A computing module configured to evaluate the ergonomics of vision and posture.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
Smart Images
Figure 2026519426000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of visual and postural ergonomics.
[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a computing module configured to evaluate and issue recommendations on the ergonomics of a user's vision and posture.
[0003] The present invention also relates to a computer-implemented method implemented on such a computing module.
Background Art
[0004] The interest in improving postural and visual ergonomics is linked to the increasing sedentary lifestyle and the impact of related poor postures. In both the work environment and the personal environment, people often spend a lot of time looking at the screens of computers, TVs, and smartphones, often in an inappropriate posture. In particular, this can lead to muscle and tendon imbalances and irritation, such as the position of the head, the angle of the neck, and the posture of the shoulders. This can result in chronic discomfort or pain that can be avoided by increasing attention to posture and spending sufficient time on posture adjustment or breaks from screen-related activities.
[0005] Furthermore, visual ergonomics also includes dealing with visual discomfort that can result from prolonged attention to bright screens without sufficient breaks, or excessive near vision without sufficient periods of far vision adjustment to compensate. Lack of attention to visual ergonomics can lead to deterioration of visual impairments such as myopia and general discomfort such as migraines.
[0006] Furthermore, these adverse effects are increased when the relationship between the recommended use of ophthalmic devices, particularly progressive lenses, and their use by the wearer is not appropriate. In fact, progressive lenses have separate visual field areas dedicated to near and far vision, and inappropriate use by looking through the wrong area can lead to an increase in visual discomfort as described above.
[0007] Professional and / or physician-led visual and postural training often leads to improved comfort and resolves many of these problems. However, adjustments to visual and postural behavior must become habitual to ensure long-term beneficial effects, and therefore need to be frequently reinforced to provide their greatest benefits. As a person's attention is often diverted to the activity being practiced, attention to posture and vision decreases, and harmful habits often outweigh the benefits of previous training. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0008] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems by providing a routine and easily implementable method for obtaining feedback and recommendations related to postural and visual ergonomics. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] For this purpose, the present invention provides a computational module for evaluating the ergonomics of a user's vision and posture and issuing recommendations, wherein the computational module is - Obtain at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing at least one optical element worn by the user, - Obtain at least one value of at least one position parameter representing the position, movement, or sequence of movements of at least one body part of the user. - Select a reference value for at least one positional parameter based on the value of at least one optical parameter, - To detect inappropriateness, compare the value of at least one positional parameter with a selected baseline value. - Regarding the computing module, if it is detected as inappropriate, it will provide the user with at least one recommendation.
[0010] Such devices provide continuous feedback and recommendations toward the ergonomics of the user's vision and posture, enabling the continuous and easily implemented enhancement of good practices for improving postural and visual comfort.
[0011] At least one optical element may include, for example, an optical lens, particularly an ophthalmic lens.
[0012] The computing module can be located on a head-mounted device.
[0013] The head-mounted device may also have at least one optical element.
[0014] A head-mounted device could be, for example, a pair of smart glasses.
[0015] Alternatively, the control module may be separate from the head-mounted device and connected to the head-mounted device via a wired or wireless connection.
[0016] The value of at least one optical parameter can be retrieved from memory.
[0017] The memory may be located on a head-mounted device or on a separate device such as a computer or smartphone. The memory may be connected directly to the computing module or via a wireless communication protocol.
[0018] The position parameter values can be obtained through measurements by at least one sensor.
[0019] At least one sensor may include an image sensor such as a camera, inertial sensor, gyroscope, or GPS or other positioning sensor.
[0020] At least one different sensor may be used to provide values for different environmental and / or attitude parameters.
[0021] At least one sensor may be disposed on the head-mounted device.
[0022] According to an implementation form, at least one position parameter includes at least one viewing angle, direction, or distance of the area of interest by the user.
[0023] The position parameter may be obtained, for example, by acquiring at least one image with an eye-tracking camera.
[0024] This feature enables the device to provide feedback regarding the use of any final ophthalmic correction device worn by the user and regarding maintaining a correct visual posture for the user's activities.
[0025] According to another implementation form, the reference value includes a range of appropriate distances, angles, or directions of viewing the area of interest that the user is looking through the optical element.
[0026] This function enables the user to confirm the correct use of the ophthalmic correction lens being worn.
[0027] For example, the calculation module is configured to check that the user is looking at a near-field item using the correct ophthalmic correction lens.
