Vision training device and vision training method

Abstract

A vision training device according to one embodiment of the invention includes: a deviation angle determination unit that determines a deviation angle and deviation direction of a user; a strabismus correction value determination unit that determines at least one corrective prism diopter and a correction direction based on the deviation angle and deviation direction; a vision training unit that determines at least one of the corrective prism diopters as a training range and guides the user's eye movement in the deviation direction and the correction direction; and a refraction angle adjustment unit that changes the refraction angle of light entering the user's eye according to the deviation angle or at least one or more corrective prism diopters included in the training range. Vision training can strengthen weak eye muscles, which are the root cause of strabismus.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vision training device and a vision training method, and more particularly to a vision training device and a vision training method for patients with strabismus or phoria. [Background technology]

[0002] Strabismus refers to a misalignment of the two eyes. Strabismus is when one eye is focused on an object while the other eye is not. Strabismus, also known as latent strabismus, refers to a condition in which the eyes are properly aligned under normal circumstances, but strabismus appears when one eye is obstructed. Hereinafter, "strabismus" will be used to refer to heterophoria (latent strabismus) and strabismus (or heterophoria).

[0003] As shown in Figure 19, strabismus is classified into (a) esotropia, (b) exotropia, (c) hypertropia, and (d) hypotropia depending on the direction of deviation. There is also intermittent exotropia, in which both eyes are normal under normal circumstances, but when the eyes become tired from staring at one point for a long time, one eye rotates outward.

[0004] There are many causes of strabismus, including brain diseases such as brain tumors, metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and high blood pressure, thyroid abnormalities, inflammation of the eye muscles, and trauma around the eyes.In many cases, the cause is unknown, and strabismus can also be congenital.

[0005] Patients with strabismus experience symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, headaches, reduced depth perception, and excessive squinting, which can sometimes lead to amblyopia (lazy eye). 80% of patients with strabismus are children and adolescents.

[0006] Known treatments for strabismus include treatment at vision training centers, however this treatment has drawbacks in terms of cost and time as it requires the patient to attend the vision training center for an extended period of time.

[0007] Another known treatment for strabismus is surgical intervention. However, surgical intervention is only possible for patients with a deviation of 15 prism diopters or more and is not suitable for children and adolescents with a deviation of less than 15 prism diopters. Furthermore, surgical intervention requires general anesthesia, which may pose a risk of side effects for children and adolescents.

[0008] Furthermore, surgical methods for strabismus, regardless of the type of strabismus, are limited as treatment options because they primarily involve two techniques: recession, which lengthens the eye muscles and reattaches them further back, and excision, which cuts and reattaches the eye muscles.Furthermore, surgical methods for strabismus involve weakening the stronger muscles around the eye, resulting in overall weakness of the eye muscles after treatment.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a non-invasive therapeutic intervention for strabismus that can effectively improve symptoms without side effects, even in children and adolescents. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-invasive vision training device and method that can effectively improve strabismus and vision symptoms without surgical intervention or treatment.

[0011] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description that the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, but also include other problems not mentioned above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A vision training device according to one embodiment of the present invention preferably includes a storage unit for storing a deviation angle of a user, and a control unit for guiding a movement of the user's eyes based on the deviation angle.

[0013] Preferably, the control unit includes a strabismus correction value determination unit that determines a strabismus correction value based on the deviation angle, and a vision training unit that sets a training range based on the strabismus correction value and guides the user's eye movement based on the training range.

[0014] Preferably, the memory unit stores information indicating the deviation direction, the strabismus correction value includes a correction direction opposite to the deviation direction and at least one or more correction prism diopters smaller than the deviation angle, and the training range includes at least one or more of the at least one or more correction prism diopters.

[0015] Preferably, the training range includes a section where fusion occurs relatively quickly and a section where fusion occurs relatively slowly.

[0016] A vision training device according to one embodiment of the present invention preferably includes a storage unit that stores information indicating a deviation of a user's eye and at least one or more pieces of correction information for correcting the deviation of the user's eye, and a control unit that guides the user's eye to move in a direction different from the direction of the deviation based on at least one of the at least one or more pieces of correction information.

[0017] Preferably, at least one or more pieces of correction information have different times required for fusion of both eyes.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one or more correction information induces the user to move his or her eyes in a direction opposite to the direction of deviation.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one or more correction information is at least one or more prism diopters.

[0020] Preferably, the at least one or more prism diopters include at least one or more of a prism diopter related to the deviation angle of the user's eye, a minimum prism diopter smaller than the deviation angle to achieve fusion of the user's eye, and a prism diopter smaller than the deviation angle and larger than the minimum prism diopter, or a combination thereof.

[0021] Preferably, the prism diopter less than the deviation angle and greater than the smallest prism diopter is the prism diopter at which diplopia becomes monotropia.

[0022] A vision training method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of measuring a fusion adaptation time for each of a plurality of refraction angles smaller than the deviation angle of the user's eye, determining a training time for changing the refraction angle to the plurality of refraction angles based on the fusion adaptation time, determining at least one or more of the plurality of refraction angles as a training range, and changing the refraction angle to at least one or more refraction angles included in the training range according to the training time to guide the user's eye movement.

[0023] Preferably, at least one or more refraction angles included in the training range include a refraction angle at which diplopia becomes monovision.

[0024] Preferably, at least one or more refractive angles included in the training range include the smallest refractive angle at which both eyes achieve fusion.

[0025] Preferably, at least one or more of the refraction angles included in the training range includes the deviation angle of the user's eye.

[0026] Preferably, the fusional adaptation times required to achieve binocular fusion measured for a plurality of refractive angles are different from one another. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a vision training device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a vision training device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a vision training device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sensor unit for capturing images of an eye condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing a vision training device having a blocking unit. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a prism lens assembly and gear according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the prism lens assembly taken along line A-A' in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of a prism lens according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from an XY plane. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a view of the eye of a user with exotropia and multiple prism lenses as viewed from the XY plane. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a view of the eye of a user with esotropia and multiple prism lenses as viewed from the XY plane. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram of a prism lens according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the YZ plane. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a view of the eye of a user with hypertropia and multiple prism lenses as viewed from the YZ plane. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a view of the eye of a user with hypotropia and multiple prism lenses as viewed from the YZ plane. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram illustrating a vision training device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a vision training device with an augmented reality (AR) function according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a visual acuity training device with virtual reality (VR) functionality according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a vision training method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a deviation direction and a correction direction. [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic diagram showing various types of strabismus. [Figure 20] 1 is a diagram illustrating a visual acuity training method according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 21] 1 is a diagram illustrating a visual acuity training method according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 22] 1 is a diagram illustrating a visual acuity training method according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 23] 1 is a diagram illustrating a visual acuity training method according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 24] 1 is a diagram illustrating a visual acuity training method according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 25] 1 is a diagram illustrating a visual acuity training method according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 26A.B] 1 is a diagram illustrating a visual acuity training method according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 27A.B] 1 is a diagram illustrating a visual acuity training method according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of a visual acuity training device and a visual acuity training method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a vision training device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The vision training device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 151 , a storage unit 152 , a communication unit 153 , a refraction angle adjusting unit 154 , a user input unit 155 , and a deviation angle determining unit 156 .

[0031] The deviation angle determination unit 156 determines the deviation angle and deviation direction of the eyes of a user with strabismus. Here, the "deviation angle" refers to the degree of strabismus, which indicates the amount of deviation of the eyes when looking straight ahead, and is generally expressed as a refractive angle such as prism diopter (PD).

[0032] Here, the "deviation angle" is expressed in a single prism diopter, and also includes a range of deviation amounts centered on a certain prism diopter (hereinafter referred to as the "deviation angle range"). For example, when the "deviation angle" is expressed as 14 prism diopters, it should be understood that 14 prism diopters includes a deviation angle range from 14.4 prism diopters to 13.6 prism diopters. In the present invention, an example in which the deviation angle is expressed in prism diopters (PD) will be described, but the deviation angle according to the present invention is not limited to the example using PD and can also be expressed in other units.

