SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AT LEAST ONE OPHTHALMIC EXAMINATION DEVICE - Patent application
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing eye examination systems face interoperability issues due to the use of different communication protocols and connector types among various devices, leading to the need for separate interconnect boxes for each device model, which is inconvenient and limits the ability to use third-party diagnostic tools.
A control system that includes a control box capable of communicating with multiple eye examination devices using different communication protocols, through the use of hardware keys that convert between the device-specific protocols and the control box protocol, allowing seamless communication and device integration without the need for changing the interconnect box.
Enables automatic eye examinations by ensuring communication between different devices without the need to change the interconnect box when devices with different connector types or protocols are replaced, enhancing flexibility and facilitating the integration of new devices or third-party tools.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of eye examination, and more particularly, of systems for controlling equipment for the performance of eye examinations.
[0002] The present invention relates to a control system for performing eye examinations, more particularly to a control system for at least one eye examination device. The present invention also relates to an eye examination system comprising the control system, and to a control method implemented by the control system. [Background technology]
[0003] The eye test involves several steps, each involving one or more devices, which include: - Optional, but frequent: - an autorefractometer for the objective measurement of ocular characteristics, and - a lensmeter for measuring the optical properties of the patient's spectacle lenses, if they already have some; - A computer containing patient management software; - Systematically, unless examination glasses or manual refractor heads are used: - an automated refractor head to place a lens in front of one or both of the patient's eyes, and a control console for the automated refractor head to drive the placement of the lens; - as well as an eye chart screen or projector to display the tests to be read Includes.
[0004] These devices work complementary, i.e. data provided by one device is often used by another. This is the case, for example, when an autorefractometer provides data that is then used to drive an automated refractor head. Their interoperability is therefore essential for the automated performance of eye examinations.
[0005] Communication between devices, if possible, is generally limited to devices from the same manufacturer, or even from the same manufacturer's series. In fact, each type of eye examination equipment and each model of a type of equipment has its own mode of operation, in particular: - With regard to connectors, there is a wide variety of plug types and manufacturers tend not to adhere to standards and / or practices. A plug normally used for computer screen video could therefore be used to connect to an auto-refractor head; - Several different communication protocols of bus or point-to-point type may be used: RS232, RS485, CanBus, etc.
[0006] Such situations include: - physicians are forced to acquire equipment exclusively from one manufacturer unless they are willing to give up device interoperability; - if a device breaks down and it is not possible to replace it exactly like-for-like, for example because the manufacturer has changed its product range, the need to also replace other devices that are still functioning; the coexistence of various user interfaces, specific to each manufacturer or even each model of device, for which protocols must be adapted and staff must be trained; - the inability to benefit from diagnostic tools, self-diagnosis, or any other third party improvements due to the closed, proprietary design; - Prevent the emergence of competing products that are not available in full range However, it has several disadvantages, including:
[0007] To overcome these drawbacks, it is known to use an interconnection box, which enables communication between different devices connected to it by converting between the different communication protocols used. The interconnection box is then driven through a user device on which a dedicated application is installed to control the devices through the interconnection box. For this purpose, the interconnection box has a dedicated hardware port for each device, e.g. a DE9, DA15 or DVI port, and a protocol management card. However, for the same device, the connector type and the communication protocol used differ between different models. Thus, even if the interconnection box is functional, the interconnection box must be changed as soon as a device is replaced with one having a different connector or a different communication protocol. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0008] Therefore, there is a need to enable interoperability between different devices used during an eye examination without having to change functioning equipment when one device must be replaced. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] The present invention provides a solution to the problems discussed above by enabling the automated performance of eye tests by ensuring communication between different devices used during an eye test without the need to change interconnection boxes when one device is replaced with a device of a different connector type or protocol.
[0010] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a control system for a plurality of eye examination devices, each device configured to communicate according to a first communication protocol specific to the device, the control system comprising: - a control box configured to communicate according to a second communication protocol; - providing, for each device, a respective hardware key configured to be connected to the device and to the control box and to ensure communication between the device and the control box by translating the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol; the control box is configured to include a plurality of hardware ports, each hardware key being connected to the control box via a respective hardware port of the control box; A control box is configured to control each device via a corresponding hardware key, to receive data from each device via a corresponding hardware key, and to process the received data.