[0028] According to another implementation form, the optical element is a progressive ophthalmic lens, and the range of appropriate directions or angles of viewing the area of interest is determined with respect to the distance to the area of interest and with respect to a specific predetermined area of the optical element.
[0029] This function can control the appropriateness between the viewing distance to the area of interest and the usage area of the progressive lens, thereby providing vision correction appropriate for this viewing distance.
[0030] In another implementation, the area of interest is equipped with a display, and the computing module is configured to select a reference value using the distance to the display as well.
[0031] This feature allows users to control the viewing distance to the display, and the calculation module can recommend that the user adjust this distance if it is inappropriate.
[0032] The display may be a static display such as a text page or a book, or a dynamic display such as a screen.
[0033] In another implementation, the display has at least one text area, and the computing module is configured to select a reference value using a parameter that also represents the text area.
[0034] The parameters representing the text area may be, for example, font size, brightness, and / or contrast value.
[0035] This feature can identify text on the display and recommend adjustments to the display if the text parameters are inappropriate, or recommend adjustments to environmental conditions such as the distance to the display and ambient brightness.
[0036] In another implementation, at least one position parameter includes at least one head or neck position angle, at least one reference parameter includes a corresponding recommended angle range, and at least one reference parameter further includes the maximum duration of deviation from the recommended angle range over a predetermined duration.
[0037] This feature can help control inappropriate body postures, particularly head and neck posture, when viewing a screen.
[0038] According to another implementation, at least one position parameter includes the frequency of posture changes, the posture change includes a change of only a predetermined minimum value of the position angle of at least one predetermined body part, at least one reference parameter includes the minimum frequency of posture changes, and / or at least one position parameter includes the frequency of movement changes, the movement change includes a change of only a predetermined minimum value of the movement of at least one predetermined body part, and at least one reference parameter includes the minimum frequency of movement changes.
[0039] This feature allows you to see if there are enough interruptions to your current activity and posture, such as standing up after sitting in front of the screen for a certain period of time.
[0040] In another implementation, the recommendation includes the recommended displacement of the area of interest and / or the user's recommended displacement relative to the area of interest.
[0041] This function allows you to confirm the appropriate observation position of the object and correct this relative position as needed.
[0042] According to another implementation, the recommendation includes the recommended attitude changes.
[0043] Recommended posture changes may include commands to move at least one specific body part of the user to improve the user's posture.
[0044] According to another implementation, the recommendation includes a change in posture, which includes a change of only a predetermined minimum value in the positional angle of at least one predetermined body part, a recommended interruption from the current activity, and / or modification of optical elements.
[0045] This feature makes it possible to recommend a change in optical elements to a new one that is suitable for the user's posture or viewing distance if an inappropriate posture persists for a long period of time.
[0046] In another implementation, the computing module is configured to control at least one signaling device to issue recommendations, the signaling device comprising a visual device, an audio device, and / or a haptic device.
[0047] This feature allows recommendations to be sent directly to the user via a simple signal.
[0048] The signaling device may be placed on a head-mounted device.
[0049] The signaling device can be connected to the control module via a direct wired connection or a wireless communication protocol.
[0050] In another implementation, the head-mounted device includes a communication device for communicating with a computer, smartwatch, or smartphone in order to store measurement data in the computer, smartwatch, or smartphone and to issue notifications via a program running on the computer, smartwatch, or smartphone.
[0051] This feature makes it possible to provide complete feedback on the user's posture and visual behavior over a specified period of time in order to make long-term recommendations.
[0052] In another implementation, the computing module is also configured to use at least one environmental parameter, which includes the nature of the activity performed by the user, and the computing module is configured to determine the activity performed by the user based on measurements from at least one sensor, advantageously through an artificial intelligence algorithm implemented on the computing module.
[0053] This feature can improve the accuracy of the device's selection of reference values based on the determined nature of the current activity.
[0054] In another implementation, the head-mounted device is configured to generate a reference value for at least one associated attitude parameter and a corresponding value for at least one environmental parameter during the calibration step, and the calibration step is triggered by the user or automatically.
[0055] This feature allows for the generation and modification of databases based on individual user behavior and characteristics, thereby improving the appropriateness of the criteria used.
