Control module for adjusting value of parameter of function of optical element, optical device, computer-implemented method and computer program

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a module, an optical device, a computer-implemented method and a computer program for adjusting a value of a parameter of a function of an optical element. The control module is configured to obtain a value of a parameter of light from a region of interest viewed by a user through the optical element, obtain a value of a parameter of ambient light around the region of interest, and enable an adjustment of the value of the parameter of the function. The adjustment is based on a value of a parameter of light from the region of interest and a value of a parameter of ambient light in order to account for at least one specificity of the region of interest with respect to at least one specificity of an environment surrounding the region of interest.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control module configured to adjust the value of a parameter of the function of an optical element. Background Art

[0002] Visual fatigue is used to describe the difficult conditions of the eyes and vision-related problems caused by long-term near-vision work. Such near-vision work may be reading elements on digital devices (such as computers, tablets, mobile phones, and e-readers) or passive devices (such as books). When it comes to digital devices, the terms computer vision syndrome (CVS) or digital eye strain are usually used. Due to modern lifestyles and long periods of near-vision work, the prevalence of visual fatigue has risen sharply to a very high level in the past two decades.

[0003] The symptoms of visual fatigue may be caused by different factors, such as insufficient light, glare on digital screens, inappropriate viewing distances, long working hours, alert levels, spectra, reduced contrast, small fonts, and uncorrected, undercorrected, or poorly corrected refractive errors.

[0004] One way to reduce visual fatigue is to dynamically adjust the optical element through which the user views the scene.

[0005] U.S. Application Reference US2013 / 0114043 is known. This disclosure describes an optical element that includes a see-through near-eye hybrid display device. The brightness of the display device can be controlled based on the light intensity of the content that the user is looking at. However, when the user is looking at a low-light area or an object that does not emit light, the control presented in this disclosure is not effective. Due to this inefficiency, the optical element of this disclosure does not allow for accurately limiting the user's visual fatigue.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a control module configured to adjust the value of a parameter of the function of an optical element, which control module does not have the drawbacks of the prior art modules. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A simplified overview is given below in order to provide a basic understanding of different aspects of the present disclosure. This overview is not an extensive review of all expected aspects and is neither intended to point out the key or important elements of all aspects nor to depict the scope of any or all aspects. The sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description presented later.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is a module for adjusting the value of a parameter of the function of an optical element. The control module is configured to obtain the value of a parameter of light from an area of interest that a user views through the optical element, obtain the value of a parameter of ambient light around the area of interest, and effect an adjustment of the value of the parameter of the function. The adjustment is based on the value of the parameter of light from the area of interest and the value of the parameter of the ambient light so as to take into account at least one particularity of the area of interest relative to at least one particularity of the surroundings of the area of interest.

[0009] The different features of the module, and more precisely the adjustment effected based on the value of the parameter of light from the area of interest and the value of the parameter of the ambient light so as to take into account at least one particularity of the area of interest relative to at least one particularity of the surroundings of the area of interest, can allow better limitation of the user's visual fatigue.

[0010] More precisely, taking into account the particularities of the surroundings of the area of interest can allow better adaptation of the contrast between the luminance of the area of interest and the luminance of the surroundings of the area of interest. In particular, when the luminance of the area of interest is equal to or lower than the luminance of the surroundings of the area of interest, the adaptation of US2013 / 0114043 may result in no enhancement of the contrast or even deterioration of the visibility of the area of interest. This deterioration may occur significantly if the luminance of the area of interest is high, but the luminance of the surroundings of the area of interest is even higher. On the contrary, using the adaptation of the present disclosure, the luminance of the surroundings of the area of interest can be taken into account to adapt the optical element and obtain, for example, a contrast suitable for limiting the user's visual fatigue.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an optical device intended to be worn by a user. The optical device includes an optical element and a control module for adjusting the value of a parameter of the function of the optical element. The control module is configured to: obtain the value of a parameter of light from an area of interest that a user views through the optical element, obtain the value of a parameter of ambient light around the area of interest, and effect an adjustment of the value of the parameter of the function. The adjustment is based on the value of the parameter of light from the area of interest and the value of the parameter of the ambient light so as to take into account at least one particularity of the area of interest relative to at least one particularity of the surroundings of the area of interest.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a computer-implemented method for adjusting the value of a parameter of the function of an optical element. The method includes obtaining the value of a parameter of light from an area of interest that a user views through the optical element, obtaining the value of a parameter of ambient light around the area of interest, and effecting an adjustment to the value of the parameter of the function. The adjustment is based on the value of the parameter of light from the area of interest and the value of the parameter of the ambient light so as to take into account at least one particularity of the area of interest relative to at least one particularity of the surrounding environment of the area of interest.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a computer program including instructions that, when executed by a control module, cause the control module to perform a method for adjusting the value of a parameter of the function of an optical element. The method includes obtaining the value of a parameter of light from an area of interest that a user views through the optical element, obtaining the value of a parameter of ambient light around the area of interest, and effecting an adjustment to the value of the parameter of the function. The adjustment is based on the value of the parameter of light from the area of interest and the value of the parameter of the ambient light so as to take into account at least one particularity of the area of interest relative to at least one particularity of the surrounding environment of the area of interest.

[0014] A computer may include a memory and a processor. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, systems on a chip (SoCs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described throughout the present disclosure. The memory may be a computer-readable medium. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of the above types of computer-readable media, or any other medium that can store computer-executable code in the form of instructions or data structures accessible by a processor of the computing module.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a computer-readable non-transitory program storage device tangibly embodying a program with instructions executable by a computer to perform a method for adjusting values of parameters of a function of an optical element. The method includes obtaining values of parameters of light from a region of interest that a user views through the optical element, obtaining values of parameters of ambient light around the region of interest, and effecting an adjustment of the values of the parameters of the function. The adjustment is based on the values of the parameters of the light from the region of interest and the values of the parameters of the ambient light so as to account for at least one particularity of the region of interest relative to at least one particularity of the surrounding environment of the region of interest. The method is in accordance with the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] To more fully understand the description provided herein and its advantages, reference is now made to the following brief description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, in which like reference numerals represent like parts.