[0033] The deviation direction indicates the direction of eye deviation when looking straight ahead, and can be expressed as an angle as shown in FIG.

[0034] Prism diopter (PD) is a value that indicates the degree to which light is refracted when passing through a prism lens, and is expressed as Δ. One unit of prism diopter (Δ) (1 PD(Δ)) means a refractive deviation of 1 cm at a distance of 100 cm.

[0035] The deviation angle and deviation direction can generally be determined by an ophthalmologist through tests such as a cover test, a modified Thorington test (MTT), a Maddox-Rod test (MRT), and an alternating prism cover test (PCT). However, in the present invention, the deviation angle and deviation direction are determined by the deviation angle determination unit 156. When the ophthalmologist determines the deviation angle and deviation direction, the deviation angle and deviation direction of the user determined by the ophthalmologist can be acquired via the user input unit 155 or the communication unit 152 and stored in the storage unit 152. To determine the deviation angle, the deviation angle determination unit 156 measures the fusional adaptation time at each prism diopter while changing the prism diopter in intervals of a predetermined unit (e.g., 0.5 PD unit or 1 PD unit) and detects the fusional state information of the user's eyes.

[0036] Here, the fusional adaptation time is the time it takes for the user's eyes to fuse at a given prism diopter, and the fusional state information includes at least one or more of the following: a slow fusion (SF) onset point, a separation point, a recovery point, an SF interval, and a fast fusion (FF) interval, or a combination thereof. Because the fusional adaptation time and fusional state information may change over time or as the user's vision improves through vision training, it is desirable to measure or determine the fusional adaptation time and fusional state information periodically (e.g., monthly). The deviation angle determination unit 156 can measure the fusional adaptation time or determine the fusional state information for a corrected eye state, such as when wearing prism glasses.

[0037] In Figure 20, PDA (Prism Diopter Axis) is the axis that indicates prism diopters, and the left side of the axis indicates prism diopters that are larger than the user's deviation angle, while the right side indicates prism diopters that are smaller than the user's deviation angle. That is, PD1 to PD9 indicate prism diopters that are larger than the deviation angle (PD10), while PD11 to PD20 indicate prism diopters that are smaller than the deviation angle.

[0038] The SF section indicates the prism diopter range where fusion is slow because fusion and diplopia occur alternately, and it takes time to achieve final fusion. In Figure 20, this is the range from PD1 to PD5 and the range from just before PD16 to PD20.

[0039] The FF section represents the prism diopter range (deviation angle range) in which fusion occurs early, which is the range from PD5 to PD16 in Figure 20.

[0040] When the prism diopter is changed along the PDA from a value greater than the user's deviation angle toward the deviation angle, the image appears blurred as the deviation angle approaches within the prism diopter range (PD1 to PD5) (SF section). Fusion occurs quickly and the image appears clear within the prism diopter range corresponding to the deviation angle range (PD5 to PD16). Then, as the prism diopter is further changed from the deviation angle toward 0 prism diopter, fusion slows again within the prism diopter range (PD16 to PD20) (SF section). Then, as the prism diopter is further changed toward 0 prism diopter, diplopia occurs at prism diopter (PD20) (separation point), and fusion no longer occurs. Then, as the prism diopter is changed from the separation point toward the deviation angle, diplopia becomes monovision at a specific prism diopter (PD12) (recovery point). The recovery point can appear at any prism diopter within the FF section (PD12 in Figure 20), or at the prism diopter corresponding to the starting point where the FF section enters the SF section near the separation point (PD16 in Figure 20). This is because the recovery point appears depending on the user's visual characteristics.

[0041] Here, the SF onset point refers to the prism diopter (PD1, PD16) at which binocular fusion occurs but takes a relatively long time to achieve. The SF interval is the range in which fusion and diplopia for an object alternate. The ocular separation point refers to the prism diopter (PD20) at which fusion no longer occurs and the object appears as two images. Below the separation point, binocular fusion no longer occurs. The binocular recovery point refers to the prism diopter (PD12) at which diplopia becomes monovision again.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 20, fusion occurs slowly in the SF section and quickly in the FF section. Fusion does not occur below the prism diopter corresponding to the separation point. The fusion adaptation time is shortest at the deviation angle, which means that fusion occurs fastest at the deviation angle. The deviation angle determination unit 156 preferably determines the prism diopter at which fusion occurs fastest in the FF section as the deviation angle.

[0043] The deviation angle determination unit 156 stores the fusion adaptation time measured for each prism diopter in the storage unit 152 and determines the training time for each prism diopter using the fusion adaptation time. The prism diopter range for which the deviation angle determination unit 156 measures the fusion adaptation time is determined according to the user's visual characteristics and may be input via the user input unit 155, or a fixed unit such as 0.5 PD or 1 PD may be used. The deviation angle determination unit 156 preferably measures the fusion adaptation time periodically (e.g., monthly) and determines the fusional state information and the training range, because the training range may change due to improvement in vision through vision training.

[0044] The deviation angle determination unit 156 includes a sensor that can measure or determine at least one or more of the user's deviation angle (or strabismus range), deviation direction, and fusion state information, or a combination thereof, and can determine at least one or more of the deviation angle (or deviation angle range), deviation direction, and fusion state information, or a combination thereof, via the sensor.

[0045] The information of at least one or more of the deviation angle (or deviation angle range), deviation direction, and fusion state information determined by the deviation angle determination unit 156, or a combination thereof, is stored in the storage unit 152.

[0046] The deviation angle determination unit 156 may be configured to include at least one or more cameras that capture the user's eyes and have image analysis processing capabilities that analyze the images captured by the cameras.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the deviation angle determination unit 156 performs image analysis processing on the video captured by the camera, tracks the user's eyes (e.g., subtle changes in the pupil), and determines at least one or more of the deviation angle (or deviation angle range), deviation direction, and fusion state information, or a combination thereof.

[0048] For example, in the SF section, each time the prism diopter changes, the gaze of a user with strabismus moves in a direction different from that intended by the prism diopter change, causing the pupil to tremble, and after a certain time the pupil adapts and the trembling stops. When the prism diopter changes again, the trembling occurs again, and after a certain time the pupil adapts and the trembling stops. In the FF section, the gaze, i.e., the pupil, moves in the direction intended by the prism diopter change without trembling. After passing through the SF section, when the prism diopter changes to the separation point, the user's gaze no longer follows the direction intended by the prism diopter change, and the user's gaze returns to the original deviation direction. As the prism diopter continuously changes from the separation point toward the deviation angle (i.e., as the prism diopter increases), the user's gaze direction remains fixed from the deviation direction until a certain prism diopter is reached. However, the user's gaze direction begins to change toward the gaze direction intended by the prism diopter, and this prism diopter can be detected as the recovery point. As the prism diopter changes from the recovery point toward the deviation angle, the user's gaze moves toward the intended direction due to the change in prism diopter, and the pupil moves. In this way, image analysis processing is performed on the video captured by the camera to track the user's eyes (e.g., subtle changes in the pupil) and determine at least one or more of the deviation angle (or deviation angle range), deviation direction, and fusion state information, or a combination thereof.

[0049] Here, the "line of sight" or "line of sight direction" of the eye can be defined as an imaginary line formed by light that enters the cornea and lens of the eye and reaches the fovea centralis of the retina.

[0050] As described above, the deviation angle determination unit 156 performs image analysis processing on video captured by, for example, a camera, to detect at least one or more of the deviation angle (or deviation angle range), deviation direction, and fusion state information of the user's eyes, or a combination thereof, to determine the range in which the user's left eye, right eye, or both eyes can move (hereinafter referred to as the "eye movement range"), and stores the eye movement range in the memory unit 152.

[0051] For example, a vision training range suitable for the user's eyes can be set using the eye movement range stored in the memory unit 152. In particular, for infant users, the muscles around the eyes may be underdeveloped, so it is preferable to perform vision training after detecting the maximum range in which the eyes can move.

