Computerized method and system for interactively measuring the refractive error, add power, and prescription of reading glasses.

Abstract

A system and method for interactively measuring ocular refractive error, add power, and power for reading glasses without requiring optical components to change the convergence angle of a target. The system can measure the distance from a user's eye to the boundary of one or both clear vision zones in one orientation or two perpendicular orientations. This measurement, along with the user's age, can be used to determine the sphero-cylindrical refraction, add power, and power for the reading glasses. The system can use different target sizes, orientations, and colors that can be changed by the distance or user manipulation.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to the fields of ophthalmology, visual optics, physiological optics, electronic devices, and computers, and particularly to a system and method for measuring the near point and far point of the human eye, and the focus error thereof that can cause myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

[0002] [Background of the Invention] A perfect eye correctly focuses the image of an object located infinitely far away onto the retina. The far point (FP: Far Point) of a perfect eye is located at infinity. As the distance between the eye and the object shortens, the eye continuously focuses on the object through the process of accommodation, that is, mainly by changing the curvature of the lens in the eyeball. When the minimum distance of accommodation is reached and the lens cannot be curved any further, the object is located at the near point (NP: Near Point) of the eye. In ophthalmology, it is often common to represent the distance in units of diopters (D), which is the reciprocal of meters (m). The distance between the FP and NP of the eye expressed in diopters is called the amplitude of accommodation (AA: Amplitude of Accommodation). Since the FP of a perfect eye is located at infinity, it corresponds to 0D. For example, the NP of a perfect eye is at a distance of 0.1 m and corresponds to 10D. In this case, AA is 10D.

[0003] The real eye ages with age, and in humans, it becomes presbyopic when reaching the age of 45 or older, that is, it begins to lose the ability to deform the lens of the eye. The amplitude of accommodation of the real eye is approximately 20D in infancy, but decreases with age and decreases to 0D in late adulthood when the eye begins to lose the ability to focus a clear image of a nearby object onto the retina. Many reports have been made on the relationship between the maximum amplitude of accommodation by the human eye and age [1][2].

[0004] Furthermore, in a real eye, focal errors occur due to defects in light at the refractive surfaces (cornea and lens) and / or a mismatch between refractive power and axial length, known as refractive error. Such errors can cause the far point to be closer than infinity (myopia) or further than infinity (hyperopia), preventing the image from being properly focused on the retina, resulting in a decrease in visual quality and the need for optical correction.

[0005] Refractive errors that can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, intraocular lenses, or refractive surgery can be divided into spherical errors (myopia or hyperopia), cylindrical errors (astigmatism), and presbyopia. Astigmatism is a condition in which the optical refractive power of the eye differs depending on the meridian (direction) of the cornea, causing the far point to be divided into two (multiple meridians), for example, one corresponding to the horizontal direction and the other to the vertical components of the image. As a result, the visual quality of the image of vertical objects (such as a fence) differs from the visual quality of the image of horizontal objects (such as a striped dress), which can cause nausea, double vision, or a general decrease in visual acuity. It has been reported that the degree and axis of astigmatism often do not change much during near and far adjustment [3][4].

[0006] The fact that astigmatism can exist in both relaxed and accommodative eyes means that both FP and NP can be separated. Depending on the direction of the object, FP and NP can each correspond to two different distances: distal apoplexy (dFP) and proximal apoplexy (pFP), and distal near nephroconjunctival (dNP) and proximal near nephroconjunctival (pNP). These four distances correspond to the boundaries of the interval of clear vision (BICV).

[0007] Due to the light dispersion of the transparent material caused by wavelength, the positions of FP and NP differ depending on the spectral composition (color) of the object formed on the retina by the eye's optical system. For example, when a 2D myopic person views an object against a black background, the FP for white, blue, and red objects may be located at distances of 0.5m, 0.4m, and 0.53m, respectively. Since the distance between the left and right eyes is known and similar among subjects, the FP and NP for any wavelength (color) can be calculated [6].

[0008] Before correction, it is necessary to determine the type and amount of refractive error through a procedure called refraction testing. This testing involves finding a combination of spherical and cylindrical lenses that corrects the aforementioned focal error of the eye. Refraction testing is performed either using specialized optical instruments that can measure light moving outward from the eye (objective refraction testing) or by a specialist using a reference chart and a series of test lenses (subjective refraction testing).

[0009] In the human eye, perfect focus cannot be achieved even after spherical and cylindrical correction. This is because, as has been well demonstrated in reports, there are errors in both objective and subjective refraction based on the judgment of a specialist[8,9] and higher-order monochromatic aberrations[7]. Furthermore, the optimal refraction test varies depending on what is being done and the type of object being viewed

[10] . For example, if the purpose of the refraction test is to read the targets or letters on an eye chart, it will vary depending on the size of the letters. People with mild myopia can read large letters without correction but require correction to read small letters. Similarly, people with mild presbyopia can read medium to large fonts but cannot read small print. Therefore, the positions of FP and NP vary depending on both the size of the object

[11] and the refractive index of the subject.

[0010] Numerous patents and patent applications have been proposed for systems and methods for measuring refractive error of the eye. These include techniques for finding cylindrical lenses that correct astigmatism of the eye.