[0056] The present invention also relates to a head-mounted device comprising a computing module and at least one optical element, wherein the computing module is configured to evaluate the ergonomics of the user's vision and posture while wearing the optical element and to issue recommendations, - Obtain at least one value for at least one optical parameter representing an optical element, - Obtain at least one value of at least one position parameter representing the position, movement, or sequence of movements of at least one body part of the user. - Select a reference value for at least one positional parameter based on the value of at least one optical parameter, - To detect inappropriateness, compare the value of at least one positional parameter with a selected baseline value. - If inappropriate content is detected, provide the user with at least one recommendation.
[0057] The present invention also relates to a computer-implemented method for evaluating and recommending the ergonomics of a user's vision and posture, wherein the method - A step of obtaining at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing an optical element used by the user, - A step of obtaining at least one value of at least one position parameter that represents the position, movement, or series of movements of at least one body part of the user, - A step of selecting a reference value for at least one position parameter based on the value of at least one optical parameter, - To detect inappropriateness, the steps include comparing the value of at least one positional parameter with a selected reference value, - A step of giving the user at least one recommendation if inappropriate behavior is detected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0058] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a head-mounted device comprising a later computing module of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a side view of a user wearing a head-mounted device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of a specific region of a progressive lens. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a computer implementation method according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0059] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 1. In this implementation, the computing module 3 according to the present invention is mounted on a head-mounted device 1 of a type commonly designated as smart glasses, as shown in Figure 1. Such a head-mounted device 1 typically comprises a rigid frame 2 including a single part or several jointed parts, configured to rest on the wearer's face by resting on at least one facial feature such as the nose and / or ears.
[0060] The head-mounted device 1 comprises an electronic computing module 3 and at least one sensor 4 for acquiring information representing the user's position and / or movement of the head-mounted device 1.
[0061] The computing module 3 includes an electronic circuit comprising at least one processor for executing a program and a memory for storing data and instructions for executing the program.
[0062] Each sensor 4 can measure information about the user's environment and / or the user's movement or location. A computing module 3 is connected to each sensor 4 on device 1 to control the sensors 4 and analyze and store the obtained information.
[0063] At least one sensor 4 may include at least one inertial motion sensor 4a (also known as an IMU for an inertial motor unit) that measures linear acceleration (i.e., acceleration in a straight line), a gyro sensor that measures angular motion and position, a magnetic sensor that measures orientation relative to a reference direction, and any other sensor that measures information that may be related to motion or position.
[0064] At least one sensor 4 may also include at least one camera attached to device 1 and associated with a suitable image processing algorithm.
[0065] Advantageously, at least one sensor 4 comprises at least one front camera 4b configured to acquire an image of the environment in front of the user, and at least one eye tracker camera 4c configured to acquire an image of the user's eyes in order to determine the direction of gaze through an image processing method.
[0066] At least one sensor 4 may also include a GPS unit configured to determine the user's location.
[0067] The head-mounted device 1 may also include at least one notification device for sending notifications to the user.
[0068] The notification device may include, for example, an audio and / or visual warning device, a visual display device, and / or a haptic device.
[0069] The head-mounted device 1 may also include a communication device 8 or a communication interface for enabling communication between the head-mounted device and other electronic devices such as a computer, a smartphone, or other elements within the user's personal area network.
[0070] The communication device 8 may function via a direct wired connection or via a wireless connection protocol such as "Wi-Fi" or "Bluetooth".
[0071] The device typically also includes a battery 5 to power the computing module 3 and each sensor 4.
[0072] The calculation module 3 is configured to obtain at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing at least one optical element 7 worn by the user.
[0073] In several embodiments, the values of optical parameters representing optical elements may change progressively. In this case, the calculation module 3 may be configured to obtain the progressively changing values and provide recommendations to the user based on these progressively changing values.
[0074] In the example described, the optical element 7 is an optical lens attached to the head-mounted device 1.
[0075] Preferably, the optical element 7 is an ophthalmic lens that provides ophthalmic correction to the user. The optical element 7 has at least one optical parameter related to the ophthalmic correction to be performed, and the value of the optical parameter is stored in the memory of the calculation module 3.
[0076] The optical parameters may be the refractive power of the ophthalmic lens, or any other parameters that represent the optical correction performed by the lens, such as spherical or cylindrical values.
[0077] If the optical element 7 is a progressive or anti-fatigue lens (for example, a lens provided by the applicant and marketed under the name "Eyezen" which shows optimization of the lens design at two points, one of which is dedicated to near visual acuity and the other to far visual acuity), the optical parameters may be the domain of the lens, represented by a range of viewing directions through the lens, associated with a range of viewing distances that provide appropriate correction when the progressive lens is used throughout the domain.