[0052] The eye movement range preferably includes prism diopters (PD5-PD19) from the prism diopter (PD5) corresponding to the start point of the FF interval to the prism diopter (PD19) corresponding to the final fusion point that results in the final fusion state immediately before the separation point (PD20) where diplopia appears (hereinafter referred to as the "final fusion prism diopter"). More preferably, the eye movement range includes prism diopters (PD10-PD19) from the prism diopter (PD10) corresponding to the deviation angle to the final fusion prism diopter (PD19). Here, the eye movement range does not necessarily coincide with the training range described below. Preferably, the training range described below is within the eye movement range or is the same as the eye movement range.

[0053] The control unit 151 includes a strabismus correction value determination unit 151A and a vision training unit 151B.

[0054] The strabismus correction value determination unit 151A determines a strabismus correction value to be used for performing vision training to improve the user's strabismus based on the user's deviation angle and deviation direction determined by the deviation angle determination unit 156 or an ophthalmologist, and stores the determined strabismus correction value in the storage unit 152. Here, the strabismus correction value is correction information used to move the user's eyeball in the direction opposite to the determined deviation angle to improve the user's strabismus, and may include a correction direction and a correction prism diopter (or a correction refraction angle). The correction direction refers to a direction different from the deviation direction, preferably a direction directly opposite to the deviation direction. The correction prism diopter includes at least one or more prism diopters for moving the eye in a desired direction.

[0055] For example, if the user's eye is deviated by 16 PD (Δ) in a deviation direction of 30° with a deviation angle (PD10), the prism diopter corresponding to the separation point (PD20) is 11 PD, and the final fusion prism diopter (PD19) is 11.5 PD, the deviation angle correction value includes a correction direction indicating 210° (see FIG. 18) and at least one or more of the correction prism diopters PD11 (15.5 PD), PD12 (15 PD), PD13 (14.5 PD), PD14 (14 PD), PD15 (13.5 PD), PD16 (13 PD), PD17 (12.5 PD), PD18 (12 PD), and PD19 (11.5 PD), or a combination thereof. When the user's eyes are corrected by wearing prism glasses, the deviation angle (PD10) is 0 PD, the prism diopter corresponding to the separation point (PD20) is -5 PD, and the final fusion prism diopter (PD19) is -4.5 PD. The deviation angle correction value includes a correction direction indicating 210° (see Figure 18) and at least one or more of the following correction prism diopters: 0.5 PD, -1.0 PD, -1.5 PD, -2.0 PD, -2.5 PD, -3.0 PD, -3.5 PD, -4.0 PD, and -4.5 PD, or a combination thereof. Here, the negative sign (-) of PD indicates a correction direction opposite to the user's deviation direction. Figure 18 is a diagram explaining the deviation direction. As explained above, the deviation direction can be expressed as an angle.

[0056] The strabismus correction value determination unit 151A preferably determines at least one or more prism diopters within the eye movement range as the correction prism diopters.

[0057] The strabismus correction value determination unit 151A stores information on the determined correction direction and correction prism diopter in the storage unit 152.

[0058] The storage unit 152 includes user information such as the user's name, age, and gender, as well as at least one or more of the user's deviation angle information, deviation direction information, fusion state information, and strabismus correction value information, or a combination thereof.

[0059] The storage unit 152 also stores vision training information for each user. The vision training information includes information such as the training range, training time, vision training history, and training speed determined based on the fusion adaptation time measured for each user at multiple corrective prism diopters. The training speed is the speed at which the prism diopter is changed to each corrective prism diopter included in the training range, or the maintenance time for which the prism diopter is maintained at the corrective prism diopter. The training speed is preferably determined based on the fusion adaptation time measured at each of multiple corrective prism diopters, and is preferably proportional to or the same as the fusion adaptation time, for example.

[0060] The storage unit 152 may include at least one or more of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk (SSD) type, a silicon disk drive (SDD) type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk, or a combination thereof.

[0061] The vision training unit 151B performs vision training to improve strabismus based on at least one or more of the user information, deviation angle information, deviation direction information, fusion state information, strabismus correction value, and vision training information stored in the memory unit, or a combination thereof.

[0062] The vision training unit 151B determines the training range by determining at least one or more correction prism diopters to be included in the training range from among the correction prism diopters based on the deviation angle information, the fusion state information, and the strabismus correction value. For example, the training range is determined based on the deviation angle (or strabismus range), separation point, and recovery point determined by the deviation angle determination unit 156.

[0063] The training range preferably includes at least one or more prism diopters within the eye movement range. For example, the training range may include at least one or more correction prism diopters within the range from the deviation angle to the final fusion point, or at least one or more correction prism diopters within the range from the recovery point to the final fusion point. Furthermore, the training range may include at least one or more correction prism diopters within the range from the SF start point to the final fusion point.

[0064] Instead of using the fusion adaptation time for each prism diopter measured by the deviation angle determination unit 156, the vision training unit 151B may newly select at least one or more prism diopters from the prism diopter range within the eye movement range as a new unit, measure the fusion adaptation time for each selected prism diopter, and the strabismus correction value determination unit 151A may determine the selected at least one or more prism diopters as correction prism diopters and set the correction prism diopters as the training range.

[0065] The vision training unit 151B performs vision training while moving the user's eyes by changing the prism diopters at a speed corresponding to the fusion adaptation time of each prism diopter measured by the deviation angle determination unit 156, based on at least one or more correction prism diopters determined by the strabismus correction value determination unit 151A and included in the training range, and the correction direction.

[0066] For example, referring to FIG. 20, when the section from the recovery point (PD12) to the final fusion point (PD19) is determined as the training range, vision training unit 151B changes the prism diopter based on the training speed or maintenance time determined for each prism diopter in accordance with the fusion adaptation time measured at each prism diopter PD12 to PD19. When sequentially changing the prism diopter from PD12 to PD19, the prism diopter decreases at a relatively fast training speed from PD12 to PD16 and decreases at a relatively slow training speed from PD17 to PD19. When changing the prism diopter from PD19 to PD12, the prism diopter increases at a relatively slow training speed from PD19 to PD16 and increases at a relatively fast training speed from PD15 to PD12. As the operation of changing the prism diopter is repeated, the user's line of sight moves in the direction of deviation and then the direction of correction within the range of eye movement, thereby strengthening the weakened muscles that cause strabismus and providing training that can fundamentally correct strabismus.

[0067] Referring to Figure 21, in the case of exotropia, when the prism diopter is changed from PD12 to PD19, the gaze of the eye moves toward the center (the direction of correction) as shown in Figure 21(a), and when the prism diopter is changed from PD19 to PD12, the gaze of the eye moves toward the deviation as shown in Figure 21(b). By moving the eye back and forth in this way in the deviation direction and the correction direction, it is possible to train the weakened muscles that cause strabismus, thereby improving the amount of eye deviation. Here, "the gaze of the eye is at the center of the eye" refers to the gaze direction of a normal person without strabismus looking straight ahead.

[0068] Referring to Figure 22, in the case of esotropia, when the prism diopter is changed from PD12 to PD19, the line of sight of the eye moves toward the center as shown in Figure 22(a), and when the prism diopter is changed from PD19 to PD12, the line of sight of the eye moves in the deviation direction as shown in Figure 22(b). By moving the eye back and forth in this way in the deviation direction and the correction direction, it is possible to train the weak muscles that cause strabismus, thereby improving the amount of eye deviation.

[0069] For hypertropia and hypotropia, vision training is carried out in the same manner as for esotropia and exotropia described above.

[0070] Referring to Figure 23, even in the case of a specific deviation direction, when the prism diopter is changed sequentially from PD12 to PD19, the line of sight of the eye moves toward the center as shown in Figure 23(a), and when the prism diopter is changed sequentially from PD19 to PD12, the line of sight of the eye moves in the deviation direction as shown in Figure 23(b). By moving the eye back and forth in this way in the deviation direction and the correction direction, it is possible to train the weakened muscles that cause strabismus, thereby improving the amount of eye deviation.

