Subjective optometry information processing program and subjective optometry system

Abstract

This invention provides a subjective optometry information processing program and a subjective optometry system that allow users to appropriately understand the usage status of subjective optometry devices. [Solution] A subjective eye examination information processing program is executed on an information processing device that processes information related to a subjective eye examination device, wherein the subjective eye examination device can perform either a self-eye examination mode in which the subjective eye examination is automatically carried out based on the answers entered by the subject, or a manual eye examination mode in which the examiner carries out the subjective eye examination according to the answers of the subject, and when the subjective eye examination information processing program is executed, the information processing device is made to perform an eye examination information acquisition step in which eye examination information in either the self-eye examination mode or the manual eye examination mode is acquired, a status information generation step in which status information indicating the usage status of the subjective eye examination device for each eye examination mode is generated by processing the acquired eye examination information, and an output step in which the status information is output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a subjective ophthalmic information processing program for processing information related to a subjective ophthalmic device, and a subjective ophthalmic system for subjectively measuring the optical characteristics of an eye to be examined.

Background Art

[0002] In a subjective ophthalmic device, a subjective ophthalmic device that subjectively measures the optical characteristics of an eye to be examined is used. For example, the subjective ophthalmic device can measure the optical characteristics of an eye to be examined by arranging an optical member in front of the eye to be examined and presenting a target to the eye to be examined through the optical member. (See Patent Document 1)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A user of a subjective ophthalmic device (for example, an examiner, an administrator, or a headquarters staff member who oversees multiple facilities, etc.) needs to appropriately grasp the usage status of the subjective ophthalmic device they own in order to perform their work properly, and it is important to appropriately arrange personnel and equipment (for example, subjective ophthalmic devices, etc.). However, currently, it has been difficult for users to appropriately grasp the usage status of subjective ophthalmic devices.

[0005] A typical object of this disclosure is to provide a subjective ophthalmic information processing program and a subjective ophthalmic system that enable a user to appropriately grasp the usage status of a subjective ophthalmic device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention is characterized by having the following configuration. (1) A subjective eye examination information processing program according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a subjective eye examination information processing program executed by an information processing device that processes information related to a subjective eye examination device for performing a subjective eye examination, wherein the subjective eye examination device is capable of executing at least one of the following as an eye examination mode for performing the subjective eye examination: a self-eye examination mode in which the subjective eye examination is automatically carried out based on answers entered by the subject, and a manual eye examination mode in which the examiner manually carries out the subjective eye examination according to the answers of the subject, and the subjective eye examination information processing program is executed by the control unit of the information processing device Therefore, the information processing device is made to execute the following steps: an eye examination information acquisition step, which acquires eye examination information, which is information relating to the subjective eye examination performed by the subjective eye examination device, as eye examination information in the self-eye examination mode or eye examination information in the manual eye examination mode; a status information generation step, which generates status information indicating the usage status of the subjective eye examination device for each eye examination mode by processing the eye examination information acquired in the eye examination information acquisition step; and an output step, which outputs the status information generated in the status information generation step. (2) A subjective ophthalmography system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a subjective ophthalmography system comprising a subjective ophthalmography device for performing subjective ophthalmography for subjectively measuring the optical properties of the eye to be examined, wherein the subjective ophthalmography device is capable of performing at least one of the following as an ophthalmography mode for performing subjective ophthalmography: a self-ophthalmography mode in which subjective ophthalmography is automatically performed based on answers entered by the subject, and a manual ophthalmography mode in which the examiner manually performs subjective ophthalmography in accordance with the answers of the subject, and the control unit of the subjective ophthalmography system is the The method is characterized by performing the following steps: an eye examination information acquisition step of acquiring eye examination information, which is information relating to the subjective eye examination performed by the subjective eye examination device, as eye examination information in the self-eye examination mode or eye examination information in the manual eye examination mode; a status information generation step of generating status information indicating the usage status for each subjective eye examination device by processing the eye examination information acquired in the eye examination information acquisition step; and an output step of outputting the status information generated in the status information generation step. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the external appearance of a subjective optometry device. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the light projection optical system. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the eye refractive power measurement unit. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the control system for a subjective optometry device (information processing device). [Figure 5] This is an example of a flowchart illustrating the flow of a self-administered eye examination in self-examination mode. [Figure 6] This is an example of a screen showing the completion of an eye examination. [Figure 7] This is an example of a flowchart illustrating the flow of subjective eye examination in manual eye examination mode. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a report screen displaying status information. [Figure 9]This is an example flowchart illustrating the process for generating comparative information on eye examination times for each stage of the process. [Figure 10] This is an example flowchart illustrating the process for generating correlation information between the age of the subject and the time of the eye examination in self-administered eye examinations. [Figure 11] This is an example flowchart illustrating the process for generating operational ratio information. [Figure 12] This is an example flowchart illustrating the process for generating optometry time distribution information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <Overview> The following describes one typical embodiment. The items classified in <> below can be used independently or in relation to each other.

[0009] <First aspect> The information processing device illustrated in this disclosure processes information related to a subjective optometry device. The subjective optometry device is a device for performing subjective optometry, which involves subjectively measuring the optical properties of the eye being examined. The subjective optometry device can perform at least one of two modes: a self-optometry mode, which automatically proceeds with subjective optometry based on answers entered by the subject, and a manual optometry mode, in which the examiner manually proceeds with subjective optometry according to the subject's answers. The control unit of the information processing device executes a subjective optometry information processing program, causing the information processing device to perform an optometry information acquisition step and a status information generation step. In the optometry information acquisition step, the information processing device (control unit) acquires optometry information, which is information related to subjective optometry performed by the subjective optometry device, as either optometry information in self-optometry mode or optometry information in manual optometry mode. In the status information generation step, the information processing device (control unit) processes the eye examination information acquired in the eye examination information acquisition step to generate status information indicating the usage status of each eye examination mode of the self-aware eye examination device (i.e., each of the self-aware eye examination mode and manual eye examination mode). In the output step, the information processing device (control unit) outputs the generated status information.

[0010] According to the technology illustrated in this disclosure, status information indicating the usage status for each eye examination mode of a subjective optometry device is generated based on the eye examination information. Therefore, users (e.g., examiners, administrators, or headquarters staff overseeing multiple facilities) can objectively understand the usage status of each eye examination mode of the subjective optometry device through the status information, without having to infer the device's usage status based on the eye examination situation. Users can easily understand the usage status of each eye examination mode of the subjective optometry device, as determined by the status information. Furthermore, by understanding the usage status of each eye examination mode, users can, for example, suitably differentiate between self-examination and manual examination. As a result, users can appropriately improve the efficiency of subsequent eye examination work.

[0011] Various devices can be used as the information processing device that executes the subjective optometry information processing program. For example, the control unit of the subjective optometry device may execute the subjective optometry information processing program. In other words, the subjective optometry device may also serve as the information processing device that processes information related to the subjective optometry device. Furthermore, a device capable of acquiring and processing various information from the subjective optometry device (e.g., a personal computer, server, mobile terminal, or smartphone) may function as the information processing device. In addition, multiple devices (e.g., the subjective optometry device and the administrator's personal computer) may function as the information processing device. In other words, the control units of multiple devices may cooperate to execute the subjective optometry information processing program.

[0012] If the information processing device and the subjective optometry device are different devices, the specific method for the information processing device to acquire optometry information can be appropriately selected. For example, the subjective optometry device may output optometry information to the information processing device via at least one of the following: wired communication, wireless communication, and a network. Alternatively, a storage device accessible to both the information processing device and the subjective optometry device may be used. In this case, the subjective optometry device may store optometry information in the storage device. The information processing device may acquire and process the optometry information stored in the storage device by the subjective optometry device.

[0013] When acquiring eye examination information, which is information related to subjective eye examinations, as either eye examination information in self-examination mode or eye examination information in manual eye examination mode, the information processing device (control unit) may associate the eye examination information with whether it was acquired by self-examination or manual eye examination and store it in memory. In this case, for example, the association of whether the eye examination information was acquired by self-examination or manual eye examination may be performed based on the eye examination mode.

[0014] Also, the ophthalmic examination information may include, for example, the ophthalmic examination time and the content of the ophthalmic examination. The content of the ophthalmic examination may include, for example, "information for identifying the subjective ophthalmic examination device that performed the subjective ophthalmic examination (e.g., serial number, etc.)", "the number of times the subjective ophthalmic examination was performed", "the result of the subjective ophthalmic examination (the optical characteristics of the examined eye)", "information on the ophthalmic examination program used in the subjective ophthalmic examination", "information on the measured eye (e.g., only the right eye, only the left eye, both eyes) and the measurement order", "information on the test target used in the subjective ophthalmic examination", "type of ophthalmic examination mode: self-examination (an ophthalmic examination in which the subjective ophthalmic examination is automatically advanced based on the answers input by the subject) or manual examination (an ophthalmic examination in which the examiner manually advances the subjective ophthalmic examination according to the subject's answers)", "attributes of the subject: at least any one of subject ID, gender, age (age group), or language used during the ophthalmic examination, etc.", "necessity of re-ophthalmic examination", "attributes of the examiner (e.g., examiner ID, etc.)", etc.

[0015] Also, the information processing device may acquire the ophthalmic examination information in a plurality of subjective ophthalmic examination devices. In this case, the plurality of subjective ophthalmic examination devices may include at least a subjective ophthalmic examination device capable of executing the self-examination mode and a subjective ophthalmic examination device capable of executing at least the manual examination mode. That is, when the ophthalmic examination information in a plurality of subjective ophthalmic examination devices is acquired, each subjective ophthalmic examination device may execute only one examination mode, or may be able to execute both the self-examination mode and the manual examination mode. When the information processing device acquires the ophthalmic examination information in one subjective ophthalmic examination device, it is desirable that the subjective ophthalmic examination device be able to execute both the self-examination mode and the manual examination mode.

[0016] The usage status according to the ophthalmic examination mode may include, for example, at least any one of the number of times, the execution rate, and the execution time of each of the self-examination and the manual examination performed by the subjective ophthalmic examination device.

[0017] The output means of the status information in the output step may be, for example, display on a monitor, printing, transmission to another device, etc. Also, the output means of the status information is not limited to the above, and any means by which the user can confirm the status information may be used.

[0018] In the eye examination information acquisition step, the control unit may acquire eye examination information, including the time required for the subjective eye examination performed for each subject. In the status information generation step, the control unit may generate status information regarding the time required for each eye examination mode. In this case, the user can appropriately understand the usage status of the subjective eye examination device for each eye examination mode by using the status information regarding the time required for each eye examination mode of the subjective eye examination device. Therefore, the user can improve the efficiency of eye examination work by adjusting the usage of the subjective eye examination device or the allocation of personnel, etc., in accordance with, for example, the average time required for subjective eye examinations for each eye examination mode.