[0078] Alternatively, the optical element 7 may be a planar lens and will not provide ophthalmic correction.
[0079] Eye lenses or planar lenses can also be adapted to modify the intensity of light crossing the lens, such as tinted absorption lenses or sunglasses with a transmittance gradient.
[0080] Alternatively, the lens may be configured to have variable transition characteristics, such as a variable transmission lens that exhibits light absorption characteristics that change automatically or under the control of the computation module 3 when exposed to incident light.
[0081] Alternatively, the optical element 7 may be an electrochromic lens containing an electrochromic element.
[0082] The optical element 7 may have at least one optical parameter for the transmittance of light passing through the optical element, such as a transmittance coefficient through a fixed or variable transmission lens, or a filtered range of light for a filtering lens, or a polarization angle for a polarizing lens.
[0083] Alternatively, the optical element 7 may be separated from the head-mounted device having a computing module.
[0084] The optical element 7 may be an ophthalmic lens mounted on standard eyeglasses, or a contact lens placed directly in the user's eye.
[0085] Optical parameters can be obtained from a database based on measurements taken by at least one sensor under the control of the computing module.
[0086] The calculation module 3 is also configured to obtain at least one value of at least one position parameter that represents the position, movement, or sequence of movements of at least one body part of the user.
[0087] In other words, position parameters are parameters of the position of a part of the user's body, for example, the position of the user's head or eyes. The position can be a static position or a dynamic position, for example, a series of movements of a part of the user's body. The position of a part of the body can be determined in an absolute or relative way, for example, with respect to another part of the body or an object used by the user or held by the user while glazing.
[0088] The position parameters are obtained through at least one measurement taken by any combination of at least one sensor 4 controlled by the computing module 3.
[0089] As shown in Figure 2, the positional parameters can, for example, describe the observation of the area of interest 10 by user 11.
[0090] The area of interest 10 has, for example, one or more elements located in the forward field of view of the user 11 and directed towards the user's line of sight 12. Elements within the area of interest can be detected in the user's environment by the sensor 4, for example, through the acquisition of at least one image by the camera 4b and the use of an image analysis program to detect a predetermined specific element.
[0091] The position parameter may be the observation distance d that separates the area of interest 10 from the user 11, or the direction or angle α of the user's observation of the area of interest, taken between the line of sight direction 12 and at least one reference direction or reference plane RP.
[0092] The reference plane may be, for example, the sagittal plane, the transverse plane, or the frontal plane relative to the user's head.
[0093] The gaze direction 12 is determined, for example, based on measurements from the eye-tracking camera 4c.
[0094] Area of interest 10 may have, for example, one or more displays such as the screen of a computer or smartphone, or a static display such as a page containing written text and / or images.
[0095] The calculation module may be configured to determine the viewing distance that separates the user from the display.
[0096] The computation module 3 may be configured to detect text within an area of interest and obtain at least one text-related parameter, such as font size, contrast coefficient, or brightness.
[0097] The above-mentioned text parameters may be used by the calculation module 3 as supplementary parameters to the optical parameters and / or positional parameters.
[0098] The position parameter may also represent the user 11's posture. In this case, the value of the position parameter describes the relative position of at least one of the user's body parts to each other and to the area of interest 10.
[0099] For example, position parameters may relate to the positions of the neck, head, and / or shoulders, such as the neck position angle β shown in Figure 2.
[0100] Positional parameters can be calculated from any combination of relative body parts, od angles, and distances, for example, to evaluate the safety of a user's posture when maintained over a long period of time.
[0101] At least one position parameter may also include the frequency of posture changes and / or motion changes.
[0102] Postural changes include, for example, a change of only a predetermined minimum value in the positional angle of at least one predetermined body part.
[0103] The assessment of the frequency of postural changes can be used to detect prolonged static postures that, while not inherently unhealthy, should not be maintained for extended periods to avoid causing musculoskeletal discomfort.
[0104] For example, even if a seating posture is correct and safe, it should not be maintained for hours without the user standing up, simply for the sake of their comfort.
[0105] The change in movement includes, for example, a change of only a predetermined minimum value in the movement of at least one predetermined body part.
[0106] The frequency of movement variations is used to detect monotonous and / or repetitive movements that, if maintained for too long, may constitute a musculoskeletal risk.