[12] However, all of these relate to obtaining measurements at the FP of the eye. Furthermore, these patents and patent applications are based on correcting the convergence angle in the image of an object using an optical system, and not on changing the actual physical distance from the object. Moreover, they do not include the process of changing the size of the object (such as the size of the target on the screen) according to the distance, which is necessary so that the size of the image formed by the optical system of the eye does not depend on the distance.

[0011] To the best of the present author's knowledge, no patents or patent applications have been previously published for a system or method for interactively measuring the refractive error, power, and add power of reading glasses based on measurements of the distance between the subject's head and the device, characterized by the ability to continuously change the size of the object and for the subject to interactively select one of the BICVs according to their preference. Such a system can be implemented in modern electronic devices, including screens, cameras, sensors, and processors.

[0012] [Cited documents] 1. Duane A. Studies in Monocular and Binocular Accommodation, with Their Clinical Application. Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society. 1922; 20:132-57. 2. Jackson E. Amplitude of Accommodation at Different Periods of Life. California State Journal of Medicine. 1907; 5(7):163-6. 3. Borish IM. Clinical Refraction, 3rd ed. Chicago: Professional Press, 1970. 4. Bannon, RE. A study of near-point astigmatism with special reference to astigmatic accommodation. Am J Optom Arch Am Acad Optom. 1946; 23:53-75. 5.Sivak JG, Mandelman T. Chromatic dispersion of the ocular media. Vision Res 1982; 22:997-1003. 6. Thibos LN, Ye M, Zhang X, Bradley A. The chromatic eye: a new reduced-eye model of ocular chromatic aberration in humans. Appl Opt 1992; 31:3594-3600. 7. Charman, WN. Wavefront aberration of the eye: a review. Optom Vis Sci 1991; 68:574-583. Bullimore, MA, Boyd, T., Mather, HE, & Gilmartin, B. (1988). Near retinoscopy and refractive error. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 71(4), 114-118. Bullimore, MA, Fusaro, RE, & Adams, CW (1998). The repeatability of automated and clinician refraction. Optometry and vision science: official publication of the American Academy of Optometry, 75(8), 617-622. Lopez-Gil, N., Peixoto-de-Matos, SC, Thibos, LN, & Gonzalez-Meijome, JM (2012). Shedding light on night myopia. Journal of Vision, 12 (5):4, 1-9. Heath GG (1956). The influence of visual acuity on accommodative responses of the eye. Am. J. Opt&t.&drchs Am. Acad.Oprom.33.513-524. Limon, Ofer. System and method for measuring refractive error of an eye based on subjective distance metering. Patent Document: International Publication No. 2014 / 195951 [Overview of the prefecture] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method and system for interactively measuring the refractive error, add power, and prescription of reading glasses. The method of the present invention is based on interactively and subjectively measuring the distance between the subject's head and an electronic device, corresponding to one of the BICVs.