[0019] The eye examination time refers to the time required for a subject's (subject's) subject's eye examination. When measuring the eye examination time, the control unit may, for example, acquire a measurement start trigger signal (measurement start trigger) and a measurement end trigger signal (measurement end trigger), and acquire the eye examination time of the subject's eye examination based on the measurement start trigger (i.e., measurement start point) and measurement end trigger (i.e., measurement end point). In this case, for example, the time between the measurement start trigger and the measurement end trigger may be acquired as the eye examination time of the subject's eye examination. Alternatively, in this case, for example, only a specific time may be extracted from the time between the measurement start trigger and the measurement end trigger (for example, the eye examination time excluding waiting time that occurs between various tests or examinations in a subject's eye examination) and acquired as the eye examination time of the subject's eye examination. When extracting a specific time, it is sufficient to detect the start and end triggers related to the extraction, similar to the method of acquiring the eye examination time described above, and perform the extraction accordingly. In order for the control unit to detect the measurement start trigger and measurement end trigger, it may, for example, use a method that detects them by an operation signal resulting from a predetermined operation, or it may use a method that links a predetermined control operation to the measurement start trigger or measurement end trigger (for example, detecting the measurement start trigger when an initial value is set in the subjective optometry device). This method for detecting the measurement start trigger and measurement end trigger may also be used in the case where the optometry time is identified (measured) for each of several different processes in subjective optometry, as described later, to allow the control unit to detect each measurement start trigger and measurement end trigger.

[0020] The specific method for generating status information regarding eye examination time can be appropriately selected. For example, the control unit may calculate the average eye examination time required for subjective eye examinations by dividing the total eye examination time for each eye examination mode by the number of subjective eye examinations performed, and include the calculated average eye examination time for each eye examination mode in the status information. Alternatively, the control unit may calculate the total eye examination time assuming all subjective eye examinations were performed in manual eye examination mode by multiplying the average eye examination time in manual eye examination mode by the total number of eye examinations performed in self-eye examination mode and manual eye examination mode. The control unit may also calculate the estimated reduction in examiner's work time due to the use of self-eye examination mode by subtracting the actual total eye examination time (i.e., the total eye examination time when self-eye examination mode was also performed) from the total eye examination time assuming all subjective eye examinations were performed in manual eye examination mode. In this case, the effect of using self-eye examination mode can be appropriately understood based on the status information.

[0021] In the eye examination information acquisition step, the eye examination time may be identified and acquired for each of the multiple distinct processes performed in the subjective eye examination. In the status information generation step, the control unit may generate status information regarding the eye examination time for each of the multiple processes in the subjective eye examination for each eye examination mode.

[0022] In this case, the user can understand the usage status of the subjective optometry device for each optometry mode, for each step in the subjective optometry process (for example, two or three of the subjective examination step, waiting step, and preliminary frame examination step, which will be described in detail later). Therefore, based on the status information for each step of the subjective optometry process that the user has understood, the user can further improve the efficiency of optometry work by adjusting the usage of the subjective optometry device or the allocation of personnel according to each step.

[0023] Multiple distinct processes include, for example, a subjective examination process in subjective optometry, which involves determining the subjective values ​​of the eye being examined through subjective testing, and a temporary frame testing process, which involves having the subject wear a temporary frame based on the subjective values ​​to confirm the actual visual perception (wearing comfort). The period between the end of the subjective examination and the start of the temporary frame testing is the subject's waiting time, and this may be included as a waiting process and constitute one of the processes of subjective optometry. Furthermore, the multiple distinct processes are not limited to the divisions exemplified here (i.e., the subjective examination process, the temporary frame testing process, and the waiting process). As an example, the process may be divided according to the tests performed in the subjective examination process. For example, the subjective examination process may be divided into a spherical power measurement process, an astigmatism power measurement process, an astigmatism axis angle measurement process, and a maximum visual acuity measurement process.

[0024] Furthermore, in order for the control unit to identify the start and end triggers for measuring the time required for each process, the optometric optometry device may be equipped with operating means for inputting at least one of the following: a start signal for the subjective examination, an end signal for the subjective examination, a start signal for the preliminary frame examination, and an end signal for the preliminary frame examination. Alternatively, various signals may be pre-set to be input in response to certain operations or controls (for example, when an initial value is set in the optometric optometry device, a start signal for the subjective examination is input). In addition, for the identification of the standby process, the control unit may identify the start and end of the standby process by receiving a start signal for the preliminary frame examination after receiving a end signal for the subjective examination (that is, the end signal for the subjective examination may also serve as the start signal for the standby process, and the start signal for the preliminary frame examination may also serve as the end signal for the standby process).

[0025] Furthermore, in the inspection information acquisition step, the control unit may acquire inspection information for each inspection mode, including re-examination information indicating whether the subjective inspection process was performed again after the preliminary frame inspection process was executed following the completion of the subjective inspection process. In the status information generation step, the control unit may include in the status information information indicating at least one of the number of times and the percentage of times the subjective inspection process was performed again after the preliminary frame inspection process for each inspection mode. In this case, the user can appropriately grasp the frequency of re-examinations for each inspection mode, thereby further improving the efficiency of subsequent optometry work.

[0026] In the eye examination information acquisition step, the control unit may acquire eye examination information including the subject's attribute information. In the status information generation step, the control unit may process the eye examination information acquired in the eye examination information acquisition step to generate status information indicating the usage status of each eye examination mode of the subjective eye examination device, associated with the subject's attribute information. In this case, the user can appropriately grasp the correlation between the usage status of each eye examination mode of the subjective eye examination device and the subject's attributes through the status information. Therefore, the user can further improve the efficiency of eye examination work by adjusting the subsequent usage of the subjective eye examination device or the allocation of personnel, etc., according to the subject, based on the appropriately grasped correlation between the usage status of each eye examination mode and the subject's attributes.

[0027] The attributes of the subject may include, for example, at least one of the following: a subject ID assigned to each subject, gender, age (age group), and the language used during the eye examination. Furthermore, based on the subject ID, the attribute information may also include at least one of the following: measurements of the eye other than subjective eye examination (e.g., objective values ​​of the eye, pre-glasses values, etc.), medical history related to the eye based on counseling with the subject, the effectiveness or position of the eye, and a history of past subjective eye examination results.

[0028] The control unit may generate and output status information for each of multiple attributes (e.g., multiple time periods) in a single batch. Alternatively, the control unit may extract status information for some of the multiple attributes (e.g., a specific time period) (i.e., sort some of the status information according to the attribute) and output it.

[0029] The control unit may further perform an output step in which it outputs the status information generated in the status information generation step in a predetermined report format for reporting the processing results of the eye examination information to the user. In this case, the user can easily understand the contents of the status information in the predetermined report format.

[0030] The report format may include a graph of status information. Alternatively, the report format may include a graph of status information and item names. The report format may also display multiple graphs of status information and item names side by side. Furthermore, the report format may be one in which the generated status information is applied to a template with a predetermined display method. In this case, the user can more easily understand the usage status by viewing the status information displayed in the predetermined method compared to when the display method is not predetermined. The control unit may also set the contents of the template (for example, at least one of the number and types of status information to be output, the position, size, and color of the status information to be displayed) according to the instructions entered by the user. In this case, the user can check the contents of the status information according to the template of their choice. The method of outputting the status information may be, for example, by displaying it on a display unit or by printing it on a printer.

[0031] The control unit may perform an integration step that combines and outputs multiple status information generated for each of the multiple subjective optometry devices. In this case, the user can efficiently understand the usage status of each optometry mode of the multiple subjective optometry devices through the integrated status information.

[0032] The specific method for integrating multiple status information can be selected as appropriate. If the status information indicates some value, the control unit may integrate the multiple status information by calculating the sum or average of the multiple values ​​indicated by the multiple status information. For example, the control unit may integrate the multiple status information by outputting the status information for multiple subjective optometry devices side by side. In this case, the user can appropriately compare the usage status of each subjective optometry device and take measures to improve the efficiency of optometry work. The control unit may also unify and output the status information of multiple subjective optometry devices belonging to the same group specified by the user (for example, within the same facility or within multiple facilities in the same region). In this case, the user can appropriately understand the usage status of multiple subjective optometry devices within the specified group by specifying the group. Furthermore, the control unit that executes the integration step and the control unit that executes the status information generation step may be different. For example, the control unit of the subjective optometry device may execute the status information generation step, and the control unit of the administrator's PC or similar device that manages multiple subjective optometry devices may execute the integration step.

[0033] <Second aspect> The information processing device illustrated in this disclosure processes information related to a subjective optometry device. The subjective optometry device is a device for performing subjective optometry, which involves subjectively measuring the optical properties of the eye being examined. The control unit of the information processing device executes a subjective optometry information processing program, causing the information processing device to perform an optometry information acquisition step and a status information generation step. In the optometry information acquisition step, the information processing device (control unit) acquires optometry information indicating at least one of the content of the optometry examination and the optometry time performed by the subjective optometry device. In the status information generation step, the information processing device (control unit) generates status information indicating the usage status of the subjective optometry device by processing the optometry information acquired in the optometry information acquisition step. In the output step, the information processing device (control unit) outputs the generated status information.

[0034] According to the technology illustrated in this disclosure, status information indicating the usage status of a subjective optometry device is generated based on optometry information indicating at least one of the content of the optometry examination and the duration of the optometry examination performed by the subjective optometry device. Therefore, users (e.g., examiners, administrators, or headquarters staff overseeing multiple facilities) can easily grasp the usage status of the subjective optometry device objectively through the status information, without having to infer the usage status of the device themselves based on the optometry situation. Furthermore, by being able to grasp the usage status of the subjective optometry device, users can, for example, appropriately adjust resources according to the number of subjects (e.g., adjust the usage pattern of the subjective optometry device or the allocation of personnel). As a result, users can appropriately improve the efficiency of subsequent optometry operations based on the usage status of the subjective optometry device grasped through the status information.

[0035] Various devices can be used as the information processing device that executes the subjective optometry information processing program. For example, the control unit of the subjective optometry device may execute the subjective optometry information processing program. In other words, the subjective optometry device may also serve as the information processing device that processes information related to the subjective optometry device. Furthermore, a device capable of acquiring and processing various information from the subjective optometry device (e.g., a personal computer, server, mobile terminal, or smartphone) may function as the information processing device. In addition, multiple devices (e.g., the subjective optometry device and the administrator's personal computer) may function as the information processing device. In other words, the control units of multiple devices may cooperate to execute the subjective optometry information processing program.

[0036] If the information processing device and the subjective optometry device are different devices, the specific method for the information processing device to acquire optometry information can be appropriately selected. For example, the subjective optometry device may output optometry information to the information processing device via at least one of the following: wired communication, wireless communication, and a network. Alternatively, a storage device accessible to both the information processing device and the subjective optometry device may be used. In this case, the subjective optometry device may store optometry information in the storage device. The information processing device may acquire and process the optometry information stored in the storage device by the subjective optometry device.

[0037] Furthermore, the eye examination information indicating the content of the eye examination includes at least one of the following pieces of information: "Information identifying the subjective eye examination device used (e.g., serial number, etc.)", "Number of subjective eye examinations performed", "Results of the subjective eye examination (optical characteristics of the eye being examined)", "Information about the eye examination program used in the subjective eye examination", "Information about the eye being measured (e.g., right eye only, left eye only, both eyes) and the order of measurement", "Information about the test targets used in the subjective eye examination", "Type of eye examination mode: self-examination (an eye examination that automatically proceeds based on answers entered by the subject) or manual examination (an eye examination in which the examiner manually proceeds with the subject's answers)", "Attributes of the subject: at least one of the following, such as subject ID, gender, age (age group), or language used during the eye examination", "Whether a re-examination is necessary", and "Attributes of the examiner (e.g., examiner ID, etc.)".

[0038] The eye examination time refers to the time required for a subject's (subject's) subject's eye examination. When measuring the eye examination time, the control unit may, for example, acquire a measurement start trigger signal (measurement start trigger) and a measurement end trigger signal (measurement end trigger), and acquire the eye examination time of the subject's eye examination based on the measurement start trigger (i.e., measurement start point) and measurement end trigger (i.e., measurement end point). In this case, for example, the time between the measurement start trigger and the measurement end trigger may be acquired as the eye examination time of the subject's eye examination. Alternatively, in this case, for example, only a specific time may be extracted from the time between the measurement start trigger and the measurement end trigger (for example, the eye examination time excluding waiting time that occurs between various tests or examinations in a subject's eye examination) and acquired as the eye examination time of the subject's eye examination. When extracting a specific time, it is sufficient to detect the start and end triggers related to the extraction, similar to the method of acquiring the eye examination time described above, and perform the extraction accordingly. To detect the measurement start trigger and measurement end trigger, the control unit may, for example, use a method that detects them using an operation signal resulting from a predetermined operation, or it may use a method that links a predetermined control operation to the measurement start trigger or measurement end trigger (for example, detecting the measurement start trigger when an initial value is set in the subjective optometry device). In addition, the optometry time may be measured separately for each of several different processes in the subjective optometry.

[0039] The means for outputting status information in the output step may be, for example, displaying it on a monitor, printing it, or transmitting it to another device. Furthermore, the means for outputting status information is not limited to those mentioned above; any means that allows the user to check the status information is acceptable.

[0040] In the eye examination information acquisition step, the control unit may acquire eye examination information for each of several different aggregation periods. In the status information generation step, the control unit may generate status information showing the change in usage status over time for each aggregation period by processing the eye examination information for each of the multiple aggregation periods. In this case, the user can appropriately grasp the change in usage status of the subjective eye examination device over time through the status information. Therefore, the user can improve the efficiency of eye examination work by adjusting the manner of use of the subjective eye examination device or the allocation of personnel, etc., according to the changes over time that have been appropriately grasped.

[0041] However, the control unit can also generate status information indicating the usage status of the subjective optometry device within a specific aggregation period by processing optometry information within that period. The control unit may also set the length of the aggregation period according to instructions entered by the user. In this case, the user can more accurately understand the usage status of the subjective optometry device by entering the length of the aggregation period for which they want to understand the status information. For example, the control unit may accept input for the length of the aggregation period in at least one of the following units: days, weeks, months, years, etc. Alternatively, the control unit may determine the length of the aggregation period by accepting input for an arbitrary time or day to mark the start of the aggregation period and an arbitrary time or day to mark the end of the aggregation period. The length of the aggregation period may be set when processing optometry information within a single aggregation period, or it may be set when processing optometry information for each of multiple aggregation periods.

[0042] The status information may include at least a time-related parameter. The status information may also show a correlation between time and the processing results of the optometric examination information. In this case, the processing results of the optometric examination information corresponding to time can be appropriately understood by the user.

[0043] The information processing device (control unit) may further perform an output step in which it outputs the status information generated in the status information generation step in a predetermined report format for reporting the processing results of optometry information to the user. In this case, the user can easily understand the contents of the status information in the predetermined report format.

[0044] The report format may include a graph of status information. Alternatively, the report format may include a graph of status information and item names. The report format may also display multiple graphs of status information and item names side by side. Furthermore, the report format may be one in which the generated status information is applied to a template with a predetermined display method. In this case, the user can more easily understand the usage status by viewing the status information displayed in the predetermined method compared to when the display method is not predetermined. The control unit may also set the contents of the template (for example, at least one of the number and types of status information to be output, the position, size, and color of the status information to be displayed) according to the instructions entered by the user. In this case, the user can check the contents of the status information according to the template of their choice. The method of outputting the status information may be, for example, by displaying it on a display unit or by printing it on a printer.

[0045] In the eye examination information acquisition step, the control unit may acquire eye examination information including information on the actual eye examination time when a subjective eye examination was performed using a subjective eye examination device, and information on the power supply time when power was supplied to the subjective eye examination device. In the status information generation step, the control unit may generate status information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "operation ratio information") that shows the ratio of eye examination time to power supply time. The higher the ratio of eye examination time to power supply time, the less wasted power is supplied to the subjective eye examination device, and therefore the higher the work efficiency. Accordingly, the user can accurately grasp the appropriateness of the eye examination work using the operation ratio information and take various measures to improve the efficiency of subsequent eye examination work (for example, adjusting the usage pattern of the subjective eye examination device, or adjusting the allocation of personnel).

[0046] Furthermore, the actual examination time for subjective eye examination using a subjective eye examination device may be, for example, the time from when an operation to start subjective eye examination is performed on the subjective eye examination device (e.g., setting initial values) to when an operation to end subjective eye examination is performed (e.g., outputting results or stopping the operation). In this case, the actual examination time is appropriately calculated based on each operation signal.

[0047] The control unit may generate separate operational ratio information for each of the multiple time periods. In this case, the user can understand the ratio of eye examination time to power-on time according to the time period. Therefore, the appropriateness of the eye examination work can be grasped more accurately.

[0048] In the eye examination information acquisition step, the control unit may acquire information on the time required to perform a subjective eye examination on each of the multiple eyes being examined. In the status information generation step, the control unit may generate status information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "eye examination time distribution information") that shows the number of subjective eye examinations performed for each length of eye examination time. In this case, the user can appropriately grasp the distribution of eye examination time required to perform subjective eye examinations using the eye examination time distribution information. Therefore, the user can appropriately improve the efficiency of subsequent eye examination work based on the understood distribution of eye examination time.

[0049] Furthermore, the eye examination time acquired to generate the eye examination time distribution information may be the time from when the operation to start the subjective eye examination (e.g., setting initial values) is performed until the operation to end the subjective eye examination (e.g., outputting results or canceling the operation), as described above.

[0050] The control unit may calculate the predicted time required to perform a subjective eye examination based on previously acquired eye examination time information (i.e., information on the time required to perform each of multiple subjective eye examinations). Furthermore, the accuracy of the predicted time calculation may be further improved by combining the past eye examination time information with the attribute information of the subject associated with it. In this case, the user can perform the task appropriately after understanding the predicted time.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit may calculate the number of subjective eye examinations that are predicted to be possible within a predetermined time, based on previously acquired information on eye examination times (i.e., information on the time required to perform each of multiple subjective eye examinations). In this case, the user can perform their duties appropriately after understanding the number of subjective eye examinations that can be performed within the predetermined time.

[0052] In the eye examination information acquisition step, the control unit may acquire eye examination information including the subject's attribute information. In the status information generation step, the control unit may process the eye examination information acquired in the eye examination information acquisition step to generate status information indicating the usage status of the subjective eye examination device, associated with the subject's attribute information. In this case, the user can appropriately grasp the correlation between the usage status of the subjective eye examination device and the subject's attributes through the status information. Therefore, the user can further improve the efficiency of eye examination operations by adjusting the subsequent usage of the subjective eye examination device or the allocation of personnel, etc., according to the subject, based on the appropriately grasped correlation between the usage status and the subject's attributes.

[0053] The attributes of the subject may include, for example, at least one of the following: a subject ID assigned to each subject, gender, age (age group), and the language used during the eye examination. Furthermore, based on the subject ID, the attribute information may also include at least one of the following: measurements of the eye other than subjective eye examination (e.g., objective values ​​of the eye, pre-glasses values, etc.), medical history related to the eye based on counseling with the subject, the effectiveness or position of the eye, and a history of past subjective eye examination results.

[0054] The control unit may generate and output status information for each of multiple attributes (e.g., multiple time periods) in a single batch. Alternatively, the control unit may extract status information for some of the multiple attributes (e.g., a specific time period) (i.e., sort some of the status information according to the attribute) and output it.

[0055] The information processing device (control unit) may perform an integration step that combines and outputs multiple status information generated for each of the multiple subjective optometry devices. In this case, the user (e.g., examiner, administrator, or headquarters staff overseeing multiple facilities) can efficiently grasp the usage status of the multiple subjective optometry devices through the integrated status information.

[0056] The specific method for integrating multiple status information can be selected as appropriate. If the status information indicates some value, the control unit may integrate the multiple status information by calculating at least one of the sum and average values ​​of the multiple values ​​indicated by the multiple status information. For example, the control unit may integrate the multiple status information by outputting the status information for multiple subjective optometry devices side by side. In this case, the user can appropriately compare the usage status of each subjective optometry device and take measures to improve the efficiency of optometry work. The control unit may also unify and output the status information of multiple subjective optometry devices belonging to the same group specified by the user (for example, within the same facility or within multiple facilities in the same region). In this case, the user can appropriately understand the usage status of multiple subjective optometry devices within the specified group by specifying the group. Furthermore, the control unit that performs the integration step and the control unit that performs the status information generation step may be different. For example, the control unit of the subjective optometry device may perform the status information generation step, and the control unit of the administrator's PC or similar device that manages multiple subjective optometry devices may perform the integration step.

[0057] Furthermore, it is also possible to implement the technology of the first embodiment and the technology of the second embodiment in combination.

[0058] <Examples> One typical embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the subjective optometry device of this embodiment will be described. The subjective optometry device of this disclosure is a device for performing subjective optometry, which involves subjectively measuring the optical properties of the eye being examined. For example, the optical properties of the eye being examined measured by the subjective optometry device may be refractive power (for example, at least one of spherical refractive power, cylindrical refractive power, astigmatism axis angle, etc.), binocular vision function (for example, at least one of prism amount, stereopsis function, etc.), contrast sensitivity, etc.

[0059] The subjective optometry device 1 subjectively measures the optical properties of the eye being examined and processes various information about the subjective optometry device 1 itself. In other words, the subjective optometry device 1 in this embodiment also functions as an information processing device that processes information about the subjective optometry device 1. However, a device different from the subjective optometry device 1 (for example, a personal computer, server, mobile terminal, or smartphone) may be used as the information processing device. In other words, the device that executes the subjective optometry information processing program described later is not limited to the subjective optometry device 1.

[0060] In this embodiment, a subjective optometry device 1 is provided, which integrally includes a target presentation means (e.g., a display) for displaying an examination target to the eye under examination, and a correction means (e.g., an ocular refractive power measurement unit) for changing the optical properties of the target light beam emitted from the target presentation means. Of course, the target presentation means and the correction means may be provided in separate housings.

[0061] <Device configuration> Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the subjective optometry device 1. Figure 1(a) shows the refractive power measurement unit 50 supported in the standby position. Figure 1(b) shows the refractive power measurement unit 50 supported in the measurement position. For example, the subjective optometry device 1 includes a housing 10, a display window 20, a speaker 30, a microphone 31, a holding unit 40, an examiner controller 70, a subject controller 80, an refractive power measurement unit 50, etc.

[0062] The housing 10 has a light projection optical system 90 inside. The presentation window 20 transmits the target light beam projected by the light projection optical system 90 from the inside to the outside of the housing 10. The target light beam is projected onto the eye E being examined via the presentation window 20. If the refractive power measurement unit 50 is placed between the eye E being examined and the presentation window 20 (see Figure 1(b)), the target light beam is projected onto the eye E being examined via the presentation window 20 and the examination window 53 described later (see Figures 2 and 3). In this way, the examination target is presented to the eye E being examined. The speaker 30 outputs guidance voices, etc. The microphone 31 converts the subject's voice responses, etc., and inputs them as audio signals.

[0063] The holding unit 40 holds the eye refractive power measuring unit 50. For example, the holding unit 40 moves the eye refractive power measuring unit 50 connected to the arm by moving the arm driven by a drive unit (motor, etc.) not shown. This switches the eye refractive power measuring unit 50 between the standby position and the measurement position.

[0064] The examiner controller 70 is used by the examiner to operate the subjective ophthalmoscopic examination device 1. The examiner controller 70 includes a switch unit 71 and a monitor 72. Signals for various settings (e.g., movement of the ocular refractive power measurement unit 50) are input to the switch unit 71 (operation unit). The monitor 72 (display unit) may display, for example, the ophthalmoscopic examination completion screen 200 (see Figure 6), which will be described later. The ophthalmoscopic examination completion screen 200 may display various information (e.g., subjective examination results of the eye being examined). The monitor 72 may also function as a touch panel (display unit and operation unit) that also serves as the switch unit 71. Signals from the examiner controller 70 are output to the control unit 100 (see Figure 4) via wired or wireless communication.

[0065] The subject controller 80 is used to input the subject's responses. The subject controller 80 (operating unit) includes a response lever 81 and a response button 82. The response lever 81 is used when the subject inputs the direction relative to the test target. For example, the subject can input signals in four directions (up, down, left, and right) by tilting the response lever 81. The response button 82 is used when the subject does not select a direction relative to the test target. Signals from the subject controller 80 are output to the control unit 100 (see Figure 4) via wired or wireless communication.

[0066] <Floodlight Optics> Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the light projection optical system 90 viewed from the side. Figure 2(a) shows the optical arrangement during distance vision testing. Figure 2(b) shows the optical arrangement during near vision testing. The light projection optical system 90 projects a target light beam toward the eye E under examination. For example, the light projection optical system 90 includes a display 91, a planar mirror 92, a concave mirror 93, and a distance / near switching unit 94.

[0067] The display 91 displays a visual target (e.g., a fixation target, a test target, etc.). The visual target is presented to the eye E when the light beam emitted from the display 91 forms an image on the fundus of the eye E being examined. For example, the display 91 may be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), a plasma display, etc.

[0068] The display 91 may include a polarizing optical element. For example, the polarizing optical element may be placed on the front of the display 91, or the polarizing optical element may be incorporated into the display 91 and arranged integrally. This allows the display 91 to emit linearly polarized or circularly polarized light having polarization in a predetermined direction (vertical, horizontal, or 45-degree angle, etc.).

[0069] The planar mirror 92 reflects the target light beam emitted from the display 91 and guides it to the concave mirror 93. The planar mirror 92 also reflects the target light beam emitted from the display 91 and guides it to the eye under examination E. For example, during a near vision test of the eye under examination E, the planar mirror 92 is positioned so that the distance from the eye under examination E to the display 91 (presentation distance) is optically 40 cm. It is also possible to use reflective materials such as prisms, beam splitters, or half mirrors instead of the planar mirror 92.

[0070] The concave mirror 93 reflects the target light beam emitted from the display 91 and guides it to the planar mirror 92. For example, the concave mirror 93 is positioned so that the distance from the eye E to the display 91 (presentation distance) is optically 5m during distance vision testing of the eye E. It is also possible to use reflective materials such as aspherical mirrors or free-form mirrors instead of the concave mirror 93. Furthermore, it is also possible to use lenses or the like instead of the concave mirror 93.

[0071] The distance / near switching unit 94 switches the arrangement of the display 91 between distance vision testing and near vision testing of the eye being examined E. For example, the distance / near switching unit 94 moves the display 91 held in the holder by moving the holder through the drive of a drive unit (motor, etc.) not shown. This switches the distance vision arrangement and near vision arrangement of the display 91.

[0072] For example, during a distance vision test of the eye E under examination, the display screen of the display 91 is directed towards the back of the housing 10 (see Figure 2(a)). The target light beam emitted from the display 91 enters the plane mirror 92 passing through the optical axis L1 and is reflected by the plane mirror 92 in the direction of the optical axis L2. The target light beam also enters the concave mirror 93 passing through the optical axis L2 and is reflected by the concave mirror 93 in the direction of the optical axis L3. The target light beam also enters the plane mirror 92 passing through the optical axis L3 and is reflected by the plane mirror 92 in the direction of the optical axis L4. As a result, the target light beam, which has been emitted to the outside of the housing 1 via each optical component inside the housing 10, is projected onto the eye E under examination.

[0073] For example, during a near vision test of the eye under examination E, the display screen of the display 91 is directed towards the top surface of the housing 10 (see Figure 2(b)). The target light beam emitted from the display 91 enters the plane mirror 92 passing through the optical axis L3 and is reflected by the plane mirror 92 in the direction of the optical axis L4. As a result, the target light beam, which has passed through each optical component inside the housing 1 and been emitted to the outside of the housing 1, is projected onto the eye under examination E.

[0074] <Ocular refractive power measurement unit (corrective optical system)> Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the eye refractive power measurement unit 50 viewed from the front. The eye refractive power measurement unit 50 is used to subjectively measure the refractive power of the eye E being examined. The eye refractive power measurement unit 50 is also used as a corrective optical system. The corrective optical system is placed in the optical path of the light projection optical system 90 (see Figures 1 and 2) and changes the optical properties of the target light beam. For example, the eye refractive power measurement unit 50 includes a forehead rest 51, a lens unit 52, an examination window 53, and a movement unit 54.

[0075] The forehead rest 51 fixes the eye E to a predetermined examination position by pressing it against the subject's head, and maintains a constant distance from the eye E to the examination window 53. The lens unit 52 has a pair of left and right lens units 52L and 52R. The lens unit 52 has an examination window 53 (left examination window 53L and right examination window 53R).

[0076] The moving unit 54 adjusts the distance between the left lens unit 52L and the right lens unit 52R, and the convergence angle (inward angle) between the left lens unit 52L and the right lens unit 52R. For example, the moving unit 54 adjusts the distance between the left lens unit 52L and the right lens unit 52R by driving the drive unit 55 (left drive unit 55L and right drive unit 55R). Also, for example, the moving unit 54 adjusts the convergence angle between the left lens unit 52L and the right lens unit 52R by driving the drive unit 56. For detailed configuration of the moving unit 54, please refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-329345.

[0077] The lens unit 52 includes a lens disc 60 inside. The lens disc 60 has a pair of left and right lens discs, a left lens disc 60L and a right lens disc 60R. The lens disc 60 is rotated by the drive unit 61 (left drive unit 61L and right drive unit 61R). The lens disc 60 also has an aperture (or 0D lens) and a plurality of optical elements 62 (left optical element 62L and right optical element 62R) arranged on the same circumference. These optical elements are rotated by the drive unit 63 (left drive unit 63L and right drive unit 63R). This allows the desired optical element 62 to be switched and positioned in the inspection window 53 at the desired angle.

[0078] The lens disc 60 consists of one lens disc or multiple lens discs. For example, it may include at least one of a spherical lens disc, a cylindrical lens disc, an auxiliary lens disc, etc. As an example, a spherical lens disc may have multiple spherical lenses with different spherical powers (spherical refractive powers). As an example, a cylindrical lens disc may have multiple cylindrical lenses with different cylindrical powers (cylindrical refractive powers). As an example, an auxiliary lens disc may include at least one of a shielding plate, a polarizing filter, a red filter / green filter, a dispersion prism, a Maddox lens, a rotary prism, a cross cylinder lens, an auto cross cylinder lens, an alignment lens, etc. A drive unit 61 and a drive unit 63 may be provided for each lens disc.

[0079] The refractive power measurement unit 50 only needs to be capable of changing the optical properties of the target light beam. For example, it may be configured to control an optical element, as in this embodiment. Alternatively, it may be configured to control a wavefront modulation element, for example.

[0080] <Department Head> Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the control system of the subjective optometry device (information processing device) 1. For example, the control unit 100 includes a CPU (processor), RAM, and ROM. For example, the CPU is responsible for various controls in the subjective optometry device 1. For example, RAM temporarily stores various information. For example, ROM may store various programs for controlling the operation of the subjective optometry device (information processing device) 1, as well as test target data. As an example, in this embodiment, a program for realizing an application that automatically proceeds with the eye examination based on the answers entered by the subject (self-eye examination application), and a subjective optometry information processing program are stored. Note that the control unit 100 may be composed of multiple control units (i.e., multiple processors).

[0081] The control unit 100 is connected to, for example, a speaker 30, a microphone 31, a display 91, an examiner controller 70, a subject controller 80, and a non-volatile memory 110 (hereinafter referred to as memory 110). The control unit 100 is also connected to, for example, the drive unit of the holding unit 40, the drive unit of the near / far switching unit 94, and the drive unit (drive units 55, 56, 61, 63) of the eye refractive power measurement unit 50.

[0082] Memory 110 is a non-transient storage medium that can retain its contents even when the power supply is interrupted. For example, memory 110 can be a hard disk drive, flash ROM, USB memory, etc.

[0083] In this disclosure, the term "processor" refers to one or more hardware processors configured to execute program code contained in a program (i.e., one or more instructions of a program). In other words, a "processor" is a hardware device capable of performing one or more programmed operations. For example, a "processor" may be a general-purpose or application-specific processor and may be at least one of a CPU, microprocessor, GPU, and DFP (Data Flow Processor).