[0011] Thanks to the invention, the performance of the eye examination is automatically managed by a control box which, for each step of the eye examination, sends commands to each eye examination device involved in the performance of the step and also collects and processes the data sent by each device during or at the end of this performance in order to prepare commands to be sent to devices performing the following steps or to prepare a final report.
[0012] Each eye examination device is connected to the control box via a hardware key, which means that the control box does not need to be changed as soon as one model of eye examination device is replaced with another model with a different connector type, so changing the hardware key is sufficient.
[0013] In addition, each hardware key ensures communication between the eye examination device and the control box connected to it by managing the communication protocol, which means that the control box does not need to be changed as soon as one model of eye examination device is replaced with another model that uses a different communication protocol.
[0014] In particular, each hardware key provides a conversion between the physical communication protocol (ie the physical layer protocol) of the control box on the one hand and the physical communication protocol of the device to which it is attached on the other hand.
[0015] Meanwhile, the control box translates the software communication protocol (i.e., machine language) of the control instructions it receives from an external user device (e.g., a tablet).
[0016] This makes it possible to obtain a system comprising a box, the box having an input interface for receiving commands for the eye examination device, and a number of outputs for attaching hardware keys for connecting the box to the device. The output of the control box may advantageously be an output with a standard connector, for example a USB type connector, which avoids the need to design a box incorporating connectors specifically adapted to several devices, which may no longer be adapted when the device is changed. Each hardware key may thus comprise a standard port to be attached to the box, and a specific port (according to the device protocol) to be attached to the corresponding device. Thus, each hardware key converts the physical protocol between the box and the device to which it is attached. Such a system therefore allows greater flexibility and also facilitates adaptation, especially when new devices are added or devices are replaced with devices operating according to a different protocol than the previous device.
[0017] In addition to the features just discussed in the previous paragraph, the method according to the invention may have one or more of the following additional features, considered individually or according to any technically possible combination:
[0018] According to one alternative embodiment, each hardware key includes a first hardware port that is adapted to the connector type of the corresponding device.
[0019] According to an alternative embodiment, compatible with the previous alternative, the control box is further configured to receive instructions corresponding to the control of the device.
[0020] Thus, the physician can drive the control box, which prepares and sends commands to the eye examination device according to the received instructions.
[0021] According to a first sub-alternative to the previous alternative embodiment, the control system according to the present invention further comprises a user equipment including a human-computer interface, wherein commands are input via the human-computer interface, and the user equipment is configured to forward the input commands to the control box.
[0022] Thus, the user equipment constitutes a single control panel for all eye testing devices connected to the control box.
[0023] According to a second partial alternative to the previous alternative embodiment, which is compatible with the first partial alternative, the user equipment is connected to the control box via a wireless connection.
[0024] Hence, the control box can be driven remotely, which avoids the need for a physician to be on-site to perform an automatically performed eye test.
[0025] According to a third partial alternative to the previous alternative embodiment, which is compatible with the first and second partial alternatives, the hardware key is further configured to be connected to a control device, said control device being configured to control one of the plurality of devices.
[0026] In one or more embodiments, the received instructions are instructions corresponding to controlling an apparatus controlled by the controlling device, the instructions including an operation mode of the control box selected from a control mode and a monitor mode, and the control box may be configured to: block communication between the apparatus and the controlling device via a corresponding hardware key, control the apparatus via the corresponding hardware key, receive data from the apparatus via the corresponding hardware key, and process the received data when the instructions include the control mode; or unblock communication between the apparatus and the controlling device via the corresponding hardware key when the instructions include the monitor mode.
[0027] Thus, the physician may choose to run the test manually using the control devices of the apparatus which allows the test to be performed without having to disconnect the control box, which is then in monitor mode.
[0028] According to one alternative embodiment, compatible with the previous alternative, the hardware key includes a second hardware port adapted to the connector type of the corresponding control device.
[0029] According to one alternative embodiment compatible with the previous alternative embodiment, the control box is further configured to receive and process data exchanged between the apparatus and the control device via the corresponding hardware key when the command includes a monitoring mode.
[0030] The data exchanged may, for example, be data related to the eye examination (e.g., test results). This information may then be used to control other equipment (e.g., the data may include information related to the evaluation of the refractive error of the eye obtained using an autorefractor, which data may be transmitted to an autorefractor head). Thus, the control box in monitor mode collects data exchanged during manual tests performed using the equipment control device, so that subsequent tests may be performed automatically.