[0013] The system proposed in this application may include the following electronic device components: a. A distance measuring circuit that may include one or more passive components such as cameras, or active components such as emitters and detectors, or any combination thereof. b. User interfaces that include tactile electronic screens, keypads, microphones, or any combination thereof. c. Control circuits and processing circuits that may include, or any combination thereof, wired or wireless connections between the processor, memory modules, system modules and components and a remote network. The method proposed in this application may include the following steps. a. Steps to obtain user information such as age (AGE), gender, geographical location, and the eye to be examined, or any combination thereof. i. According to some embodiments of the present invention, obtaining information about a user includes configuring a user interface module to prompt the user to input such information into the user interface. ii. According to some embodiments of the present invention, obtaining information about a user includes automatically detecting such information based on images of the user's head from a camera or other database included in an electronic device. b. A step of displaying a visual target on an electronic screen, such as one or more characters, visual acuity charts, geometric patterns, still images or videos, or any combination thereof. i. According to some embodiments of the present invention, displaying a visual target on an electronic screen includes changing its size, shape, rotation, color, background color, other features, or any combination thereof, in response to the user's operation of an electronic device using a user interface. ii. According to some embodiments of the present invention, displaying a visual target on an electronic screen includes changing the size, shape, rotation, color, background color, other characteristics, or any combination thereof, by changing the distance between the user's head and the electronic device. c. A step of changing the distance between the user's head and the electronic device in order to optimize the subjective visual quality of the target according to a standard. i. According to some embodiments of the present invention, changing the distance between the user's head and the electronic device includes the user holding the electronic device in their hand and moving it closer to or further away from their face. ii. According to some embodiments of the present invention, changing the distance between the user's head and the electronic device includes arranging one or more reflective surfaces and the electronic device, changing the distance between the device and the reflective surface or the distance between the head and the reflective surface, or any combination thereof. iii. According to some embodiments of the present invention, changing the distance between the user's head and the electronic device includes changing the distance by a third party (such as another person), another device, or any combination of the above. d. A step to measure any of the BICVs that meet specific visual quality criteria. i. According to some embodiments of the present invention, any measurement of BICV may include displaying a target having spatial features directed at a certain angle α on an electronic screen to present to the user, and measuring the corresponding distance between the user and the target. ii. According to some embodiments of the present invention, any measurement of BICV may further include displaying spatial details to the user at different angles β (e.g., an angle perpendicular to angle α) and measuring the corresponding distance between the user and the target. iii. According to some embodiments of the present invention, any measurement of BICV may include configuring a distance measuring circuit included in an electronic device to perform the measurement. iv. According to some embodiments of the present invention, any measurement of the BICV may include using an external device such as a ruler, a rangefinder, or any combination thereof. v. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the criteria for visual quality may include visual acuity criteria (e.g., the ability to distinguish lines or letters), contrast sensitivity criteria (e.g., the ability to distinguish between shades of gray), color discrimination criteria (e.g., the ability to distinguish between colors), subjective clarity, or any combination thereof. e. A step of calculating the refractive error, power, and additivity of reading glasses from the measured BICV, information about the object (such as the color of the visual target), information about the user (such as age, gender), and other information, or any combination of the above f. A step of storing the refractive error, power, and additivity of reading glasses obtained from the measured BICV, information about the object (such as the color of the visual target), information about the user (such as age, gender), and other information, or any combination of the above [Brief Description of Drawings] The following drawings accompanying the detailed description below are for further explaining the nature and advantages of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system for interactively measuring the refractive error, additivity, and power of reading glasses according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic device for interactively measuring the refractive error, additivity, and power of reading glasses according to an embodiment of the present invention, the distance measurement module including a camera and the user interface including a screen.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an exemplary screen of an electronic device for interactively measuring the refractive error, additivity, and power of reading glasses according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] [[ID=二十二]]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart explaining an example of a sub-process of changing a visual target according to the distance between the head and the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary process for interactively measuring the refractive error, additivity, and power of reading glasses according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] [Detailed Description] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented system and method for interactively measuring the refractive error, add power, and prescription of reading glasses. The method of the present invention is based on subjectively and interactively measuring the distance between a subject's head and an electronic device, in particular in correspondence with any BICV. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a system and method that allows a user to accurately measure the refractive error of their own eye or another person's eye, with or without optical correction.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a computer-based system for interactively measuring the refractive error, add power, and prescription of reading glasses, according to one embodiment of the present invention. System 100 may include a distance measuring circuit 110, a user interface 120, a control circuit 130, a processing circuit 140, a storage unit 150, and a communication circuit 160. In some embodiments, one or more device components may be combined or omitted. System 100 may include additional components not shown in Figure 1, or any combination of the aforementioned components.

[0021] System 100 may include any suitable type of electronic device equipped with a distance measuring circuit used to measure the distance between the user's head and the device. For example, System 100 may include any device equipped with camera functionality and a light sensor, such as a mobile phone or tablet, a "smart" television, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop or desktop computer, a standalone camera or video recorder, and other suitable devices. Portable devices are preferred, but not limited, as electronic devices included in System 100.

[0022] The distance measuring circuit 110 may include any circuits, emitters, and detectors for measuring the distance between the user's head or a part thereof and the electronic device. In some embodiments, the distance measuring circuit 110 may include a passive system comprising one or more cameras for capturing images of the user's head and a circuit for calculating the distance between the user's head or a part thereof and the device based on those images. In some embodiments, the distance measuring circuit 110 may include an active system comprising one or more emitters and detectors for measuring the distance.

[0023] The user interface 120 may include one or more screens, speakers, tactile surfaces, keypads, microphones, other mechanisms suitable for user interaction, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the user interface 120 may include a tactile electronic screen for displaying visual targets or receiving user input.

[0024] The control circuit 130 may include any type of circuitry that controls the function, operation, and performance of electronic devices included in the system 100, such as a processor, a microcontroller, and connectors. Furthermore, the control circuit 130 can be electronically connected to other components of the system 100 or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the control circuit 130 may transmit control signals to the user interface 120, configuring the user interface 120 to receive input from the user and to give instructions to the user.

[0025] The processing circuit 140 may include any type of circuitry designed to process data from the distance measuring circuit 110, the user interface 120, and other components of the system 100, such as a processor, a microcontroller and connector, or any combination thereof, for calculating the spherical and cylindrical errors of the eye and the power and add power of the reading glasses. Furthermore, the processing circuit 140 can be electronically connected to other components of the system 100 or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, the processing circuit 140 can transmit signals to the control circuit 130 for configuring the user interface 120 or the distance measuring circuit 110.

[0026] The storage unit 150 may include one or more storage media, such as HDDs, SSDs, RAM, ROMs, EPROMs, flash EEPROMs, CF (Compact Flash) cards, SD (Secure Digital) cards, and other types of memory suitable for electronic devices included in the system 100, as well as any type of internal or external memory.

[0027] The communication circuit 160 may include any circuit suitable for connecting electronic devices included in the system 100 to a communication network and transmitting data using appropriate protocols such as Wi-Fi (802.11 protocol, etc.), Bluetooth®, cellular protocols (GSM, GPRS, CDMA, EDGE, LTE, etc.), other communication protocols, or any combination thereof.