[0071] The refraction angle adjustment unit 154 is configured to adjust the refraction angle of light incident on the user's eye, and to adjust the refraction angle of light incident on the user's eye based on at least one or more of deviation angle information, deviation direction information, fusion state information, and vision training information, or a combination thereof, determined by the deviation angle determination unit 156 or an ophthalmologist.

[0072] The refraction angle adjusting unit 154 may include, for example, at least one or more prisms, at least one or more micromirrors, a liquid lens, at least one or more image processors, or a combination thereof, and a driving unit that drives them to adjust the refraction angle. When the refraction angle adjusting unit 154 is configured with at least one or more image processing devices, an external image is captured by a camera, and the refraction angle adjusting unit 154 can adjust the angle at which the captured external image is projected onto the user's eye based on at least one or more of deviation angle information, deviation direction information, fusion state information, and vision training information, or a combination thereof.

[0073] However, the configuration of the refraction angle adjustment unit 154 according to one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the configuration described above, and the refraction angle adjustment unit 154 may adopt any configuration or element as long as it can change or adjust the refraction angle of light entering the user's eye.

[0074] For vision training, the refraction angle adjustment unit 154 retrieves training information from the storage unit 152 and changes or adjusts the refraction angle of light entering the user's eye, for example by changing the prism diopter according to the corrective prism diopter, training time, or training speed included in the training information, thereby guiding the user's eye movement.

[0075] The user input unit 155 has a function of receiving information from a user. When information is input via the user input unit 155, the control unit 151 can control the operation of the visual acuity training device 100 based on the input information. The user input unit may include at least one or more hardware physical keys (hereinafter referred to as "hard keys") or software touch keys (hereinafter referred to as "soft keys"), or a combination thereof. Hard keys may include, for example, buttons, dome switches, jog wheels, or jog switches located on at least one of the front, back, and side surfaces of the visual acuity training device 100. Touch keys may include, for example, at least one or more virtual keys or visual keys displayed on a touchscreen display unit by software processing, or touch keys located on a portion other than the touchscreen, or a combination thereof. Virtual keys or visual keys may have various forms and may be displayed on the touchscreen as, for example, graphics, text, icons, videos, or a combination thereof.

[0076] Furthermore, a user can input commands for performing specific operations via the user input unit 155. These commands can also be input via wired or wireless communication between a user terminal, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or PC, and the visual acuity training device 100. For example, the user can input commands such as powering on the visual acuity training device 100, powering off the visual acuity training device 100, starting visual acuity training, ending visual acuity training, searching for or selecting a visual acuity training mode, or adjusting the visual acuity angle via the refraction angle adjustment unit 154.

[0077] The communication unit 152 can communicate with the outside of the vision training device 100 via wired or wireless communication.

[0078] Hereinafter, a specific configuration example of a visual acuity training device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a visual acuity training device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 2, the visual acuity training device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is realized as an integrated device. However, the visual acuity training device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such an integrated device. It should be understood that components that can be separated into different devices that perform the same role or operation are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, even if the refraction angle adjustment unit 154 is realized as a separate configuration from the main body of the visual acuity training device 100, this configuration should also be understood to be within the scope of the present invention as long as it is capable of performing visual acuity training according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 2, a vision training device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first housing 111, a second housing 112, a third housing 113, and a mounting portion 114 as components that constitute the exterior of the present invention.

[0081] The first housing 111, the second housing 112, and the third housing 113 serve to protect the main body 120, which will be described later, from the outside.

[0082] The first housing 111 has at least one or more holes of a predetermined size at positions corresponding to at least one or more eyepiece holes 121a, 121b described below, thereby allowing light from the outside or the screen to enter the user's eyes through the eyepiece holes 121a, 121b.

[0083] The second housing 112 may have holes of a predetermined size at positions corresponding to the adjustment levers 122a and 122b, which will be described later.

[0084] The third housing 113 has a portion that fits snugly around the user's eyes, and the portion that fits snugly around the user's eyes is made of a soft, elastic material such as sponge, so that the user does not feel uncomfortable when wearing the vision training device 100.

[0085] The mounting unit 114 can be worn, for example, in close contact with the forehead and head of the user, thereby preventing the vision training device 100 from coming off the user's body. The mounting unit 114 can be connected to the second housing 112 or the third housing 113 via a connection such as a hinge.

[0086] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the main body 120 of the vision training device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0087] The main body 120 may include at least one or more eyepiece holes 121a, 121b, at least one or more adjustment levers 122a, 122b, at least one or more prism assemblies 130a, 130b, first motors 141a, 141b, 141c, 141d of a drive unit 140, printed circuit boards 150a, 150b, and a user input unit 155 (see FIG. 1).

[0088] 3, the refraction angle adjusting unit 154 shown in FIG. 1 is realized by the prism assemblies 130a and 130b, each of which includes two prism lenses and a driving unit 140. However, the refraction angle adjusting unit 154 of the present invention is not limited to a configuration including the prism assemblies 130a and 130b, and each of which has two prism lenses and a driving unit 140. For example, instead of the prism assemblies 130a and 130b (each of which has two prism lenses), a configuration including at least one or more prism lenses, three or more prism lenses, at least one or more micromirrors, at least one or more image processors, or at least one or more liquid lenses is also within the scope of the present invention. The refraction angle adjusting unit 154 of the present invention may have any configuration or elements as long as it can change the refraction angle of light incident on the user's eye.

[0089] The main body 120 may include at least one or more eyepiece holes 121a, 121b formed at positions corresponding to the user's eyes. The left eyepiece hole 121a is formed at a position corresponding to the user's left eye. The right eyepiece hole 121b is formed at a position corresponding to the user's right eye. Light from the outside or a screen can enter the user's eyes through the left eyepiece hole 121a or the right eyepiece hole 121b.

[0090] The main body 120 may also include a left adjustment lever 122a and a right adjustment lever 122b, which allow a user to adjust the distance between the prism lens assemblies 130a and 130b to match the distance between the user's eyes.

[0091] The main body 120 may include at least one of a left prism lens assembly 130a and a right prism lens assembly 130b, which will be described later. The left prism lens assembly 130a and the right prism lens assembly 130b may each be configured with at least one or more prism lenses. Although one embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on an example in which the prism assemblies 130a and 130b each include two prism lenses, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0092] The first motors 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d of the drive unit 140 are configured to rotate the multiple prism lenses 131a, 131b, 132a, and 132b to adjust or change the refraction angle of light incident on the prism lenses. For example, the first motor 141a rotates the first left prism lens 131a, the first motor 141b rotates the second left prism lens 132a, the first motor 141c rotates the first right prism lens 131b, and the first motor 141d rotates the second right prism lens 132b. A single first motor may be connected to transmit power to the multiple prism lenses.

[0093] The vision training device 100 may include at least one or more printed circuit boards 150a and 150b having one chip or multiple chips mounted thereon to perform the operations of the control unit 151, the memory unit 152, the communication unit 153, the refraction angle adjustment unit 154, and the user input unit 155. The printed circuit board 150a may be provided on the left side of the main body 120, and the printed circuit board 150b may be provided on the right side of the main body 120.

[0094] The control unit 151 controls the drive unit 140. The control unit 151 can control the drive unit 140 to rotate at least one of the multiple prism lenses 131a, 131b, 132a, and 132b of the refraction angle adjustment unit 154. By rotating at least one of the multiple prism lenses 131a, 131b, 132a, and 132b, the refraction angle of incident light can be changed or adjusted to match the gaze direction of the user's left eye, right eye, or both eyes. The control unit 151 can also control the drive unit 140 to rotate at least one of the multiple prism lenses 131a, 131b, 132a, and 132b to change the refraction angle of incident light in accordance with vision training information.

[0095] The control unit 151 acquires the user's vision training information stored in the memory unit 152, and controls the drive unit according to the acquired user's vision training information to rotate at least one of the multiple prism lenses.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 5, the body 120 may further include at least one or more blocking units 160 .

[0097] The blocking unit 160 may be disposed in front of the left eyepiece hole 121a or the right eyepiece hole 121b (in the +y direction). The blocking unit 160 may be provided in both the left eyepiece hole 121a and the right eyepiece hole 121b.