[0031] The exchanged data may also include operational data related to the equipment and / or control devices. For example, these data may include information related to failures or abnormal operation of the equipment and / or control devices. It is thus possible to monitor the health of the different equipment and devices of the system and to plan maintenance interventions or updates if necessary.
[0032] The data exchanged may include other information, for example time stamping information such as the date and time that a command is sent from the control device to the appliance, or data related to the bandwidth on the communication link between the appliance and the control device.
[0033] A second aspect of the invention relates to an eye examination system comprising a control system according to the invention and a plurality of eye examination devices, each device being connected to a respective hardware key of the control system.
[0034] Thus, one aspect of the present invention is an eye examination system comprising: - a plurality of ophthalmic examination devices, each device configured to communicate according to a device-specific first communications protocol; - a control box configured to communicate according to a second communication protocol; - providing, for each device, a respective hardware key configured to be connected to the device and to the control box and to ensure communication between the device and the control box by translating the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol; The present invention relates to a system in which a control box is configured to include a plurality of hardware ports, and each hardware key is connected to the control box via a respective hardware port of the control box.
[0035] According to one alternative embodiment, the control system according to the invention further comprises, for the apparatus, a control device configured to control said apparatus, the control device being connected to a hardware key of the control system to which the corresponding apparatus is connected.
[0036] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for controlling at least one eye examination apparatus implemented by a control system according to the present invention, the method comprising the following steps: - receiving, by a control unit, instructions corresponding to control of the device; - if the first condition is met that the hardware key connected to the device is not connected to the control device, - sending at least one command to the device via a corresponding hardware key by the control box; - receiving a command sent by the hardware key; - converting the received command into a first communication protocol specific to the device by the hardware key; - sending the converted command to the device by means of the hardware key; - receiving, by the hardware key, at least one piece of data transmitted by the device in response to transmitting the translated command; - converting the received data into a second communication protocol of the control box by means of a hardware key; - transmitting the converted data to a control unit by means of the hardware key; - receiving and processing, by a control box, the converted data; - If the first condition is not met, - if a second condition is met that the received command includes a control mode, - blocking, by the control unit, communication between the apparatus and the control device via a corresponding hardware key; - performing a step if a first condition is satisfied; - If the second condition is not met, - unblocking, by the control box, the communication between the apparatus and the control device via the corresponding hardware key; Includes.
[0037] According to one alternative embodiment, the method according to the invention comprises the following steps subsequent to the unblocking step: - receiving at least one data exchanged between the device and a control device by means of the hardware key, - converting the received data into a second communication protocol of the control box by means of a hardware key; - transmitting the converted data to a control box by means of a hardware key; - receiving and processing, by a control unit, the converted data; Further includes:
[0038] The invention and its different applications will be better understood on reading the description that follows and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0039] The figures are set forth to illustrate the purpose of the invention and without limiting it in any way. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an eye examination system according to the present invention, comprising a control system according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the sequence of steps in a method according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Unless otherwise specified, identical elements appearing in different figures have a single reference.
[0042] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a control system for performing eye examinations, and more particularly to a control system for at least one eye examination device.
[0043] The eye examination device may be, for example, an autorefractometer, a lensmeter, an automatic refractor head, or an eye chart screen or projector.
[0044] Each eye examination device uses its own communication protocol, hereafter referred to as the first communication protocol.
[0045] The first communication protocol is, for example, RS232, RS485, or CanBus.
[0046] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a control system 100 according to the present invention.
[0047] The control system 100: - control box 101; - hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 for each eye examination device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 Equipped with.
[0048] Each hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 is configured to be connected to a corresponding device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3. To this end, each hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 includes, for example, a first hardware port 1021-1, 1021-2, 1021-3 that is adapted to the connector type of the corresponding device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3.
[0049] The first hardware ports 1021-1, 1021-2, 1021-3 are, for example, DE9, DA15, or DVI ports.
[0050] 1, the control system 100 includes a first hardware key 102-1 connected to a first eye examination device 201-1, a second hardware key 102-2 connected to a second eye examination device 201-2, and a third hardware key 102-3 connected to a third eye examination device 201-3. The first hardware key 102-1 includes a first hardware port 1021-1, the second hardware key 102-2 includes a first hardware port 1021-2, and the third hardware key 102-3 includes a first hardware port 1021-3.