[0017] Figure 1 Represents a kit including an optical element and a control module.

[0018] Figure 2 Represents different fields of view of a user.

[0019] Figure 3 Represents an optical device including an optical element.

[0020] Figure 4 Represents an eye wear.

[0021] Figure 5 Represents an augmented reality eye wear.

[0022] Figure 6 Represents a method for adjusting values of parameters of a function of an optical element.

[0023] Figure 7 Represents Figure 6 an additional embodiment of the method.

[0024] Figure 8 Represents a method for changing from a first mode to a second mode.

[0025] Figure 9 In another way represents Figure 7 the method or Figure 8 the method.

[0026] Figure 10 Represents another embodiment of a method for changing from a first mode to a second mode.

[0027] Figure 11 Represents a first example of the use of the kit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following detailed description set forth in conjunction with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various possible embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. For the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts, the detailed description includes specific details. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0029] Description of a kit including an optical element and a control module

[0030] Figure 1 Reference numeral 101 denotes a kit including an optical element 102 and a control module 103.

[0031] The control module 103 is configured to control the value of a parameter of the function of the optical element 102.

[0032] The control module 103 controls the value of the parameter of the function so as to take into account at least one specificity of the region of interest in relation to at least one specificity of the surrounding environment of the region of interest.

[0033] In general, the function is one of the following:

[0034] - the transmittance level of the optical element 102,

[0035] - the color filter of the optical element 102,

[0036] - the reflectance level of the optical element 102, and

[0037] - the parameter of the polarization of the optical element 102, such as the polarization angle of the optical element 102.

[0038] The control module 103 includes a memory 103-a and a processor 103-b.

[0039] Examples of the processor 103-b include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, a system on a chip (SoC), a baseband processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), a state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described throughout the present disclosure.

[0040] Memory 103-a is a computer-readable medium. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices, other magnetic storage means, combinations of the above types of computer-readable media, or any other medium that can be used to store instructions or data structures in a form of computer-executable code that can be accessed by the processor 103-a of the control module 103.

[0041] The control module 103 can be included in a stand-alone module, such as a smart phone or a computer. The control module 103 can also be a virtual machine located on a cloud network or a server that is not co-located with the user of the kit 101.

[0042] The optical element 102 and the control module 103 can be in the same housing.

[0043] The kit 101 can also include at least one sensor 104 for determining:

[0044] · The behavior of the user,

[0045] · At least one specificity of the region of interest, and / or

[0046] · At least one specificity of the surrounding environment of the region of interest.

[0047] The at least one sensor 104 can be in the same housing as the optical element 102 or the control module 103, or in a different housing.

[0048] The at least one sensor 104 can be selected from:

[0049] · A gaze axis detection module,

[0050] · An inertial measurement unit (IMU), and

[0051] · A light detection module, such as:

[0052] ○ A camera,

[0053] ○ A video luminance meter,

[0054] ○ A photodetector

[0055] ○ An ambient light sensor, and

[0056] ○ A color sensor, such as a micro spectrometer

[0057] A video luminance meter is a device for determining the amount of light received at a given viewing angle.

[0058] The gaze axis detection module can be, for example, an eye tracker. The eye tracker allows the determination of the user's behavior by determining eye fixation, specific eye movements, or eye direction. For example, when a user reads, the eyes will have specific eye movements restricted to the position of the book page. The eye tracker also allows the determination of the location of the region of interest by using the eye direction. Advantageously, two eye trackers can be used to determine the gaze direction of both eyes. In this case, the first eye tracker is associated with the right eye, and the second eye tracker is associated with the left eye. Using two eye trackers allows the determination of eye convergence and then the determination of the distance to the region of interest (in this case the area being observed by the user). If the region of interest is close, the user may be focusing their attention on a book, a smartphone, or a bag. For example, the user can focus their attention on the interior part of a handbag to search for an object located inside the handbag. In some cases, the object may be close, such as the viewfinder of a camera, or when looking through binoculars or a terrestrial telescope. The adjustment of the lens parameters can be different or the same between the two lenses.

[0059] The gaze axis detection module can also be an application implemented on another electronic device.

[0060] The inertial measurement unit is capable of determining specific head movements, head stillness, or head orientation. For example, when a user views a computer screen, their head may have specific head movements restricted to the position of the screen. Similarly, an inclinometer enables the detection of certain head movements. The inertial measurement unit can be used to determine the user's behavior and the location of the region of interest.

[0061] The camera can be placed facing the user's environment (the field of view of the camera at least partially matching the user's field of view). This placement also enables the detection of user head movement by estimating camera movement based on optical flow or structure from motion. This placement also allows for the detection of regions of interest, for example, by detecting objects in the image such as smartphones, books, bags, and computers. In an embodiment, two cameras can also be used, one with low power consumption and one with higher resolution. When the low-consumption camera detects a change in the observed scene, the higher-resolution camera can be turned on to obtain additional data to confirm the situation. These changes may be that the screen (smartphone, computer, etc.) displays a moving image, or the luminosity and / or color change rapidly (the phone screen was originally off and is now on). This will allow, for example, the detection of the presence of a display. The camera can also be used to distinguish regions with strong luminosity relative to the luminosity of the background. Then, by knowing whether the user's eyes or head are oriented towards the region, or by knowing whether the position of the region in the user's field of view corresponds to a normal reading position, the control module 102 can determine the intensity of the light from the region of interest. The camera can be oriented towards the eyes to observe the reflection of the ambient luminosity on the cornea. Then, the intensity of the light from the region of interest and the intensity of the ambient light around the region of interest can be obtained.

[0062] Thus, the camera can be used to simultaneously determine the user's behavior, the localization of the region of interest, the intensity of the light from the region of interest, and the intensity of the ambient light around the region of interest.

[0063] The light detection module can also be used to measure the spectrum or optical frequency. This allows for the detection of an object emitting light. The presence of a screen can be detected due to a change in the optical frequency (e.g., flicker detection). To improve the detection of the change, a module for determining the spectral measurement of light can be used simultaneously. Using the spectral measurement of light allows for less interference from artificial ambient light. A change in the spectrum indicates a change in the nature of the light source, and the frequency will indicate what type of light source the light source might be (e.g., natural or artificial). The spectral information of the light can include the light emitted by the screen, and can also include the light reflected and / or absorbed by a surface (such as the surface of a book). Some surfaces can have spectral characteristics and can be identified due to spectral measurement. Photometric measurement can also be an indicator of the presence of an object in front of the user by the difference in photometric or reflectivity of the object. Advantageously, a sensor with a small field of view would be preferred for such measurement. In this case, instead of or in addition to the photometric sensor, a proximity sensor or a distance sensor can also be used. The distance sensor can be based on, for example, time-of-flight (ToF) measurement, a proximity sensor, or laser interferometry measurement. It can be arranged as a measurement result of single data, one-dimensional data, or two-dimensional data (e.g., a small image). Such distance measurement can be used to detect, for example, the presence of an object closer to the user than the surrounding environment in front of the user. For example, it can be an additional measurement for spectral measurement, or it can be a decisive measurement of the value of a parameter controlling an optical function if the characterization of the spectral features is not sufficient to identify the object.

[0064] Multiple photodetectors can be used, some of which have a wide field of view and some of which have a narrow field of view oriented appropriately. The multiple photodetectors can be, for example, one or two large-field sensors placed on the front part of the frame of an eye-wear. The frame holds the optical element 102. The large-field sensors can be oriented towards the front or side of the user to measure the ambient light intensity. The multiple photodetectors can also include at least two narrow-field sensors, which are placed in the bridge or the rim of the frame and are oriented to measure the light intensity potentially from the near-view direction and the mid-view direction for nearby objects such as a smartphone or a screen. The large field of view is greater than 90°, and the narrow field of view is less than 45°, preferably less than 25°. The multiple photodetectors allow for determining the intensity of the light from the region of interest (using the photodetectors with a narrow field of view) and the intensity of the ambient light around the region of interest (using the photodetectors with a wide field of view). One of the photodetectors with a narrow field of view can be centered on the lower part P2 of the user's field of view. The second photodetector with a narrow field of view can be centered on the upper part P1 of the user's field of view.

[0065] Figure 2The lower part P2 and the upper part P1 are shown. The lower part P2 corresponds to the position of the user's field of view when reading a smartphone or a book, or when looking at the ground or into a bag. The upper part P1 corresponds to the position when looking at an element (such as a screen) placed in front of the user and at a certain distance.

[0066] The photodetector can also be connected to an inertial measurement unit. Based on the measurement results of the inertial measurement unit, the head orientation can be calculated online using, for example, a Kalman filter. Thereafter, a rough illumination map of the environment can be reconstructed by storing the photometric values for the corresponding head orientations when the user is moving their head. This method has been described in the patent application reference EP3650811 (inventors: BOUCHIER Aude, CANO Jean-Paul, COMBIER Jessica, and VANDEPORTAELE Bertrand) filed by the applicant of the present disclosure.

[0067] The photodetector can also be configured to measure the polarization of the received light. This allows for a better determination of the light intensity. Measuring the polarization of the received light can also allow for the detection of the presence of a polarized emissive screen (e.g., an LCD screen). The polarization direction of the light emitted by these polarized emissive screens can be different from the polarization direction of the light reflected on a water surface or a window. It can also be a method for detecting reflections on the screen of a smartphone or other reflective objects. If the lens has an adjustable polarization filter, knowing the polarization of the light from the region of interest will help to adjust the values of the parameters of the polarization filter. For example, the values of the parameters of the polarization filter can be adjusted to reduce the local light intensity while maintaining the background light intensity, or to correctly balance the light intensity of an object compared to one of the backgrounds.

[0068] A color sensor or a micro-spectrometer can indicate which color is the dominant color in the light from the region of interest but not in the ambient light around the region of interest. As previously mentioned, the sensors can be appropriately oriented in the user's field of view. For example, they can be placed in the bridge of the spectacle frame and oriented in the direction corresponding to the user's near vision and / or intermediate vision. If the lens can apply a variable color filter, the dominant color can be reduced for the user, or the contrast can be improved. The variable color filter can be used to provide protection against UV or against blue light sources, and then avoid the deterioration of the user's eyes.

[0069] Figure 3 An embodiment including the optical device 201 is shown. As Figure 3 presented, the optical device 201 includes the optical element 102. Optionally and as Figure 3 presented, the optical device 201 includes the at least one sensor 104, such as a light detection module or a gaze axis detection module.

[0070] The optical device 201 further includes a control module 103. In a variant, if the control module 103 is not included in the optical device 201, the control module 103 is included in an independent module, such as a smart phone, a computer, a system-on-chip (SoC), or a graphics processing unit (GPU). In this case, the communication device may be integrated in the optical device 201 and the control module 103 to allow the control module 103 to control and command the optical device 201. The control module 103 may also be a virtual machine located on a cloud network or a server not collocated with the user of the optical device 201.

[0071] Figure 4 Represents an eye wear EY as an example of the optical device 102. The eye wear EY includes two lenses L1 and L2 and a frame F. The frame F includes two arms or temples A1 and A2 and a front portion F1. The front portion F1 includes a right lens ring R1 and a left lens ring R2 linked together by a nose bridge B. The front portion F1 and the two arms A1 and A2 are linked using two hinges H1 and H2. The hinges H1 and H2 allow the user to fold the arms A1 and A2 along the front portion F1. The lens rings R1 and R2 of the frame F1 are configured to receive and hold the lenses L1 and L2. One or both of the lenses L1 or L2 may be electrochromic lenses, and the transmittance or reflectance thereon may be controlled.