[0098] The driving unit 140 may further include a second motor 142 for driving the blocking unit 160 to open and close. The control unit 151 can control the second motor 142 so that the blocking unit 160 blocks light entering the user's eye through at least one of the left eyepiece hole 121 a and the right eyepiece hole 121 b.

[0099] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a prism lens assembly 130a and gears 143a and 143b according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the prism lens assembly 130a taken along line A-A' in FIG.

[0100] Prism lens assembly 130a is positioned relative to the left eye, and prism lens assembly 130b is positioned relative to the right eye. As shown in Figure 6, first left prism lens 131a is positioned farther from the user's eye than second right prism lens 132a. Similarly, first left prism lens 131b is positioned farther from the user's eye than second right prism lens 132b.

[0101] The first prism lens 131a is supported by a first prism lens support 133a, and the second prism lens 132a is supported by a second prism lens support 134a. Referring to FIG. 6, the first prism lens support 133a has a screw thread that meshes with a rotary gear 143a, and the second prism lens support 134a has a screw thread that meshes with a rotary gear 143b. For example, the driving force of the first motor 141a is transmitted to the first prism lens support 133a via the gear 143a, so that the first prism lens 131a can rotate independently of the second prism lens 132a. Similarly, the multiple prism lenses 131a, 131b, 132a, and 132b can also rotate independently.

[0102] The multiple prism lenses 131a, 131b, 132a, and 132b can rotate counterclockwise or clockwise around the rotation axis (Y). For example, the multiple prism lenses 131a, 131b, 132a, and 132b can rotate 360 degrees counterclockwise or 360 degrees clockwise.

[0103] Each of the multiple prism lenses 131a, 131b, 132a, and 132b may have a circular cross section with a diameter (Φ). The first prism lens 131a may have a maximum thickness (w1) and a minimum thickness (w2) in the Y-axis direction, and the second prism lens 132a may have a maximum thickness (w3) and a minimum thickness (w4) in the Y-axis direction. The first prism lens 131a and the second prism lens 132a may be prism lenses with the same specifications, having the same diameter, maximum thickness, minimum thickness, and refractive deviation angle. In the embodiment of the present invention, the prism lens cross section has been described as being circular, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this example and may also be applicable to prism lenses with a triangular or rectangular cross section.

[0104] The diameter (Φ) of the circular cross section of prism lens 131a or 132a can be, for example, 25 mm to 30 mm. The minimum thickness w2 or w4 of prism lens 131a or 132a is the thickness necessary to fix the lens, and is preferably 2 mm or less. The maximum thickness w1 or w3 of prism lens 131a or 132a is preferably 2.3 mm or less.

[0105] External light passes through the first prism lens 131a and the second prism lens 132a and enters the user's eye. More specifically, as the light passes through the first and second prism surfaces of the first prism lens 131a in sequence, it is refracted according to the refractive indexes of the first and second prism surfaces of the first prism lens 131a. Then, as the light passes through the third and fourth prism surfaces of the second prism lens 132a in sequence, it is refracted again according to the refractive indexes of the third and fourth prism surfaces of the second prism lens 132a. The distance "d" between the first prism lens 131a and the second prism lens 132a is defined as the distance between the second and third prism surfaces. It is preferable to design the distance "d" as narrow as possible as long as the first prism lens 131a and the second prism lens 132a do not interfere with each other during rotation. The first prism surface is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the second prism surface, and the fourth prism surface is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the third prism surface.

[0106] Prism lenses 131a, 132a, 131b, and 132b each have, for example, a prism diopter of 10Δ. When a first prism lens 131a having a prism diopter of 10Δ and a second prism lens 132a having a prism diopter of 10Δ are arranged as shown in Figure 8(a) or 8(b), a first prism lens assembly 130a having prism lenses 131a and 132a can have a maximum prism diopter of 20Δ. As shown in Figure 8(c) or 8(d), when the bases of the first prism lens 131a and the second prism lens 132a are arranged diametrically opposite each other, i.e., when the first prism lens assembly 130a is not rotated and the second prism lens 132a is rotated 180 degrees around the rotation axis (Y) from the state of Figure 8(a) or 8(b), light passing through the first prism lens assembly 130a is not refracted as a result. In this case, the prism diopter of the first prism lens assembly 130a is 0Δ, which is defined as the first prism lens assembly 130a being in a neutral state.

[0107] 8(a) to 8(d) are schematic diagrams of the prism lens as viewed from the XY plane. For convenience of explanation, a method for defining the position of the prism lens based on the first prism lens 131a and the second prism lens 132a will be described.

[0108] The positions of the prism lenses can be represented by arranging the direction in which the thickest portion (base) of the first prism lens 131a faces in a one-to-one correspondence with the direction in which the thickest portion (base) of the second prism lens 132a faces. For example, the position of the prism lens in FIG. 8(a) is represented as (+x, +x), the position of the prism lens in FIG. 8(b) is represented as (-x, -x), the position of the prism lens in FIG. 8(c) is represented as (+x, -x), and the position of the prism lens in FIG. 8(d) is represented as (-x, +x). As shown in FIGS. 8(c) and 8(d), when the incident light and refracted light passing through the prism lens assembly 130a are parallel to each other, the prism lens assembly 130a is in a neutral state.

[0109] As described above, each of prism lenses 131a and 132a can freely rotate within a range of 360 degrees. For example, each of prism lenses 131a and 132a can rotate relative to the reference axis by 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, 315 degrees, 360 degrees, or any angle between these angles. Therefore, it can be seen that there are countless positional relationships between the prism lenses in addition to the positional relationships shown in FIG. 8 .

[0110] 9(a) and 9(b) are views of a user's eye and prism lenses 131a, 132a in an uncorrected state with exotropia, as viewed from the XY plane.

[0111] Figure 9(a) shows a state in which the user's eye gaze direction is directed outward at a certain angle (exotropia). Figure 9(a) also shows that the direction of light passing through prism lenses 131b and 132b is not parallel to the eye gaze direction. Therefore, in the case of Figure 9(a), it is difficult to accurately form an image on the retina of the right eye, making it difficult to guide the user's vision training.

[0112] FIG. 9(b) shows a state in which the direction of light passing through prism lenses 131b and 132b is parallel to the line of sight of the eye. Unlike the case of FIG. 9(a), in FIG. 9(b), the prism diopters provided by prism lenses 131b and 132b are adjusted to match the user's deviation angle or strabismus range, accurately focusing an image on the retina. With an image accurately focused on the retina, the multiple prism lenses can be independently and freely controlled to rotate to provide at least one or more desired prism diopters. This can guide eye movement within the user's eye movement range, as in FIGS. 21 to 23, which will be described later, thereby guiding the user's vision training.

[0113] In order to control the multiple prism lenses to be freely rotated independently to provide at least one or more desired prism diopters while accurately focusing an image on the retina, only one of the two prism lenses may be rotated to provide the desired prism diopter, both prism lenses may be rotated symmetrically or asymmetrically (by different rotation amounts) in opposite directions to provide the desired prism diopter, or both prism lenses may be rotated in the same direction to provide the desired prism diopter.

[0114] This vision training can be performed by the user with their eyes unaided (uncorrected) or corrected using separate prism glasses or spectacle lenses.

[0115] 9(b) shows a case where both prism assemblies 130a and 130b are in base-in (BI) mode. Here, prism assembly 130b being in BI mode means that first prism lens 131b and second prism lens 132b are positioned so that their bases are both positioned inward toward the user's eye, as shown in FIG. 8(b). That is, left prism lens assembly 130a is in the (-x, -x) state, and right prism lens assembly 130b is in the (+x, +x) state.

[0116] To change the prism assembly 130b of FIG. 9(a) from the neutral state to the BI mode of FIG. 9(b), the second prism lens 132b is rotated 180 degrees.

[0117] Specifically, by rotating the second right prism lens 132b clockwise in the +Y direction around the rotation axis (Y) of the second right prism lens 132b, the prism assembly 130b in Fig. 9(a) can be transitioned from the neutral state to the BI mode in Fig. 9(b). In other words, the second prism lens 132b can be rotated so that the part with the smallest thickness passes above the user's eye.