[0084] In this disclosure, the term “memory” refers to one or more hardware memories that are non-transitional tangible recording media configured to record at least one of computer program code and data in a manner accessible from a processor. “Memory” can be implemented by memory technologies such as SRAM, SDRAM, non-volatile / flash type memory, or other types of memory. The computer program code constituting the program is recorded on the memory and executed by the processor to enable various functions of the optometric optometry device 1.

[0085] In this disclosure, the term “circuit” refers to one or more logic circuits as hardware, configured to enable the subjective optometry device 1 to perform functions. In other words, “circuit” refers to one or more non-programmable devices. For example, “circuit” could be a custom IC designed to be non-programmable for a specific application.

[0086] In this disclosure, at least one of a circuit and a processor having memory storing computer program code enables the function of the optometric optometry device 1. The expression "at least one of a circuit and a processor" should be interpreted as disjunctive (logical OR) and not as at least one circuit and at least one processor.

[0087] <Control operation> The control operation of the subjective optometry device (information processing device) 1 will be explained. The subjective optometry device 1 acquires (stores) optometry information and processes the acquired optometry information to generate status information indicating the usage status of the subjective optometry device 1.

[0088] First, the control operations for acquiring eye examination information, which is information related to subjective eye examinations, in the subjective eye examination device 1 will be explained below. As an example, the cases of performing a subjective eye examination in self-examination mode and in manual eye examination mode will be explained separately.

[0089] In this embodiment, the procedure used for subjective examination determines the sequence of tests (multiple examinations) performed on the subject and the order in which these tests are performed. For the sake of explanation, the subjective examination will be conducted using the same procedure in both self-examination mode and manual examination mode. As an example of the procedure for subjective examination, the R / G test (S), cross-cylinder test (A), cross-cylinder test (C), R / G test, and VA test are performed on the subject's right eye, followed by the R / G test (S), cross-cylinder test (A), cross-cylinder test (C), R / G test, and VA test on the subject's left eye. The R / G test (S) measures the spherical power of the eye being examined. The cross-cylinder test (A) measures the astigmatism axis angle of the eye being examined. The cross-cylinder test (C) measures the degree of astigmatism of the eye being examined. The subsequent R / G test confirms whether accommodation by the eye was working in the previously performed tests. The VA test measures the maximum visual acuity of the eye being tested.

[0090] Furthermore, in the subjective eye examination of this embodiment, multiple eye examination items (eye examination processes) are performed on the subject regardless of whether self-examination mode or manual eye examination mode is performed. As an example, in this embodiment, the subjective examination process, the waiting process, and the temporary frame examination process are performed in order. The subjective examination process is a process for determining the subjective values ​​of the eye to be examined through a subjective examination. The waiting process is a process in which the subject is made to wait after the completion of the subjective examination process until the temporary frame examination process begins. The temporary frame examination process is a process in which the subject confirms how they actually see (wearing comfort) using a temporary frame to which optical components are fitted based on the subjective values ​​obtained in the subjective examination process.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the examination time for a subjective eye examination performed on a single subject, and the examination time for each examination item (process) performed in the subjective examination are measured. For example, the examination time may be measured based on the measurement start trigger and measurement end point trigger for each examination item, etc. Details will be described later.

[0092] <Self-administered eye examination> A method for self-examination using the self-examination mode, which can be performed by the subjective optometry device 1, will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is an example of a flowchart illustrating the flow of subjective optometry in self-examination mode in this embodiment. Self-examination is an eye examination performed by a self-examination application. In other words, in self-examination, the eye examination proceeds automatically based on the answers entered by the subject. The subject controller 80 provided in the subjective optometry device 1 is used as an operating means for the subject to enter their answers.

[0093] To begin a self-examination, the control unit 100 of the subjective optometry device 1 first acquires information to identify the subject to be examined (e.g., subject ID). The control unit 100 acquires the objective refractive power (objective value) of the eye to be examined as an initial value when starting the subjective examination (S1). As an example, the examiner inputs the subject ID by operating the examiner controller 70, etc., and operates a predetermined switch. When the predetermined switch is operated, the control unit 100 outputs an input signal from the switch. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 is described as performing both the output of input signals based on the operation of various operation units and various controls based on the input signals. However, the output of input signals based on the operation of various operation units and various controls based on the input signals may be performed by different control units. For example, based on the input signal from the switch, the control unit 100 outputs an operation signal to an objective optometry device (not shown) connected to the subjective optometry device 1 via a network, etc., requesting the objective value associated with the subject ID. For example, the control unit (not shown) of the objective optometry device retrieves the objective value corresponding to the subject ID from memory based on the operation signal from the subject optometry device 1 and transmits it to the subject optometry device 1. The control unit 100 of the subject optometry device 1 receives the objective value transmitted from the objective optometry device. As a result, the subject optometry device 1 acquires the objective value of the eye being examined as an initial value. Alternatively, for example, the objective value may be set as an initial value by the examiner directly inputting it to the subject optometry device 1 (control unit 100) via the examiner controller 70 or the like. Furthermore, if no objective value exists for the same subject, the process of acquiring the objective value may be omitted. Alternatively, instead of an objective value, the result of measuring the optical characteristics of the eyeglasses worn by the same subject using a lens measuring device (not shown) (eyeglass value) may be acquired for use as an initial value. Alternatively, the results of past subject optometry examinations for the same subject measured by the subject optometry device may be acquired for use as an initial value. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 100 may, depending on the acquired initial value, place an optical element 62 in the inspection window 53 of the eye refractive power measurement unit 50 according to the initial value (e.g., objective value or eyeglass value).Furthermore, the control unit 100 may display an eye examination start screen (not shown) on the monitor 72 or the like, for example, a button for starting a self-eye examination (self-eye examination start button).

[0094] Next, for example, the examiner presses a self-examination start button (not shown) to start the self-examination (S2). The operation of the self-examination start button may also serve as a measurement start trigger to begin measuring the examination time (more specifically, the examination time of the first subjective examination step among multiple examination items (steps)). When the self-examination start button is operated, the control unit 100 outputs an input signal for the self-examination start button. Based on the input signal for the self-examination start button, the control unit 100 performs control to start the self-examination. For example, the control unit 100 determines the presentation operation of the target light beam to be performed by the subjective optometry device 1 according to the procedure for the subjective examination described above, and performs control to execute the determined presentation operation. In detail, for example, at least one of the optical element 62 to be placed in the examination window 53 of the refractive power measurement unit 50 and the target to be presented on the display 91 is determined, and the presentation operation to present the target light beam to the eye under examination according to the determined content is determined. For example, when the control unit 100 executes the determined presentation action, it outputs guidance voice from the speaker 30 according to the content of the examination. In this embodiment, first, an R / G test (S) is performed on the subject's right eye.

[0095] For example, the subject understands the examination content through voice guidance, then visually inspects the target presented by the subjective optometry device 1, and inputs their response to the subjective optometry device 1 based on their visual inspection. In this embodiment, for example, the response is input by the subject operating the response lever 81 or response button 82 on the subject controller 80. The subject's response may also be input by an operating unit other than the subject controller 80 (for example, the examiner controller 70, mouse, touch panel, or keyboard). Alternatively, the subject's response may be input by an audio signal converted by the microphone 31.

[0096] When a response is input, the control unit 100 determines the next target light beam presentation operation to be performed by the subjective optometry device 1 according to the response content and the procedure, and performs control to execute the determined presentation operation. Furthermore, the subject views the newly presented target and inputs the response of the viewing result into the subjective optometry device 1. This series of processes is repeated, and the self-optometry examination proceeds according to the procedure. In this embodiment, when the VA test for the subject's right eye is completed, the program is processed similarly for the left eye, and the series of self-optometry subjective examinations is completed (S3). The completion of the series of self-optometry subjective examinations may also serve as a measurement completion trigger to end the measurement of the optometry time for the subjective examination process. Alternatively, the completion of the series of self-optometry subjective examinations may also serve as a measurement start trigger to start the measurement of the waiting process from the end of the subjective examination process until the start of the preliminary frame examination (details will be described later).

[0097] In step S3, once the series of self-examinations (subjective examination steps) are completed, the control unit 100 displays, for example, an eye examination completion screen 200 on the monitor 72 or the like. The eye examination completion screen 200 may display the results of the subjective examination (subjective values ​​of the eye being examined) along with a message indicating that the subjective examination has been completed. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may also notify the examiner of the completion of the self-examination by any means, such as outputting an alert signal to inform the examiner that the self-examination (subjective examination steps) by the examiner has been completed, or by using sound or an indicator light.

[0098] Figure 6 shows an example of an eye examination completion screen 200 displayed on a monitor 72 or the like. The eye examination completion screen 200 may include, for example, a temporary frame examination start button 201 for starting a temporary frame examination (described later), an output button 202 for outputting the measurement results (subjective values) of the subjective examination, and a back button 203 for returning to the eye examination start screen (not shown).

[0099] For example, in step S3, when the subjective examination of the eye by self-examination is completed, the examiner performs a preliminary frame examination to confirm the actual visual perception (wearing comfort) based on the subjective values ​​(S4). For example, the examiner presses the preliminary frame examination start button 201. The operation of the preliminary frame examination start button 201 may also serve as a measurement end trigger to end the measurement of the eye examination time in the standby process. Alternatively, the operation of the preliminary frame examination start button 201 may also serve as a measurement start trigger to start the measurement of the eye examination time in the preliminary frame examination process. When the preliminary frame examination start button 201 is operated, the control unit 100 outputs an input signal for the preliminary frame examination start button 201. Based on the input signal for the preliminary frame examination start button 201, the control unit 100 executes control to start the preliminary frame examination. For example, based on the input signal, the control unit 100 drives a drive unit (not shown) to raise the eye refractive power measurement unit 50 to the standby position shown in Figure 1(a).

[0100] For example, once the refractive power measurement unit 50 has moved to its standby position, the examiner has the subject wear a trial frame (trial frame or test frame) and checks the fit by changing lenses of various powers (trial lenses). Once it is confirmed that there are no problems with the subject's fit, the examiner finishes the trial frame examination and presses the output button 202 on the eye examination completion screen 200 to output the measurement results (S5). The operation of the output button 202 may also serve as a measurement completion trigger to end the measurement of the eye examination time for the trial frame examination process. When the output button 202 is operated, the control unit 100 outputs an input signal for the output button 202. For example, based on the input signal for the output button 202, the control unit 100 stores the eye examination information, including the measurement results (subjective values) from the self-examination, in the memory 110 and also outputs it to an external storage device connected to the control unit 100. As a result, the subjective eye examination by self-examination is completed. If the subject experiences discomfort while wearing the prosthetic eye during the trial fitting, the examiner may re-examine the subject's subjective perception of the eye.

[0101] <Manual eye examination> The method of subjective eye examination (manual eye examination) in manual mode, which can be performed by the subjective eye examination device 1, will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is an example of a flowchart illustrating the flow of subjective eye examination in manual eye examination mode in this embodiment. In manual eye examination, the examination proceeds as the examiner operates manually in response to the subject's answers. The examiner's controller 70 and the like, provided in the subjective eye examination device 1, are used as operating means for the examiner to operate manually in response to the subject's answers.

[0102] To begin a manual eye examination, the control unit 100 of the subjective eye examination device 1 first acquires information to identify the subject to be examined (e.g., subject ID). The control unit 100 acquires the objective value of the eye to be examined as an initial value when starting the subjective examination (M1). The details of the control operation when the control unit 100 of the subjective eye examination device 1 acquires the objective value are the same as in step S1 in the self-examination mode, so they are omitted here. Also, as in step S1 in the self-examination mode, the spectacle value or the like may be acquired as the initial value instead of the objective value. For example, the control unit 100 may place an optical element 62 in the examination window 53 of the ocular refractive power measurement unit 50 according to the acquired initial value (e.g., objective value or spectacle value, etc.).

[0103] Next, the examiner initiates a subjective examination using manual optometry (M2). When subjective examination is performed using manual optometry, the examiner may use the test targets of their choice in any order to conduct multiple tests to determine subjective values, or they may conduct multiple tests to determine subjective values ​​based on an optometry program in which the procedure for conducting the subjective examination is pre-programmed.

[0104] The examiner conducts a subjective examination of the eye while changing the test target presented to the eye and the corrective power applied to the eye. For example, the examiner operates the examiner controller 70 to select a desired test target. Once a test target is selected, the control unit 100 outputs an operation signal to select the test target. In response to the operation signal, the control unit 100 retrieves the corresponding test target data from the memory 110 and displays it on the display 91. The test target displayed on the display 91 is presented to the eye through the examination window 53 and optical element 62 of the refractive power measurement unit 50. For example, the examiner switches between test targets and asks the subject how well they can see the test targets. As an example, if the subject's answer is correct, the examiner switches the target presented to the eye to one level higher in visual acuity. As another example, if the subject gives an incorrect answer, the examiner switches the visual acuity target presented to the subject to one level lower. Also, for example, the examiner changes the corrective power of the subject's eye as they perform the test, along with switching the test target. By repeating this series of operations, the control unit 100 determines the subject's subjective value for the subject's eye. For example, once the result of the last test (for example, the VA test for the subject's left eye) is determined, the subjective examination by manual optometry is completed (M3).

[0105] The start and end triggers for measuring the eye examination time (more specifically, the eye examination time of the subjective examination process, which is the first to be performed among multiple examination items (processes)) can be selected as appropriate. For example, obtaining the initial values ​​of the subjective examination may be used as the start trigger. The operation to first present the indicator to the subject being examined may also be used as the start trigger. At least one of the start and end instructions for the subjective examination process performed by manual eye examination, entered by the examiner, may also be used as the start and end triggers. Furthermore, the display of the eye examination completion screen 200, described later, may be used as the end trigger for measuring the eye examination time of the subjective examination process. The end trigger for the subjective examination process may also serve as the start trigger for the waiting process.

[0106] In step M3, once the series of manual eye examinations are completed, the control unit 100 displays, for example, the eye examination completion screen 200 shown in Figure 6 on the monitor 72 or the like. The eye examination completion screen 200 may display the results of the eye examination (the subjective values ​​of the eye being examined) along with a message indicating that the eye examination has been completed.

[0107] For example, when the subjective examination process of the eye being examined by manual eye examination is completed in step M3, the examiner performs a preliminary frame examination on the eye being examined (M4). For example, the examiner presses the preliminary frame examination start button 201 on the eye examination completion screen 200 displayed on the monitor 72 or the like. The operation of the preliminary frame examination start button 201 may also serve as a measurement end trigger to end the measurement of the eye examination time in the waiting process. Alternatively, the operation of the preliminary frame examination start button 201 may also serve as a measurement start trigger to start the measurement of the eye examination time in the preliminary frame examination process. When the preliminary frame examination start button 201 is operated, the control unit 100 outputs an input signal for the preliminary frame examination start button 201. Based on the input signal for the preliminary frame examination start button 201, the control unit 100 executes control to start the preliminary frame examination. Details of the control operation to start the preliminary frame examination and the method of performing the preliminary frame examination are the same as in step S3 in the self-eye examination mode, so they are omitted here.

[0108] Once the examiner confirms that there are no problems with the subject's comfort during the trial fitting, the examiner presses the output button 202 on the eye examination completion screen 200 to end the trial fitting and output the measurement results (M5). Operating the output button 202 may also serve as a measurement completion trigger to end the measurement of the eye examination time for the trial fitting process. When the output button 202 is operated, the control unit 100 outputs the input signal for the output button 202. For example, based on the input signal for the output button 202, the control unit 100 stores the eye examination information, including the measurement results (subjective values) from the manual eye examination, in the memory 110 and also outputs it to an external storage device connected to the control unit 100. Furthermore, if the subject experiences discomfort during the trial fitting, the examiner may re-examine the subject's subjective perception of the eye.

[0109] <Collection (memory) of optometrial examination information> Each eye examination information obtained as described above in the subjective eye examination device 1 is collected and stored, for example, in the memory 110 of the subjective eye examination device (information processing device) 1.

[0110] Furthermore, among the acquired eye examination information, the eye examination time in self-examination mode may be measured as follows. For example, the trigger for starting the measurement of the eye examination time may be when the control unit 100 receives an operation signal for the self-examination start button in step S2, and the trigger for ending the measurement of the eye examination time may be when the control unit 100 receives an operation signal for the subjective value output button 202 in step S5, thereby acquiring the eye examination time. Furthermore, when measuring the time required for each of the subjective examination process, the waiting process, and the temporary frame examination process during the eye examination time (referred to as the subjective examination time, waiting time, and temporary frame examination time, respectively), the time required for each process may be obtained by setting the trigger for starting the measurement of the subjective examination time as the operation signal of the self-eye examination start button in step S2, the trigger for ending the measurement of the subjective examination time (which also serves as the trigger for starting the measurement of the waiting time) as the trigger for ending the measurement of the eye examination end screen 200 in step S3, the trigger for starting the measurement of the temporary frame examination time (which also serves as the trigger for ending the measurement of the waiting time) as the operation signal of the temporary frame examination start button 201 in step S4, and the trigger for ending the measurement of the temporary frame examination time as the trigger for ending the measurement of the subjective value output button 202 in step S5.

[0111] Furthermore, the eye examination time in manual eye examination mode may be measured as follows. For example, the trigger for starting the measurement of the eye examination time may be when an initial value is set in the subjective eye examination device 1 in step M1, and the trigger for ending the measurement of the eye examination time may be when the control unit 100 receives an operation signal from the subjective value output button 202 in step M5, thereby acquiring the eye examination time. Furthermore, when measuring the time required for each of the subjective examination process, the waiting process, and the temporary frame examination process during the eye examination time (referred to as subjective examination time, waiting time, and temporary frame examination time, respectively), the trigger for starting the measurement of the subjective examination time may be when an initial value is set in the subjective eye examination device 1 in step M1; the trigger for ending the measurement of the subjective examination time (which also serves as the trigger for starting the measurement of the waiting time) may be when the control unit 100 displays the eye examination completion screen 200 in step M3; the trigger for starting the measurement of the temporary frame examination time (which also serves as the trigger for ending the measurement of the waiting time) may be when the control unit 100 receives an operation signal for the temporary frame examination start button 201 in step M4; and the trigger for ending the measurement of the temporary frame examination time may be when the control unit 100 receives an operation signal for the subjective value output button 202 in step M5, thereby acquiring the time required for each process.

[0112] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may acquire attribute information of the subject who underwent the examination. For example, attribute information for each of multiple subjects may be stored in one of the storage units (e.g., memory 110). The control unit 100 may acquire attribute information of the relevant subject based on information that identifies the subject who underwent the examination (e.g., subject ID). The subject's attributes may include at least one of the following: subject ID assigned to each subject, gender, age (age group), and the language used during the eye examination. In addition, based on the subject ID, the attribute information may also include at least one of the following: measured values ​​of the eye other than subjective eye examination values ​​(e.g., objective values ​​of the eye, pre-glasses values, etc.), medical history related to the eye based on counseling with the subject, the effectiveness or position of the eye, and a history of past subjective eye examination results.

[0113] <Summary of Status Information> Referring to Figure 8, an overview of the status information generated and output by the self-aware eye examination device (information processing device) 1 will be explained. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a report screen displaying status information. The report screen in Figure 8 displays a graph comparing eye examination time by process 250, a correlation graph between subject age and eye examination time 260, an operational rate graph 270, an eye examination time distribution graph 280, and buttons 251, 261, 271, 281 for changing the analysis period, etc. The graph comparing eye examination time by process 250 shows the comparison information of eye examination time by process as status information in a graph. The correlation graph between subject age and eye examination time 260 shows the correlation information between subject age and eye examination time in self-examination as status information in a graph. The operational rate graph 270 shows the operational rate information as status information in a graph. The eye examination time distribution graph 280 shows the eye examination time distribution information as status information in a graph. Information comparing eye examination times by process, correlation information between subject age and eye examination time, utilization rate information, and eye examination time distribution information will be described later. The self-aware eye examination device 1 of this embodiment can generate and output status information indicating the usage status of the self-aware eye examination device 1 by processing eye examination information indicating at least one of the eye examination content and eye examination time (eye examination information for self-examination and eye examination information for manual examination may be acquired separately). Therefore, the user can objectively grasp the usage status of the self-aware eye examination device by using the status information, without having to infer the usage status of the device based on the eye examination situation.

[0114] In the example shown in Figure 8, the subjective optometry device (information processing device) 1 outputs multiple status information by displaying it on the monitor 72. However, it is also possible to change the method of outputting status information. For example, the subjective optometry device 1 may output status information by sending it to the device of the administrator who manages the subjective optometry operations (for example, a device connected to the subjective optometry device 1 via a network). In this case, the administrator can objectively check the usage status of the subjective optometry device 1 using the device they use.

[0115] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the subjective optometry device 1 of this embodiment outputs the generated status information in a predetermined report format for reporting the processing results (analysis results) of the optometry information to the user. Therefore, compared to cases where the information output format is changed each time, it is easier for the user to understand the content of the status information. The status information report format in this embodiment may include a graph of the status information and item names. Therefore, the user can appropriately understand the status information by looking at the graph and item names. Also, the status information report format in this embodiment may be a format that displays the graphs and item names of multiple status information items side by side. Therefore, the user can easily understand multiple status information items and easily compare multiple status information items. Moreover, the status information report format in this embodiment may be a format in which the generated status information (graphs) are applied to a template in which the display method (including the display position of each piece of information in this embodiment) is predetermined. Therefore, compared to cases where the display method, etc., is not predetermined, the user can easily understand the usage status of the subjective optometry device 1. The control unit 100 sets the contents of the template (for example, at least one of the number and types of status information to be output, the position, size, and color of the status information to be displayed) according to the instructions entered by the user. Therefore, the user can check the contents of the status information according to the template of their choice. The contents of each status information and the method of generating them will be described in detail below.