[0051] Each hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 is also configured to be connected to the control box 101. To this end, each hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 includes, for example, a plug that fits into a hardware port 1010 of the control box 101, and the control box 101 includes one hardware port 1010 for each hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3.
[0052] In FIG. 1, each of the hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 is connected to the control box 101 via a hardware port 1010, and therefore the control box 101 includes three hardware ports 1010.
[0053] All the hardware ports 1010 of the control box 101 are, for example, identical. Each hardware port 1010 of the control box 101 is, for example, a USB port.
[0054] Each hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 is configured to ensure communication between the device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 to which the hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 is connected and the control box 101. To this end, each hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 performs a conversion between a first communication protocol used by the device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 and a second communication protocol used by the control box 101.
[0055] The control box 101 is configured to control each of the devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 via the corresponding hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, i.e. to transmit commands to the devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 via the corresponding hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3.
[0056] The control box 101 is also configured to receive data from each of the devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 via the corresponding hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, and to process the received data.
[0057] Processing the data received by the devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 makes it possible to prepare commands to be sent to other devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 or to prepare a final report containing the results of the eye examination and a recommended prescription.
[0058] The control box 101 may also be configured to receive commands corresponding to the control from the devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3. To this end, the control system 100 includes, for example, a user equipment 103 provided with a human computer interface through which commands may be entered, the user equipment 103 being configured to forward the entered commands to the control box 101.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the user equipment 103 is, for example, a tablet with a touch screen for human-computer interface.
[0060] The user equipment 103 may also be a computer or a smartphone.
[0061] The user equipment 103 is connected to the control box 101 via a wireless connection, such as, for example, a WiFi or Bluetooth connection.
[0062] Alternatively, the user equipment 103 may also be connected to the control box 101 via a wired connection.
[0063] Each hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 may also be configured to be further connected to a control device 202-1, 202-2 dedicated to controlling the device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 to which the hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 is connected. To this end, each hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 includes a second hardware port 1022-1, 1022-2, 1022-3, for example, adapted to the connector type of the corresponding control device 202-1, 202-2.
[0064] For example, when the eye examination apparatus 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 is an automated refractor head, the control device 202-1, 202-2 is, for example, a control console thereof.
[0065] In FIG. 1, the first hardware key 102-1 is further connected to a first control device 202-1, the second hardware key 102-2 is further connected to a second control device 202-2, and the third hardware key 102-3 is not connected to any control device.
[0066] The first hardware key 102-1 includes a second hardware port 1022-1, the second hardware key 102-2 includes a second hardware port 1022-2, and the third hardware key 102-3 includes a second hardware port 1022-3.
[0067] When the hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 are connected to both the devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 and their controlling devices 202-1, 202-2, the instructions corresponding to the control of the devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 include an operation mode of the control box 101 selected from a control mode and a monitor mode.
[0068] When the instructions include a control mode, the control box 101 is configured to block communication between the devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 and the control device 202-1, 202-2 via the hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, to control the devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 via the corresponding hardware keys 1021, 102-2, 102-3, to receive data from the devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 via the corresponding hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, and to process the received data.
[0069] When the instructions include a monitor mode, the control box 101 is configured to unblock communication between the apparatuses 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 and the control devices 202-1, 202-2 via the corresponding hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3.
[0070] When the instructions include a monitoring mode, the control box 101 may also be configured to receive data exchanged between the apparatuses 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 and the control devices 202-1, 202-2 via the corresponding hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, and to process the received exchanged data.
[0071] Processing the exchanged data makes it possible to monitor a process performed by the control devices 202-1, 202-2 so that the control box 101 can subsequently use some of the data from that process to control the apparatus 201-1, 201-2, 201-3.
[0072] A second aspect of the invention relates to an eye examination system 200 comprising a control system 100 according to the invention and at least one eye examination device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3.
[0073] Each eye examination device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 is connected to a hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 of the control system 100.
[0074] The eye examination system 200 may also include at least one apparatus 201-1, 201-2, 201-3, a control device 202-1, 202-2 dedicated to controlling the apparatus 201-1, 201-2, 201-3.
[0075] Each control device 202-1, 202-2 is connected to a hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 of the control system 100 to which the corresponding device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 is connected.
[0076] A third aspect of the invention relates to a control method for performing an eye test, implemented by a control system 100 according to the invention.
[0077] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the sequence of steps of a control method 300 according to the present invention.