[0072] Figure 5 Represents an augmented reality eye wear ARE as another example of the optical device 201. The augmented reality eye wear ARE also includes two lenses L1 and L2 and a frame F. In a manner similar to the eye wear EY, the lenses L1 and L2 are examples of the optical element 102. The frame F includes two arms or temples A1 and A2 and a front portion F1. The front portion F1 includes a right lens ring R1 and a left lens ring R2 linked together by a nose bridge B. The front portion F1 and the two arms A1 and A2 are linked using two hinges H1 and H2. The hinges H1 and H2 allow the user to fold the arms A1 and A2 along the front portion F1. The lens rings R1 and R2 of the frame F1 are configured to receive and hold the lenses L1 and L2. Additionally, the augmented reality eye wear ARE includes a screen SCR, typically a see-through display or a transparent display. The screen SCR may also be composed of a portion in or on the lens L1 for displaying a virtual image in front of the user's line of sight, and another portion mainly placed in the arms of the frame for projecting an image onto a dedicated portion of the lens L1. In a manner similar to the eye wear EY, one or both of the lenses L1 or L2 may be electrochromic lenses, and the transmittance or reflectance thereon may be controlled. In this case, the parameter of the function is the transmittance level of the electrochromic lens or the reflectance level of the electrochromic lens.

[0073] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The electrochromic lens is a type of optical element 102. When the optical element 102 is an electrochromic lens, the parameters of the function can be the transmittance level of the optical element 102, the reflectance level of the optical element 102, or the parameters of the polarization of the optical element 102.

[0074] The electrochromic lens can change its tint (transmittance ratio and / or color filter). This enables the adjustment of the brightness of the scene for the user by adjusting the transmittance ratio across the entire visible spectrum or at a specific wavelength, to improve contrast or visual comfort. The electrochromic lens can also activate a blue light cut-off filter. Additionally, the electrochromic lens can locally change its tint to adjust the user's perception of all or part of the area of interest. For example, if the area of interest is darker than the surrounding environment, the corresponding part of the lens can be clearer than the rest of the lens, and if the area of interest is clearer than the surrounding environment, the corresponding part of the lens can be darker than the rest of the lens.

[0075] The electrochromic lens can be an adaptive polarizable lens. They can activate a polarization filter and select a polarization angle. This enables the adjustment of the brightness of the scene for the user by reducing the transmittance ratio at a specific degree of polarization, to improve contrast. This can be particularly useful when the ground is reflective (snow, water) or for a screen (e.g., the sun reflects on the screen of a smartphone, or to reduce the screen brightness).

[0076] The electrochromic optical lens can include a plurality of pixels, and the values of the parameters of the function can be independently adjusted on these pixels.

[0077] Each pixel can include liquid crystal or any other electrochromic material (including liquid, gel, solid material). Each pixel has two terminals, and a voltage can be applied to these terminals. The value of the parameter of the function on each pixel is adjusted by adjusting the voltage applied to the terminals of the pixel.

[0078] In an embodiment, a single control module 102 can control all the pixels. In another embodiment, each pixel can also be controlled by a different control module. In another embodiment, a plurality of control modules 102 can control each corresponding part of the pixels.

[0079] The electrochromic optical lens can include a plurality of electrochromic films, and the values of the parameters of the function can be independently adjusted on the plurality of electrochromic films.

[0080] Each electrochromic film is connected to a coil, and the coil forms a terminal, and a voltage can be applied to these terminals. The value of the parameter of the function of each electrochromic film is adjusted by adjusting the voltage applied to the coil.

[0081] InFigure 4 in the eye-wear EY or Figure 5 in the augmented reality eye-wear ARE, the control module 102 can be located in one of the two arms A1 and A2.

[0082] The optical element 102 can also include the screen SCR of the augmented reality eye-wear ARE and electrochromic lenses. In this case, the display luminance or reflection of the active holographic mirror of the screen SCR can be adjusted simultaneously with the transmittance and / or color and / or polarization of the electrochromic lenses to allow comfortable reading of virtual information or suppression of the information in the case where the area of interest is a smart phone, a screen or a book, etc.

[0083] This adjustment of the value of the parameter of the function is implemented based on the following:

[0084] · the value of the parameter of the light from the area of interest that the user views through the optical element 102,

[0085] · the value of the parameter of the ambient light around the area of interest.

[0086] This adjustment is implemented so as to take into account the specificity of the area of interest with respect to the specificity of the surrounding environment of the area of interest.

[0087] When the adjustment is made, the value of the parameter of the light from the area of interest can be processed differently from the value of the parameter of the ambient light.

[0088] The area of interest can be, for example, an object.

[0089] The object can be a medium for recording information in the form of handwritten or images, typically consisting of many pages (made of papyrus, parchment, kraft paper or paper) bound together and protected by a cover. Such a medium can be a book, a magazine or a newspaper.

[0090] The object can also be an electronic device including a screen. The electronic device can be, for example, a smart phone or a computer. The electronic device can include all or part of the control module 103, the at least one sensor 104 (a light detection module, a gaze axis detection module or a light detection module configured to determine the value of the parameter of the ambient light).

[0091] The electronic device and the control module 103 can be linked (advantageously wirelessly) to allow transmission of values between the electronic device and the control module 103.

[0092] Description of the method for adjusting the value of the parameter for the optical element

[0093] To achieve such adjustment, the memory 103-a may store a computer program including instructions that, when executed by the processor 103-b, cause the control module 103 to perform a method for adjusting the values of the parameters of the function of an optical element 102, such as a computer-implemented method. As Figure 6 presented, the method includes:

[0094] · Step 601 of obtaining the value of a parameter of light from an area of interest that a user views through the optical element 102,

[0095] · Step 602 of obtaining the value of a parameter of ambient light around the area of interest,

[0096] · Step 604 of implementing the adjustment of the value of the parameter of the function,

[0097] The adjustment is based on the value of the parameter of light from the area of interest and the value of the parameter of ambient light so as to take into account at least one specificity of the area of interest relative to at least one specificity of the surroundings of the area of interest.

[0098] Figure 6 The method may further include step 603 of obtaining a first area of the optical element 102 through which the user views the area of interest.

[0099] The step 604 of implementing the adjustment may include adjusting at least one of the following:

[0100] · The value of the parameter of the function on the first area of the optical element 102, and

[0101] · The value of the parameter of the function on a second area of the optical element 102.

[0102] In the method, the second area is adjacent to the first area. The adjustment is based on the value of the parameter of light from the area of interest and the value of the parameter of ambient light.

[0103] In the present disclosure, the second area is adjacent to the first area if at least a part of the boundary of the second area is common with the boundary of the first area.

[0104] The second area may be all or a part of the optical element not covered by the first area.

[0105] In an embodiment, Figure 6 the method is a computer-implemented method and the control module 103, more precisely the memory 103-a, may include a computer program having instructions that, when executed by the control module, cause the control module to perform a method for adjusting the values of the parameters of the function of an optical element.

[0106] In an embodiment, the value of the parameter of the function is adjusted only on the first area or only on the second area.

[0107] In an embodiment, the value of a parameter of a function is adjusted differently on a first region and on a second region.

[0108] When the optical element 102 is an electrochromic optical lens including a plurality of pixels, the control module 103 may be configured to:

[0109] · Determine a first pixel included in the first region among the plurality of pixels and / or a second pixel included in the second region among the plurality of pixels,

[0110] · Adjust the value of the parameter of the function on the first pixel and / or adjust the value of the parameter of the function on the second pixel.

[0111] When the optical element 102 is an electrochromic optical lens including a plurality of electrochromic films, the control module 103 may be configured to:

[0112] - Determine a first electrochromic film included in the first region among the plurality of electrochromic films and / or a second electrochromic film included in the second region among the plurality of electrochromic films,

[0113] - Adjust the value of the parameter of the function on the first electrochromic film and / or adjust the value of the parameter of the function on the second electrochromic film.

[0114] Figure 6 The method may further include the step of determining a contrast using the value of a parameter of light from a region of interest and the value of a parameter of ambient light. The adjustment of step 604 is implemented according to the contrast.

[0115] More precisely, the method may include:

[0116] · The step of determining a contrast between the value of a parameter of light from a region of interest and the value of a parameter of ambient light,

[0117] · The step of adjusting the value of the parameter of the function on the first region and / or the value of the parameter of the function on the second region according to the contrast and a contrast threshold.

[0118] Contrast is generally defined as the non - uniformity of brightness or color that enables an object to be distinguishable. For example, contrast can be expressed as a contrast ratio, such as a luminance ratio or a lightness ratio.

[0119] The contrast threshold may be a contrast threshold ratio and may be predetermined. The contrast threshold is generally a positive number. The contrast threshold is predetermined according to the amount of ambient light and the user's individual profile. The contrast threshold is predetermined to achieve the best comfort for the user. The user's individual profile may include predetermined preferences for lightness ratio or spectral composition, sensitivity to light and spectrum, age, height, etc.

[0120] The parameters of the ambient light are selected from:

[0121] · The amount of ambient light,

[0122] · The spectral density of the ambient light,

[0123] · The amount of ambient light in multiple frequency bands, and

[0124] · The polarization distribution of the ambient light,

[0125] The parameters of the light from the region of interest are selected from:

[0126] · The amount of light from the region of interest,

[0127] · The spectral density of the light from the region of interest,

[0128] · The amount of light from the component in multiple frequency bands, and

[0129] · The polarization distribution of the light from the region of interest.

[0130] In other words, in the first use case, the method allows following the contrast between the ambient light and the light from the region of interest, and modifying the transmission levels of the first zone and / or the second zone to allow the user to see a continuously adjusted contrast, thereby allowing visual fatigue to be alleviated. Using the method and kit of the present disclosure, the transmittance levels on the lens can be locally monitored and adjusted to achieve visual comfort / alleviation of visual fatigue by balancing the brightness ratio between the region of interest and the ambient light.

[0131] In an example of this first use case, when the use of the device is detected, first, the target ratio of the background to the screen brightness is determined according to the ambient brightness level; then data is collected, including the brightness and size of the digital device, the viewing distance and angle, the ambient brightness, etc., to determine the target region and the target transmittance. Finally, the active glasses adjust the transmittance level of the target region on the glasses to achieve the target brightness ratio at the user's eye level; the method is repeated at a predetermined time frequency (such as 1 Hz) to achieve continuous monitoring and adjustment. Optionally, some measurements can be made without performing the complete method to check whether the light conditions have changed between two complete implementations of the adjustment method.

[0132] In other words, in those examples, the control module 103 allows adjusting the transmission (or other parameters, such as color or polarization) of the optical element 102. The purpose of this adjustment is to obtain a predetermined ratio between the luminosity of the area of ​​interest (e.g., a screen, a smartphone, keys in a bag, etc.) and the luminosity of the background, which is comfortable for the user. This can be obtained locally or over the entire optical element 102. The transmission level can be managed to optimize vision without exacerbating glare discomfort. The predetermined ratio can also be adapted to optimize vision. The optimization depends on the visual stimulus parameters (generally such as average brightness, or more precisely such as size, color, contrast) and the visual ability.

[0133] The visual ability can be visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, eye diffusion, glare sensitivity, etc. In the calculation module 103, the visual ability can be set to represent the visual ability of a healthy person. The visual ability can be segmented according to the user's age, the user's visual acuity and / or the user's contrast sensitivity. It allows the constraints to be optimized without long parameterization. The visual ability can be completely personalized, such as using contrast sensitivity thresholds for different sizes of user pupils and different brightness levels.