[0116] <Usage information for each mode: Self-examination mode and Manual examination mode> This section describes the usage information for each eye examination mode, specifically the self-examination mode and the manual eye examination mode (hereinafter referred to as "mode-specific usage information"). The mode-specific usage information shows the usage status of the self-examination mode and the manual eye examination mode in the subjective eye examination device 1.

[0117] For example, as an example of usage information by mode, the self-examination rate may be shown as the number of self-examinations performed using self-examination, out of the total number of self-examinations performed using the self-examination device 1. In this case, by obtaining the self-examination rate, users can appropriately understand the utilization status of self-examinations.

[0118] Alternatively, as an example of usage information by mode, the average values ​​of the eye examination time by self-examination and the average values ​​of the eye examination time by manual examination performed by the subjective eye examination device 1 may be shown. In this case, the user can obtain the average value of the eye examination time in each examination mode and compare the two obtained average values ​​to understand which examination mode allows for more efficient subjective eye examination. For example, when showing the average value of the eye examination time by self-examination and the average value of the eye examination time by manual examination, the subjective eye examination device 1 may further obtain the eye examination time for each of several different processes in the subjective eye examination and show the average value of the time required for each process. Status information that compares the average values ​​of such process-specific eye examination time comparison information by examination mode (hereinafter referred to as "process-specific eye examination time comparison information") is output (e.g., displayed or printed) by a process-specific eye examination time comparison graph 250, as shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment. In this case, the user can understand the usage status of self-examination and manual examination in more detail. For example, according to Graph 250 comparing eye examination times by process, when comparing the average total eye examination time for self-examination and manual eye examination, it can be seen that self-examination tends to be performed in a shorter time. On the other hand, when the eye examination time is divided into subjective examination time, waiting time, and preliminary frame examination time, and the average time for each is examined, it can be seen that the waiting time tends to be longer for self-examination. Therefore, for example, in the case of self-examination, users can understand that the waiting time from the subjective examination to the preliminary frame examination tends to be relatively long, and can take various measures (e.g., staffing) to improve the efficiency of subsequent eye examination work.

[0119] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart showing the flow of the process by which the subjective optometry device (information processing device) 1 performs the process of generating comparison information of eye examination times for each process. Referring to Figure 9, the process of generating comparison information of eye examination times for each process performed by the subjective optometry device (information processing device) 1 in this embodiment will be explained. When the control unit 100 of the subjective optometry device 1 receives an instruction to start generating status information, it executes the process of generating comparison information of eye examination times for each process according to the subjective optometry information processing program. In this embodiment, the process of generating status information is the same when generating status information different from the comparison information of eye examination times for each process, and the control unit 100 executes it according to the subjective optometry information processing program.

[0120] First, the control unit 100 sets the analysis period (P1). The analysis period is the period for which optomegaly information is processed (analyzed) to generate status information. The analysis period may be, for example, a day, a week, a month, or a year. The analysis period may also be the most recent day or week from the time of analysis, or any day or week in the past. The control unit 100 may set the analysis period according to instructions entered by the user (for example, instructions entered by operating the examiner controller 70). Multiple analysis periods may also be set. In this case, the processing in steps P2 to P3 described later will be executed for each of the multiple analysis periods. As an example, the process-by-process optomegaly time comparison graph 250 shown in Figure 8 is generated with the analysis period set to any day in the past. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 8, process-specific eye examination time comparison information is pre-generated for each of the multiple analysis periods. When the user operates the analysis period change button 251 (labeled "Day" in Figure 8), the analysis period (length of the period, and at least one of the start or end dates) on which the process-specific eye examination time comparison graph 250 is displayed is changed. It goes without saying that all the graphs shown in Figure 8 are merely examples, and the details of the graphs can be changed.

[0121] The control unit 100 acquires the eye examination time for self-administered eye examinations and the eye examination time for manual eye examinations performed by the self-administered eye examination device 1 within the analysis period (P2). In this case, the eye examination time acquired by the control unit 100 may be acquired separately for each of several different processes in the self-administered eye examination (in this embodiment, this will be the self-examination time, waiting time, and preliminary frame examination time). In this embodiment, information on the eye examination time for self-administered eye examinations and the eye examination time for manual eye examinations is stored in the memory 110 in advance. Note that the eye examination time in this embodiment is the length of time from the eye examination time measurement start trigger to the eye examination time measurement end trigger. Therefore, the actual eye examination time is appropriately calculated based on the measurement start trigger and the measurement end trigger. Furthermore, the method of acquiring the eye examination time can be changed as appropriate.

[0122] The control unit 100 processes the acquired eye examination time for self-administered eye examinations and the eye examination time for manual eye examinations, and generates process-specific eye examination time comparison information (P3). Based on the generated process-specific eye examination time comparison information, the control unit 100 generates a process-specific eye examination time comparison graph 250 and outputs it (e.g., display or print) (P4).

[0123] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may calculate the average or total value of the process-specific eye examination time comparison information within multiple analysis periods. In this case, trends across multiple analysis periods can be easily grasped. The control unit 100 may also calculate (integrate) the average or total value of the process-specific eye examination time comparison information for multiple subjective eye examination devices 1 within the same aggregation period.

[0124] <Information on the usage of self-examination or manual examination> Mode-specific usage information may be used not only to compare the usage status of self-examination and manual examination, but also to analyze the usage status of either self-examination or manual examination. For example, the subjective eye examination device (information processing device) 1 may, based on the attribute information of subjects who performed self-examination using the subjective eye examination device 1 (e.g., age of the subject) and the examination time, show the average value of the age of the subject and the examination time in self-examination, and derive correlation information between the age of the subject and the examination time in self-examination.

[0125] The correlation information between the age of the subject and the examination time in self-examination shows the number of subjects who performed self-examination by age group, and also shows the average examination time for each age group of subjects. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the correlation information between the age of the subject and the examination time is output (e.g., displayed or printed) by the correlation graph 260 between the age of the subject and the examination time.

[0126] Referring to Figure 10, the correlation information between the subject's age and the time of eye examination in a self-examination performed by the self-examination device (information processing device) 1 of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart illustrating the flow at which the self-examination device (information processing device) 1 performs the process of generating correlation information between the subject's age and the time of eye examination in a self-examination. When the control unit 100 of the self-examination device 1 receives an instruction to start generating status information, it performs the process of generating correlation information between the subject's age and the time of eye examination in a self-examination according to the self-examination information processing program.

[0127] First, the control unit 100 sets the analysis period (P5). The analysis period is the period for which optometrial information is processed (analyzed) to generate status information. Details of the analysis period are the same as in step P1 (see Figure 9) described above. The control unit 100 may set the analysis period according to instructions entered by the user (for example, instructions entered by operating the examiner controller 70). Multiple analysis periods may also be set. As an example, the correlation graph 260 between subject age and optometrial time shown in Figure 8 is generated with the analysis period set to any day in the past. In the example shown in Figure 8, correlation information between subject age and optometrial time is generated in advance for each of the multiple analysis periods, and when the user operates the analysis period change button 261, the analysis period (length of the period, and at least one of the start and end dates of the period) for which the correlation graph 260 between subject age and optometrial time is displayed is changed.

[0128] The control unit 100 acquires information regarding the eye examination time and the subject's attributes (in the example shown in Figure 10, the subject's age) of the self-administered eye examination performed by the self-administered eye examination device 1 within the analysis period (P6). In this embodiment, the information regarding the eye examination time and the subject's attributes is pre-stored in the memory 110. In this embodiment, the eye examination time is the length of time from the measurement start trigger to the measurement end trigger. Therefore, the actual eye examination time is appropriately calculated based on the measurement start trigger and measurement end trigger. Furthermore, the method for acquiring the eye examination time can be changed as appropriate.

[0129] The control unit 100 processes the acquired information on the eye examination time and the subject's attributes and generates correlation information between the subject's age and the eye examination time in the self-examination (P7). Based on the generated correlation information between the subject's age and the eye examination time in the self-examination, the control unit 100 generates a correlation graph 260 between the subject's age and the eye examination time and outputs it (e.g., display or print) (P8).

[0130] The correlation graph 260 between subject age and eye examination time, illustrated in Figure 8, shows the number of subjects by age group who performed self-eye examinations as a bar graph, and the average eye examination time by age group for subjects who performed self-eye examinations as a line graph, with a given day as the analysis period. As described above, the control unit 100 can appropriately grasp the correlation between the usage status of the self-examination device 1 and the attributes of the subjects by processing information on the eye examination time and the attributes of the subjects during the analysis period, using status information. Therefore, the user can further improve the efficiency of eye examination work by adjusting the usage of the self-examination device or the allocation of personnel, etc., according to the subjects, in accordance with the correlation between the appropriately grasped usage status and the attributes of the subjects.

[0131] In this embodiment, an example was given of generating status information in correspondence with the subject's age. However, the control unit 100 can also generate status information in correspondence with attributes other than age (for example, at least one of gender or medical history).

[0132] Furthermore, in this embodiment, status information for each of multiple groups with different attributes (in this embodiment, age) is generated and output collectively. However, the control unit 100 may extract status information for a specific group from among multiple groups with different attributes (that is, sort the status information of some groups according to their attributes) and output it.

[0133] <Occupancy Rate Information> This section explains the operational ratio information. The operational ratio information indicates the ratio of eye examination time to power supply time in the subjective eye examination device 1. Power supply time is the time when power is supplied to the subjective eye examination device 1. Eye examination time is the time when the subjective eye examination is actually performed on the subject (eyes being examined). Eye examination time may be, for example, the cumulative eye examination time of multiple subjective eye examinations performed on multiple subjects during the power supply time. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the operational ratio information is output (for example, displayed or printed) by the operational ratio graph 270. The higher the ratio of eye examination time to power supply time, the less wasted power is supplied to the subjective eye examination device, and therefore the higher the work efficiency. Accordingly, compared to outputting only one of the power supply time or eye examination time as operational ratio information, the appropriateness of the work can be grasped more appropriately by the user. The user can accurately grasp the appropriateness of operations based on the utilization rate information and take various measures to improve the efficiency of subsequent optometry operations (for example, adjusting the usage of the subjective optometry device 1, or allocating personnel). However, it is also possible to output either the power-on time or the optometry time as utilization rate information.

[0134] Referring to Figure 11, the operation rate information generation process performed by the subjective optometry device (information processing device) 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart illustrating the flow in which the subjective optometry device (information processing device) 1 performs the operation rate information generation process. When the control unit 100 of the subjective optometry device 1 receives an instruction to start generating status information, it executes the operation rate information generation process according to the subjective optometry information processing program.