[0028] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic device 200 for interactively measuring the refractive error, add power, and prescription of reading glasses, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Since the electronic device 200 is very similar to the electronic devices included in the system 100 shown in Figure 1, please refer to the description of the relevant component in Figure 1 for its explanation. For example, the electronic device 200 may also include a storage unit 250 and a communication circuit 260. The storage unit 250 and the communication circuit 260 are substantially similar to the corresponding components of the electronic devices in system 100, namely the storage unit 150, the communication circuit 160, and others, or any combination thereof.

[0030] The distance measuring circuit 210 may be similar to the distance measuring circuit 110 and uses any method or combination of methods suitable for measuring the distance between the user's head 270 and the electronic device 200.

[0031] The user interface 220 can be connected to the control circuit 230 and the processing circuit 240. The user interfaces (120, 220) can be configured to give instructions to the user by visual instruction messages (see Figure 304), voice messages, other user interface methods, or any combination of the above methods. Furthermore, the user interfaces (120, 220) can be configured to receive input from the user by touch or swipe operations on a touchscreen, typing on a keypad or keyboard, voice input from a microphone, detection of gestures by a camera, detection of gestures by a gyroscope, or any combination of the above.

[0032] The control circuit 230 is similar to the control circuit 130, and the processing circuit 240 is similar to the processing circuit 140. The processing circuit 240 can use any appropriate method or combination of methods to calculate the refractive error, power, and add power of the reading glasses based on the measurement of the distance between the user's head or a part thereof 270 and the electronic device 200 obtained from the measurement circuit 210 and the user input obtained from the user interface 220 (both consisting of signals from the control circuit 230).

[0033] For example, the control circuit 230 can be configured to instruct the user interface 220 to slowly bring the electronic device 200 closer to the user's head 270 and stop at a position where the display on the tactile screen 220 becomes visible due to the approach (corresponding to the near point of the clear visual interval boundary). Furthermore, the control circuit 230 can instruct the user (or another operator) to touch the tactile screen 220 to indicate this near point. Subsequently, the processing circuit 240 can measure dNP and pNP using the user input and the measurement of the distance between the user's head 270 and the electronic device 200 obtained from the distance measuring circuit 210 at that time. As another example, the user interface 220 can instruct the user to move the electronic device 200 slowly away from the user's head 270 and stop at a position where the display on the tactile screen 220 becomes visible due to the increase in the distance (corresponding to the distal boundary of the clear visual interval). Furthermore, the control circuit 230 can instruct the user to indicate the proximity point by touching the tactile screen 220. Subsequently, the processing circuit 240 can measure dPF and pFP from the user input and the measured distance between the user's head 270 and the electronic device 200 obtained from the distance measuring circuit 210 at that time. Furthermore, the processing circuit 240 can use any technique or combination of techniques suitable for calculating BICV and other additional information such as the user's age, gender, the eye being examined, or any combination thereof.

[0034] In some embodiments, the processing circuit 240 can automatically detect the user's age, gender, and the eye to be examined based on an image of the user's head 270 obtained from a camera included in the distance measuring circuit 210. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 240 can obtain the user's age and gender information by configuring a tactile screen included in the user interface 220 to send a signal to the control circuit 230 prompting the user to input information such as the user's age, gender, and the eye to be examined, or any combination thereof.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control circuit 230 can be configured to display a visual target to assist the user in positioning the electronic device 200 on any of the BICVs.

[0036] Figure 3 shows an example of a typical screen of an electronic device 300 for interactively measuring the refractive error, add power, and prescription of reading glasses according to one embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which a visual target is displayed on a tactile screen included in the user interface.

[0037] Since the electronic device 300 is substantially similar to device 100 shown in Figure 1 and device 200 shown in Figure 2, please refer to the descriptions of the components in either or both of Figures 1 or 2 for its description. For example, the electronic device 300 may include a camera in the distance measuring circuit 310 and a tactile screen in the user interface 320. In some embodiments, the tactile screen included in the user interface 320 may be configured to display a visual target 330 to the user. Such visual targets include, but are not limited to, visual targets of the type 330a, visual acuity chart 330a, text 330b, geometric patterns 330c,d, grayscale discrimination test 330e, color vision test 330f, visuospatial cognition test 330g, or images or videos 330h, or any combination of any of the above.

[0038] In some embodiments, the characteristics of the target 330 can be configured to change according to the measured distance between the user's head 270 and the electronic device 300. For example, the target 330 can be configured to change its size, shape, rotation, color, background color, or any combination thereof as the distance between the user's head 270 and the electronic device 300 changes.

[0039] In some embodiments, the user interface 320 can be configured to change the characteristics of the target 330 in response to user input from the user interface 320. For example, the size, shape, rotation, color, background color, or other characteristics of the target 330, or any combination thereof, can be changed as a result of the user operating the electronic device 300 using the touchscreen 320 through swiping, tapping, clicking, voice commands, other gestures, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the user interface 320 can be operated using a keypad, keyboard, mouse, microphone, or other interface method, or any combination thereof.