[0078] The first step 301 of the control method 300 is for the control box 101 to receive instructions corresponding to the control of the eye examination devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3.
[0079] If the first condition Cl is met, the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth steps are performed.
[0080] The first condition Cl is met if the hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 connected to the apparatuses 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 to be controlled according to the instructions received in the first step 301 are not connected to the control devices 202-1, 202-2.
[0081] The third step 303 of the control method 300 consists in the control box 101 sending at least one command to the device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 to be controlled via the corresponding hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3.
[0082] A fourth step 304 of the control method 300 consists in the hardware keys 102 - 1 , 102 - 2 , 102 - 3 receiving the command sent by the control box 101 in the third step 303 .
[0083] The fifth step 305 of the control method 300 consists in the hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 converting the commands received in the fourth step 304 into a first communication protocol specific to the device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 to be controlled.
[0084] A sixth step 306 of the control method 300 consists in the hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 transmitting the command converted in the fifth step 305 to the device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 to be controlled.
[0085] A seventh step 307 of the control method 300 consists in the hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 receiving at least one data sent by the device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 to be controlled in response to sending the converted command.
[0086] This data relates, for example, to the vision testing steps performed by devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3.
[0087] If the devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 to be controlled are lensmeters, the data are for example the optical properties of the spectacle lenses of a patient on whose behalf the eye examination is being performed.
[0088] An eighth step 308 of the control method 300 consists in the hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 converting the data received in the seventh step 307 into the second communication protocol of the control box 101.
[0089] The ninth step 309 of the control method 300 consists in the hardware keys 102 - 1 , 102 - 2 , 102 - 3 sending the data converted in the eighth step 308 to the control box 101 .
[0090] A tenth step 310 of the control method 300 consists in the control box 101 receiving the converted data sent in the ninth step 309, and processing the received converted data.
[0091] If the first condition Cl is not met, i.e. if the hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 connected to the devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3, 301 to be controlled are connected to the control devices 202-1, 202-2, and if the second condition C2 is met, the second step 302 is performed, followed by the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth steps.
[0092] The second condition C2 is met if the received command includes a control mode.
[0093] A second step 302 of the control method 300 consists in the control box 101 blocking communication between the apparatuses 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 and the control devices 202-1, 202-2 via the corresponding hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3.
[0094] If the second condition C2 is met, ie the command includes a monitoring mode, an eleventh step is performed.
[0095] The eleventh step 311 of the control method 300 consists in the control box 101 unblocking the communication between the apparatuses 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 and the control devices 202-1, 202-2 via the corresponding hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3.
[0096] If the second condition C2 is met, the twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth steps may also be performed following the eleventh step 311.
[0097] A twelfth step 312 of the control method 300 consists in the hardware key 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 receiving at least one data exchanged between the apparatus 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 and the control device 202-1, 202-2.
[0098] A thirteenth step 312 of the control method 300 consists in the hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 converting the data received in the twelfth step 312 into the second communication protocol of the control box 101.
[0099] A fourteenth step 314 of the control method 300 consists in the hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 sending the data converted in the thirteenth step 313 to the control box 101.
[0100] A fifteenth step 315 of the control method 300 consists in the control box receiving the converted data sent in the fourteenth step 314 and processing the received data.
[0101] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the eye examination devices 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 are not connected to the control devices 202-1, 202-2. According to these embodiments, the hardware keys 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 of FIG. 1 each include a plug that is adapted to the hardware port 1010 of the control box 101 (thus enabling a connection between the hardware key and the control box) and a hardware port 1021-1, 1021-2, 1021-3 that is adapted to the connector type of the corresponding device 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 (thus enabling a connection between the hardware key and the corresponding device).
[0102] In those embodiments where the ophthalmic examination apparatus 201-1, 201-2, 201-3 are not connected to the control devices 202-1, 202-2, the control method described above with reference to Figure 2 may be simplified: test C1 may be omitted, and steps 303 to 310 may be performed in response to step 301 receiving instructions corresponding to the control of the ophthalmic examination apparatus 201-1, 201-2, 201-3.