[0118] As described above, the prism assembly 130b in FIG. 9(a) can transition from the neutral state to the BI mode in FIG. 9(b), but it can also transition from any neutral state to the BI mode in FIG. 9(b). Specifically, to control the left prism assembly 130a to transition from the neutral state to the BI mode as shown in FIG. 12(a), the first left prism lens 131a can be controlled to rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the line of sight, and the second left prism lens 132a can be controlled to rotate 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the line of sight. Because the first left prism lens 131a and the second left prism lens 132a rotate in opposite directions, the vertical refraction of the entire left prism assembly 130a is canceled out.

[0119] 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams showing the eye of a user with esotropia and a plurality of prism lenses viewed on the XY plane.

[0120] 10(a) and 10(b) both show a state in which the user's eye gaze direction is turned inward at a predetermined angle (esotropia). Fig. 10(a) shows a state in which the direction of light passing through prism lenses 131a and 132a is not parallel to the eye gaze direction, while Fig. 10(b) shows a state in which the direction of light passing through prism lenses 131a and 132a is parallel to the eye gaze direction.

[0121] For the same reasons as described above, in the case of Fig. 10(b), the prism diopters provided by the prism lenses 131a and 132a are adjusted to match the user's deviation angle or strabismus range, and an image is accurately formed on the retina. With an image accurately formed on the retina, the multiple prism lenses can be independently and freely controlled to rotate to provide at least one or more desired prism diopters, and eye movement can be guided within the user's eye movement range in a manner similar to that described in Figs. 21 to 23, which will be described later, thereby enabling vision training.

[0122] 10(b) shows a case where both prism assemblies 130a and 130b are in base-out (BO) mode. Here, prism assembly 130a being in BO mode means that first prism lens 131a and second prism lens 132a are positioned so that the bases of both prism lenses are positioned outward toward the user's eyes, as shown in FIG. 10(b). That is, left prism lens assembly 130a is in the (+x, +x) state, and right prism lens assembly 130b is in the (-x, -x) state.

[0123] To change the prism assembly 130a in FIG. 10(a) from the neutral state to the BO mode in FIG. 10(b), the first left prism lens 131a is rotated 180 degrees.

[0124] Specifically, by rotating the rotation axis (Y) of the first left prism lens 131a clockwise in the +Y direction, the prism assembly 130a in Fig. 10(a) can be transitioned from the neutral state to the BO mode in Fig. 10(b). In other words, the first prism lens 131a can be rotated so that its minimum thickness passes above the user's eye.

[0125] As described above, the prism assembly 130a in FIG. 10(b) can transition from the neutral state to the BO mode in FIG. 10(b), but it can also transition from any neutral state to the BO mode in FIG. 10(b). Specifically, to control the left prism assembly 130a to transition from the neutral state in FIG. 12(a) to the BO mode in FIG. 10(b), the first left prism lens 131a can be controlled to rotate 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the line of sight, and the second left prism lens 132a can be controlled to rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the line of sight. Because the first left prism lens 131a and the second left prism lens 132a rotate in opposite directions, the vertical refraction of the entire left prism assembly 130a is canceled out.

[0126] 11(a) and 11(b) are schematic diagrams of a prism lens according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed in the YZ plane.

[0127] According to the method of defining the position of the prism lens described above, in the case of Figure 11(a), the left prism lens assembly 130a is in the (+z, +z) state, and in the case of Figure 11(b), it is in the (-z, -z) state.

[0128] As explained above, since prism lenses 131a and 132a can each rotate 360 degrees counterclockwise or clockwise, it can be seen that there are countless positional relationships between the prism lenses in addition to the positional relationship shown in Figure 11.

[0129] 12(a) and 12(b) are views of the eye of a user with hypertropia and a plurality of prism lenses viewed in the YZ plane.

[0130] 12(a) and 12(b) show a state in which the gaze direction of both eyes of a user is directed upward at a predetermined angle (hypertropia). Fig. 12(a) shows a state in which the direction of light passing through prism lenses 131a and 132a is not parallel to the gaze direction of the eyes, and Fig. 12(b) shows a state in which the direction of light passing through prism lenses 131a and 132a is parallel to the gaze direction of the eyes.

[0131] For the same reasons as described above, in the case of Fig. 12(b), the prism diopters provided by the prism lenses 131a and 132a are adjusted to match the user's deviation angle or strabismus range, and an image is accurately formed on the retina. With an image accurately formed on the retina, the multiple prism lenses can be independently and freely controlled to rotate to provide at least one or more desired prism diopters, and eye movement can be guided within the user's eye movement range in a manner similar to Figs. 21 to 23 described below, thereby enabling vision training.

[0132] Figure 12(b) shows the case where the prism assembly 130a is in base-down (BD) mode. Here, when the prism assembly 130a is in BD mode, it means that the first prism lens 131a and the second prism lens 132a are positioned so that their thickness increases downward relative to the user's eyes, as shown in Figure 12(b). In other words, the left prism lens assembly 130a is in a (-z, -z) state.

[0133] To change the prism lens assembly 130a from the neutral state of FIG. 12(a) to the BD mode of FIG. 12(b), the second prism lens 132a is rotated 180 degrees.

[0134] Specifically, to change from the neutral state of FIG. 9(a) to the BD mode of FIG. 12(b), or from the neutral state of FIG. 10(a) to the BD mode of FIG. 12(b), first create the neutral state as shown in FIG. 12(a), and then transition from the neutral state to the BD mode of FIG. 12(b).

[0135] Specifically, first, the first prism lens 131a and the second prism lens 132a are controlled to rotate 90 degrees in the same direction around the Y axis simultaneously to form the neutral state as shown in Fig. 12(a), and then only the second prism lens 132a is rotated around the Y axis to form the BD mode as shown in Fig. 12(b). Alternatively, the BD mode as shown in Fig. 12(b) can be formed by controlling the first prism lens 131a and the second prism lens 132a to rotate in different directions around the Y axis.

[0136] 13(a) and 13(b) are diagrams showing the eye of a user with hypotropia and a plurality of prism lenses as viewed from the YZ plane.

[0137] 13(a) and 13(b) show a state in which the gaze direction of the user's eyes is directed downward at a predetermined angle (hypotropia). Fig. 13(a) shows a state in which the direction of light passing through prism lenses 131a and 132a is not parallel to the gaze direction of the eyes, and Fig. 13(b) shows a state in which the direction of light passing through prism lenses 131a and 132a is parallel to the gaze direction of the eyes.

[0138] For the same reasons as described above, in the case of Fig. 13(b), the prism diopters provided by prism lenses 131a and 132a are adjusted to match the user's deviation angle or strabismus range, and an image is accurately formed on the retina of the left eye. With an image accurately formed on the retina, the multiple prism lenses can be independently and freely controlled to rotate to provide at least one or more desired prism diopters, and eye movement can be guided within the user's eye movement range in a manner similar to Figs. 21 to 23 described below, thereby enabling vision training.

[0139] Figure 13(b) shows the case where the prism assembly 130a is in base-up (BU) mode. Here, prism assembly 130a being in BU mode means that the first prism lens 131a and the second prism lens 132a are arranged so that their thickness increases upward relative to the user's eye, as shown in Figure 13(b). In other words, the left prism lens assembly 130a is in a (+z, +z) state.

[0140] To change the left prism lens assembly 130a from the neutral state of FIG. 13(a) to the BU mode of FIG. 13(b), the first prism lens 131a is rotated 180 degrees.

[0141] Specifically, to change from the neutral state of FIG. 9(a) to the BU mode of FIG. 13(b), or from the neutral state of FIG. 10(a) to the BU mode of FIG. 13(b), first create the neutral state as shown in FIG. 13(a), and then transition from the neutral state to the BU mode of FIG. 13(b).