[0040] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a subprocess that modifies the target 400 based on the distance between the head and an electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The subprocess 400 may consist of several steps. In some embodiments, the order of the steps of the subprocess 400 can be changed, or some steps can be omitted or repeated. Furthermore, the subprocess 400 can be included as a subprocess in another process (parent process).

[0041] Subprocess 400 can be executed by an electronic device (100, 200, 300) comprising one or more components included in distance measuring circuits (110, 210, 310), user interfaces (120, 220, 320), and other electronic devices (100, 200, 300).

[0042] Subprocess 400 is a process that continues from the parent process, and the first step of subprocess 400 may begin with block 410, which can configure the user interface (120, 220, 320) to display the visual target 330 on the screen 320. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the visual target may be a visual acuity chart visual target 330a, or a string of characters 330b, or one or more parallel lines 330c, 330d, or one or more gray spots 330e or colored spots 330f, or a geometric pattern such as a grid 330g, or an image 330h, or any other type of visual target, or any combination of any of the above.

[0043] In block 420, the user can change the distance between their head 270 and the electronic devices (100, 200, 300). Furthermore, the distance measuring circuits (110, 210, 310) can transmit a signal containing the distance measurement between the user's head 270 and the electronic devices (100, 200, 300) to the processing circuits (140, 240). As previously mentioned, the distance measuring circuits (110, 210, 310) can use any method or combination of methods suitable for measuring the distance between the user's head 270 and the electronic devices. In addition, the distance between the user's head and the devices can also be measured using another method (such as a ruler or rangefinder) and input into the user interface (120, 220, 320).

[0044] According to some embodiments of the present invention, changing the distance between the user's head 270 and the electronic device may include the user holding the electronic device in their hand and bringing it to or away from their face.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, changing the distance between the user's head 270 and the electronic device may include arranging a reflective surface, such as a mirror, in front of the electronic device (such that the user's head 270 reflected in the mirror is within the field of view of the electronic device), thereby changing the distance between the device and the mirror, or the distance between the user's head or a part thereof 270 and the mirror, or any combination thereof.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, changing the distance between the user's head 270 and the electronic device may include changing the distance by a third party (such as another person), another device, or any combination of the above.

[0047] In block 430, the user interface can be configured to change the characteristics of the target 330. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, distance measuring circuits (110, 210, 310) can transmit a signal including a distance measurement between the user's head 270 and the electronic devices (100, 200, 300) to processing circuits (140, 240). The processing circuits can process the signal using any method or combination of methods and transmit the signal to control circuits (130, 230). Subsequently, the control circuits (130, 230) can be configured to change the user interface (120, 220, 320) in accordance with the distance between the user's head 270 and the electronic devices, such as the size, shape, rotation, color, background color, or other characteristics of the target 330, or any combination thereof.

[0048] Block 440 may be a judgment block that constitutes a user interface (120, 220, 320) to give the user instructions to evaluate whether the visual target 330 meets a specific visual quality criterion. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the visual quality criterion may be a visual acuity criterion (e.g., whether the visual acuity chart target (330a) or a string of characters (330b) can be read, or whether two or more parallel lines (330c,d) can be distinguished, or any combination of the above). As another example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the visual quality criterion may be a contrast sensitivity criterion (e.g., whether gray spots (330e) can be distinguished, whether each spot can be matched), or a color discrimination criterion (e.g., whether colors (330f) can be distinguished, or whether colors can be matched), or a visuospatial perception criterion (e.g., whether deformations of geometric patterns (330g), such as a grid-like deflection, can be found), or whether an image (330g) or fine details within an image can be recognized, or any combination of the above.

[0049] Furthermore, in the decision block 450, if the user indicates through input to the user interface (120, 220, 320) that the visual target 330 meets specific visual quality criteria, the subprocess 400 can proceed to block 440.

[0050] On the other hand, in decision block 450, if the user indicates through input to the user interface (120, 220, 320) that the target 330 does not meet certain visual quality criteria, process 400 can move to block 460 (which may be a decision block). In block 450, which may be a decision block, if the distance between the user's head 270 and the electronic device can be further changed, subprocess 400 can return to block 420. On the other hand, in block 450, if the distance cannot be changed (for example, if the user cannot move the electronic device further than the length of their arm), subprocess 400 can proceed to block 450.

[0051] In block 440, the distance between the user's head 270 and the electronic devices (100, 200, 300) can be stored in the storage units (150, 250) along with user input data (but not limited to this). Furthermore, the subprocess 400 can return to the parent process containing itself in block 440.

[0052] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 500 for interactively measuring the refractive error, add power, and prescription of reading glasses according to one embodiment of the present invention. The subprocess 500 may consist of several steps. In some embodiments, the order of the steps of process 500 can be changed, or some steps can be omitted or repeated.

[0053] Subprocess 500 can be executed by an electronic device (100, 200, 300) comprising one or more components included in distance measuring circuits (110, 210, 310), user interfaces (120, 220, 320), and other electronic devices (100, 200, 300).