Claims
1. A control system (100) for controlling multiple eye examination devices (201-1, 201-2, 201-3), wherein each device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) is configured to communicate according to a first communication protocol specific to the device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3), and the control system (100) - A control box (101) configured to communicate according to a second communication protocol, - For each device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3), a hardware key (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) is provided, configured to be attached to the device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) and the control box (101), and to ensure communication between the device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) and the control box (101) by converting the first and second communication protocols. Equipped with, The control box (101) is equipped with multiple hardware ports (1010), and each hardware key (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) is configured to be connected to the control box (101) via its respective hardware port (1010). A control system (100) is configured to control each device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) via corresponding hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), to receive data from each device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) via corresponding hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), and to process the received data, with a control box (101) configured to control each device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) via corresponding hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3).
2. The control system (100) according to claim 1, wherein each hardware key (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) includes a first hardware port (1021-1, 1021-2, 1021-3) that is compatible with the connector type of the corresponding device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3).
3. The control system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control box (101) is further configured to receive commands corresponding to the control of devices (201-1, 201-2, 201-3).
4. The control system (100) according to claim 3, further comprising a user device (103) including a human-computer interface, wherein commands are input via the human-computer interface, and the user device (103) is configured to transfer the input commands to a control box (101).
5. The control system (100) according to claim 1, wherein hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) are configured to be further connected to control devices (202-1, 202-2), and the control devices are configured to control one of a plurality of devices (201-1, 201-2, 201-3).
6. The received command is a command corresponding to the control of a device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) controlled by a control device, and the command includes an operating mode of the control box (101) selected from a control mode or a monitoring mode, and the control box (101) is - When the instruction includes a control mode, communication between the device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) and the control device (202-1, 202-2) is blocked via the corresponding hardware key (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), the device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) is controlled via the corresponding hardware key (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), data is received from the device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) via the corresponding hardware key (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), the received data is processed, or - When the command includes monitoring mode, unblock communication between the device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) and the control device (202-1, 202-2) via the corresponding hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). A control system (100) according to claim 5, configured in such a way as described in claim 3.
7. The control system (100) according to claim 5, wherein hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) include second hardware ports (1022-1, 1022-2, 1022-3) that are compatible with the connector type of the corresponding control device (202-1, 202-2).
8. The control system (100) according to claim 6, further configured to receive and process data exchanged between the devices (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) and the control devices (202-1, 202-2) via corresponding hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) when the command includes a monitoring mode.
9. An eye examination system (200) comprising a control system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a plurality of eye examination devices (201-1, 201-2, 201-3), wherein each device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) is connected to a respective hardware key (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) of the control system (100).
10. The eye examination system (200) according to claim 9, further comprising control devices (202-1, 202-2) configured to control the devices (201-1, 201-2, 201-3), wherein the control devices (202-1, 202-2) are connected to hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) of a control system (100) to which the corresponding devices (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) are connected.
11. A method (300) for controlling at least one eye examination device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) implemented by a control system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, - The control box (101) receives a command corresponding to the control of the devices (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) (301), - If the first condition (C1) is met, which is that the hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) connected to the devices (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) are not connected to the control devices (202-1, 202-2), - Step (303) of the control box (101) sending at least one command to the devices (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) to the corresponding hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), - A step (304) of receiving a command sent by a hardware key (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), - A step (305) in which the received command is converted into a first communication protocol specific to the device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) using a hardware key (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). - Step (306) of sending the converted command to the device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) using the hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), - Step (307) of receiving at least one piece of data transmitted by the device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) in response to sending a command converted by a hardware key (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), - A step (308) in which the received data is converted within the second communication protocol of the control box (101) using hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), - A step of sending the converted data to the control box (101, 309) using hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), - A control unit (101) receives and processes the converted data (310). - If the first condition (C1) is not met, - If the second condition (C2) is met, that the received command includes a control mode, - Step (302) of blocking communication between the devices (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) and the control devices (202-1, 202-2) via the corresponding hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) using the control box (101), - A step that performs the steps that are to be performed when the first condition (C1) is met. - If the second condition (C2) is not met, - Step (311) of the control box (101) unblocking communication between the devices (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) and the control devices (202-1, 202-2) via the corresponding hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). Method (300), including the method (300).
12. The following steps are performed following the unblocking step (311): - Step (312) of receiving at least one piece of data exchanged between the device (201-1, 201-2, 201-3) and the control device (202-1, 202-2) by a hardware key (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), - Step (313) of converting the received data within the second communication protocol of the control box (101) using hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), - Step (314) of sending the converted data to the control box (101) using hardware keys (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), - A control box (101) receives and processes the converted data (315). The control method (300) according to claim 11, further comprising: