individual embodiments for clarity, it may also be practiced in a single embodiment. Certain embodiments of the invention may include features from the different embodiments disclosed above, and certain embodiments may incorporate elements from other embodiments disclosed above. The disclosure of elements of the invention in the context of a particular embodiment should not be construed as limiting their use only in that particular embodiment. Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention may be implemented or practiced in various ways, and may be practiced in some embodiments other than those outlined in the above description.

[0144] This invention is not limited to those figures or corresponding descriptions. For example, the process does not need to proceed through every shown box or stage or in exactly the same order as shown and described. Unless otherwise defined, those skilled in the art will generally understand the meaning of the technical and scientific terms used herein. Although the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but rather as examples of some preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has been described to date, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A method of automatically assessing vision of a user, the method comprising: displaying, by a processing unit, a subset of stimuli from a plurality of stimuli on a display such that each of the stimuli is displayed for a predetermined stimulus display time interval; tracking, by a gaze tracking device, a gaze of the user with respect to at least some of the stimuli from the subset being displayed on the display; obtaining a plurality of gaze data sets, at least one gaze data set being obtained for at least some of the stimuli from the subset being displayed; and assessing, by the processing unit, the vision of the user based on at least one of the plurality of gaze data sets by determining at least one of: a refractive error of the user; one or more components of a prescription of eyeglasses of the user based on the determined refractive error of the user; visual acuity of the user; reaction time; and contrast sensitivity, based on the determined refractive error of the user, wherein the subset of stimuli is updated during the assessment of the vision of the user based on an analysis of responses of the user to one or more previous stimuli from the subset of stimuli displayed for the predetermined stimulus display time interval.

2. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising: correlating, by the processing unit, at least one of the plurality of gaze data sets with a respective at least one stimulus from the subset stimuli for which the at least one gaze data set has been generated; and assessing the vision of the user based on the correlation thereof.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The obtaining of the plurality of gaze data sets is performed by at least one of: calculating, by the processing unit, the plurality of gaze data sets; calculating, by the gaze tracking device, the plurality of gaze data sets; and receiving the plurality of gaze data sets from a remote processor.

4. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising: performing, by the processing unit, an initial screening of a user to obtain personal information of the user; and determining at least one of: the subset of stimuli; an order in which the stimuli are to be displayed; and the stimulus display time interval, based on the initial screening of the user.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The updating of the subset of stimuli by the processing unit is performed by selecting at least one further stimulus from the plurality of stimuli based on at least one of the plurality of gaze data sets and adding it to the subset.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The stimulus display time interval is set by the processing unit to be between 100 milliseconds to 1500 milliseconds.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The stimuli are defined such that each of the stimuli comprises at least one line and at least one gap along the at least one line.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: The stimuli are defined such that a ratio of a stimulus size of each of at least some of the stimuli to a size of the at least one gap of the stimuli is between 1 / 50 to 1 / 10.

9. The method of claim 7, the method further comprising: correlating, by the processing unit, for at least one of the gaze data sets and for a respective at least one stimulus from the subset, a determined location of the at least one gaze point on the display with a known at least one location of the at least one gap of the respective at least one stimulus on the display; and assessing the vision of the user based on the correlation thereof.

10. A system for automatically assessing vision of a user, the system comprising: a display configured to display stimuli in a subset, such that each of the stimuli is displayed in a predetermined order and in a predetermined stimulus display time interval; a gaze tracking device configured to track gaze of the user with respect to at least some of the stimuli in the subset being displayed on the display, and a processing unit configured to: obtain a plurality of gaze data sets, at least one gaze data set being obtained for at least some of the stimuli in the subset being displayed, and assess the vision of the user based on at least one of the plurality of gaze data sets; and determine at least one of: refractive error of the user; one or more components of a prescription of eyeglasses of the user based on the determined refractive error of the user, visual acuity of the user, reaction time, and contrast sensitivity, wherein the subset of stimuli is updated during the assessment of the vision of the user based on analysis of responses of the user to one or more previous stimuli in the subset of stimuli displayed in the predetermined stimulus display time interval.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the processing unit is further configured to: correlate at least one of the plurality of gaze data sets with a respective at least one stimulus of the subset stimuli for which the at least one gaze data set has been generated; and assess the vision of the user based on the correlation thereof.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the processing unit is further configured to obtain the plurality of gaze data sets by at least one of: calculating the plurality of gaze data sets; receiving the plurality of gaze data sets from the gaze tracking device; and receiving the plurality of gaze data sets from a remote processor.

13. The system of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the processing unit is further configured to: perform an initial screening of a user to obtain personal information of the user; and determine at least one of a subset of stimuli, an order in which the stimuli are to be displayed, and a stimulus display time interval based on the initial screening of the user.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the processing unit is further configured to update the subset of stimuli by selecting and adding at least one further stimulus of the plurality of stimuli to the subset based on at least one of the plurality of gaze data sets.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the processing unit is further configured to set the stimulus display time interval to be between 100 milliseconds to 1500 milliseconds.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein each of the stimuli comprises at least one line and at least one gap along the at least one line.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein a ratio of a stimulus size of each of at least some of the stimuli to a size of the at least one gap of the stimuli is between 1 / 50 to 1 / 10.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the processing unit is further configured to: correlate, by the processing unit, the determined location of the at least one gaze point on the display to the known at least one location of the at least one gap of the respective at least one stimulus on the display for at least one of the gaze data sets and for the respective at least one stimulus in the subset; and assess the vision of the user based on the correlation thereof.

Images