[0107] The frequency of changes in posture or movement is determined by counting the number of times, within a given period, the position angle or position angle movement changes by a value greater than the minimum value.
[0108] The calculation module 3 is configured to select a reference value for at least one position parameter based on the value of at least one optical parameter in order to detect inappropriateness by comparing the value of at least one position parameter with a selected reference value.
[0109] Reference values are obtained, for example, from a database. The database may be stored in the memory of the computing module 3, or it may be accessed by the computing module 3 via the communication interface 8.
[0110] Calculation module 3 is configured to select a reference value based on measured values of optical parameters. The reference value may also be determined based on the values of any complementary parameters, such as the viewing distance and / or the text parameters mentioned above.
[0111] The reference value may have a range of appropriate distances, angles, or directions for observing the area of interest viewed by the user through the optical element 7, which is selected based on the value of at least one parameter.
[0112] In particular, as shown in Figure 3, when the optical element is a progressive ophthalmic lens or a bifocal lens, the appropriate range of direction or angle for observing the area of interest is determined with respect to the distance to the area of interest and with respect to a specific predetermined area of the optical element 7.
[0113] As shown in Figure 3, the optical element 7 described above generally includes a region 20 that is suitable for the far field of view and is located at the top of the lens, a region 21 for the intermediate field of view, and a region 22 for the near field of view that is generally located at the bottom of the lens.
[0114] Next, the appropriate area of the lens is determined based on the determined viewing distance and compared with the detected line of sight direction to confirm the correct use of the progressive lens.
[0115] In fact, the improper use of progressive lenses, such as observing elements through a lens area unsuitable for the viewing distance, can cause visual discomfort.
[0116] In another implementation, the reference values may include, for example, a recommended angle range for the position angles of the head, neck, and / or shoulders, and the maximum duration outside this recommended angle range.
[0117] The comparison of measured positional parameters with reference values may include the calculation of a risk score by a calculation module.
[0118] Such risk scores are calculated by a preset algorithm, taking into account the user's repetitive behaviors, such as the angle of head flexion or extension, the angle of lateral head flexion, the amount of time spent in a static position, or the frequency of taking a posture.
[0119] The risk score takes the minimum value associated with low risk in cases of head flexion or extension associated with head lateral flexion, low frequency of repetition, and short duration of the posture, for example.
[0120] The risk score may take a high value associated with high risk in cases of severe lateral head bending (e.g., more than 20°) and severe head flexion (e.g., flexion more than 45°) or stretching (e.g., stretching more than 20°) associated with prolonged duration (e.g., over 1 minute) or high frequency (e.g., more than 50% of a predetermined period).
[0121] The reference value for at least one position parameter may also include the minimum frequency of posture changes and / or motion changes.
[0122] If the calculation module detects a significant deviation between the reference value and the measured value of a position parameter, it is determined to be inappropriate.
[0123] Depending on the type of value considered to be a positional parameter, a margin may be used by the calculation module to trigger a determination that it is inappropriate. The margin may be obtained, for example, from a database stored in memory.
[0124] A position parameter may also be deemed inappropriate if its measured values deviate from the baseline over a predetermined period. The predetermined period for triggering the determination of inappropriateness depends on the type of position parameter used and can be obtained from a database.
[0125] The reference values for position parameters may include a certain type of user movement detected via a motion sensor controlled by a computation module, and may be associated with an average viewing distance appropriate for the type of optical element 7 worn by the user.
[0126] The link between viewing distance and type of movement can be determined statistically by calculating the probability of visual acuity at various distances for a given type of motor activity in a specific detectable environment.
[0127] In the above case, the variation in the distribution of viewing distance detected by the sensor, compared to a distribution considered to be a baseline, is considered inappropriate.
[0128] Calculation module 3 is configured to provide the user with at least one recommendation if it detects that something is inappropriate.
[0129] Recommendations may be issued instantaneously, or / or may be delayed recommendations that may be included in periodic feedback provided to users.
[0130] The computing module 3 may be configured to communicate recommendations to a central electronic device, such as a computer or smartphone, for preparing periodic feedback.
[0131] Recommendations may include signals or alarms to warn the user of inappropriate practices and suggest corrective actions that should be taken.
[0132] The signal may be, for example, a visual signal transmitted through a light or display attached to the head-mounted device 1.