[0134] The general rule for low vision that can be used for non-affected people is contrast and acuity reserve. In daily life, seeing / reading at the threshold limit is very strenuous. Reading performance is optimized when the letter size is 2 to 4 times the visual acuity and 2 to 4 times the contrast threshold. If the light conditions are not recorded using a luminance chart, vision optimization can be used to set the transmission of the lenses so that the brightness / illuminance in the area of ​​interest is at the photopic level (if the cones are working to their full potential).

[0135] Protection against discomfort may depend on the intensity of background light and the brightness contrast in the field or between the background and the region of interest.

[0136] The optimization may depend on the available detectors and the type of lens (fully or partially tuned transmission / polarization / color).

[0137] With fewer constraints on the sensors and eye trackers recording the brightness maps and transmission being locally manageable, the average transmission / polarization can be set for the average brightness of the field of view, and slightly reduced at the location of the glare source (e.g., +0.1*Log10(transmission)) and slightly increased in the direction of attention (e.g., -0.1*Log10(transmission)).

[0138] In a more constrained situation, although transmission / polarization is not locally manageable, transmission / polarization can be adjusted as a compromise between vision and comfort (setting the conditions therebetween or visual preferences or comfort preferences in the algorithm). Transmission levels and temporal variations can be used. If the optimal conditions cannot be achieved immediately, the eye's adaptation to the light level can be used, and the transmission can be slowly increased in order to improve vision without degrading comfort.

[0139] When the parameter of the function is the transmittance level, the transmittance level can be adjusted such that the contrast approaches the threshold ratio. When the contrast is higher than the threshold ratio, the transmittance level of the first zone can be increased (by lightening the first zone of the optical element) and / or the transmittance level of the second zone can be decreased (by darkening the second zone of the optical element). When the contrast is lower than the threshold ratio, the transmittance level of the first zone can be decreased (by darkening the first zone of the optical element) and / or the transmittance level of the second zone can be decreased (by lightening the second zone of the optical element).

[0140] In an embodiment, values of parameters of the ambient light are received from a light detection module. Values of parameters of the light from the region of interest can be obtained from the same light detection module or from another light detection module.

[0141] Figure 6 The method may further include:

[0142] · The step of receiving from an object in the region of interest:

[0143] ○ The distance between the object and the optical element 102,

[0144] ○ The angle between the object and the optical element 102,

[0145] ○ The position of the object relative to the optical element 102, and

[0146] ○ Values of parameters representing the position of the optical element 102 relative to the user's face (e.g., vertex distance and rake angle when the optical element 102 is an electrochromic optical lens)

[0147] · The step of using the distance, angle, and / or position to determine the first zone.

[0148] The rake angle is the angle between the plane formed by the front of the frame and the temple.

[0149] In order to determine the previous parameters, the object may include an infrared sensor or a camera.

[0150] The first zone can also be obtained from the object. In this case, the object can implement an application for determining the first zone.

[0151] The first zone can be determined based on the user's line of sight, which is obtained from a line-of-sight detection module.

[0152] Personalization can be achieved by measuring the preferred brightness ratio of each user under habitual conditions. Transmittance adjustment can also be generalized to the preferred color spectrum of the lens. For example, some users may prefer lenses that are slightly yellowish in bright sunlight, while other users may only prefer gray tones.

[0153] The calculation can further integrate other information, such as individual light sensitivity or individual visual fatigue curves, to personalize the adjustment.

[0154] To accelerate this personalization, habitual postures can be used in habitual use cases to determine the habitual areas to be adjusted under each condition, and then only continuously calculate and adjust the target transmittance level. The target transmittance is also simplified because it is no longer calculated based on the relative positions of the glasses and the device (viewing distance and angle).

[0155] The method can be accelerated in this way because fewer measurements and calculations are required.

[0156] Another way to accelerate is to use the user's habits (including the device, posture, work and entertainment environment, weather, etc.) to predict changes in the target area and target transmittance in order to reduce continuous calculations. For example, use information about the all-day sunlight level on a certain day of the year and weather forecasts to predict the background brightness level; or use information about the user's habit of gradually changing the viewing distance and angle when working or playing for a longer time to predict the target area.

[0157] Figure 7 representation Figure 6 Another embodiment of the method for adjusting the value of the parameter for the function of the optical element 102. In addition to Figure 6 the steps of

[0158] · Step 701, obtaining the user's behavior, and

[0159] · Step 702, comparing the user's behavior with a predetermined behavior.

[0160] When the user's behavior matches the predetermined behavior, the adjustment of step 604 is implemented.

[0161] In other words, in Figure 7 the embodiment of

[0162] In Figure 7Among them, steps 701, 702, and the test are implemented between steps 603 and 604. In other embodiments, steps 701, 702, and the test can be implemented at other times, as long as they are implemented before step 604.

[0163] The at least one sensor 104 (e.g., a light detection module or a gaze axis detection module) can be used to obtain the user's behavior.

[0164] The predefined behavior can be one of the following:

[0165] · Movement of the user's eyes,

[0166] · Movement of the user's head,

[0167] · Activities of the user, such as reading a book or looking at a smartphone, and

[0168] · The gaze axis of the user towards a specific area.

[0169] Figure 7 The method may further include the step of determining the duration for which the user maintains the behavior. When the duration is higher than the duration threshold, the adjustment step 604 is implemented. This allows for better detection of the behavior and more precisely reduces false detections; this is achieved by allowing the verification of the behavior during a predefined duration.

[0170] The duration threshold can be selected based on the duration of the user's previous behavior that was the same as the predefined behavior last time.

[0171] Use Figure 7 In the presented embodiment, two different modes (mode 1 and mode 2) can be used. The values of the parameters of the function are adjusted differently in these two modes. In the first mode (mode 1), this adjustment can be a conventional adjustment without considering at least one specificity of the region of interest with respect to at least one specificity of the surrounding environment of the region of interest. In the second mode (mode 2), the value is adjusted to consider at least one specificity of the region of interest with respect to at least one specificity of the surrounding environment of the region of interest.