[0054] Process 500 can begin from block 510, in which the user interfaces (120, 220, 320) of the electronic devices (100, 200, 300) can be configured to receive user input information, such as the user's age and gender, the spherical-cylindrical power and vertex distance of ophthalmic lenses or contact lenses already ported to the subject, or any combination thereof. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the information can be acquired by configuring the user interfaces (120, 220, 320) to prompt the user to input the information into the user interface using a tactile screen, a voice recognition circuit, or any combination thereof. As another example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the information can be acquired automatically by detecting the information based on an image of the user's head 270 obtained from a camera included in the user interface.

[0055] In block 520, the user interface (120, 220, 320) can be configured to give the user instructions to operate electronic devices (100, 200, 300) using either (left or right) eye or both eyes.

[0056] In block 530, the process 500 may include a subprocess 400 (see Figure 4). For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, a user may indicate that the visual quality of the target 330 meets a specific criterion corresponding to an electronic device (100, 200, 300) located at or near either the distal or proximal boundary BICV of a clear visual interval by providing user input to a user interface (120, 220, 320) in the judgment block 430 of the subprocess 400 included in block 520 of the process 500. In block 440 of the subprocess 400 included in block 530 of the process 500 (Figure 4), the distance between the electronic device (100, 200, 300) and the subject's head 270 can be stored in storage units (150, 250).

[0057] In block 540, the user interface (120, 220, 320) can be configured to display a new target and instruct the user to select a desired angle as the orientation of the target while operating an electronic device (100, 200, 300). As an example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the user interface (120, 220, 320) of an electronic device (100, 200, 300) located near the dFP (or pNP) can be configured to receive user input including a desired angle as the orientation of the target αdFP (or αpNP). In one embodiment of the present invention, the user interface (120, 220, 320) can be configured to change the target 330 of the tactile screen 320 in response to user input such as touching or swiping on a touchscreen, typing on a keypad or keyboard, voice input from a microphone, detection of gestures by a camera, detection of gestures by a gyroscope, or any combination of the above. As yet another example, in one embodiment of the present invention, a user interface (120, 220, 320) can be configured to display a target 330, which includes but is not limited to a set of parallel lines, on a tactile screen 320, and to receive user input from the tactile screen 320 to change the orientation angle αdFP (or αpNP) of the target 320.

[0058] In block 550, the desired angle αdFP as the orientation of the target selected by the user in block 540 can be stored in the storage unit (150, 250).

[0059] In block 560, process 500 may include a subprocess 400 (see Figure 4). In block 410, the user interface (120, 220, 320) can be configured to display a novel target 330, including but not limited to a set of parallel lines, on the tactile screen 320 at an angle of αdFP (α or pNP). In the judgment block 430 of the subprocess 400 included in block 560 of process 500, the user may indicate, by providing user input to the user interface (120, 220, 320), that the visual quality of the target 330 meets specific criteria corresponding to an electronic device (100, 200, 300) located at or near the dFP (or pNP). In block 440 of the subprocess 400, the dFP (or pNP) can be stored in storage units (150, 250).

[0060] In block 570, process 500 may include a subprocess 400 (see Figure 4). In block 410, the user interface (120, 220, 320) can be configured to display a novel target 330, including but not limited to a set of parallel lines, on the tactile screen 320 at an angle of αpFP = αdFP + 90° (or αdNP = αpNP - 90°). In the judgment block 430 of the subprocess 400 included in block 570 of process 500, the user may indicate, by providing user input to the user interface (120, 220, 320), that the visual quality of the target 330 meets specific criteria corresponding to an electronic device (100, 200, 300) located at or near the pFP (or dNP). In block 440 of the subprocess 400, the pFP (or dNP) can be stored in storage units (150, 250).

[0061] In block 580, the processing circuits (140, 240) can calculate the refractive error of spherical (SPH), cylindrical (CYL), axial (AXS), etc., from dFP, pFP, αdFP, αpFP, dNP, pNP, αdNP, or αpNP, or any combination thereof, using any method or combination of methods.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, AXS can be calculated from αdFP and αpFP using the following formula. If 0° < αdFP < 90°, then AXS = 90° - αpFP; or Otherwise, AXS = 270°-αdFP; Equation 1 And αdFP = αpFP - 90° Equation 2 Furthermore, for example, AXS can be calculated from αdFP and αpFP using the following formula. If αdNP < 90°, then AXS = 90° - αdNP; or Otherwise, AXS = 270°-αdNP; Equation 3 And αdNP = αpNP - 90° Equation 4 In the formula, αdNP, αpNP, αdFP, and αpFP are expressed as angles between 1° and 180°.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, SPH and CYL can be calculated from dFP and pFP using the following formula. SPH = - 1 / dFP + K Equation 5 CYL = - (1 / pFP - 1 / dFP) Equation 6 In the formula, the parameter K varies depending on the target and background color. When the background is black, K=0D, K>0D, and K<0D are for white, blue, and red targets, respectively. The specific value of K depends on the emission spectrum of the physical object being viewed.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, SPH and CYL can also be calculated from dFP and pFP using the following formula, for example. SPH = AA - 1 / dNP + K Equation 7 CYL = - (1 / pNP - 1 / dNP) Equation 8 In the formula, the AA value varies depending on age, as follows: If AGE <= 52 years, AA = 15.6 - 0.3 * AGE; or Otherwise, AA=0D Equation 9 dFP, pFP, dNP, and pNP values ​​can be expressed in meters, and K can be expressed in diopters. AGE can be expressed in years.