[0133] Alternatively, visual signals can be delivered by temporarily altering the properties of the optical element 7 in a recognizable pattern.
[0134] For example, if the optical element 7 includes electrochromic glass, the recommendation may include a change in the color of at least a portion of the electrochromic glass to inform the user.
[0135] Visual signals may also contain information directed towards correcting inappropriateness.
[0136] For example, the signal may include a text message that identifies the inappropriateness and suggests the corrections that should be taken.
[0137] For example, in cases of improper use of progressive ophthalmic lenses, the appropriate area of the lens to be used in the current situation may be visually indicated, for example, by a change in color or absorption in the appropriate area.
[0138] In another example, the recommendation might include a recommended displacement of the area of interest and / or a user-recommended displacement of the area of interest to adjust for the suboptimal viewing distance to the area of interest.
[0139] For example, in the case of a nearsighted user, the recommendation is to avoid prolonged use of near-field vision in order to prevent the worsening of nearsightedness.
[0140] For example, visual signals may include pictograms displayed on smart glasses that indicate how to increase or decrease the viewing distance accordingly.
[0141] Alternatively, if the LED emits a visual signal, the color of the LED may indicate a modification to be made. For example, red light could signal to increase the viewing distance, while blue light could signal to decrease it.
[0142] The signals may also include auditory components transmitted by air conduction or bone conduction, such as pre-registered alarm sounds. The alarm sounds may be specific to the type of inappropriateness and / or may contain information directed to corrective actions to be taken.
[0143] The signals may also include tactile components such as vibrations of tactile devices that are in contact with or near the user.
[0144] In the case of posture-related inadequacies, the recommendation may include a recommendation for a change in posture, which includes a change of only a predetermined minimum value of the position angle of at least one predetermined body part.
[0145] The above recommendations may be issued, for example, by visual or auditory signals that persist until an appropriate postural change is made.
[0146] The recommendations may also include simple posture changes, such as prompting the user to stand up after detecting a prolonged period of sitting.
[0147] Simple posture changes may also include suggestions to keep the neck straight to prevent prolonged neck misalignment while reading or viewing a screen.
[0148] Recommendations may also include recommended interruptions from current activities and / or modifications to optical elements.
[0149] For example, prolonged use of a screen without proper protective lenses can cause discomfort. Therefore, the computing module 3 may be configured to issue a recommendation to stop viewing the screen for a minimum period of time.
[0150] The recommendations may also include suggestions to reduce the total screen time spent viewing the screen, based on screen viewing time detected over several consecutive days, and compared to the recommended maximum screen usage threshold.
[0151] The recommended maximum screen usage may vary depending, for example, on the user's age and the use of protective eyewear.
[0152] The recommended maximum screen usage may also vary based on the user's pre-registered optometry profile. For example, a user's myopia may lead to a recommendation for lower screen usage, especially for younger users.
[0153] Recommendations may also include prompts to adjust reading conditions in relation to text parameters. For example, recommendations might include suggestions to increase the viewing distance to the text, increase ambient light, or increase the font size where applicable.
[0154] Recommendations may also include modifications to optical elements. For example, recommendations may include prompts to wear glasses or change the glasses currently being worn.
[0155] Alternatively, the recommendation may include a prompt to use protective eyewear, such as sunglasses or blue light filtering glasses.
[0156] The frequency or duration of recommendations, or the type of recommendations, may vary depending on the risks associated with the determined inappropriateness.
[0157] For example, in the case of a calculated risk score, a good or acceptable attitude associated with a low risk score may result in no recommendations being issued, a moderate risk score may result in recommendations being issued in periodic reports with suggestions to address inappropriateness, while a high risk score indicating a harmful attitude may result in immediate recommendations being issued through alarms to prevent prolonged user exposure.
[0158] The computing module may also be configured to use at least one environmental parameter, including the nature of the activity performed by the user when selecting a reference value for the position parameter. The computing module is advantageously configured to determine the activity being performed by the user based on measurements from at least one sensor, through an artificial intelligence algorithm implemented on the computing module.
[0159] For example, an image processing program can be used on an image of the user's forward field of view to determine the activity being performed.
[0160] For example, location measurements obtained through a GPS-type sensor may also be used to determine the user's location and related activities, such as driving a vehicle, using public transport, or participating in sports activities.
[0161] In an implementation of the present invention, the head-mounted device is configured to generate a reference value for at least one associated attitude parameter and a corresponding value for at least one environmental parameter in a preliminary calibration step, and the calibration step is triggered by the user or automatically.
[0162] For example, the calculation module 3 is configured to collect the values of the position parameter and any supplementary parameters during the calibration period.
[0163] The collected values are used to build the database, and the values most relevant to appropriate use are selected based on final input from users and / or other qualified operators.
[0164] The database includes reference values for positional parameters that are collected during the calibration step or calculated or extrapolated directly from the positional parameters.
[0165] In another implementation of the present invention, the computing module 3 is not located on the head-mounted device 1. The computing module 3 may be integrated into another device worn or carried by the user, such as a smartphone, or into a fixed device, such as a computer. The methods implemented by the computing module 3 may also be implemented in the cloud, or can be split / spread between smart glasses, a smartphone, and a cloud backend.
[0166] In the above case, the computing module communicates with at least one sensor 4 via a wired or wireless communication device 8. The sensor 4 may include, for example, a fixed sensor such as a webcam directed towards the user and connected to a computer, or a sensor worn by the user, such as a smartwatch.
[0167] The present invention also relates to a computer-aided method for evaluating and recommending the ergonomics of a user's vision and posture, which is performed on the aforementioned computing module 3.
[0168] The method described above is schematically represented in Figure 4 and includes the steps described below in a technically feasible order. The method is carried out on the aforementioned computing module 3 and will be described in light of the characteristics of computer 3.
[0169] The method described above includes an optional preliminary calibration step CAL, which comprises collecting values of at least one position parameter by the calculation module 3 and the sensor 4, and selecting at least a portion of the collected values to build a database of reference values for position parameters related to the correct orientation and / or correct use of the optical element 7.
[0170] This method includes step OPT, which obtains at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing the optical element 7 used by the user. The value of the optical parameter is obtained, for example, from a database stored in memory.
[0171] The values of the optical parameters may be obtained based on measurements from at least one of the sensors 4, for example, to determine the values of the variable parameters of the optical element 7. The values of the optical parameters used in the method are then selected from a plurality of values stored in a database based on the relevant measurements from at least one sensor.
[0172] The method includes a step POS which obtains at least one value of at least one position parameter representing the position, movement, or sequence of movements of at least one body part of the user. This step is performed by the computing module 3 via at least one sensor 4 as described above.
[0173] The step of obtaining the value of at least one position parameter is performed, for example, continuously or periodically.
[0174] The method may include an optional step SUP that obtains at least one supplemental parameter, which is implemented on the computing module 3 based on measurements from at least one of the sensors 4. The supplemental parameter may relate to the user's current environment, such as line of sight, or it may be a contextual parameter, such as the user's location or the activities being performed by the user.
[0175] The method includes step REF, which selects a reference value for at least one position parameter based on the value of at least one optical parameter. The reference value for the position parameter may also be selected based on one or more supplementary parameters.
[0176] The method includes a step COMP for detecting inappropriateness by comparing the value of at least one positional parameter with a selected reference value. The comparison step may also include one or more supplementary parameters.
[0177] In embodiments, the method may also include the step of determining a selected reference value. This determination may be achieved by selecting a predetermined reference value, for example, a predetermined reference value for a model user. The selection may be achieved by comparing the values of the user's physiological parameters with the values of the model user's physiological parameters. The reference value may also be adapted as the values of the user's physiological parameters evolve.
[0178] The method includes a Step REC that issues at least one recommendation to the user if inappropriate behavior is detected. The manifestation of inappropriate behavior may be immediate, vary after the inappropriate behavior has persisted for a predetermined period, or may be included in periodic reports that include recommendations to the user.
[0179] Recommendations may be issued by any of the aforementioned means or any combination thereof.
[0180] In embodiments, the method may include the step of obtaining user feedback and adapting the method in accordance with this feedback. The method may include one of the following actions based on this feedback: - Continue execution without modifying the method. - Adapt the parameters of the method, e.g., optical parameters and / or positional parameters, or adapt the reference values, and continue to perform the method with the adapted parameters or adapted reference values. - Stop implementing the method.
Claims
1. A computing module (3) for evaluating the ergonomics of a user's (11) vision and posture and issuing recommendations, wherein the computing module (3) includes at least one electronic circuit, Obtain at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing at least one optical element (7) worn by the user (11), Obtain at least one value of at least one position parameter representing the position, movement, or series of movements of at least one body part of the user (11), Based on the value of the at least one optical parameter, a reference value for the at least one position parameter is selected. In order to detect inappropriateness, the value of at least one position parameter is compared with the selected reference value, A computing module (3) is configured to provide the user (11) with at least one recommendation if it is detected that something is inappropriate.
2. The calculation module (3) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one position parameter includes the angle (α), direction, or distance (d) of at least one observation of the area of interest (10) by the user (11).
3. The calculation module (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reference value includes a range of appropriate distances, angles, or directions for observing the area of interest (10) as seen by the user (11) through the optical element (7).
4. The calculation module (3) according to claim 3, wherein the optical element (7) is a progressive eye lens, and the appropriate direction or angle range for observing the area of interest is determined with respect to the distance (d) to the area of interest (10) and with respect to specific predetermined areas (20, 21, 22) of the optical element (7).
5. The calculation module (3) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the area of interest (10) has a display, and the calculation module (3) is configured to select the reference value using the distance to the display as well.
6. The calculation module (3) according to claim 5, wherein the display includes at least one text area, and the calculation module (3) is configured to select the reference value using a parameter representing the text area.
7. The calculation module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one position parameter includes at least one head or neck position angle (β), the at least one reference parameter includes a corresponding recommended angle range, and the reference value of the at least one position parameter further includes the maximum duration of deviation from the recommended angle range over a predetermined duration.
8. The at least one position parameter includes the frequency of posture changes, the posture change includes a change of only a predetermined minimum value of the position angle (β) of at least one predetermined body part, the reference value of the at least one position parameter includes the minimum frequency of posture changes, and / or The calculation module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one position parameter includes the frequency of movement changes, the movement change includes only a predetermined minimum change in the movement of at least one predetermined body part, and the reference value of the at least one position parameter includes the minimum frequency of movement changes.
9. The calculation module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the recommendation includes a recommended displacement of the area of interest (10) and / or a recommended displacement of the user (11) relative to the area of interest (10).
10. The calculation module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the recommendation includes a change in posture, the change in posture includes a change of only a predetermined minimum value of the position angle (β) of at least one predetermined body part, a recommended interruption from the current activity, and / or modification of the optical element (7).
11. The computing module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the computing module (3) is configured to control at least one signaling device for issuing the recommendation, the signaling device including a visual device, an audio device, and / or a haptic device.
12. The calculation module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the calculation module has a communication device (8) for communicating with the computer, smartwatch or smartphone in order to store measurement data on the computer, smartwatch or smartphone and to issue notifications via a program executed on the computer, smartwatch or smartphone.
13. The computing module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the computing module (3) is also configured to use at least one environmental parameter including the nature of the activity performed by the user, and the computing module (3) is advantageously configured to determine the activity performed by the user based on measurements from at least one sensor (4) through an artificial intelligence algorithm implemented on the computing module (3).
14. The calculation module (3) according to claim 13, wherein the calculation module (1) is configured to generate a reference value for at least one attitude parameter and a corresponding value for at least one environmental parameter in a calibration step (CAL), the calibration step (CAL) is triggered by the user or automatically.
15. A head-mounted device (1) comprising a computing module (3) and at least one optical element (7), The calculation module (3) is configured to evaluate the visual and postural ergonomics of the user (11) using the optical element (7) and to issue recommendations. The aforementioned calculation module (3) is Obtain at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing the optical element (7), Obtain at least one value of at least one position parameter representing the position, movement, or series of movements of at least one body part of the user (11), Based on the value of the at least one optical parameter, a reference value for the at least one position parameter is selected. In order to detect inappropriateness, the value of at least one position parameter is compared with the selected reference value, A head-mounted device (1) configured to provide the user (11) with at least one recommendation if it is detected that something is inappropriate.
16. A computer-aided method for evaluating the ergonomics of a user's (12) vision and posture and issuing recommendations, Step (OPT) of obtaining at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing the optical element (7) used by the user (11), Step (POS) of obtaining at least one value of at least one position parameter representing the position, movement, or series of movements of at least one body part of the user (11), A step (REF) of selecting a reference value for the at least one position parameter based on the value of the at least one optical parameter, To detect inappropriateness, the process includes the step (COMP) of comparing the value of at least one position parameter with the selected reference value, If it is detected that it is inappropriate, the user (11) is given at least one recommendation (REC), Methods that include...