[0135] First, the control unit 100 sets the analysis period (P9). The analysis period is the period for which optomegaly information is processed (analyzed) to generate status information. Details of the analysis period are the same as in step P1 (see Figure 9) described above. The control unit 100 may set the analysis period according to instructions entered by the user (for example, instructions entered by operating the examiner controller 70). Multiple analysis periods may also be set. As an example, the work rate graph 270 shown in Figure 8 is generated with the analysis period set to any day in the past. In the example shown in Figure 8, work rate information is generated in advance for each of the multiple analysis periods, and when the user operates the analysis period change button 271, the analysis period (length of the period, and at least one of the start and end dates of the period) on which the work rate graph 270 is displayed is changed.

[0136] Next, the control unit 100 sets multiple aggregation periods within the analysis period set in step P9 (P10). The length of each aggregation period may be determined according to the length of the analysis period. For example, as shown in the operating rate graph 270 in Figure 8, if the analysis period is a day, the length of the aggregation period may be 1 hour. Also, if the analysis period is a week or a month, the length of the aggregation period may be 1 day. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may set the length of the aggregation period according to instructions entered by the user (for example, instructions entered by operating the examiner controller 70).

[0137] The control unit 100 acquires eye examination time and electrical stimulation time information as eye examination information for each of several aggregation periods set within the analysis period (P11). In this embodiment, the eye examination time and electrical stimulation time information are pre-stored in the memory 110. In this embodiment, eye examination time is the length of time from the eye examination time measurement start trigger to the eye examination time measurement end trigger. Therefore, the actual eye examination time is appropriately calculated based on the measurement start trigger and measurement end trigger. The method of acquiring eye examination time can also be changed as appropriate. As an example, in this embodiment, the time required for all examination processes, including the subjective examination process, the waiting process, and the preliminary frame examination process, is acquired as eye examination time. However, the time required for some of the multiple examination processes (for example, the time required for the subjective examination process, or the time required for the subjective examination process and the preliminary frame examination process, etc.) may be acquired as eye examination time.

[0138] The control unit 100 processes the eye examination time and the power supply time, and generates operational ratio information for each aggregation period (P12). For example, the eye examination time and power supply time may be processed as follows: "Length of aggregation period: Length of eye examination time: Length of power supply time = 60 minutes: 10 minutes: 30 minutes". Based on the operational ratio information generated for each aggregation period, the control unit 100 generates an operational ratio graph 270 and outputs it (e.g., display or print) (P13).

[0139] The operational rate graph 270 illustrated in Figure 8 shows the ratio of operational time to power-on time for each of the multiple aggregation periods included in the analysis period (in Figure 8, the aggregation periods are every hour from 10:00 to 20:00). As described above, the control unit 100 processes the eye examination information for each of the multiple aggregation periods to generate status information (operational rate graph 270 in Figure 8) that shows the change in the usage status of the subjective eye examination device 1 over time for each aggregation period. In other words, the control unit 100 generates status information separately for each of the multiple time periods. Therefore, users can take various measures after appropriately understanding the change in the usage status over time. For example, in time periods when the ratio of the length of eye examination time to the length of power-on time is extremely low, it is possible to improve efficiency by cutting off the power to the device and adjusting so that no personnel are assigned to it.

[0140] However, the control unit 100 may generate operational rate information for a specific aggregation period by processing optometrial examination information within that specific aggregation period. In this case, in step P10, the control unit 100 only needs to set the analysis period itself to a single aggregation period. The control unit 100 may also calculate the average or sum of operational rates for the same aggregation period within multiple analysis periods (for example, operational rates for the same day of the week within an analysis period that includes multiple weeks). In this case, the trend of operational rates across multiple analysis periods can be easily grasped. The control unit 100 may also calculate (integrate) the average or sum of operational rates for the same aggregation period for multiple subjective optometrial examination devices 1.

[0141] <Information on the distribution of eye examination times> The eye examination time distribution information is described below. Eye examination time distribution information is information that shows the number of subjective eye examinations performed by the subjective eye examination device 1, categorized by the length of time required to perform each subjective eye examination. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the eye examination time distribution information is output (e.g., displayed or printed) by the eye examination time distribution graph 280. Users can appropriately understand the distribution of eye examination time required to perform subjective eye examinations by using the eye examination time distribution information.

[0142] Referring to Figure 12, the eye examination time distribution information generation process performed by the subjective eye examination device (information processing device) 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart illustrating the flow in which the subjective eye examination device (information processing device) 1 performs the eye examination time distribution information generation process. First, the control unit 100 sets the analysis target period (P14). The analysis target period is the period for which eye examination information is processed (analyzed) to generate status information. Details of the analysis target period are the same as in step P1 (see Figure 9) described above. The control unit 100 may set the analysis target period according to instructions entered by the user, or it may set multiple analysis target periods. Note that the eye examination time distribution graph 280 shown in Figure 8 is generated with the analysis target period set to one of the past days. Also, in the example shown in Figure 8, eye examination time distribution information has been generated in advance for each of the multiple analysis target periods, and the analysis target period for which the eye examination time distribution graph 280 is displayed is changed when the analysis target period change button 281 is operated by the user.

[0143] The control unit 100 acquires information on the time of each subjective eye examination performed by the subjective eye examination device 1 within the analysis period (P15). In this embodiment, the information on the time of each subjective eye examination is stored in the memory 110 in advance.

[0144] The control unit 100 processes information on eye examination time and information on the number of subjective eye examinations to generate eye examination time distribution information that shows the number of subjective eye examinations performed for each length of eye examination time (P16). Based on the generated eye examination time distribution information, the control unit 100 generates and outputs an eye examination time distribution graph 280 (P17). The eye examination time distribution graph 280 illustrated in Figure 8 uses a certain day as the analysis period and shows the number of subjective eye examinations performed within the analysis period for each eye examination time. The eye examination time distribution information of this embodiment includes at least a parameter related to time, and the correlation between eye examination time and the number of subjective eye examinations is shown by the eye examination time distribution information. Based on the distribution of eye examination time that the user has grasped, the user can appropriately improve the efficiency of subsequent eye examination work, etc.

[0145] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may calculate at least one of the predicted time and the number of possible eye examinations based on previously acquired eye examination time information (P18). The predicted time is the time expected to be required to perform multiple subjective eye examinations. The number of possible eye examinations is the number of subjective eye examinations expected to be performed within a predetermined time. The user can perform their duties more appropriately based on the information on the predicted time and the number of possible eye examinations.

[0146] The technology disclosed in the above embodiments is merely an example. Therefore, it is possible to modify the technology exemplified in the above embodiments. For example, it is possible to perform only a part of the multiple processes exemplified in the above embodiments. Furthermore, the method for integrating the status information of multiple subjective optometric devices 1 is not limited to calculating a total value. For example, an average value may be calculated. Alternatively, multiple status information may be integrated by outputting them side by side.

[0147] Note that the process of acquiring eye examination information in step P2 of Figure 9, step P6 of Figure 10, step P11 of Figure 11, and step P15 of Figure 12 is an example of the "eye examination information acquisition step". The process of generating status information in step P3 of Figure 9, step P7 of Figure 10, step P12 of Figure 11, and step P16 of Figure 12 is an example of the "status information generation step".

[0148] 1. Subjective eye examination device (information processing device) 50. Refractive power measurement unit 70 Examiner's Controller 80 Subject controller 100 Control Unit 110 memory 250-step comparison graph of eye examination time. 260 Correlation graph between subject age and time of eye examination 270 Operating Ratio Graph 280 Graph showing the distribution of eye examination time

Claims

1. A subjective optometry information processing program executed by an information processing device that processes information related to a subjective optometry device for performing subjective optometry, The subjective eye examination device is capable of performing at least one of the following eye examination modes for conducting the subjective eye examination: a self-examination mode in which the subjective eye examination is automatically conducted based on the answers entered by the subject, and a manual eye examination mode in which the examiner manually conducts the subjective eye examination according to the answers of the subject. The subjective eye examination information processing program is executed by the control unit of the information processing device, An eye examination information acquisition step, which acquires eye examination information, which is information relating to the subjective eye examination performed by the subjective eye examination device, as eye examination information in the self-eye examination mode or eye examination information in the manual eye examination mode, A status information generation step involves processing the eye examination information acquired in the eye examination information acquisition step to generate status information indicating the usage status for each eye examination mode of the subjective eye examination device, An output step which outputs the status information generated in the status information generation step, A subjective optometry information processing program characterized by causing the information processing device to execute the following.

2. A subjective optometry information processing program according to claim 1, In the eye examination information acquisition step, the eye examination time, which is the time required for the subjective eye examination performed for each subject, is acquired as the eye examination information. A subjective eye examination information processing program characterized in that, in the status information generation step, status information relating to the eye examination time for each eye examination mode is generated.

3. A subjective optometry information processing program according to claim 2, In the eye examination information acquisition step, the eye examination time is identified and acquired for each of several different processes in the subjective eye examination. A subjective eye examination information processing program characterized in that, in the status information generation step, it generates the status information relating to the eye examination time for each of the multiple steps in the subjective eye examination for each eye examination mode.

4. A subjective optometry information processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The eye examination information acquired in the aforementioned eye examination information acquisition step includes the subject's attribute information. A subjective optometry information processing program characterized in that, in the status information generation step, it processes the optometry information acquired in the optometry information acquisition step to generate status information indicating the usage status of the subjective optometry device for each optometry mode, in association with the subject's attribute information.

5. A subjective optometry information processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Output step: Outputs the status information generated in the status information generation step in a predetermined report format for reporting the processing results of the eye examination information to the user. A subjective optometry information processing program characterized by further causing the information processing device to execute the following.

6. A subjective optometry information processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Integration step: Integrating and outputting the multiple status information generated for each of the multiple subjective optometry devices. A subjective optometry information processing program characterized by further causing the information processing device to execute the following.

7. A subjective optometry system equipped with a subjective optometry device for performing subjective optometry, which involves subjectively measuring the optical properties of the eye being examined. The subjective eye examination device is capable of performing at least one of the following eye examination modes for conducting the subjective eye examination: a self-examination mode in which the subjective eye examination is automatically conducted based on the answers entered by the subject, and a manual eye examination mode in which the examiner manually conducts the subjective eye examination according to the answers of the subject. The control unit of the aforementioned subjective eye examination system is: An eye examination information acquisition step, which acquires eye examination information, which is information relating to the subjective eye examination performed by the subjective eye examination device, as eye examination information in the self-eye examination mode or eye examination information in the manual eye examination mode, A status information generation step involves processing the eye examination information acquired in the eye examination information acquisition step to generate status information indicating the usage status for each subjective eye examination device, An output step which outputs the status information generated in the status information generation step, A subjective optometry system characterized by performing the following actions.

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