[0065] Furthermore, in block 580, the processing circuits (140, 240) can use any method or combination of methods to calculate the reading glasses power (P) from dNP, pNP, other parameters, or any combination thereof. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the reading glasses power P can be calculated as follows. If E(1 / ((dNP + pNP) / 2) + K) < 3D, then P = 3D - E(1 / ((dNP + pNP) / 2) + K) Otherwise, P = 0 D Equation 10 In the formula, P can be represented as a diopter, and E can be represented as a constant value between 0 and 1.

[0066] As previously mentioned, in block 520 of process 500, the user interface (120, 220, 320) can be configured to give the user instructions to operate electronic devices (100, 200, 300) using either (left or right) eye or both eyes. As an example, in one embodiment of the present invention, in block 410 (Figure 4) of subprocess 400 included in block 530 of process 500, the user interface (120, 220, 320) can be configured to display a target 330 that includes but is not limited to a string of characters (330b). In block 440 of subprocess 400, the distance NP of the near point can be stored in the storage units (150, 250) and the reading glasses power P can be calculated as follows. If E(1 / NP + K) < 3D, then P = 3D - E(1 / NP + K) Otherwise, P = 0 D Equation 11 In the formula, NP can be expressed in meters.

[0067] In one embodiment of the invention, the add-on (ADD) of reading glasses can be calculated using the following equation. If P > (SPH + CYL / 2), then ADD = P - (SPH + CYL / 2); or Otherwise, ADD=0D Equation 12 Equations 1 through 12 correspond to the corneal refractive index.

[0068] Furthermore, in block 580 of process 500, processing circuits (140, 240) included in the electronic devices (100, 200, 300) can calculate the spectacle refractive index and power of reading glasses from corneal refractive index based on dFP, pFP, dNP, pNP, FP, NP, vertex distance (VD), or any combination thereof, using any appropriate method or combination of methods. VD varies depending on the type of correction (typically 0.0m for contact lenses and 0.014m for eyeglasses).

[0069] In block 590, parameters such as SPH, CYL, AXS, FP, NP, P, ADD, dFP, pFP, αdFP, αpFP, dNP, pNP, αdNP, αpNP, VD, user input, or any combination of the above can be stored in the storage units (150, 250). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0070] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system for interactively measuring the refractive error, add power, and prescription of reading glasses, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, which interactively measures the refractive error, add power, and power of reading glasses, and includes a camera in the distance measuring module and a screen in the user interface. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of an exemplary screen for an electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present invention, for interactively measuring the refractive error, add power, and prescription of reading glasses. [Figure 4]This figure shows a flowchart illustrating an example of a subprocess that changes the visual target based on the distance between the head and the electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for interactively measuring the refractive error, add power, and prescription of reading glasses according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for interactively measuring the refractive error, add power, and prescription of reading glasses for users of electronic devices (100, 200, 300). - Displaying the visual target (330) on the electronic screen (320) of the above electronic devices (100, 200, 300), - Receiving a first input from the user and modifying the spatial characteristics of the target (330) based on the first input, - The electronic screen (320) of the electronic device (100, 200, 300) receives a second input from the user indicating that the visual quality of the target (330) is located at at least the distal near dNP or proximal near pNP of the proximal boundary (BICV) of a clear visual interval that satisfies a specific visual quality criterion, - Using a second input corresponding to the orientation of the target from the user, measure at least one distance between the user's head (270) or a part thereof and the electronic screen (320) corresponding to the distal near dNP or proximal near pNP of the BICV, a. Using at least one of the above dNP or pNP, the reading glasses power P, - I. Using at least one of the above dNPs or pNPs, and the user's age, spherical SPH, or - C. Using the above dNP, pNP and user age, add the subscription level ADD A computer-implemented formula method comprising calculating at least one refractive parameter selected from the above.

2. To calculate the axis AXS, the above measurements are performed. This includes measuring the preferred angle, αdNP, or αpNP of the orientation of the target (330) at the measured distance between the user's head (270) or a part thereof and the electronic screen (320) corresponding to the distal near point dNP or proximal near point pNP of the BICV, To calculate the cylindrical length (CYL), the above measurements are necessary. - The first distance is measured between the user's head (270) or a part thereof and the electronic screen (320) corresponding to the dNP. - The second distance is measured between the user's head (270) or a part thereof and the electronic screen (320) corresponding to the proximal near point pNP at a preferred angle αpNP. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, further comprising measuring a further distance.

3. The computer implementation method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that displaying the target (330) on the electronic screen (320) of the electronic device (100, 200, 300) includes changing the characteristics of the target (330), which can be independently changed from each other depending on the distance between the user and the electronic device, by selecting at least size, orientation, position or color.

4. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the visual target (330) on the electronic screen (320) of the electronic device (100, 200, 300) includes the following: - A single letter, a visual acuity chart target, or a group thereof (330a) ・Character string (330b) ・Geometric pattern (330c, d) • Color or grayscale pattern (330e, f) - Repeating patterns such as grid (330g) • Images or videos (330h) - Other spatial stimuli, or any combination of the above.

5. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the features of the target (330) that are changed in response to the above-mentioned first input include rotation, translation, resizing, shape modification, color modification, or any combination thereof.

6. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes the following for interactive measurement of the refractive error, power, and add power of a user's reading glasses. - Using the first input described above, the rotation of the target (330) on the electronic screen (320) is interactively changed to a preferred target orientation angle, which is an angle at which the visual quality of the image of the target satisfies a specific visual quality criterion. - Measuring a first distance between the electronic screen (320) corresponding to the dNP of the BICV and the user's head (270) or a part thereof, - Modify the target (330) to include one or more lines perpendicular to the preferred target azimuthal angle, and measure a second distance between the electronic screen and the user's head (270) corresponding to the pNP of the BICV. - Calculate at least one of the following refractive parameters: the first and second distances, the preferred target azimuth angle, the user's age, the spectral color characteristics of the target, or any combination thereof.

7. The computer-implemented method according to claim 6, characterized in that the preferred target orientation angle is found by physically rotating the screen (320) of the electronic device (100, 200, 300) or a stimulus on the screen (320) around the user's line of sight.

8. The computer-implemented method according to claim 6, characterized in that the preferred target orientation angle is calculated based on an image of the user's head (270) or a part thereof rotating with respect to the screen (320) of the electronic device (100, 200, 300).

9. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a reflective surface is placed between the user's head (270) or the eyes of a part thereof and the screen (320) of the electronic device (100, 200, 300) to change the optical path length of light traveling from the visual target to the user's eyes.

10. The computer implementation method according to claim 1, characterized in that the user's age (AGE) is obtained by one of the following methods. - A method for detecting age from an image of the user's head (270) or a part thereof, using a method or algorithm for remotely inputting age or date of birth into the user interface by the user or from a database (120, 220, 320) of the electronic device (100, 200, 300). - or any combination of these

11. This system is included in electronic devices (100, 200, 300) for interactively measuring the refractive error, add power, and prescription of a user's reading glasses. - A user interface (110, 210, 310) configured to give instructions to the above user and to receive a first input and a second input from the above user, - An electronic screen (320) for displaying a target (330) and changing the target (330) based on the first input from the user, - Distance measuring circuits (110, 210) configured to measure the distance between the user's head (270) or a part thereof and the electronic screen (320) of the electronic device (100, 200, 300) based on the second input from the user, - A processing circuit (140, 240) configured to calculate at least one of the refractive parameters, - Storage units (150, 250) configured to store at least one of the above-mentioned refractive parameters in the memory of the above-mentioned electronic devices (100, 200, 300), - Includes a communication circuit (160, 260) configured to communicate at least one of the above refraction parameters to and from the network, The user interface described above is further configured to receive the second input from the user indicating that the electronic screen (320) of the electronic device (100, 200, 300) is located at the distal near dNP or proximal near pNP of the proximal boundary (BICV) of a clear visual interval that satisfies a specific visual quality criterion; The distance measuring circuit is further configured to measure at least one distance between the user's head (270) or a portion thereof and the electronic screen (320) at the distal near point dNP or proximal near point pNP of the BICV, using the first input and the second input corresponding to the orientation of the target; The above processing circuits (140, 240) are a. Using at least one of the above dNP or pNP, the reading glasses power P - I. Using at least one of the above dNPs or pNPs, and the user's age, spherical SPH, or - C. Use dNP, pNP and user age to add enrollment level. A system further configured to calculate at least one refractive parameter selected from.

12. To calculate axis AXS, the above distance measurement circuit, The preferred angle (preferred target orientation angle) αdNP or αpNP of the orientation of the target (330) at the measured distance between the user's head (270) or a part thereof and the electronic screen (320) corresponding to the distal near point dNP or proximal near point pNP of the BICV, is measured. To calculate the cylinder CYL, the above distance measurement circuit is used. - The first distance is measured between the user's head (270) or a part thereof and the electronic screen (320) corresponding to the dNP. - The second distance is configured to measure a further distance between the user's head (270) or a part thereof and the electronic screen (320) corresponding to the pNP at a preferred angle αpNP. The system according to claim 11.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that the distance measuring circuits (110, 210) and user interfaces (110, 210, 310) of the above electronic devices (100, 200, 300) can be further configured to perform the following: - To measure the rotation of the above electronic device relative to axis AXS, and the line of sight between the user and the above electronic device. - To measure the rotation or tilt of the user's head (270) or a part thereof, with respect to the axis AXS.

14. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the user interface (110, 210, 310) further includes the following: ·speaker ·microphone - Voice recognition circuit - or any combination of these

15. A device (100, 200, 300) comprising the system described in any one of claims 11 to 14, which may, but is not limited to, the following: ·mobile phone ·tablet Smart TV • PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) • Laptop computer Desktop computer Standalone camera Game console Video recorder

16. A computer program product that stores computer-readable instructions, and is characterized by executing these instructions by the processor of a device (100, 200, 300), causing the processor to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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