[0142] Specifically, first, the first prism lens 131a and the second prism lens 132a are controlled to rotate 90 degrees in the same direction simultaneously to form the neutral state shown in Fig. 13(a), and then only the first prism lens 131a is rotated to form the BU mode shown in Fig. 13(b). Alternatively, the first prism lens 131a and the second prism lens 132a can be controlled to rotate in different directions around the Y axis to form the BU mode shown in Fig. 13(b).

[0143] As explained above, the prism assembly 130a can transition not only from the neutral state of FIG. 13(a) to the BU mode of FIG. 13(b), but also from any neutral state to the BU mode of FIG. 13(b).

[0144] In this specification, esotropia in Figure 19(a), exotropia in Figure 19(b), hypertropia in Figure 19(c), and hypotropia in Figure 19(d) have been described as representative examples of strabismus conditions, but the prism lenses 131a, 132a, 131b, and 132b of the vision training device 100 can be freely rotated at any desired angle in either the counterclockwise or clockwise direction, and the effect of strengthening or improving binocular fusion ability can be obtained for strabismus in any direction other than esotropia, exotropia, hypertropia, and hypotropia.

[0145] FIG. 24 illustrates a refraction angle adjustment unit 154 including one prism lens. In FIG. 24, 131c indicates the prism lens, and the tip of the arrow indicates the base. FIG. 24(a) illustrates the prism lens in BI mode, and FIG. 24(b) illustrates the user's exotropia. The prism lens 131c has a prism diopter associated with the user's deviation angle and corrects the user's strabismus. When the vision training unit 151B performs vision training, the refraction angle adjustment unit 154 changes the prism diopter to at least one or more corrective prism diopters included in the training range in the order of (1), (2), and (3) in FIG. 24(a) based on the deviation angle information, strabismus correction value information, deviation direction information, and vision training information included in the vision training information. Therefore, the user's line of sight moves in the order of (1), (2), and (3), as shown in FIG. 24(b).

[0146] However, when there is only one prism, the user's line of sight moves in an elliptical manner as shown in Fig. 24(b) rather than in a substantially linear manner as shown in Fig. 21 to Fig. 23. In particular, when the user's line of sight moves in an elliptical manner upward, the user's eyestrain increases, which can cause dizziness.

[0147] To prevent the user's line of sight from moving upward in an elliptical manner during vision training, it is preferable to control the prism lenses 131 a, 131 b, 132 a, and 132 b included in prism assemblies 130 a and 130 b to rotate symmetrically (each prism lens rotates by the same amount) or asymmetrically (each prism lens rotates by a different amount) in different directions during the downward elliptical movement of the line of sight. For this reason, as described above, the prism lenses 131 a, 131 b, 132 a, and 132 b included in prism assemblies 130 a and 130 b are configured to rotate independently.

[0148] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating vision training using a vision training device 100 including a refraction angle adjustment determination unit 154 (including two prism lenses) according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 25, 131a and 132a represent prism lenses, and the portions corresponding to the tips of the arrows represent their bases. In FIG. 25, both prism lenses are in BI mode, and the user is not wearing prism lens glasses and is performing vision training in an uncorrected eye state of exotropia. The prism diopters provided by the two prism lenses 131a and 131b have prism diopters related to the user's deviation angle, thereby improving the user's strabismus. When the vision training unit 151B performs vision training, the refraction angle adjustment unit 154 preferably controls the two prism lenses 131a and 131b to rotate in different directions to change the refraction angle based on the vision training information and at least one or a combination of deviation angle information, strabismus correction value information, deviation direction information, and fusion state information included in the vision training information, so that the prism diopter is changed to at least one or more corrective prism diopters included in the training range in the order of (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5) in FIG. 25(a). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 25(b), the user's line of sight moves in a substantially linear fashion in the order of (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5). In this case, the user's line of sight moves in a substantially linear fashion, which can prevent eye fatigue or dizziness from increasing.

[0149] The prism diopters associated with (2) to (4) in Figures 25(a) and 25(b) are smaller than the deviation angle (PD12 in Figure 20) and larger than the separation point (PD20 in Figure 20). By repeatedly performing the actions (1) to (5) in Figures 25(a) and 25(b), muscle weakness, which is the root cause of exotropia, can be strengthened.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the refraction angle adjustment unit 154 has mainly been described as including one prism lens or two prism lenses, but the refraction angle adjustment unit 154 may include three or more prism lenses. In this case, any configuration may be used as long as the prism lenses can be controlled to rotate in independent directions and the total refraction angle of the three or more prism lenses can be controlled to match the deviation angle and strabismus correction value.

[0151] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating vision training using the vision training device 100 for a case in which both eyes suffer from esotropia according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 illustrates vision training to correct esotropia while the user is wearing prism glasses. In FIG. 26, 131a, 132a, 131b, and 132b represent prism lenses, and the portions corresponding to the tips of the arrows represent the bases. The user's eyes have substantially the same deviation angle, and the prism diopters provided by the two prism assemblies (131a, 132a, 131b, and 132b) have a prism diopter associated with the user's deviation angle, thereby correcting the user's strabismus. When the vision training unit 151B performs vision training, the two prism assemblies (131a, 132a, 131b, and 132b) included in the refraction angle adjustment unit 154 preferably change the refraction angle while correcting different deviation angles by rotating each prism lens pair (131a and 132a, and 131b and 132b) in different directions, in the order of (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5) in Figure 26(a) based on the vision training information and at least one or a combination of deviation angle information, strabismus correction value information, deviation direction information, and fusion state information included in the vision training information. Therefore, as shown in Figure 26(b), the user's line of sight moves approximately linearly in the order of (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5).

[0152] The prism diopters corresponding to (2) to (4) in Figures 26(a) and 26(b) are smaller than the deviation angle (PD12 in Figure 20) and larger than the separation point (PD20 in Figure 20). By repeatedly performing the actions (1) to (5) in Figures 26(a) and 26(b), it is possible to strengthen the weakened muscles that are the root cause of esotropia.

[0153] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating vision training using the vision training device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention when both eyes have exotropia and the right and left eyes have different degrees of strabismus, i.e., deviation angles. FIG. 27 illustrates vision training to correct exotropia while the user is wearing prism glasses. In FIG. 27, for example, assume that the deviation angle of the left eye is 10 PD and the deviation angle of the right eye is 2 PD. In FIG. 27, 131a, 132a, 131b, and 132b represent prism lenses, and the portions corresponding to the tips of the arrows represent the bases. The prism diopters provided by the two prism assemblies (131a, 132a, 131b, and 132b) have a prism diopter related to the user's deviation angle, thereby improving the user's strabismus. When the vision training unit 151B performs vision training, the two prism assemblies (131a, 132a, 131b, and 132b) included in the refraction angle adjustment unit 154 preferably change the refraction angle while controlling each prism lens pair (131a and 132a, 131b and 132b) to rotate in different directions based on the vision training information and at least one or a combination of deviation angle information, strabismus correction value information, deviation direction information, and fusion state information included in the vision training information (or the vision training information) so that the prism diopter is changed to at least one or more corrective prism diopters included in the training range in the order of (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5) in Figure 27(a). Therefore, as shown in Figure 27(b), the user's line of sight moves approximately linearly in the order of (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5). Because the deviation angles of both eyes are different, the difference in the amount of rotation of one pair of two prism lenses that rotate in opposite directions and are included in the prism assembly is different from the difference in the amount of rotation of the other pair of two prism lenses that rotate in opposite directions and are included in the prism assembly, as shown in (2) to (4) of Figures 27(a) and 27(b). In other words, the difference in the amount of rotation of two prism lenses 131a and 132a that rotate in opposite directions is different from the difference in the amount of rotation of two prism lenses 131b and 132b that rotate in opposite directions.

[0154] The prism diopters corresponding to (2) to (4) in Figures 27(a) and 27(b) are smaller than the deviation angle (PD12 in Figure 20) and larger than the separation point (PD20 in Figure 20). By repeatedly performing the actions (1) to (5) in Figures 27(a) and 27(b), it is possible to strengthen the weak muscles that are the root cause of exotropia with different degrees in both eyes.