[0172] As Figure 8 presented, in order to change from the first mode to the second mode, the user's behavior can be detected. The user's behavior can be, for example, reading a book or looking at a smartphone. The detection of the situation can be achieved by detecting three elements: specific user behavior detection (head or eye movement or stillness), specific object detection (book, smartphone, and computer), and optionally the detection of predefined lighting conditions (dark / bright area detection, dark street, bushes).

[0173] Figure 9 In another way of expressing Figure 7Or Figure 8 The method. Regularly test the conditions that are to be changed between mode 1 and mode 2, and when the condition is met, the control module 103 estimates the values of the parameters of the region of interest and the light from the region of interest as well as the values of the parameters of the ambient light. Thereafter, the control module 103 adjusts the value of the function considering the region of interest and the values of the parameters of the light from the region of interest as well as the values of the parameters of the ambient light. The control module 103 may also consider the user's preferences. If the condition that is to be changed between mode 1 and mode 2 is no longer met, the control module 102 evaluates whether it should start transitioning back to mode 1 or the memory mode 1. If not, it waits for a predetermined time and then tests again whether the condition is met.

[0174] In an embodiment, the behavior may be the user's first behavior, and the predetermined behavior may be the first predetermined behavior. Figure 7 The presented method may further include:

[0175] · The step of obtaining the user's second behavior,

[0176] · The step of comparing the second behavior with the second predetermined behavior.

[0177] When the user's second behavior matches the second predetermined behavior, the method further includes:

[0178] The step of implementing a second adjustment to the value of the parameter of the function on the first region or to the value of the parameter of the function on the second region,

[0179] The second adjustment is based on only one of the value of the parameter of the light from the region of interest and the value of the parameter of the ambient light.

[0180] The second behavior may be, for example, the opposite behavior of the first behavior or the absence of the first behavior. The second behavior may also be selected from:

[0181] · Movement of the user's eyes,

[0182] · Movement of the user's head,

[0183] · Activity of the user,

[0184] · The gaze axis of the user towards a specific region, and

[0185] · Activity, such as reading a book or looking at a smartphone.

[0186] Generally, the second behavior is implemented by the user after the first behavior.

[0187] In a manner similar to the first behavior, in some embodiments, the second behavior must be maintained for a sufficient period of time to change the type of adjustment. In this case, the duration is the first duration, and the duration threshold is the first duration threshold. The method may also include the step of determining a second duration for which the user maintains the second behavior. When the second duration is higher than the second duration threshold, the step of implementing the second adjustment is realized. In a manner similar to the first behavior, this allows for better detection of the second behavior and, more precisely, reduces false detection; this is achieved by allowing the second behavior to be verified during a predetermined duration.

[0188] In other words, ending the first behavior and maintaining the second behavior during a second predetermined time period can effect a transition from mode 2 to mode 1, during which the second adjustment is based on only one of the value of the parameter of the light from the region of interest and the value of the parameter of the ambient light.

[0189] In a manner similar to the first duration threshold, the second duration threshold can be selected based on the duration of the user's last previous behavior that was the same as the second predetermined behavior. It can also depend on the first behavior and the duration of the user's last having the first behavior. This allows for a reduction in the switching latency between the two modes. If the user alternates between mode one and mode two, comfort is increased. For example, if the user is discussing with someone else and reading a book at the same time, he will successively turn his head to look at the book or at the person he is talking to. In other words, this allows for a virtual memory mode. This is shown in Figure 10 as described, when the c2 condition becomes invalid immediately after the first observation or is invalid for a short time t3, the virtual memory mode is activated. When it is activated, it operates in a manner similar to mode one, except that the mode transition changes. According to the same principle, when the c2 condition is valid for a single observation or for a short time t4, a transition from memory mode 1 to mode 2 occurs. The method allows for rapid processing of the transition without latency. After that, when the c2 condition is invalid for a time t2, the device returns from memory mode 1 to mode 1.

[0190] Example of use of kit 101

[0191] Figure 11 Shows a first example of use of kit 101. In Figure 11 the region of interest is the device D held by the user. In Figure 11 the first zone F is shown, across which the user views the device D.

[0192] In a second example, the kit 101 can include an eye wear having two electrochromic lenses and three photodetectors. One photodetector has a wide field of view (about 120 degrees) to measure the global light intensity facing the user, and two photodetectors with small fields of view (about 20 degrees) are oriented in two different directions to view the P1 and P2 parts of the user's field of view, respectively. Preferably, these two different directions correspond to the near vision fixation directions. These three photodetectors can also be replaced by cameras. By comparing the light intensity of the region of interest with the intensity of the ambient light, a bright or dark region in a specific user's fixation direction can be detected. Thus, based on the ratio of these lights, the value of the transmittance of the lens to be adjusted can be determined. If the ratio is below or above a threshold at time t1, the sub-condition "bright / dark region detection" is filled, and the value of the transmittance level is adjusted accordingly. The kit 101 has the advantage of ultra-low power because there is neither a camera nor eye tracking. The kit 101 also has the advantage of allowing the detection of bright and dark regions independently of the user's line of sight direction.

[0193] In a third example, the eye wear can include an eye tracker for user behavior detection. Then, the control module 102 can regularly estimate the user's eye movement (a small range of eye movement limited to a part of the field of view) or fixation direction. When the eye movement corresponds to a focusing action (such as reading locally or looking for / searching for something), or when the fixation direction stays on a restricted part of the field of view for a time t1, the user's behavior is detected. In addition, the control module 102 can detect the light intensity difference between the dark region and the bright region. The eye tracker can also be used to detect the presence of a bright or dark object in the reflection on the cornea in the fixation direction.

[0194] In a fourth example, the eye wear can include a camera. Due to this camera, object detection can be used on the camera image. Then, specific objects such as books, screens, computers, and bags can be detected. By identifying the position of the object in the user's field of view, the probability that the user is looking at the object can be deduced. It can be considered that when the object is located in the P1 or P2 part of the field of view (see Figure 2 ), the probability that the user is looking at the object is higher than when the object is located in the periphery. Additionally, the head movement can be estimated based on the global movement registered on the image. Based on this head movement, specific head movements related to the reading activity can be detected. These last two points (object position and head movement) allow the verification of the sub-condition user behavior detection. The last sub-condition can be verified by comparing the local light of the detected object (or the P1 or P2 part of the field of view) with the global light intensity over the entire field of view. If the light intensity difference (indicated by the ratio between the intensity of the ambient light and the light from the object) is significant and the affected local area is large, the sub-condition is filled.

[0195] Then, it is preferably to introduce a sensor to detect user behavior. For example, to avoid constantly considering the P1 part of the field of view, a variant can be to consider it only when the head is bent down. This can be detected by an IMU. Using an IMU can allow for reduced power consumption.

Claims

1. A control module (103) for adjusting the value of a parameter of the function of an optical element (102), the control module (103) being configured to: - Obtain the value of a parameter of the light from the region of interest that the user views through the optical element (102), - Obtain the value of a parameter of the ambient light around the region of interest, and, - Implement an adjustment of the value of the parameter of the function, The adjustment being based on the value of the parameter of the light from the region of interest and the value of the parameter of the ambient light so as to take into account at least one specificity of the region of interest with respect to at least one specificity of the surroundings of the region of interest.

2. The control module (103) according to claim 1, the control module (103) being further configured to: - Obtain a first region of the optical element through which the user views the region of interest, - Implement an adjustment of at least one of the following: · The value of the parameter of the function on the first region, and · The value of the parameter of the function on a second region of the optical element, The second region being adjacent to the first region.

3. The control module (103) according to claim 1 or 2, When implementing the adjustment, the value of the parameter of the light from the region of interest is processed differently from the value of the parameter of the ambient light.

4. The control module (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the control module (103) being further configured to: - Obtain the behavior of the user, - Compare the behavior of the user with a predetermined behavior, When the behavior of the user matches the predetermined behavior, the control module (103) is configured to implement the adjustment.

5. The control module (103) according to claim 4, the predetermined behavior being selected from: - Movement of the user's eyes - Movement of the user's head, - Activity of the user, and - The line of sight of the user towards a specific region.

6. The control module (103) according to claim 4 or 5, The behavior is a first behavior, The predetermined behavior is a first predetermined behavior, The adjustment is a first adjustment, The control module (103) is further configured to: - Obtain a second behavior of the user, - Compare the second behavior with a second predetermined behavior, When the second behavior of the user matches the second predetermined behavior, the control module (103) is configured to implement a second adjustment of the value of the parameter of the function, The second adjustment being based on only one of the value of the parameter of the light from the region of interest and the value of the parameter of the ambient light.

7. The control module (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the control module (103) being configured to: - Use the value of the parameter of the light from the region of interest and the value of the parameter of the ambient light to determine a first contrast, - Determine when to implement the adjustment by using the first contrast.

8. The control module (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The control module (103) is configured to: - Determine a second contrast using values of parameters of light from the region of interest and values of parameters of the ambient light, The adjustment is implemented according to the second contrast.

9. The control module (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The parameters of the ambient light are selected from: · The amount of the ambient light, · The spectral density of the ambient light, · The amount of the ambient light in a plurality of frequency bands, and · The polarization distribution of the ambient light, And / or the parameters of the light from the region of interest are selected from: · The amount of light from the region of interest, · The spectral density of the light from the region of interest, · The amount of light from the element in a plurality of frequency bands, and · The polarization distribution of the light from the region of interest.

10. The control module (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The parameter of the function is at least one of at least one parameter of the transmittance level of the optical element (102), the reflectance level of the optical element (102), and the polarization of the optical element (102).

11. The control module (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The control module (103) is configured for at least one of the following: · Obtain the value of the parameter of the ambient light from a first light detection module, and · Obtain the value of the parameter of the light from the region of interest from a second light detection module.

12. The control module (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The region of interest includes an object, such as a screen of an electronic device.

13. An optical device (201) adapted to be worn by a user, The optical device (201) includes an optical element (102) and a control module (103) for adjusting the value of a parameter of the function of the optical element (102), The control module (103) is configured to: - Obtain the value of the parameter of the light from the region of interest that the user views through the optical element (102), - Obtain the value of the parameter of the ambient light around the region of interest, and, - Implement an adjustment of the value of the parameter of the function, The adjustment is based on the value of the parameter of the light from the region of interest and the value of the parameter of the ambient light so as to take into account at least one specificity of the region of interest with respect to at least one specificity of the surrounding environment of the region of interest.

14. A computer-implemented method for adjusting the value of a parameter of the function of an optical element (102), The method includes the following steps: - Obtain (601) the value of the parameter of the light from the region of interest that the user views through the optical element (102), - Obtain (602) the value of the parameter of the ambient light around the region of interest, and, - Implement (604) an adjustment of the value of the parameter of the function, The adjustment is based on the value of the parameter of the light from the region of interest and the value of the parameter of the ambient light so as to take into account at least one specificity of the region of interest with respect to at least one specificity of the surrounding environment of the region of interest.

15. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a control module (103), cause the control module (103) to perform a method for adjusting the value of a parameter for adjusting the function of an optical element The method comprises the following steps: - obtaining (601) the value of a parameter of light from a region of interest viewed by a user through the optical element (102), - obtaining (602) the value of a parameter of ambient light around the region of interest, and - implementing (604) an adjustment of the value of the parameter of the function, wherein the adjustment is based on the value of the parameter of light from the region of interest and the value of the parameter of the ambient light so as to take into account at least one specificity of the region of interest relative to at least one specificity of the surroundings of the region of interest.

Images