[0155] FIG. 14 illustrates a vision training device with a corrected eye condition where the user is wearing prism glasses according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0156] 14, the vision training device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a storage unit (not shown) capable of storing prism glasses 170, which are designed according to the user's eye condition (eyesight, degree of strabismus, etc.) and the required design. The vision training device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes protective lenses 180 and 190 on the front and rear of the prism lenses 131a and 132a included in the refraction angle adjusting unit 154 to protect the prism lenses 131a and 132a from external impact or dust.

[0157] As shown in Fig. 14, the arrangement can be in the order of eye, prism eyeglasses 170, protective lens 180, prism lenses 131a and 132a, and protective lens 190. Distance D1 between the eye and the vertex of prism eyeglasses 170 can be, for example, 13 mm. Distance D2 between the eye and protective lens 180 can be, for example, 15 mm to 20 mm. Distance D3 between protective lens 180 and protective lens 190 is preferably designed to be as narrow as possible, since the field of view becomes wider as distance D3 becomes smaller.

[0158] As described above, the vision training device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention allows a user to perform vision training with both a corrected eye and an uncorrected eye.

[0159] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a vision training device 200 with an augmented reality (AR) function according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15, the vision training device 200 may include image source units 500a and 500b that output augmented reality images and reflection units 400a and 400b. Regarding the left eye side, a beam output from the image source unit 500a may pass through the first left prism lens 131a and the second left prism lens 132a and then enter the reflection unit 400a. The beam that enters the reflection unit 400a may be reflected within the reflection unit 400a and then enter the user's left eye. A similar method may be applied to the right eye side. The control unit 151 controls the prism assemblies (131a, 132a, 131b, and 132b) to change the refraction angle of light incident on the user's eye, thereby making the light incident on the user's eye parallel to the line of sight of the user's eye, and changes the refraction angle of light according to the vision training information during vision training to guide the movement of the user's eye. The specific operation and vision training method of the vision training device 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 15 are substantially the same as the specific operation and vision training method of the vision training device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and therefore will not be described again.

[0160] 15, the vision training device 200 may be configured to use micromirrors instead of the prism lenses 131a, 132a, 131b, and 132b. In this case, at least one or more micromirrors are disposed in the reflecting units 400a and 400b, and the control unit controls the micromirrors based on at least one or more of deviation angle information, deviation direction information, strabismus correction value, and vision training information, or a combination thereof, to control the refraction angle of light incident on the user's eye, thereby performing the same operation and vision training as the vision training device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention and guiding the movement of the user's eye.

[0161] 16 is a diagram illustrating a visual acuity training device 300 with a virtual reality (VR) function according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, display units 310 and 320 corresponding to both eyes are configured to move the positions of the displayed images under the control of a control unit 330, thereby guiding the movement of the user's eyes during visual acuity training.

[0162] A memory unit (not shown) stores fusion state information such as the SF interval, FF interval, deviation angle (or strabismus range), recovery point, separation point, deviation direction, strabismus correction value, training range, and eye movement range in association with pixel coordinates.

[0163] The control unit 330 controls the display units 310 and 320 to display images at pixel coordinates associated with the user's deviation angle, at least one or more corrective prism diopters, etc., based on the fusion adaptation time, thereby guiding the user's eye movement. The control unit 330 displays images at associated pixel coordinates based on at least one or more of deviation angle information, deviation direction information, strabismus correction value, and vision training degree, or a combination thereof, thereby guiding the user's eye movement during vision training. A vision training device 300 with VR functionality according to another embodiment of the present invention performs the same operation and vision training method as the vision training device 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0164] Next, a method for training vision according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing a method for training vision according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] First, the deviation angle determination unit 156 measures the fusion adaptation time at each prism diopter while changing the prism diopter in predetermined units (for example, 0.5 PD units or 1 PD units) and detects the fusion state information of the user's eyes (S110).

[0166] The fusion state information includes at least one or more of the SF start point, separation point, recovery point, SF interval, and FF interval of the eye, or a combination thereof.

[0167] Next, the deviation angle information and deviation direction information are obtained through the deviation angle determination unit 156 (S120). Based on the deviation angle information and deviation direction information, a correction direction and a strabismus correction value including at least one or more correction prism diopters are determined (S130).

[0168] Next, a training range including at least one or more corrective prism diopters is determined based on the fusion state information and the strabismus correction value (S140), and the speed (training speed) or time for changing the prism diopters to each corrective prism diopter is determined based on the fusion adaptation time for at least one or more corrective prism diopters included in the training range, thereby determining the training time (S150).

[0169] Next, the prism diopter is changed back and forth, sequentially, or repeatedly to at least one or more corrective prism diopters included in the training range depending on the training speed, thereby changing the refraction angle of light entering the user's eye via the refraction angle adjustment unit 154, and inducing the user's eye to move in a direction different from the deviation direction (preferably the opposite direction), thereby strengthening the weak eye muscles that cause strabismus (S160).

[0170] Meanwhile, the disclosed vision training method can be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions can be stored in the form of program code, which, when executed by a processor, can generate a program module for performing the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be realized as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0171] The computer-readable recording medium includes any type of recording medium that stores instructions that can be decoded by a computer. Examples of computer-readable recording media include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0172] As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A visual training device, comprising: a storage unit for storing the user's deflection angle; a control unit that guides the user's eye movement based on the deviation angle. Visual training device.

2. The control unit a strabismus correction value determination unit for determining a strabismus correction value based on the deviation angle; The vision training device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a vision training unit that sets a training range based on the strabismus correction value and guides the user's eye movement based on the training range.

3. the storage unit stores information indicating the direction of deviation; the strabismus correction value includes a correction direction opposite to the deviation direction and at least one or more correction prism diopters smaller than the deviation angle; The vision training device of claim 2 , wherein the training range includes at least one or more of the at least one or more corrective prism diopters.

4. 4. The vision training device according to claim 3, wherein the training range includes a section in which fusion occurs relatively quickly and a section in which fusion occurs relatively slowly.

5. A vision training device, comprising: a storage unit configured to store information indicating an eye deviation of a user and at least one or more correction information for correcting the eye deviation of the user; a control unit configured to guide a movement of the user's eye in a direction different from the direction of the deviation based on at least one of the at least one or more correction information. Vision training device.

6. The vision training device according to claim 5 , wherein the at least one or more correction information items have different times required for fusion of the two eyes.

7. The vision training device of claim 6 , wherein the at least one or more correction information guides the user to move their eyes in a direction opposite to the direction of the deviation.

8. 8. The vision training device of claim 7, wherein the at least one or more correction information is at least one or more prism diopters.

9. 9. The vision training device of claim 8, wherein the at least one or more prism diopters include at least one or more of a prism diopter associated with a deviation angle of the user's eye, a minimum prism diopter that is smaller than the deviation angle and that achieves fusion of the user's eye, and a prism diopter that is smaller than the deviation angle and larger than the minimum prism diopter, or a combination thereof.

10. 10. The vision training device of claim 9, wherein the prism diopter less than the deviation angle and greater than the minimum prism diopter is a prism diopter at which diplopia becomes monovision.

11. A visual acuity training method, the visual acuity training method comprising: Measuring fusion adaptation time for each of a plurality of refractive angles smaller than the deviation angle of the user's eye; determining a training time for changing the refraction angle to the plurality of refraction angles based on the fusion adaptation time; determining at least one or more of the plurality of refraction angles as a training range; and changing the refraction angle to the at least one or more refraction angles included in the training range according to the training time to guide the eye movement of the user. Vision training method.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the at least one or more refraction angles included in the training range include a refraction angle at which diplopia becomes monovision.

13. The vision training method according to claim 12 , wherein the at least one or more refraction angles included in the training range include the minimum refraction angle at which both eyes achieve fusion.

14. The vision training method of claim 13 , wherein the at least one or more refraction angles included in the training range include an angle of deviation of the user's eye.

15. The vision training method according to claim 14 , wherein the fusion adaptation times required to achieve binocular fusion measured for the plurality of refractive angles are different from each other.

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